Big Bear Today Magazine September 2020

Volume 32, No. 3 September 2020

www.bigbeartodaymag.com

Long

Distance

Runs

at

Kodiak

100...

...Long Rides

at Grizzly

100!

• 50th Annual Oktoberfest...it's On!

• Wilderness-worthy views on Wildhorse Trail

• Bad Year for Trout too, Read Why

• Adventure Van Expo Brings Cool Rides

Page 2—September 2020

From the Publisher

Bacteria makes 2020

lousy for trout too;

3.2 million put down

As if 2020 couldn’t get any worse,

California trout fishing has taken

a severe hit by disease. But not the

one you’re probably thinking about.

This time it’s a bacteria instead of virus

and the state had to euthanize 3.2 million

trout at three Southern California and

Eastern Sierra hatcheries because of it.

Lactococcus garvieae has become fishing’s

equivalent of the virus and it’s already resulted

in the cancellation of Fish and Wildlife

plants on Southland lakes plus those

in Inyo and Mono counties.

The contagious, potentially fatal bacteria

was discovered in three state-run fisheries,

Mojave River Hatchery in Victorville

plus Black Rock and Fish Springs in the

Owens Valley. Hot Creek Hatchery was

originally quarantined out of precaution,

since lifted after testing showed none of

its trout had the typical symptoms of bulging

eyes, lethargic swimming and premature

death.

The bacteria is new to California and

as with our virus, biologists are still determining

how to deal with it. Treatment at

the hatcheries included keeping water temperatures

low, reducing stress on fish due

to crowding and other factors, introducing

antibiotics and even special diets to help

trout fight off infection.

But nothing helped, which led the state

to put down over three million distressed

trout that had been scheduled for delivery

to lakes and streams. The fish were

euthanized by CO2 pumped into their water,

putting them into permanent sleep.

That’s the easy part; the hard part is

disposing of all those dead fish. The bacteria

means they can’t be used at food

banks or even as animal feed or fertilizer.

So they have to be hauled to landfills by

truck, requiring permits galore that range

from environmental to transportation.

“Euthanizing our hatchery stocks was

not a decision we came to lightly, but it

had to be done,” said Jay Rowan, program

manager for the Department of Fish and

Wildlife hatcheries. “This bacterium is resistant

to all the treatment options we have

available for fish. The fish losses were getting

worse despite our treatments. The best

option we have available that will get us

back to planting fish from these hatcheries

in the shortest timeline is to start over.”

It all began earlier this year when

coronavirus arrived as spring approached.

DFW trout plants were halted so as to not

encourage anglers to gather on shorelines,

the idea being that lousy fishing would

keep crowds down and cut down on social

distance issues. Not that fisherman are

prone to standing less than six feet apart;

most seek their own favored spots and keep

those closely guarded secrets.

“All the fish that couldn’t be released

caused hatcheries to exceed carrying capacities,”

said Big Bear Municipal Water

District general manager Mike Stephenson.

“Overcrowding led the fish to become

stressed, kind of like the bark beetles

stressed pine trees, making them more vulnerable

to the bacteria. The state lost $15-

$17 million and it will cost that much again

to get back where it was.”

Pathologists aren’t sure how the bacteria,

previously found only at a handful

of aquaculture facilities, reached the affected

hatcheries but the best guess is bird

transmission. What is certain is that hatcheries,

after they’re thoroughly disinfected,

won’t be producing catchable six-inch

trout for the better part of a couple years,

the time is takes to raise fish from scratch.

Which means for the next couple years

plantable trout will be a hot commodity.

A load of DFW fish arrived in early

August, perhaps the last state fish Big Bear

Lake may see for awhile, Stephenson said.

Fortunately, two stockings with fish from

private sources purchased in advance for

now-cancelled “Fishing for $50K” and

Western Outdoor News October Troutfest

tournaments are still happening.

“That’s about $100,000 in fish we had

already committed to,” Stephenson said.

“Fishing is going to be really good this fall

with the extra trout going in and the events

not happening.”

MWD annually purchases trout from

private facilities above and beyond whatever

the state provides. “Private hatcheries

didn’t have the (bacteria) issues,”

Stephenson said. “We’ll continue to get

fish from them. From Fish and Wildlife, it

will be a year or more before we see any.”

In the meantime MWD continues to

move forward on its fish hatchery project.

Assorted delays have set the process back

but there’s still momentum for MWD to

build its own hatchery. This bacteria isn’t

the first time DFW has had trouble delivering

fish—remember trout sterilization?

All of which underscores that the lake

needs to have reliable and sustainable trout.

“We’re ready to go to prequalification

and months away from maybe getting a

yes,” Stephenson said of the project, expected

to cost $8-$10 million.

Have a good one.

Marcus

ON THE COVER: Elite athletes come to Big Bear for the Kodiak 100 where they’ll run

courses up to 100 miles, at elevation, in 20+ hours —Photo courtesy Howie Stern

Volume 32, Number 3 September 2020

4

6

8

9

16

Publisher

Marcus G. Dietz

Associate Publisher

Sandra L. Dietz

Publishing Consultant

Bret Colson

Technical Consultant

Charles Dietz

Photography/Distribution

Steve Dietz

John Daskam

Mark Gauger

In This Issue...

Big Bear Today

100K Bike, 100-Mile Run in Epic Events

Endurance events come to Big Bear big time this month with

Kodiak 100 run and Grizzly 100 mountain bike Grand Fondo.

Runners can choose from five distances while for mountain

bikers there’s three. All are lengthy and challenging at

elevation! Yes there’s 2020 modifications but these two

worldclass competitions are back again—hurray!

