Course Description
Epic Gravel Courses
There will be a neutral roll out across Big Bear Lake (Stanfield Cutoff) for the first four miles of the course where you’re then released to cruise at your own pace.
Historic Holcomb Valley (Dirty Bear and Dirty Cub Courses)
Your first climb brings you to the historic Holcomb Valley. Stop and enjoy your first aid station and the views of Holcomb Valley dating back to the Gold Rush era of Southern California.
After the aid station, riders will continue west on Holcomb Valley road for about one mile. This is where the two courses split. Dirty Cub riders will veer off to the left onto Polique Canyon road where they’ll make their way down to North Shore road and back to the finish line at Bear Mountain Resort.
Dirty Bear riders will go west towards Big Pine Flats via Holcomb Valley road, taking them to the second highest point of the course (7600′ elevation) where your views will change from tall pines to sage and brush.
Big Pine Flats to the Dirty Bear Challenge KOM/QOM
Big Pine Flats is the most westerly point of the course. You’ll turn left from Big Pine Flats and head back toward Big Bear lake on a downhill run to Little Bear Springs, the lowest point of the course. You’ll find the second aid station here. Fuel up here in preparation for the Dirty Bear Challenge climb.
The Dirty Bear Challenge KOM/QOM climb begins from this low point in the course (6500′ elevation) and climbs to the highest point (over 7700′ elevation). The Dirty Bear Challenge spans five miles with 1200′ feet of climbing and an average grade of 4.6%. The KOM/QOM section will take you past Hanna Flats then turning you up Delamar Mountain Road where you’ll find the best view of Big Bear Lake and the San Gorgonio mountains. You’ll be exhausted by the challenge but amazed by the views!
Maple Hills Trails Singletrack
You’ll round out your tour of the north side of Big Bear Lake by dropping down Polique Canyon to the North Shore. Once you hit the pavement, you’ll go past the third aid station at the North Shore School. Continuing east, you’ll be guided to the Maple Hill trails. The Maple Hills trails offer fun, flowy single track that starts with a downhill run. You’ll find the fourth and final aid station at the bottom. You’ll climb back up through the trails and end your gravel adventure with the final climb to the finish at Bear Mountain.
Need a little dirt under your tires? The Tour de Big Bear Dirty Bear and Dirty Cub rides are the answer. Held the same day as the Tour de Big Bear and utilizing some of the famous Tour de Big Bear aid stations! Plus cash prizes for the Dirty Bear KOM/QOM Challenge!
