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 

Open Air Big Bear 

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

Onyx Crag Climbing

For me one of the most enjoyable parts of rock climbing comes in the discovery of new places climb. Each new area offering a different rock texture or unique setting. In Big Bear climbing comes in lots of shapes and sizes. While there are a few concentrated areas with a lot of established routes the majority of climbing is found on lone pinnacles or scattered boulders in the woods.
Onyx Summit is one of these stand alone rocks that is worth a visit. Located just of HWY 38 and at an elevation of around 8,500' this high crag has a few bolted routes ranging from 5.10 to 5.12 as well as a couple of easy trad lines. The climbing on this rock is highlighted by a fantastic headwall which offers steep climbing on bomber quartz. With bolted anchors making setting up a top rope simple this crag is a perfect destination when you have a short time to climb.
I made a brief visit to Onyx Crag today and was impressed by both the quality of the rock as well as the movement of the routes. We were able to climb (or at least attempt) 5 routes in just a short period of time and left with pumped forearms and a project for another time. Check out this quick video of the crag and see you out there!

 

(climbing at Onyx Summit in Big Bear Lake, CA)

Spring "Altitude" Training

One of the biggest advantages to playing in Big Bear is the benefits that come along with training at altitude. The thin air in Big Bear may feel like it's hindering your ability to run but in actuality it is just making you stronger. To make it even better, Big Bear is surrounded by BIG hills, making for plenty of options to really push your limits.

Lot's of folks know about the famous fighters who train in Big Bear, like Oscar De La Hoya, Sugar Shane Mosley, and Tito Ortiz, but you don't have to be involved in combat sports to take advantage. And the world class Mt. Biking and Skiing are not the only "other" sports worth playing in Big Bear. Rock Climbing, Road Biking, Trail Running, Snowshoeing, Paddling...the list goes on. A strong outdoor sporting community makes training for anything fun and easily accessible on the mountain.

Fun and easily accessible don't make the training easy though, and that's exactly why Big Bear is so much fun. A hard workout is just steps from most doorsteps and while you will be sucking for air...you'll definitely enjoy the view!

(After a big snow, Snowshoeing is a great workout, and the only way to get this view!)

Big Bear is definitely Southern California's premier location for Outdoor Sports, making training here not just beneficial because of the altitude but inspiring in more ways than can be described here. For more information on EVERYTHING outdoors in Big Bear check out: Open Air Big Bear. See you out there!

Wintery Weekend!

The conditions going into this past weekend looked good for some adventure as it was calling for snow to start falling Friday evening and continue through the day Saturday. That is exactly what happened and when it was all said and done we were left with a nice 2 feet of fresh powder making for perfect back country conditions. One of the greatest parts about living in Big Bear is that I can access some pretty rad stuff right from my house, as can most people up here! My objective on Saturday was over the ridge just north of my neighborhood.

The snow was deep right from the start so I knew I was in for a workout. For all the places that snowshoes can help you get to, they don't make it easy. Breaking trail through 2+ feet of fresh powder where you sink to your knee on every step is no joke. Hard but definitely rewarding.

The storms lingered around but by Sunday morning there was not a cloud in the sky. I gathered up some buddies and we decided to snowshoe up to Castle Rock with some climbing gear and see what we could get ourselves into. It was a tough hike up, even more considering I left my snowshoes at home and ended up making the trek in crampons. A very enjoyable adventure that included some trad climbing in boots on Castle Rock and a sweet snow slide as well!