You Control Speed on Mineshaft Coaster

Ride carts you control around a mile-long track with two 100-

foot tunnels, three 360° corkscrews, 200-foot bridges and

steep drops on Alpine Slide’s new attraction. Hit speeds up to

27 mph or go as slow as you want. It’s the first ride of its kind

in California so be one of the first to experience it!

Amazing Views on Wilderness-Worthy Trail

The ridge immediately north of the San Gorgonio Wilderness

doesn’t require a hiking permit but offers much of the charms

of the Wilderness. There’s panoramic views, steep climbs and

a cool trail camp three-plus miles in for overnight adventures.

Just keep your eyes out for a rattlesnake about a mile up the

trail that doesn’t rattle when you approach...

Ribs, Pot Pies, Now Live Music at Thelma’s

Thelma’s didn’t have to mess with its outdoor patio one bit

during the virus—it’s had one of Big Bear’s nicest outdoor

spaces for nearly three decades. Still live music was added

weekends with Brad from Silver Moon. Football-sized chicken

pot pies, Saturday all-you-can-eat ribs, that hasn’t changed.

Fast Times at Big Bear Speedway, Ropes too

Get a taste of real racing on a fifth-mile long grand prix-style

track at Big Bear Speedway driving state-of-the-art Sodi karts.

You’ll hit speeds up to 30 mph while leaning into hairpin turns

and pounding straightaways. Then climb up to Big Bear’s only

ropes course, where 37 challenges await.

Beat the heat by renting a waverunner

from the marinas. Pages 5, 9, 11, 13!

DEPARTMENTS

2

3

13

14

From the Publisher

Potpourri

Area Map/

Calendar of Events

The Almanac

Big Bear's most complete

listings for recreation,

dining, and more.

Big Bear Today is a monthly magazine covering recreation,

dining, nightlife, and events in Big Bear. Reproduction of any

material, without the express written consent of the Publisher,

is prohibited. Advertising/editorial, call Big Bear Today at (909)

585-5533. Mailing address: PO Box 3180, Big Bear City, CA,

92314. E-Mail: bigbeartoday@verizon.net. Member, Big Bear

Visitor Bureau and Big Bear Chamber of Commerce. Internet

Address: bigbeartodaymag.com

Production: Offset printing by G.W. Reed Printing, Inc.

Color prepress by 2-Bit Studio.

Manuscripts and Art: Contributions are welcome. Big

Bear Today is not responsible nor liable for unsolicited

manuscripts or art. Materials received will not be returned.

© Copyright 2020 Big Bear Today

Big Bear Today September 2020—Page 3


Climbs, thin air test Kodiak 100 runners

with elevation and gain during 24+ hours on the trails!

Fine Dining in a Rustic Stone & Log Retreatt

Fine Steaks • Seafood • Prime Rib • Lobster

Est. 1947 by Andy Devine

as the Sportsmans Tavern

Open Nightly 4:30 p.m.

"Still haunted by our Ghost George"

Welcome Back!

trants earn Spartan Trail World Championship

points.

The Kodiak 100 is a true mountain

hundred-miler, technical with steep climbs

to 10,000 ft. summits and flowing

singletrack, through epic canyon passages.

September can see significant temperature

swings from the 70’s or 80’s by day to 30’s

at night for runners spending many hours

on the trail, even more than a full day.

Last year’s event was won by San

Francisco resident Rod Farvard after nineteen-and-a-half

grueling hours, a course

record. Others can expect to spend 24 hours

or more out there, many over 30. Elite

Course also features the half marathon, a

touch over 13 miles. The 100-mile race

begins in Big Bear Village on Friday, Sept.

11 at 6 p.m. with the half marathon starting

Sept. 12 at 8

a.m.

Five race

lengths await

Open coursers

who in 2020 will

be running in a

self-supported

environment

with no formal

aid stations and

well-marked

course. Adventurous

runners

can choose from

10K, 50K and

50-mile dis-

Seating is Limited for your Safety

Enjoy Great Food

in a Historic Setting

Outdoor Dining

Under our Pine Trees!

www.CaptainsAnchorage.com

Rare Photos, Memorabilia,

and More!

Advance Reservations

Highly Recommended

There have been a few tweaks but

Big Bear’s premier endurance mountain

bike event is returning as scheduled.

The 6th annual Big Bear Mountain

Bike Gran Fondo and Grizzly 100 is back

September 26 with obvious social distance

protocols in place. That means just

three distances this year—30K, 50K and

100K races only—and limited entries

with online registration only. Starts are

spread out within a 30-minute window

for each distance.

In addition there will be no formal

aid stations though two drop bag locations

have been established where bikers

can leave water and other supplies. Unfortunately

the popular beer garden and

expo in Big Bear Village will not be held

and there will be no awards ceremony,

but a podium is available for celebratory

self photos after.

What hasn’t changed is that mountain

bikers will tackle the same amazing

course that attracts the best

from throughout Southern

California and around the

country. The rides explore

famed Big Bear mountain bike

terrain like Pine Knot Trail,

Cabin 89, Grandview Point,

worldclass singletrack on

Skyline Trail, grueling

Radford Road descent to

Seven Oaks and back up, and

more with spectacular views

of the lake, Mt. San Gorgonio

and surrounding wilderness

and the Santa Ana River Canyon

along the way

Both the 30K Ridgeline

and 50K Skyline serve up significant

singletrack climbs up

the ridge but not the nasty de-

Big Bear Today

Distances from 10K to a hundred miles await runners at Kodiak 100...

tances in addition to the half marathon and

100-mile, which requires entrants to arrange

their own crew support.

