Revisting Big Bear and The Cougar Crest Trail

The Gods Look Angry

Heading over to Big Bear for a ride this morning, we had to stop at Rim to get this great shot. We needed to check out the conditions for an upcoming Big Ring MTB Adventure Ride

We started out at COUGAR CREST TRAIL
4-5.5 miles; moderate to difficult.
The Cougar Crest Trail starts .6 mile west of the Discovery Center on Hwy. 38. On the Cougar Crest Trail the first mile is a gentle uphill climb, but after a mile or so you will realize you are gaining altitude. The Cougar Crest Trail ends at the juncture of the world famous 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail and this is where the fun starts.

The PCT is in excellent shape and the weather couldn’t been better, but please remember to have plenty of water. We rode over to Hana Flats campground for a brief refil at campsite 50. Its about 4 miles of rolling singletrack through the forest over rocks, ruts, roots, and usually dry creeks. The trail crosses a fireroad many times but is well marked. The Hanna Flats trail ends at a fireroad – you will see a sign stating that its 4 miles back to Hanna Flats Campground – take a left and stay left on this fireroad for 1/4 mile and you will pass the trail up to Gray’s Peak on the right. (This is a must to add to your ride) Excellent singletrack climbing and a super fun descending by taking this out and back trail up to Gray’s Peak.

Cougar Crest Ride

Once you get back down to the fire road take a right and its a quick trip back to the final single track trail which leads you back the parking lot to the highway for the road trip back. With a few stops along the way in was a fun 3hr ride and their is plenty of time to sight see with great picture opportunities. These rides are great to include a snack break at Grey’s Peak which can be included with your guide package with Big Ring MTB Adventure Rides.

Hana Flats Campground Trail

Grey's Peak, Fawnskin Ca

Grey’s Peak single track trial is about a 5 mile round trip with some of the best single track riding on the trip and our choice for a snack break to take the sights. The rock formation provide great place to take pictures. The trip work out to 15 miles from where we start so plan on 4hrs plus depending on group size. This ride will require us to be on the trail by 8am due to the length as well as the heat.

If you need more info, Drop us a line at Big Ring MTB or call us at 909-534-8869, we will be happy to help.

Check our ride schedule or give us a call to book your private guided tour.

See you on the trails!

Regards,

Dewey Aguilera,
Big Ring MTB Crew
Big Ring MTB Crew

Gas Sucks - Big Ring MTB Crew

Lake Arrowhead Deep Creek Hot Springs Run.

Bradford Trail down to the Hot Springs

Hey everybody, I decided before it gets to hot I would do a recon to the hot springs on the Bradford Trail. From the mountain communities surrounding Lake Arrowhead, this is the main way to get to Deep Creek Hot Springs. Perhaps this is the main way for most people who don’t live in the desert. From Lake Arrowhead, travel northwest on Highway 173. About 4-5 miles beyond the outskirts of Lake Arrowhead, the highway will turn into a dirt road. Continue about 2 miles down the dirt road to the Kinley Creek bridge and Bradford Ridge Trail.The Bradford Ridge Trail is small and poorly maintained but easy to travel on. Not a good trail for mountain biking because of all the overhanging brush and very loose dirt. Lots of hike-a-bike.

Pacific Crest Trail to Deep Creek Hot Springs

The picture of the left is the last hill down to the Pacific Crest Trail leading into the Hot Springs. From this point the scenery is fantastic.

Make sure to bring plenty of water, not so much for the ride down but the ride and hike out. Bradford trail back to the 173 will test your patients. There is no shade covering almost the whole route so drink up!

Overall view of Deep Creek Hot Springs

Great view of the ponds at Deep Creek Hot Springs. Deep Creek is one of the popular Southern California hot springs due to its proximity to LA & San Bernardino.

Man Made Hot Tub

Once you reach the canyon you can spot a grassy ledge where the source of the hot mineral waters flow from. The first pool of hot springs can be reached just below this meadow. This is the main hot pool which is extremely hot, you don’t want to stay in too long cuz it will definitely cook your legs for the ride out.

Poison Oak - Nasty Stuff!

