Wednesday, April 27, 2011
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!
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!
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!
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.
...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
Sunday, March 27, 2011
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!
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)
Sunday, March 20, 2011
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!
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!
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