The route is a clockwise loop around

Big Bear Lake sporting epic views and taxing

climbs. It climbs to the top of Sugarloaf

Mountain, highest peak in Big Bear Valley,

and descends into rarely-traveled Siberia

Creek Canyon before traveling above

the lake’s north shore. A trek along Radford

Rd. down to Seven Oaks and then back up

the ridge to Grandview Point precedes the

cruise down Knickerbocker to finish in the

Village.

Proceeds from Kodiak 100 benefit San

Bernardino Search & Rescue, Big Bear

Valley Trails Foundation, Mountain Top

Radio Association, Big Bear Civil Air Patrol,

and Big Bear Middle School Interact

Club.

For information or to register contact

KodiakUltraMarathons@gmail.com.

100K ride, two others at Gran Fondo

With nearly 17,000 feet of vertical

climbing and sustained running

at 7,000 feet or higher, the

8th annual Kodiak Ultra Marathons attract

the nation’s most elite athletes, with distances

up to 100 miles. But there’s also

events for mere mortals.

For 2020 shorter distance runs have

been added to the schedule of the event

that returns to Big Bear September 9-13.

Half marathon and 10K races are now options

for those not running 100 miles

around Big Bear Valley and beyond or the

50-mile and 50K alternatives.

Fields are broken into Elite Course

which is for runners who meet certain specific

qualifications, and Open Course available

to everyone. Elite competitors will be

vying for $22,800 prize purse and all enscent

and return climb of the longer over

the top ride. Each serves up a goodly section

of Skyline Trail after climbing up

Pine Knot Trail to the top.

Grizzly 100K takes the riding to another

level with over 10,000 feet of climbing

at elevation, for a distance of over 60

miles. Last year’s 100K was won by Big

Bear’s Chad Hall, who finished in just

under 5 hours. Then again, Hall is an elite

runner, triathlete and pro cyclist who ran

cross-country at Stanford.

Other top finishers were just over 5

hours with most of the field needing six

hours or more to complete. All 100K finishers

again get the coveted Grizzly belt

buckle. Grizzly 100 is a National Ultra

Endurance Race series event.

100K riders start at 7 a.m. at the corner

of Pine Knot and Village Dr. followed

by 50K at 8 a.m. and 30K at 8:30.

Call (909) 866-8000; bbvrace.com


Express Band opens 50th Oktoberfest

Holloway’s

MARINA & RV PARK

800-448-5335

2 4 4 2 3 2 7

Pontoon Boat Rentals

Longtime favorites The Express Band open 50th annual Oktoberfest Sept. 12-13

N

ot how it was drawn up but the 50th

annual Big Bear Oktoberfest celebration

is still going on through

October beginning September 12-13, just

a little different.

Oktoberfest will mark its half-century

in Big Bear with a more intimate affair in

2020, outdoors under the pine trees at

Wyatt’s, located at the Convention Center.

Still with all the German revelry that has

made Big Bear Oktoberfest one of the toprated

fall celebrations in the country. So

intimate in fact that guests need to have

advance seat reservations to get in.

This year’s version won’t be as large

as previous years but will still have all the

traditional trappings of Oktoberfest, including

log sawing and stein holding competitions

and appearances by founding

burgermeister Hans Bandows. A full lineup

of German beers from Warsteiner,

bratwursts from a German butcher, strudel

from a German bakery, and the tastiest

homemade sauerkraut around are highlights.

2020 features an expanded menu

with additional German dishes like

sauerbraten for the first time, plus a limited

version of Wyatt’s menu.

Capacity is very limited since everything

is under the pines, but on the upside

there’s expanded dates to choose from in

addition to the usual Saturday and Sunday

schedule. Fridays have been added to

Oktoberfest starting Sept. 18 and Thursdays

evenings as well starting Sept. 24.

The Express Band opens 50th Big

Bear Oktoberfest, fitting because Southern

California’s favorite German festival

band has come to the mountains for nearly

four decades, still with an original lineup.

From traditional Bavarian tunes you expect

to hear at Oktoberfest to today’s favorites

and danceable stuff, The Express

knows how to keep reverlers engaged and

is well versed in the chicken dance and Ein

Prosit toast.

In contrast to the famed Doo Wah Riders,

playing Wyatt’s outdoor stage not just

one but two weekends this year. Through

the years incarnations of the Doo Wah Riders

have played “high energy country with

a Cajun twist” around the country, appearing

on concert bills with Garth Brooks,

George Strait, Alabama, Faith Hill, Tim

McGraw, Brooks and Dunn, and Willie

Nelson among others.

Yet it’s safe to say they’ve never

played the chicken dance nor led an Ein

Prosit toast. Both of which they’ll do plenty

on Oct. 16-18 and 23-25. “They promised

they’d learn both,” Oktoberfest’s Monica

Marini said. But will they play

Oktoberfest’s other zany songs, like “The

Burger Dance?”

Originals like “Glowing in the Ashes”

performed by the Doo Wah Riders in the

movie “Basic Instinct,” have made the

band a favorite in previous years and instead

of just one date, there’s six! A medley

of classic western songs is another Doo

Wah Riders staple.

Travel restrictions mean no bands

from Germany in 2020. Instead it will be

regional musicians including popular down

the hill bands that frequently play Wyatt’s.

Sean Wiggins is a previous Oktoberfest

favorite already on the schedule.

And even though German bands can’t

cross the pond to Big Bear, they’ll be here

in spirit. Aalbachtal Express Band along

with Mat’s Infinity have prerecorded segments

that will be shown on the big screen

to keep the celebration flowing.

And for the first time ever, Oktoberfest

can come to you if you can’t go to it!

Oktoberfest “Party in a Box” kits can be

delivered to lodging properties or residences

throughout the Valley with everything

needed to chicken at home. There’s

decorations, stein and German food, plus

mini-keg of Warsteiner.