CALIFORNIA POISON OAK: It can make your best campout or day hike turn into a total nightmare. You really gotta know what this stuff looks like in both colors & stay away from it. Spring is bright green, late summer is starting to turn red & slightly brownish-orangish. This is some really nasty stuff..

The first hot pool is the best!

This is a very challenging ride so please do not take it lightly. Take extra energy bars that you know you can digest during extreme heat conditions. Please make sure to have a good first aid kits including some Benadryl Spray, this works pretty good on the itching if you cannot get the proper treatment immediately if you get tangled up in poison oaks. Last but not least “Extra Tubes and CO2″ – Always good rule of thumb when your going into no mans land.

If you need more info, Drop us a line at Big Ring MTB or call us at 909-534-8869, we will be happy to help.

Check our ride schedule or give us a call to book your private guided tour.

See you on the trails!

Regards,

Dewey Aguilera,
Big Ring MTB Crew
Big Ring MTB Crew

Gas Sucks - Big Ring MTB Crew

The Night Time is The Right Time…The Big Ring Way

The Night Ride Crew

I can’t believe how cool this was. My buddy Brian & I started out about 9pm. We had some issue with my switch and couldn’t get the light to stay on. About then a Ranger named Andy stop by to see what was up and if we were ok. Andy quotes “Damn you guys are finishing a little late” – We started laughing! I said where just starting out!…Andy, “What are you guys crazy!! We just had a bear and a mountain lion sighting 2 days in a row…”

I looked at Brian and he at me…Damn we’re suited up and ready to hit it…Andy quotes: You guys do this much!… I said ya!! All the time…In the daytime!!!

Andy Quotes: Ok, you guys be safe…Finally we got the lights to stay on so I figured we’d give it a whirl. After trying to get the lights tweek before the first downhill while riding, we were ready to hit it.

We ride this loop all the time which is not to difficult being one of the trails that motorcycle use alot. Problem being alot!! But in the daytime you can see all the loose dirt! Not so in the night…Thank Goodness I just put on a new front Kenda Nevi…

Ok now, my mind is now thinking about when is my light gonna short out!! Hauling ass now!! Adrenaline Pumping!! When is the Bear gonna jump out!! I want to keep going fast enough so I can in front of Brian ‘The Bear can eat him!! (Kidding Kam) Not!! Just some of things that go through your mind at the start. Ya know “Every man for yourself” – Love ya Brian!!

I guess we didn’t get a full charge for B’s light, by the time we got down to the bottom of 3w12 his light had died. “WOW” now we opted to take a short cut to the fire road and figured my light would get us out.

Now we only had one light “All Good” Right!

When we first started down the downhill section we re-called that we where running into some of the biggest bugs we ever seen…HAHA! “Damn!! That one tasted nasty”!!!

“Now back to the fire road”,  running a good pace reminiscing how cool it was to be out here, except now a ton of bugs all over us. “we’re going alot slower”…Hey get out,  a Bat feeding on us. Within seconds we had about 10 bats swirling all over us. “Dive Bombers”  HAHA, lets just turn off the light!…RIGHT!

Sorry for the lack of pictures on this blog. When we finished the ride I just wanted to do a recap pic, but the camera on top of the van as I always do to pack the bikes in. Always give the area a once over…Well not this time! Drove off leaving the camera, gloves and glasses on the roof…DAMN! Went back found the gloves and the glasses but no camera…So if your the one reading with your new found Panasonic Lumix Camera – Keep the camera! I just want the card…

I’m really glad we did Rock Camp as our first run as we really learned from that experience which now has changed my whole thought of which trails we gonna hit next. I have rode these trails for the past 18yrs.  So Now I Quote: The Night Time is The Right Time…

Our Next night ride will be Saturday Night at 9pm at the start of Exploration Trail, Running Springs, CA

For More Info and space availability contact me at 909-534-8869

Drop us a line at Big Ring MTB to check our ride schedule or give us a call to book your private guided tour.

This ride does require your Big Boy Pants Rob

See you on the trails!

