Rider Guide

Book your Big Bear Lake lodging early!  Check out the listings at Visit Big Bear.  You’ll find a variety of lodging opportunities.  From condos, quaint cabins to luxury hotels and private homes. Stay on the lake or near the resort – either way we’re sure you’ll enjoy your weekend in Big Bear.

Rider Check In and Late Registration will be held on the Upper Deck at Bear Mountain Resort.  We strongly encourage you to check in on Thursday or Friday to avoid lines and missing your start time.  We have strict cut off times due to law enforcement and volunteer scheduling.  Don’t get left on course because of a late start!

Make a weekend of it! There are plenty of activities in Big Bear Lake to keep you busy when you’re off the bike.  We have a variety of restaurants to satisfy any palate; family friendly activities including lake tours, hiking, the Big Bear Zoo, and the Big Bear Discovery Center. Plus water sports out on the lake including lake tours, boating, fishing and kayaking.  There’s something for everyone here!

The Tour de Big Bear offers more than just a Saturday bike ride… we have a variety of family friendly/kid’s activities, a Friday Poker Ride, the Friday Night Glow ride, Bikes & Brews beer tasting, live music and entertainment and the Sunday morning recovery rides. Plus the Cycling Expo which is free and open to the public will have an array of vendors on site.  Check out the Schedule of Events for dates and times. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains so come prepared for any type of weather, including heat, cold, rain and thunderstorms.  Temperatures in the beginning of August average a high of 80F and a low of 49F.  Check the weather prior to your arrival.

Remember that our climate here is dry so drink plenty of fluids and apply sunscreen and lip balm.

The safety of all Tour de Big Bear participants is our most important priority.  We remind you to ride safely and in control at all times.

Remember that the Tour de Big Bear courses are not closed routes; there will be traffic on the roads.

Please review and adhere to the course rules as well as the rules of the road.

There are several ways to get to Big Bear depending on where you are coming from.  We recommend checking road conditions before you depart to avoid delays.   Check our Parking page for details on routes into Big Bear and where to park once you arrive at the event.

The Start/Finish and Expo are located at Bear Mountain Resort:  43101 Goldmine Drive, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315.

Drop Off/Pick Up area accessible in the Upper Bear Mountain parking lot from Club View Drive.  Follow the signs and directions for Drop-Off.

Please be prepared to move in and out quickly as this area is for a quick drop-off and no parking will be allowed for any reason in this area.

Event parking will be located in two lots:

Paid Parking:  There will be a limited amount of spots available for the Upper Paid Parking Lot.  Cost is $25 and can be added on to your Active registration or included with the exclusive Golden Bear VIP Pass (also available for purchase on Active.com). Pre-paid and VIP Parking Passes will be emailed out the week of the event.

Free Parking: Located on Moonridge Rd. This parking lot will be first come first serve. It is located about 1 mile away from the Start/Finish and will require a short ride to the venue. Shuttles will be in operation for friends and family.

The Tour de Big Bear offers something for everyone in the family! Choose from the Family Fun Ride, or the 25, 50, 70 or 100 mile routes. All of our rides offer access to our legendary aid stations and scenic mountain views.

The Dirty Bear gravel route is 50 miles of mixed surface fun on the roads and trails of Big Bear Lake. The Dirty Cub is a shorter version of the Dirty Bear course with 25 miles of flowy fun!

New to the Tour de Big Bear – a 50k mountain bike race! Held the same day as the Tour de Big Bear, this fresh and exciting Cross Country mtb race is set to be unique, taking you through stunning mountain landscapes on a challenging yet enjoyable course with flowy single and double track trails.

All rides will start promptly at the times listed.  Please be sure to allow sufficient time for parking and preparation.

Gather at the Start/Finish line at least 15 minutes prior to your scheduled start time for important announcements.

When you check in you will receive your colored wristband that coincides with your route as well as your bike number plate and timing chip.

Wristbands: You are required to wear the wristband throughout the event for aid station participation, SAG vehicle needs and law enforcement.

Number plates: Securely attach your number plate to your handlebars.  Your plate will be used for timing, photography and identification purposes.

The Tour de Big Bear is known for its epic aid stations!  Don’t miss out on the amazing food and hydration opportunities throughout the entire event.   Check out the Aid Station page for all of the details on open/close times, menu, which route is served and locations.

All 100 and 70 mile road riders will automatically be entered into the Onyx Assault KOM/QOM Challenge climb up Onyx Summit.  We will crown the fastest male and female riders.  The course is OPEN TO TRAFFIC so please be careful.

All Dirty Bear (50 mile gravel) riders will be automatically entered into the Dirty Bear Challenge climb in Holcomb Valley. We will crown the fastest male and female riders.

Tour de Big Bear has partnered with the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce to bring you an awesome adventure around Big Bear Lake! Explore the scenic beauty of Big Bear Lake, uncover hidden gems, and complete fun challenges to win amazing prizes and exclusive discounts from local businesses.

Get ready for an epic weekend of cycling, stunning views, and good vibes at the Tour de Big Bear in Big Bear, CA! Our Strike a Pose Photo Contest is your chance to showcase your adventure and creativity. Whether you’re sweating it out on the climb to Onyx Summit, chilling at the Tour Expo, or soaking up lake views, show us your Big Bear vibe for a chance to win big!

There are cutoff times throughout the courses to ensure that our riders are back to the start/finish area in a timely manner.

Please review our Course Cutoff Time page for further information.

All courses close at 5 pm.

The safety of all riders is of the utmost importance to us. While there is always an inherent risk in any activity, we have taken steps to ensure your safety.

Rolling Start: There will be on-course vehicles leading out all rides for a rolling start.  Please do not pass these vehicles unless instructed to do so as they are there for your safety. Once you cross the lake onto North Shore Drive, you are free to ride at your own pace.

Emergency Radio Communications:  In the event of a life threatening emergency, please dial 911.  All other emergencies, please contact (909) 358-4011.

Please obey traffic laws at all times.