Limited edition 50th anniversary

steins will be available for purchase, along

with exclusive T-shirts and more.

Advance seating reservations start at

$25. Complimentary take home service is

again available through Mountain Transit.

Call (909) 585-3000 for advance seat

reservations or www.BigBearEvents.com.

Click Us Up!

BigBearTodayMag.com

Pirate Ship

Lake Tours

Fishing

Boats

LAKESIDE RV CAMPING

• Waverunners & Jet Skis

• SUPs-Stand Up Paddleboards

• Wake Boarding / Waterskiing

909.866.5706

1/2 mile north of Big Bear Blvd. on Edgemoor

2 miles west of the Village (turn at Log Cabin Restaurant)

3 miles east of the dam

www.HollowaysMarina.com


Tunnels, dips on new Mineshaft Coaster

Big Bear Today

hree complete 360° corkscrew

turns. Steep descents, two 100-foot

Ttunnels, dips and drops galore, all

served up during a mile-long gravity-fueled

adventure.

It’s enough to have riders screaming

all the way around the track like they’re

on an amusement park ride. Except this is

the newly-opened Mineshaft Coaster at Al-

pine Slide, and unlike any park ride guests

control how fast their carts go down the

six-tube stainless steel track. Which can be

pretty fast, as carts hit speeds of up to 27

mph at multiple points along the way. Or

slow, if that’s what you prefer.

First and only ride of its kind in

California, Mineshaft Coaster has been a

hit since opening at Alpine Slide this

summer. Two up tracks on a

motorized bullwheel pulley

system provide the uphill lift,

including a long one out of a

cool new start house built at the

bottom.

The real fun is on two

downhill tracks, as carts cross

three 200-foot bridges, shoot

through S-turns and catch a few

whoop-di-doos. The whole ride

is elevated above the ground, at

times two dozen feet up and at a

minimum four feet, really giving

riders a sense of speed as

surroundings blur by.

It’s a roughly nine minute

ride—faster drivers can get

closer to seven minutes— that

left Liana Martinez breathless.

“It’s really fun, I wasn’t

expecting it to be really fast but

it was,” the Bakersfield resident

said. “There were a ton of twists

and turns too. It’s kind of like a

roller coaster except we were

able to brake along the way.

A mile of drops, dips and turns await riders on Mineshaft Coaster

We’re definitely going to do it again.”

She rode with her husband Nico. Two

adults can ride Mineshaft Coaster together

if their combined weight is less than 375

lbs., making for a real thrill-filled shared

experience, though many carts go solo.

Front rider must be at least 38” tall and

three years old so kids can go, while rear

pilot 54” and age 18 or older.

“It’s kind of like the big brother of the

Alpine Slide,” said San Diego resident Sam

Gerdes. “The ride was a lot longer than I

thought it would be. I thought it was two

different rides instead of one long ride.”

His sons Isaiah, Micah and Noah took

turns too. “Really fun, you get to go as fast

as you want through lots of twists and

turns,” Isaiah said. “I only used the brake

where I was supposed to use it. I wasn’t

scared.”

Guests are secured by multipoint

safety belts at the start house. Rider in back

controls the cart’s braking mechanism and

is required to keep at least 80 feet from the

sled in front. But Mineshaft Coaster

features “Smart Cart” technology with a

computer controlled, fail-safe magnetic

braking system that gently applies brakes

if a cart approaches too close to another.

Plus each ride is equipped with speed

governor and centrifugal brake to control

top speed.

Each cart features specially designed,

Continued on page 7

Full Hot & Cold Deli

Groceries • Firewood & Propane • Spirits • Lotto

Try Our Famous

Rotisserie Chicken

& Kabobs!

We cut the highest

Quality Meats

Daily

Award

Winners:

1st

Liquor

2nd

Groceries

2017

Chamber of

Commerce

Excellence

in Business!

Fully-Cooked Delicious Heat & Serve Meals Like Tri-Tip,

Smoked Pork Loin, Enchiladas & More! • Fresh Produce Too!

(909) 585-2641 • Open 7 Days

Community Market

100 E. Big Bear Blvd. (at Greenway) • Big Bear City

1 mile east of The Convention Center

Year-Round

Christmas Room!

Our rooms are

filled with gifts

and treasures

from nearly

20 artists!

Come Up the Historic Staircase of the 1920's Navajo Hotel

• Bear-ly Used

Books

• Jerky

• Pottery

• Aprons

• Sports

Memorabilia

• Everything

Bears & More

Open 7 Days

a week

Big Bear's from 9:30 a.m.

Shopping Experience

There is not “Anything” we do not have!

Village Faire

40794 Village Dr.

(909) 866-8220

Above the Leather Depot in Big Bear Village


2 days of custom vans, gear at Expo

Check out the latest exploration vans,

trucks, campers, off road tent trailers and

roof top tents when the 2020 Adventure

Van Expo returns September 12-13.

The free show held two days in

Bartlett Parking Lot in Big Bear Village

Mineshaft Coaster...

Continued from page 6

lockable seat belts and shoulder restraints

to assure rider comfort at all times. Plus

carts have energy absorbing front and rear

buffers.

A lengthy up track climb to the top of

Alpine Slide awaits riders before they start

to descend and shoot through the first rocklined

mining tunnel. They wind their way

to the bottom before ascending again on

another up track back to the top for the

second tunnel and cool corkscrew that

leads to a quick drop; those going fast

enough get a little G-force on.

The track traverses Alpine Slide’s

entire property, around and under Alpine

Slide sleds, past the water side and above

the go-karts, dipping in and out of pine

trees. Even the entrance is awesome, built

from scratch with mining carts and rock

out front, plus Big Bear’s coolest sign.

