Thursday, April 21, 2011

Spring means Things To Do in Big Bear

Lot's going down in Big Bear right now even though it is considered by most to be the "shoulder" season up here. To be honest, this is one of the nicest times of the year in Big Bear. The crowds from the ski resorts have left and the forest is alive from the abundance of water up here. Waterfalls are common on the trails that are bone dry most of the year and the lake is filled up to the brim. It's spring time...and that mean time to get outside and go! Check out some of the sweet things going down in Big Bear right now...and see you out there!

Cycling Association Rides - Guided and Organized rides most days of the week. Check schedule to see where ride leaves from and time. From race training rides to easy pedals.

Bouldering Club Outings - Bouldering in a group setting at one of the local climbing areas on Tuesday nights. Check schedule to see what area is in for what day. No experience or gear needed. Meets at Starbucks Interlaken at 6pm on Tuesdays.

Mountain Top Hiking Club - Organized group that hikes local trails to provide knowledge and access to scenic destinations in the area. Check site for schedule of trails and meeting time. Usually 2 or more hikes a week.

Boxing/Grappling Classes - Adult MMA classes geared towards beginners interested in learning an additional form of training, and for those that don't mind getting physical. World class instruction in a group learning environment. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30pm.

These are just a few of the organized activities that are going down on a regular basis in Big Bear. For more information on any of these events, plus more, check out Open Air Big Bear!

Thursday, April 14, 2011

Sugarloaf Mountain Photos

Check out some of the photos from my recent trek up Sugarloaf Mountain. This was part hike and part snowshoe and definitely all vistas! Easy on the eyes...tough on the legs, sounds just about right for a another mid-week Big Bear adventure. The whole trip took about 6 hours but we were in no rush. Heading out to make a snowy ascent of San Gorgonio April 24-26 for anybody interested. Check out Open Air Big Bear on Facebook for more details. See you out there!

 (Sugarloaf Mountain with San Gorgonio in the back)
 
(San G, at 11,502' the highest mountain in So Cal)

 (Nearing 10K', gnarly trees make for an interesting summit)

(The view of Big Bear Lake with Mt. Baldy in the background)

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Running from Winter

 This past week has brought the return of winter to Big Bear and despite how much I love snow, and all the fun things you can do in it, I am ready for summer. Sorry Old Man Winter...but you gotta go!

Yesterday I tagged along with Rachael Ghrist as she sought at a warm spot to run on the mountain. Rachael is training for multiple events this summer including a full distance Ironman event in August and the Conquer the Bear Series up here in Big Bear. She had a solid start to Conquer the Bear with a 3rd place finish in the 10K Snowshoe in February.

Our run yesterday took us around Erwin Lake and despite catching the last remaining rays of the evening sun the wind made sure we didn't forget it was still winter. Brrrr. One great thing about running in Big Bear is the abundance of dirt roads which are much more forgiving on the body as the miles go by. It is also pretty easy to find a picturesque place to run ...which helps the mind as the miles go by too!

(Running from winter in Big Bear Lake)

For more info on Running, or any other Outdoor Sports or Events  in Big Bear Lake check out 

Thursday, April 7, 2011

What is Open Air Big Bear?

Open Air Big Bear provides a complete calendar, resource guide and blog for competitive events, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, snowshoeing, mountain biking, road cycling, trail running, stand-up paddle boarding, skiing, snowboarding, rock climbing, altitude training, camping, lodging, gear, cool places to eat and hang out.

...basically everything you need to know to get out and experience outdoor Big Bear regardless of your level of ability, age or interest.


(Geo-caching is an easy way to get out and explore)

Find out what's going on...NOW..at Open Air Big Bear