Regards,

Dewey Aguilera,

Big Ring MTB Crew

Big Ring MTB Crew

Gas Sucks - Big Ring MTB Crew

Rock Camp Station on Highway 173 Loop, Lake Arrowhead

Forest Service Station "Rock Camp"

Hey everybody, Rock Camp is one of our short but really fun rides. Saturday Morning Big Ring MTB Crew Ride.starts at the Rock Camp Station on Highway 173. Entering is a short cut to the lower section of trail 3W12.

Lower Section Single Track Trail 3W12

From this point we take a right and bomb down 3W12. It is an OHV trail which is a lot wider than most of our other trails. Sometimes we do incur motorcycle and quads on these shared trails. Please remember they cannot hear us MTB’er, make sure to pull of the trail to the side and with the sign of finger or yell how many more riders to follow to make sure it safe to continue on.

3W12 Lower Fall Line

This is one of the fast downhill sections of the trail leading down to the water crossing. We love to take Bones and Turbo on this ride so the can play in the water.

Water Crossing on the 3W12 trail

We always stop here for Bones and Turbo to cool off. It’s been our first hot weekends up here and a great place to take a quick break.

Punxsutawney Dew! Winter is done! It was a hot one today!

This terrain is a wide XC Single Track trail with not a lot of climbing. Depending on weather conditions and time, this ride can be done in about 1.5 hours or add another loop with anywhere from 6 to 12 miles. Make sure to have at least a hydropak with a 2ltr bladder. Hours best to ride here are a 8am start or 4pm late afternoon start.

Log Crossing

Stay tuned to our next blog, as we will be covering our ride down to the Hot Springs…

Drop us a line at Big Ring MTB to check our ride schedule or give us a call to book your private guided tour.

See you on the trails!

Regards,

Dewey Aguilera

Big Ring MTB Crew

Our Personal Private Guided Mountain Bike Rides are a geared to the more experience level of riders. Most of our terrain is XC Single Track trail up and very fast down. With over 18 years of mountain bike riding experience in Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear, we can lead you to trails that are best suited to your level of ability & fitness levels. We are genuine hardcore mountain bike riders who live in the area and ride almost everyday.”

Lake Arrowhead Private Mountain Bike Tour Guide

Pascal Paganini at Rim Nordic

I got a call form Pascal telling me that he was on a business trip from France and was in need for a ride. He had been following us on FaceBook, It was his first time to Lake Arrowhead so I was more than happy to show him a good time.

Pascal said he had rode the Swiss Alps so the altitude would not be a problem, So we figured it would be good to hit Rim Nordic for a hard ride.

Pascal taking a break with Bones & Turbo

Pascal taking a well deserved break with Bones & Turbo on the Race Course at Rim Nordic in Running Springs, CA The Big Ring Way!

We didn’t start till about 2pm, after finishing the first lap and there was still some daylight so we climbed back up the short cut to the top of the single track then bomb right back down.

Taking a break after the first loop at Rim Nordic

Rim Nordic is one of the best places to ride in the San Bernardino Mountains. You will find Big Ring Crew here alot. Their are so many variations to choose from, with loops from 6 to 12 miles.

What a great place to ride...

Rim Nordic’s race series will be starting soon, for those looking for a great challenge be sure to start training now. The first climb to the top is a bitch under race conditions.

Our Personal Private Guided Mountain Bike Rides are a geared to the more experience level of riders. Most of our terrain is XC Single Track trail up and very fast down. With over 18 years of mountain bike riding experience in Lake Arrowhead or Big Bear, we can lead you to trails that are best suited to your level of ability & fitness levels. We are genuine hardcore mountain bike riders who live in the area and ride almost everyday.

Drop us a line at Big Ring MTB to check our ride schedule or give us a call to book your private guided tour.

Thanks Again for your continued support.

See you on the trails!
Regards,

Dewey Aguilera,
Big Ring MTB Crew
Big Ring MTB

Keller Peak “Big Ring MTB Adventure Group”

Keller Peak Adventure Group Ride

What a fantastic ride this morning. Our tour group showed up right on time.

Meet Binh, Cynthia, Craig, Doug & Kurt…We had a great time this morning for the “Virgin Run” at Keller Peak/Exploration Trail.

Although this was there first time up to Keller Peak, they where all season riders and in great shape for the pavement climb up. After some slicing & dicing up the road, we where all licking our chops to hit the single track.