Coaster tracks are popular in Europe

and are popping up in ski resort towns including

Snowbird in Utah. Mineshaft

Coaster is over 2,000 feet longer! Other

coasters are in Jackson Hole, Steamboat,

Bogus Basin and Heavenly’s Nevada side.

Plus entertainment hub Branson, MO.

Each cart is wiped down as part of Alpine

Slide’s many virus precautions.

Mineshaft Coaster tickets are $20 per

person, children $10. The ride is open

seven days a week, all year long.

Soaring Eagle, another first of its kind

ride in California, is also open daily. Guests

are treated to spectacular views of the lake

and a thrilling 500 ft. descent during their

thrilling flight, dropping almost two football

fields in distance as part of a 125 foot

descent that reaches speeds up to 26 mph.

Double seat belts secure up to two riders.

At $12 per ride Soaring Eagle is priced

less than other similar attractions. Riders

can go solo or with a companion to share

the experience. Guests must be at least 42”

tall and those between 42-48” must ride

with an adult. Photo and video of the experience

can also be purchased.

Putt `N Around Go-Karts and 18-hole

miniature golf course are also open daily.

The famous Alpine Slide bobsleds operate

Saturday and Sunday.

Alpine Slide is at 800 Wildrose Ln. on

Big Bear Blvd. 1/4 mile west of the Village,

Call (909) 866-4626.

2 days of exploration at the free Adventure Van Expo

sors including host Walter’s Sprinter of

Riverside.

The custom vans are mini-RVs with

sinks, counters, appliances and more. Except

some are off-road beasts with full off

road capabilities! The expo is a chance to

meet professional adventure vehicle builders

and see their products on display while

networking with like-minded individuals.

See accessories from companies like

ADF Sprinters, Owl Vans, Tepui and 4

Wheel Campers. Other participating companies

are Johnson Custom Van Solutions,

Vanz, Aluminess, Havelock Wool, Tourig,

Nomad, Momentum, Roambuilt, Hunter

RMV, Glamper Van, Sportsmobile, Brutek,

Gone Mobile, and Geovans. There’s gear,

racks, roof top tents, trailer tents, accessories

and much more on display.

Adventure Van Expo special “Van

Row” parking for van owners is available

on a first-come basis. Demonstrations,

workshops and talks on subjects including

solar are also on tap. Hours on Saturday

are 10 a.m.-5 p.m., 10-3 Sunday.

The event is one of six expos around

the country held at scenic locations with

Lake Tahoe the week before on Sept. 5-6.

Other shows were at Grand Targhee resort

in Idaho, plus Missoula, MT and Dillon,

CO. The series concludes Oct. 10-11 in

Ridgefield, WA.

AdventureVanExpo.com to RSVP for

free.

FREE WIFI

CLOSE TO

VILLAGE,

LAKE &

DINING

Big Bear’s

Largest Pool

(Offer Good Sunday-Thursday / non-holiday)

Motel Rooms $75

with Fireplace & Queen Bed

Mountain Cabins $99

with Fireplace, Private Deck

.

Spa Rooms & Cabins!

with Cozy Fireplace

and Outdoor Spa (800) 255-4378

local (909) 866-2166

features primarily custom vans but other

rides too, built to get off the beaten path,

including Mercedes Sprinters. There’s also

4x4 rigs, accessories and more. No food,

beer or music this year but there’s still going

to be over 25 exhibitors and 30 spon-

41121 Big Bear Blvd. • Big Bear Lake, CA 92315

www.BlackForestLodge.com


Wilderness-worthy views on Wildhorse

Wild horses once roamed this land,

released by the U.S. Cavalry after World

War I with the realization that machines,

not beasts, would be fighting future battles.

Today there’s no horses to be seen on

Wildhorse Trail, nor people. It’s just me

and dozens (hundreds?) of scampering lizards

and one rattlesnake that I almost step

on returning to the trailhead. It’s pretty hard

to hike all day and not encounter one other

soul but I managed to do it in early August

on this under-the-radar trail filled with expansive

180-degree views.

Wildhorse Trail is located just west of

Heartbar turnout on Hwy. 38 and countless

people drive by it every day going to

and from Big Bear, 30 minutes or so away.

Yet it’s probably the most underutilized

trail around, certainly considering the easy

access it affords with parking right off the

highway. Rarely is there more than one or

two cars at the trailhead, if that.

The upside to Wildhorse Trail are the

sprawling views that stretch out everywhere,

from the San Gorgonio Wilderness

across the way to Mt. Baldy in the distant

west. Go far enough and you’ll come to

the very scenic trail camp of the same

name.

Further along it connects with the trail

going to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain,

at 9,952 feet the highest point in Big

Bear Valley. Here wild horses roamed after

being set free by the military in the

1920’s and `30’s, and Wildhorse Meadow

that the trail skirts is named for them.

Downside is that hikers have to march

at least a rugged mile uphill to reap the rewards,

starting with uninspired forest road

terrain and ending with a long straight slog

with no switchbacks through a nasty rock

field where at least one rattler likes to hang

out. He was sunning on my return, oblivious

to my approach, never once shaking

his rattle, even after becoming aware of me

and slithering off the trail. Apparently they

don’t always issue warning rattles.

Beyond the rock pile Wildhorse Trail

improves significantly, singletrack path

that rises up the thousand-plus foot ridge.

There’s precious little shade with terrain

dotted by manzanita, chaparral and sage

instead of towering pine trees, so expect

plenty of sun exposure, especially midday.

