CYCLIST MAGAZINE REVIEW in 1987 One of the all time great centuries. There is little more satisfying than cruising nearly 40 miles down the 7000- foot descent from Onyx Summit to Redlands. Not to mention the OCW feast at the end of the ride. This is a glorious ride but there is a little matter of climbing to Running Springs at 6030 feet. Big Bear Lake at 6750 feet and to Onyx Summit at 8443 feet to start with. This ride has been rated "One of the top ten most difficult centuries in the country" as stated by Cyclist Magazine in 1987 and California Cyclist in 1988 and is NOT for Beginners. In the pre-dawn dark of Sylvan Park in Redlands you will be greeted by a sleepy band of volunteers who will help you through the registration process. Behind them you will see more volunteers already unloading the supplies and equipment for the post ride meal you will receive. Early birds will see the Ryder trucks loaded with food, water, and tables, heading out to set up the 4 rest stops that will help you finish the challenge you are about to meet. As you roll out from the park enjoy the few miles of flat peddling through the semi rural outskirts of town. Expect 10 miles of warm-up before you turn right on Highway 330 and encounter 15 miles of serious climbing to a wide spot in the road for Rest Stop 1. Take a moment to cross the street and enjoy the great view. Don’t burn yourself out on this climb because there is more to come! The road will be open to traffic and the CHP will be patrolling to protect your safety. They do require that you ride in single file because the roads are winding and narrow. The next segment is up and down, (mostly up) through Running Springs to Rest Stop 2 at the entrance to the Snow Valley Ski Resort. Enjoy the fresh mountain air as you munch on the fruit and goodies being offered. Now it’s time to head on up around Big Bear Lake to Lunch at Dana Point Park. Sandwiches, fruit and cookies will fuel you for the final stretch of climbing. Eight miles from Onyx Summit (8600’+) starts the toughest climb of the Ride. It is 8 miles of constant up. Once you have reached the Summit there are a few more hills to climb but there are some also down hills to the final Rest Stop at Angeles Oaks. Heading out from this final stop you will be rewarded with 40 miles of glorious nonstop downhill. It is very important to ride safely and be aware of traffic while being tempted to fly down the hill. Meanwhile, back at the Park, the volunteers have iced down barrels of soft drinks, prepared platters of fruit and cookies, and barbecued some juicy burgers with all the trimmings for your return. Now that you have finished one of the 10 toughest Centuries in the US, grab a plate and drink, find a bench, and enjoy swapping stories with your fellow riders in the shade of the park’s stately old trees. Sylvan Park in Redlands. Coming from San Bernardino: I-10 FWY Exit at University
Ave.
Turn left(north) and pass under the freeway and cross the
railroad tracks. Turn left on the first street(E. Park Ave.) and proceed about 1/4 mile
to the Lot C area. Parking lot on the right.
.
ENTRY FEE IS NON REFUNDABLE Registration check-in will be open from 5:30 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. and riders may start anytime after check-in. There will be no mass start. Course closes at 3:30 p.m. This course will have roving SAG support and the last 30 miles will be swept by vehicles one hour before close of course. ALL RIDERS MUST SIGN IN AT CHECK-IN TABLE AT THE END OF RIDE HELMETS ARE MANDATORY Waiver/release must be signed and you must show your helmet at event registration check-in table. All roads will be open to regular vehicle traffic. Cyclists are responsible for obeying all traffic laws. Everyone must sign in at the check-in table at the end of the ride.
A photographer will be on the course taking pictures of you at your best "climbing". Photos will be available for purchase after the ride. Pictures by Ken Brant Ride Around the Bear Rules To make the Ride around the Bear a pleasurable experience for all please read and understand the following suggestions: 1. Please check in at the start-finish line when starting and finishing the ride. We are tracking the riders by computer and will be able to tell who is on the course. This system works only if you check in and out. 2. Place your rider label on the left side (car side) of your helmet. 3. Place your wristband on your left wrist. To obtain service at the rest stops you must have your rider label and wristband visible. This also helps sag support to identify you easily. Your wristband is your ticket for the post ride meal. No wristband no meal. 4. For safety reasons, please ride as far to the right of the road as practical. 5. Please obey all traffic laws; the CHP will be patrolling the course. 6. When overtaking a slower rider, please let them know that you are behind them and getting ready to pass. The best way to do this is to call out "passing on your left" prior to passing the other rider. Do not pass on blind curves! 7. The Ride Around the Bear Course closes at 3:30 PM. To ensure finishing the ride we recommend that you start as early as possible. The start-finish line will open at 5:30 AM. 8. Rest stop closing times are posted on the route slip. Please keep up your pace to make sure that you get to each rest stop before the closing time. If you fall behind our sag drivers will take you to the next rest stop so you can continue riding. If you refuse to take a ride forward the sag driver will take your wristband and you are then on your own. Please remember we are sharing the road with cars and trucks that are not familiar with seeing cyclists riding in this area. Have a safe and fun ride. The Ride around the Bear Staff Registration Mailing Address: Jim Walker OCW BIKE HOTLINE: (714)
956-BIKE
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