High-Altitude Challenges and Community Spirit Shine in Big Bear Lake
The 2025 Tour de Big Bear, held on Saturday, August 2nd, once again cemented its place as one of Southern California’s premier cycling events. Set in the picturesque mountain town of Big Bear Lake, the event drew cyclists from across the country to take on a variety of fully supported ride options ranging from 25 to 100 miles. Known for its breathtaking scenery, high-altitude roads, and festive atmosphere, this year’s Tour delivered everything riders have come to expect—and more.
Riders were greeted with blue skies as they rolled out through the San Bernardino Mountains. With distances tailored for everyone from beginners to seasoned climbers, each route showcased the beauty and challenge of Big Bear’s alpine terrain.
2025 Tour de Big Bear Road Ride
The Climb – 100 Mile Challenge
The Climb – 100 Mile Challenge lived up to its reputation, offering over 8,500 feet of elevation gain. The course took riders up and over legendary climbs, including Onyx Summit, the highest paved road in Southern California. Riders pushed their limits at altitude, and the final stretch saw strong solo performances with top finishers clocking in under 5 hours.
The Grand Tour – 70-Miles
A favorite among competitive and endurance-focused cyclists, the 70-mile route offered a challenging but slightly less intense alternative to The Climb – 100 Mile Challenge. Riders tackled signature climbs and sweeping descents, with a mix of breakaways and group tactics playing out across the course.
Bear Valley Tour – 50-Mile
Balanced between difficulty and accessibility, the 50-mile ride gave participants a solid taste of mountain riding without the grueling altitude of the longer routes. Many used it as a stepping stone to longer Fondos or as a personal challenge.
Tour de Big Bear – 25-Mile Ride
Designed for new cyclists, families, and those looking for a scenic, low-key ride, the 25-mile option delivered plenty of Big Bear charm. Riders enjoyed gentle terrain, rest stops with local treats, and a celebratory finish line atmosphere.
Tour de Big Bear Road ResultsGravel & MTB Action: Dirty Bear, Dirty Cub & Dirty Burro Ride Highlights
The Tour de Big Bear weekend wasn’t just about road cycling—gravel and mountain bike riders also had their moment to shine with three off-road options offering challenging terrain and scenic backcountry riding.
Dirty Bear Gravel Ride (50 Miles)
The Dirty Bear featured a demanding 54-mile gravel route through the rugged San Bernardino backcountry. Riders faced a mix of fire roads, loose climbs, and fast descents—all while navigating altitudes above 7,000 feet. This year’s ride attracted seasoned gravel racers and adventurous endurance riders alike.
Dirty Cub Gravel Ride (25 Miles)
Perfect for newer gravel riders or those looking for a shorter adventure, the Dirty Cub offered 25 miles of mixed-surface fun. The route blended forested trails with scenic vistas and gave participants a true taste of Big Bear’s off-pavement appeal.
Tour de Big Bear Gravel ResultsDirty Burro Mountain Bike Ride
The Dirty Burro MTB ride returned with a technical 18-mile loop that included singletrack, rocky sections, and sustained climbs. Mountain bikers took on challenging terrain under the pines and were rewarded with fast-flowing descents and a festive finish line back in Big Bear Village.
Each off-road event was fully supported with aid stations, signage, and course marshals. Riders of all levels praised the organization, variety of terrain, and post-ride celebration atmosphere shared with the road cycling community.
Tour de Big Bear MTB ResultsParacycling & Adaptive Athletes: Breaking Barriers on the Mountain
The 2025 Tour de Big Bear proudly welcomed paracyclists and adaptive athletes, continuing its commitment to inclusivity and access for all riders. Participants competed in various ride categories—including the 25-mile, 50-mile, and select gravel routes—using handcycles, recumbents, and other adaptive equipment designed to meet their individual needs. The determination, grit, and athleticism of these riders inspired spectators and fellow cyclists alike, highlighting the spirit of perseverance that defines the Tour de Big Bear.
Tour de Big Bear Paracycling & Adaptive ResultsEvent Vibe & Community Engagement
Beyond the ride itself, the Tour de Big Bear continues to shine as a community-driven celebration. The vendor expo, live music, and local food added to the festive mountain-town atmosphere. Many riders took the opportunity to stay for the weekend, enjoying Big Bear’s trails, shops, and family-friendly activities.
Looking Ahead
As the Tour de Big Bear continues to grow, it remains a must-do on the California cycling calendar. With high-quality organization, incredible mountain scenery, and routes for every level of cyclist, the 2025 edition delivered a memorable experience for all who participated. Riders are already marking their calendars for 2026.
Top photo – Jonas Woodruff (Cyclery USA) and Giovanni Romero (SoCalCycling.com Team) celebrate on the podium after impressive rides in the Tour de Big Bear 100 mile Road Ride “The Climb”.
Photo – Courtesy Giovanni Romero
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