As hikers climb they’re treated to an

expansive mountain panorama. The jagged

peaks of 10,000 Foot Ridge around Mt. San

Gorgonio begin to loom in the distance

while below Heartbar Campground and the

highway are visible. The trail serves up big

mountain hiking reminiscent of the Wilderness

or even the Sierras.

After three miles the trail crests the

saddle above 8,000 feet and pine trees begin

to emerge, a welcome sight after the

sunny climb. The trail begins to descend a

couple hundred feet for the next mile or so

down the canyon before reaching

Wildhorse Trail Camp, a wonderful spot

to take a break surrounded by trees and

flanked by meadow. It’s also a good overnight

spot for those making a backpack out

of the hike with two good sites.

The small creek next to camp was

Big Bear Today

Don’t let the views distract you too much on Wildhorse Trail, which leads to a

scenic camp for overnighters

flowing last month, albeit

a trickle and not

something you’d want

to drink from except in

a pinch. Still very scenic,

and the trail

crosses it to the other

side where it ascends

further up the mountain,

adjacent to the

water. Eventually it

reaches the saddle

above where it connects

with Sugarloaf

Trail from the other

side and continues to the summit.

Only well-conditioned hikers or those

on horseback will follow Wildhorse Trail

all the way to Sugarloaf and back in a

single day; doing so means over 16 miles

with 4,000 feet of elevation gain. Most turn

around at trail camp after four miles and

over a thousand feet of climbing, which is

what I did. Just watch for the rattler!

—by Marcus Dietz

909.878.4FUN

at North Shore Landing

& Holloway’s Marina

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1/3 replica of a Spanish galleon

seen in the movie ‘Time Bandits’

• Pirate Booty for the Kids

• Cocktails for Adults • Sunset Tours

www.HollowaysMarina.com or www.BigBearBoating.com

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www.800BigBear.com


Thelma’s shines with patio, ribs, pies

Terrific patio, nicely landscaped with

flowers and planter boxes, surrounded by

glass enclosed fence that keeps traffic

sounds out and views in.

When indoor dining was banned

Thelma’s already had an outdoor oasis in

place, with seating for up to a hundred. “We

didn’t move anything for Covid,” Mark

Henderson, who owns Thelma’s with wife

Elaine, said. “The tables were already

spaced and there’s no fake grass, pop ups

or tents. Our patio is the same as before. It

feels like a part of the restaurant.”

The outdoor space that first debuted

at Thelma’s restaurant in 1992 has paid

dividends this summer with the outdoor

dining restrictions. As has a complete dinner

menu that features just about everything,

from all-you-can-eat beef ribs and

football-sized chicken pot pies on weekends

to seafood, steaks, pasta, and more.

Front landscaping was in motion before

the shutdown and there’s a new digital

sign broadcasting specials to drivers on

the boulevard. And on the patio, Thelma’s

added something it’s only had one other

time in over 30 years: live music.

Now guests are treated to the diverse

sounds of Brad from Silver Moon, all Fridays

and most Saturdays from 6-8 p.m. in

September (story page 10). Brad’s

repetoire is as varied as Thelma’s extensive

menu, about 9,000 songs deep with a

little something of everything ranging from

the Civil War to Bob Dylan and the Rolling

Stones. His guitar and harmonica are

welcome accompaniments as guests dine.

Interestingly, Thelma’s only did breakfast

and lunch when the Hendersons took

over. They’ve built it into a dinner house

too by serving homemade soups—clam

chowder on Fridays and cream of broccoli

are favorites—along

with unique

specialties

that set the

restaurant

apart from

competitors.

A nice selection

of beers

by the bottle

and on tap

plus wine

doesn’t hurt

either.

Spacious patio seating and football-sized chicken pot pies (left) at Thelma’s

Chicken pot pie is one of those specialties,

available in limited numbers Fridays

and Saturdays. Each large casserole

is overflowing with golden, flaky puff

pastry bursting at the seams with tender

bird, veggies like peas, carrots and celery,

all in cream sauce. It takes a big appetite

indeed to polish off one of these delights,

but I was up to the task on our recent visit.

“We make just 18 pot pies each night,

and it’s not enough,” said Ronna

VanOostendorp. “We always sell out, especially

since coronavirus. People want

their comfort food.”

Saturday night all-you-can-eat beef

ribs are another Thelma’s tradition. Pick a

bone with Thelma’s and see how many

meaty ribs smothered in house barbecue

sauce you can handle. A guy next to me

stopped after just the initial three ribs that

are served but another guest across the way,

along with his wife, were each on their

second plate of bones when we left and

might still be there eating for all I know.

Pot pie overdose ruled out another

Thelma’s specialty: apple dumplings baked

by VanOostendorp. She starts with a whole

cored and peeled Granny Smith apple with

cinnamon and sugar inside, then it’s

wrapped in homemade croissant dough and

“baked with love,” she said.

Each is served warm with vanilla ice

cream, caramel sauce and whipped cream

and is every bit as luscious as it sounds.

Better than apple pie a la mode it’s also

bigger, a virtual meal in itself. Which is

why my buddy John orders just a bowl of

soup for dinner and pairs it with a dumpling

dessert to call it a meal.

Thelma’s also bakes 50 or more fresh

pies a week, displayed in the glass case

Continued on page 12

Pine Knot Marina & Fun Dock

Jet Skis & Boat Rentals

• Pontoons

• Fishing Boats

• Guided Fishing Tours!

Bait and Tackle Shop! (818) 434-5420

Kayaks & Paddleboard Rentals

courtesy of Get Boards (909) 878-3155

439 Pine Knot Ave • Located At the Foot of the Village

PineKnotMarina.com


HOMESTYLE

QUALITY...

Steaks

East

Seafood

Valley's

Pasta

Only

Chicken

Bakery!

Voted Big Bear's

Best Breakfast!

