Grin and Bear It

Big Bear Lake will host a time trial stage for both the men and women in the 2015 Tour of California. Want to see how you measure up? Take a not-so-tough 17.4-mile loop around Big Bear Lake and be treated to exceptional scenery in the heart of the San Bernardino Mountains. Make it a clockwise loop so that you bear-hug-it close to the lake. The ride takes you down five miles of quiet residential streets that you'd otherwise miss just driving through town, and the posted bike route is perfect, passing cabins and homes along the lakeshore. Head west from the city past picturesque Boulder Bay, where grey rock islands rise out of the blue water. Downshift as the ride rolls over steep boulder- and pine-covered slopes at the southwest end of the lake, descending to a dam at the lake’s west end. As you make the turn for the north shore, you'll get a long view up the mountain lake. The road passes close to the water's edge on this mostly undeveloped side of the lake. Since this isn’t a real time trial, jump off your wheels for a bit and perch yourself on a rock to soak in views across the water toward the mountains. Afterwards, pedal through the quiet town of Fawnskin, passing a small park full of quirky statues. Finish the ride along the road or take the Alpine Pedal Path on a parallel route through a forest of tall pines and along the shore of Big Bear Lake. This piece of high mountain heaven will keep your legs churning to the finish.

Start from Stanfield Cutoff at the east end of Big Bear Lake. Bike south to Big Bear Blvd. (CA-18) and turn right. At the second light, turn right onto Fox Farm Rd. Follow the posted bike route onto Swan Dr., Marina Point Dr., Bayside Dr., Stone Bridge Rd., Condor Dr., Eureka Dr., Eagle Dr., Park Ave., and Knight Ave. to return to Big Bear Blvd. Turn right and then follow another bike route on Lakeview Dr., Forest Rd., and Edgemoor Rd. back to Big Bear Blvd. Turn right and bike 3.1 miles to North Shore Dr. (CA-38). Turn right and bike 5 miles to North Shore Ln. Continue straight on the road or turn right on N. Shore Ln. to reach the Alpine Pedal Path, which begins on the left after 450 feet. Take either back to Stanfield Cutoff.