The Group only had till noon to get back up to Big Bear to meet other friends for their second ride of the day (Hardcore). I had no problem with that because Chase and I did a “Recon” on Friday.

First Snow Crossing!

Top 1/4 Mile of Exploration Trail we saw a few snow crossings. This should be the last time we will see snow this year. I know I’m kinda crazy but I really don’t mind the snow crossing. Its builds character…HAHA! The Big Ring Way! .

Most of our rides take place here at Keller Peak. It is one of the most scenic places in the San Beranrdino mountain available to Hikers & Bikers. Always now that we always share the trails.

Big Ring MTB Crew 3/4 Sleeve Jersey Review

Big Ring MTB 3/4 Sleeve Jersey Review

After testing our new Big Ring MTB 3/4 Sleeve Jersey. We are happy to move forward.

Took a morning ride today at the at the Rim Nordic to do some more test rides with the Jersey’s.

The overall feel of the 3/4 sleeve and the free bottom (no elastic) is just like wearing a t-shirt – super comfortable. The polyester wicker material did a fantastic job with keeping the sweat from my body and V-Neck design does a great job allowing air flow.

The size I’m wearing is a large which is a generous cut. No binding at all.

Big Ring MTB 3/4 Sleeve Downhill Freeride Jersey

Here are some sneak peaks at the new line up of jerseys at Big Ring MTB Crew

The overall feel of the 3/4 sleeve and the free bottom (no elastic) is just like wearing a t-shirt – super comfortable. The polyester wicker material did a fantastic job with keeping the sweat from my body and V-Neck design does a great job allowing air flow.

We are am very pleased with the design of the  freeride style jersey.
1. Great airflow with the mid-weight mesh ventilation.
2. The mid weight mesh held the sweat away from your body. (It was really hot at the end of the ride – No Chills)
3. The 3/4 sleeve catches more air flow at the angle of your arm closer to your elbow.

Big Ring MTB jersey us medium mess for the best color...

Big Ring MTB Skul 3/4 Sleeve Gray Downhill Jersey

Suggested retail on these will be $44.95. So with that said we are going to introduce them for $29.95 for sizes Small thru X- Large. 2x $32.95 & for my big boys 3x $35.95. Big Ring MTB Crew

BigRing Skull Downhill Freeride Jersey Brown Comp

Special thanks goes out Rob Rose at R Studio for all the design work on the Jersey’s.

"The Ring" Freeride Jersey from Big Ring MTB Crew

"The Ring" 2 Tone #?4 Sleeve Downhill Jersey

The weather is great up here, so we will be starting our group rides back on Saturday mornings. So come up and breathe some good air…

Drop us a line at Big Ring MTB
to check our ride schedule.

Thanks Again for your continued support.

See you on the trails!
Regards,

Dewey Aguilera
Big Ring MTB Crew
Big Ring MTB

Big Ring MTB Recon Mission at Rim Nordic…No More Snow!

RIm Nordic Mountain Bike Race Course Recon

Wednesday Morning Big Ring MTB Crew Ride. After Monday’s ride at Keller Peak,  a buddy ask us to do a recon to see how the course was. I am  very happy to report that it is in great shape after a hard winter. No more than a few down trees on the second half of the climb. Once on the top fire road there was no sign of snow…My shoes where still wet from the snow on Exploration Trail but the weather was already 58 degrees so my feet where fine.

Rim Nordic Race Course Lower Fall Line

I took the old course down through the burn area. The lower switch backs where in great shape. There are a few water crossing that are pretty deep so make sure to wheelie the front over.

This was the only major section where the trail was obstructed. It was a good area to get off for a much needed break anyway.

Hitting the trails at Rim Nordic Roace Course

I forgot how much I really like this place. I can’t wait to go back. Rim Nordic has so much to offer and is a great challenge for all levels of riding.

I usually hit the trail around 9am, so if you want to join us, drop us a message at Big Ring MTB Crew Rides.

Our riding days very during the week so I will be posting on Facebook the day before, when and where. We will alternate ride here and Keller Peak.

See you on the trails!

Regards,

Dewey Aguilera

Big Ring MTB Crew