DAILY Breakfast Special!

Every Saturday Night

All-You-Can-Eat

Beef Ribs!

NIGHTLY DINNER SPECIALS

WED—PRIME RIB

THURS—CLOSED

FRIDAY—HOMEMADE POT PIES

OR SURF & TURF

SAT—ALL-U-CAN-EAT BEEF RIBS

CHICKEN POT PIES IF AVAILABLE

SUN-HOLIDAYS—PRIME RIB

FRESH CATCH OF THE DAY FRI/SAT

After lunch or dinner...

treat yourself from our

Bakery!

Caramel-topped apple

dumplings...cheesecakes...

apple streudel...fresh-baked pies

of the season!

Also Available to Go!

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

Dine Next to Our 2 Cozy

Fireplaces or Under Trees on

Our Outdoor Patio!

337 W. Big Bear Blvd.

(2 miles east of the Convention

Center in Big Bear City)

(909) 585-7005

...FAMILY

PRICES!

9,000 songs from

Silver Moon’s Brad

weekends on patios

Rare indeed is the listener who can

stump Brad from Silver Moon with a song

request. That’s because he estimates that

he’s played over 9,000 tunes since coming

to Big Bear in 2006!

Rock, blues, country, standards,

reggae, even songs from the Civil War are

part of his playlist, gleaned from working

and playing in the music industry for decades

in a variety of capacities. With longtime

Big Bear bass player Hank Kalvin the

duo forms popular Silver Moon. Regularly

sitting in with Brad the last few years has

been Emmy nominated engineer Rusty

Smith and 8-string picker Randy Boswell.

Now Brad is taking his wide variety

of music to the beautiful outdoor patio at

Thelma’s (story page 9) Fridays and Saturdays

6-8 p.m. on September 12 and 26.

As well as Stillwells patio at The Lodge 6-

9 p.m. Saturdays Sept. 5 and 19, a gig he’s

had for the past two years.

“People love to request their favorite

tunes and I love to play all kinds of music

and have a decent memory for melodies

and lyrics,” Brad said. “Having an iPad full

of so many great songs, I can usually get

close to something they request.” He said

some nights see him play 60-80% requests.

Fullfilled courtesy of Brad’s guitar,

harmonica and musical memory that’s

catalouged so many songs he’s come

across through the years. He’s worked in

concert and music promotion for people

like Willie Nelson, with whom he spent

four years, along with Derek Trucks,

Herbie Hancock, Bruce Hornsby, members

of the Rolling Stones, Dave Brubeck and

many others. He also owned a Delaware

music store in the 1980’s and 90’s.

Brad has written over 400 originals

and released 15 of his own group and solo

projects and produced, arranged, co-wrote

and/or coordinated albums/sessions for a

variety of artists. Plus recorded as sideman

on sessions for still more artists. Before Big

Bear he founded popular Delaware bands

Porch Chops and Love Minus Zero, and

Goldrush in San Diego.

Song notes course through Brad’s

veins and he’ll do anything the music businesses

offers. As a journalist he’s written

18

Big Bear Today

Brad from Silver Moon plays 9,000 songs weekends at Thelma’s, Stillwells

Nurture your nature with free bird

walks and talks held online and in-person

by Chirp Nature Center, along with birding

How-To programs.

Join Chirp the first Saturday of each

month including September 5 for educational

bird walks exploring birding hot

spots throughout Big Bear Valley and the

National Forest. The walks provide

birdwatchers at all experience levels an

opportunity to observe and identify local

Big Bear birds and learn good viewing locations.

Experienced birders can practice

identification skills and share with fellow

nature enthusiasts.

Bird walks are held in-person following

proper protocols as current conditions

allow. Group outings leave Chirp at 8 a.m.

nationally for Jazziz, Relix, Dupree’s Diamond

News magazines and local for Big

Bear Today. For two years he served as

musical director for Bear Valley Center for

Spiritual Enrichment.

“Both Stillwell’s and Thelma’s have

created wonderful outdoor spots to enjoy

good food and drink in a safe environment,”

Brad said. “I provide over 200

years of music.”

Nurture nature with bird walks, talks

sharp and last around an hour-and-a-half

with moderate walking or hiking. Complimentary

refreshments follow at Chirp with

questions and answers.

Last in-person walk of the season is

actually a cruise, aboard Big Bear Queen

on October 3. “We’ll go out around the lake

and see predominantly water birds,” said

Chirp’s Randall Putz. This outing departs

Big Bear Marina at 8 a.m. with tickets $10,

available at the marina.

Virtual walks are set for the second

Wednesday each month including Sept. 9,

streamed live online via Zoom, Facebook

and YouTube. Streamings are at 4 p.m. and

feature 45 minutes of Big Bear’s natural

splendor as participants learn about wild

birds, points of interest and fun facts.

Chirp also hosts free Bird and Nature

Talk watch parties on the third Saturday

each month. Each hour-long presentation

highlights a particular nature-theme topic

with expert insights from noteworthy authors,

scientists and naturalists. Talks are

at 4 p.m. and are streamed live on Zoom,

Facebook and YouTube.

Next program is “Batty for Bats” on

Sept. 19, appropriate as Halloween approaches.

Learn fascinating facts about

these mysterious creatures of the night;

there’s over 40 species of bats in the United

States alone and they can consume up to

1,200 mosquitos each hour, making them

very beneficial. Last talk of the season on

Oct. 17, “Ominous Owls.”

Birding How-To programs are the

fourth Wednesday each month live online.

The 45 minute free presentation is ideal

for beginners learning the basics of bird

feeding and watching. “How to Find the

Seed You Need” is Sept. 23 and Oct. 28 is

“What’s Best for the Nesters.”

