Big Bear Lake, CA — It is finally time to put away the snow shovels and break out the bikes, and the Bear Valley Trails Foundation and the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce have partnered to make possible the Big Bear Ride series, encouraging Valley residents to “get out, be active, and live well.” The first of three free community bike rides is planned for this Saturday, May 1, with subsequent group rides scheduled for Saturdays, May 8 and 15. The community bike rides, in anticipation of the enthusiasm for cycling that will come with May 21st’s Amgen Tour of California cycling race, begin at the Brownie Lane parking lot behind Goldsmith’s Boardhouse in Big Bear Lake (just west of the Moonridge Y). Participants are welcomed to come early each Saturday, at 9am, for a basic bike repair workshop, which will be followed by the 10am community ride. Event co-organizer Phil Hamilton of the Trails Foundation tells KBHR, “Our goal is to eliminate as many excuses as possible, so that folks of all ages and all abilities can come out, breathe some fresh air and get a little exercise, and have a good time.” Helmets are required for bicyclists participating in the free group rides and, while supplies last, free t-shirts from the Open Air Big Bear coalition will be available to participants. Should you need a bike to roll with the rest, discounted rentals are available from Chains Required, Bear Valley Bikes, Blauer’s and Get Boards. For more information on these Saturday rides, call the Chamber at 866-4607.
