On behalf of the Big Bear Cycling Association, thank you for joining us in the mountains for this very special event. For the past 16 years, Tour de Big Bear has been a true labor of love and a community-driven charity effort. Together, we are proud to have contributed more than $1 million to local non-profits and charity partners that help make Big Bear such an incredible place to live and visit.
As someone who grew up here, it’s incredible to welcome riders from across the U.S. and the world to experience everything Big Bear has to offer. Every year, the Tour keeps growing with new rides, events, and fun for the whole family, and we hope you’ll keep riding with us for years to come.
This Athlete Guide contains all the important information you’ll need to make your event weekend seamless and enjoyable. If you have any questions before or during your stay, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at info@tourdebigbear.com.
Thank you for being part of our cycling family. We can’t wait to ride with you!
Chris Barnes
Event Director
Book your stay early and make the most of your Tour de Big Bear weekend! Visit Big Bear is your go-to source for lodging, with everything from cozy cabins and lakefront condos to luxury hotels and private homes.
We’ve also secured special athlete rates at select properties, so be sure to book through the links on our Lodging Page to take advantage of exclusive deals.
There are three routes in and out of the Big Bear Valley.
Highway 330/Highway 18 – “The Front Way” through Running Springs
The shortest and quickest way for visitors coming from Los Angeles, Orange County, and other points west. Please note that this route can become very congested on weekends and holidays.
Highway 38 – Redlands
Highway 38 is typically less congested on weekends and holidays than Highway 330/18.
Highway 18 – “The Back Way” through Lucerne Valley
Highway 18 is the quickest way to/from Barstow, Las Vegas, and other high desert locations. This route has the least amount of mountain driving.
Bear Mountain Resort is the home base for Tour de Big Bear, including the start/finish line, the Big Bear Cycling Expo, Packet Pickup / Athlete Check-in, the Bikes and Brews Fest, and all pre- and post-ride activities.
Address: 43101 Goldmine Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Mountain weather in Big Bear can change quickly. Come prepared for everything from cool mornings, warm sunshine, or afternoon thunderstorms. Early August temperatures typically range from the upper 40s°F in the mornings to around 80°F during the day, so layering is your best friend.
Our mountain climate is also very dry, so be sure to hydrate often and pack sunscreen and lip balm to stay comfortable throughout the weekend.
Beyond world-class cycling, Big Bear is packed with adventure. Our staff has curated a list of favorite local spots to eat, explore, and unwind during your stay. From paddleboarding and pirate ship tours to the Alpine Slide and lakeside fun, visit our Things to Do page and start planning the perfect mountain getaway.
PLUS, we’ll also have the Tour de Big Bear Scavenger Hunt during event weekend. 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. Details coming soon!
Shop the official Tour de Big Bear merchandise and wear your ride with pride — you’ve earned it! This year’s collection features premium steel water bottles from Bivo, the official 2026 race kit from Athlos, and high-performance technical gear from Voler that you’ll treasure long after race weekend. Supplies are limited, so shop early to grab your favorite items.
Location: Bear Mountain Resort, 43101 Goldmine Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Late registration will take place on the Upper Deck of Bear Mountain Resort.
Please note: some ride slots may not be guaranteed.
Rider Check-In will take place on the Upper Deck at Bear Mountain Resort. We highly recommend checking in on Thursday or Friday. All participants must register and check in before their respective start times. This is where you’ll sign your event waivers and receive your participant shirt, wristband, number plate, and timing chip.
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
Thursday, 7/30
(recommended) |
3:00 – 6:00 PM |
Friday, 7/31
(recommended) |
Noon – 7:30 PM |
| Saturday, 8/1 | 6:00 – 10:00 AM |
Don’t forget! All participants must bring a valid photo ID or passport.
Riders must be present at check-in — no pickup for friends or family. Anyone under 18 needs a parent or guardian present to sign waivers.
Wristbands must be worn for access to aid stations, SAG support, and law-enforcement verification.
Number plates attach securely to your handlebars for timing, photography, and rider ID. Please don’t wrap your plate around the headtube or carry it on your body — it hinders your time results.
Poker Ride: Check in at the Expo, 2:00 – 5:00 PM · Ride 2:00 – 6:30 PM
Glow Ride: Check in at Start/Finish, 7:30 PM · Ride rolls at 8:00 PM
Location: 42600 Moonridge Rd, Big Bear Lake, CA
Free parking is available on Moonridge Road and in the Lower Moonridge Parking Lot on a first-come, first-served basis. The lot is about 1 mile from the Start/Finish, with a short ride to the venue. Mountain Transit provides a complimentary shuttle service from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM on Saturday.
ADA Parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis in the upper parking lot near the Drop-Off / Pick-Up area.
Location: 43101 Goldmine Dr, Big Bear Lake, CA
There will be a limited number of spots available for the Upper Paid Parking Lot. Our paid parking lots are only accessible via Club View Dr.
You can add parking during registration or receive VIP parking as a part of the Golden Bear VIP Pass. If you’ve already registered but haven’t purchased parking, you can add it to your registration by logging in to Active.com and going to your My Events portal.
