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.
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RIDE DESCRIPTION
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.
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LOCATION
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.
.
Coming from Palm Springs: I-10 FWY Exit at University Ave.
Turn right(north) and pass under the freeway and cross the railroad tracks. Turn left
and proceed about 1/4 miles to the Lot C area. Parking Lot is on the right.
Map to Sylvan Park
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ENTRY FEE INCLUDES
* ROUTE
SLIP
* FOOD/REST STOPS
* END OF RIDE LUNCH AND BEVERAGE
* RIDE PATCH
* MECHANICAL AND ROVING SAG SUPPORT
ENTRY FEE IS NON REFUNDABLE
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REGISTRATION SCHEDULE
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
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REQUIREMENTS
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.
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ACCOMMODATIONS
Dynasty Suites Redlands
1235 West Colton Ave
Redlands, CA 92374
More Hotel Information
Maps
|
Howard Johnson
1120 West Colton Avenue
Redlands, CA 92374
More Hotel Information Maps
This hotel will
be the HOST Hotel this
year. Ride packets will be available
the evening before the event
|
Super 8 Motel - Redlands/San
Bernardino
1160 Arizona Street
Redlands, CA 92374
More Hotel Information
Maps |
Good Nite Inn Redlands
1675 Industrial Park Ave.
Redlands, CA 92374
More Hotel Information
Maps |
|
|
FYI:
Denny's Restaurant is located on Alabama just north of the 10
Freeway.
They are open 24 hours |
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PHOTOS
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 Rich Photo
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
15907 Lawnhill Drive
La Mirada,
CA, 90638
WEBSITE: http://www.ocw.org
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