Passes are emailed the week of the event; print yours and display it on your dashboard.
Drop-off and pick-up are highly encouraged! Follow signs to the designated Drop-Off/Pick-Up area via Club View Drive and the Upper Bear Mountain Parking Lot. This is a quick drop-off zone only — no parking allowed. We recommend riding to the event if possible. Parking is limited, and traffic congestion could delay your arrival to the start line.
We offer multiple fun, FREE events during the weekend. These no-pressure rides are all about good company, great views, and pure Big Bear fun — bring the whole crew!
Cruise the course, collect cards along the way, and see who rolls back with the winning hand. Check in at the Expo between 2:00 and 5:00 PM.
Light up the night! Deck out your bike, glow up your crew, and join the after-dark cruise. Check in at the Start/Finish at 7:30 PM.
Our shortest Saturday ride with the most smiles! Sign up for an easy, all-ages spin that lets the whole family earn their finish-line moment.
Free and open to the public, the Big Bear Cycling Expo is your weekend hangout at Bear Mountain Resort. Bring your crew, the kids, or just roll in solo—everyone’s welcome. With vendors, live music, fresh food, beer tastings, bike demos, and a free Kids Zone, it’s the perfect place to chill and soak up that classic Big Bear summer vibe.
The big day. Here's your course, your support, and the rules of the road — everything between the ride start and the finish line.
Rides roll out promptly at their scheduled start times, so give yourself plenty of time for parking, prep, and a quick warm-up. Be at the Start/Finish area at least 15 minutes before your start for important rider announcements and final event updates.
100 Mile (Purple): 7:00 AM
70 Mile (Red): 8:00 AM
50 Mile (Blue): 9:00 AM
25 Mile (Green): 10:00 AM
Family Fun Ride (Pink): 10:30 AM
Dirty Bear 50 mi Gravel (Yellow): 7:30 AM
Dirty Cub 25 mi Gravel (Aqua): 9:15 AM
Dirty Burro 50K MTB (Gold): 8:30 AM
Adaptive MTB: 9:30 AM
All Tour routes are available on the Ride with GPS app—download it before Tour weekend for an immersive turn-by-turn experience. The app also provides visual navigation, even with your phone locked or mounted. Plus, live tracking helps friends, family, and event staff follow your ride and keeps communication easy on event day.
25 mi Dirty Cub
50 mi Dirty Bear
50 km Dirty Burro XC Race
You can drop any gear you need to shed at Snow Valley (approx. 11 miles from Start/Finish), and we will bring it to the Finish line for you by approximately 1 PM. The gear drop closes at 5 PM. No gear will be mailed.
There are course cutoff times along each route to help keep riders safely moving back toward the finish area. Be sure to review the Course Cutoff Time page before ride day. All courses officially close at 5:00 PM.
Are you in it to win it? Tour de Big Bear features awards across road, gravel, MTB, adaptive, military, club, and fun ride categories — including a $5K cash purse for the Dirty Burro MTB race. From KOM/QOM challenges to fun contests and Craig’s Crown, there are plenty of ways to ride away a winner. Check out the full Awards page for all categories, prizes, and ceremony details.
Our Strike a Pose Photo Contest is your chance to show off your Tour de Big Bear adventure and win some awesome prizes. Whether you’re grinding up Onyx Summit, kicking back at the Expo, or cruising past epic lake views, capture your Big Bear vibe and share your best shot!
How to enter the contest:
Race day promises a well-supported ride with eleven (11) Aid Stations strategically placed along the routes and one (1) in the Start/Finish area. Enthusiastic volunteer groups manage these stations, each equipped with great food, hydration, and plenty of rider motivation along the way. Check out the Aid Station page for locations, hours, menus, and route details.
Remember your favorite aid station — we’ll ask for your vote in the post-event survey and award them a prize!
Rider safety is our top priority. All rides begin with a rolling start led by official course vehicles—please do not pass them unless directed. Once you cross the lake onto North Shore Drive, you’re free to ride at your own pace.
Life-threatening: Call 911
Event Communications: (909) 358-4011
The Tour de Big Bear experience doesn’t end at the finish line — keep the good vibes rolling at the Tour de Big Bear Expo on Saturday, August 1 from 9 AM–5 PM. Visit the vendors, grab a cold one at Bikes & Brews, refuel with food and drinks, and kick back with live music all day long. Don’t miss the Awards Ceremony around 2–3 PM, plus a Kids Zone packed with fun for the whole crew.
Saturday 11 am – 5 pm: Local breweries pour their best craft beers at Bear Mountain Resort. Get a special tasting glass, sample flights, and hang with fellow riders. (Golden Bear VIP folks score 10 free tickets + exclusive glass.)
Want the ultimate Expo experience? Upgrade to Golden Bear VIP and get your own private oasis right in the heart of the action at Bear Mountain Resort. From private lounge areas with professional massage services to your own private bar and post-ride buffet, our VIP Pass is the ultimate way to upgrade your Tour de Big Bear weekend.
Tour de Big Bear is proudly hosted by the Big Bear Cycling Association, a 501 (c) (4) non-profit corporation located in Big Bear Lake, CA.