Chirp is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.

Chirp Nature Center is at 40850 Village

Dr. Call (888) 412-4477.


Support birds with houses, feeders

Along-term study released earlier

this year and based on decades of

research revealed that the world’s

population of birds has decreased by over

three million in the last half-century.

That’s a deline of some 30%. “People

are worried about what it means,” said

Randall Putz of Chirp Nature Center in the

Village. “Birds are the canary in the coal

mine so to speak—as birds go, we go.

People are recognizing that we need to pay

attention and support birds.”

During the pandemic people have

definitely been paying attention, with more

time at home to look out windows and see

the wonders of nature. “More people watch

birds than NASCAR,” Putz said. “It’s the

second most popular hobby after gardening.

Birds provide enjoyment and beauty.”

Birding takes flight for enthusiasts of

all levels at Chirp Nature Center in the Village,

just east of the Christmas Tree Lot.

There’s feeders, houses, baths, binoculars,

books, seed, scarves and birds-eye cam

views of nests around the country.

Everything new and old birders alike

need to give our feathered friends a helping

hand—er, wing. “Feeding and providing

housing for birds is the least we can

do,” Putz said. “Estimates are that almost

half of all households feed birds.”

Chirp also plants the seed for birding

by hosting monthly walks and talks, in person

and online (story page 10). Just as important,

Chirp offers solutions as well as

product. When nuthatches were pounding

the sides of a house, alternative housing

distracted the birds.

“On our first live walk of the season

in July we had a whole family of mountain

quail pass right in front of us,” Putz

said. “Another time a redheaded sapsucker

looked like he was posing just for us.” He

added that recently he spotted a Clark’s

nutcracker, “always a thrill.”

When it comes to promoting birds Big

Bear has plenty to work with. Well over

200 different types of birds can be found

here, obviously the well-publicized bald

eagles but also tanagers, finches and even

orioles among many others. Chirp has free

checklists birders can use to identify up to

248 different Big Bear birds.

“Big Bear is along the Pacific Flyway

and at altitude so lots of birds migrate

through here,” Putz said. “Bluff Lake has

the widest variety of birds in the Valley.”

Williamson’s sapsucker is one of several

species in the area that entice birders.

When you can’t go to them use bathes

and houses to bring the birds to you, and

Chirp has plenty to choose from. Some

feeders mount on windows to allow for up

close viewing from inside the house. Others

have a cage built around them to let

only song birds in and keep pigeons and

squirrels out. Still others are bear-proof.

Bluebird houses are popular and

there’s also homes for kestrels and screech

owls. Along with squirrel feeders that let

the fuzzy friends perform aerobatics that

are fun to watch. Birdhouses covered in

Feeders in all shapes, sizes and prices, birdhouses and more at Chirp Nature Center

seed are an easy way to get into feeding;

as birds eat seed you’re left with the house.

Feeders and bathes made of recycled

water bottles can stand up to Big Bear’s

intense sun, rain and snow. “They’re guaranteed

to never crack, split, fade or peel,”

Putz said. “Bird bathes are just as important

as feeders since they need the water in

our dry climate. We even have heated baths

that won’t ice over in winter.”

Chirp has the seed that goes into the

feeders including it’s own custom Big Bear

mix. “It has lots of black oil sunflowers,”

Putz said. “Western and more rare mountain

bluebirds especially like meal worms.”

Join Chirp’s seed club to save up to

20% on all food purchases. Buy seed by

the bucket with lid that safely stores it and

when it’s empty just return to get a full

bucket, thus eliminating the plastic bag.

Gift items are also available at Chirp,

from custom design T-shirts and stickers

to puzzles, games and art. Plates, mugs,

door knockers, toys, calls and more are

found, all dedicated to birds.

The store makes bird watching easy

by streaming 30 live nest cams on four

screens. The images continuously rotate

and feature a variety of locations including

Big Bear’s own bald eagle nest.

Chirp is open daily 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Chirp Nature Center is at 40850 Village

Dr. (888) 412-4477.


See lake sights, sites on Queen tours

See the lake’s sites and sights during

Big Bear’s top rated tour..

Cruise the lake aboard Big Bear

Queen with longtime captain Chris Bellows

at the helm. Spread out on upper and

lower decks plus open air bow and be entertained

by colorful Big Bear stories and

history, while experiencing first hand Big

Bear Lake and surrounding mountains that

include the ski areas plus 11,502 ft. Mt.

San Gorgonio.

Social distance for 90 minutes aboard

Big Bear Queen, departing from Big Bear

Marina daily with up to four tours at 11

a.m. plus 1, 3 and 5 p.m. Plus Big Bear

Queen, pioneer of guaranteed lake tours

that sail no matter how many are on board,

Thelma’s pies...

Continued from page 9

guests walk right past on entering, cream

pies like chocolate, lemon and banana

among others. Specialty pies include the

three-layer peanut butter banana chocolate

with Oreo cookie crust. Fruit pies include

apple, peach, blueberry, strawberry rhubarb,

cherry and fruits of the forest.

Thelma’s goes the extra mile in many

ways. Oranges are machine squeezed on

the premises each morning for the freshest

juice around. Fresh ground coffee,

Thelma’s own blend, is so tantalizing

people drive miles for a cup.

—by Marcus Dietz

Thelma’s is at 337 W. Big Bear Blvd.

in Big Bear City. Call (909) 585-7005.

guarantees the 1 and 3 p.m. tours will sail.

Boarding is easy—guests can just pay at

the dock and board.

With bright-red flags flapping in the

breeze, Big Bear Queen is the lake’s original

60-passenger paddlewheeler and is the

top-ranked tour on Tripadvisor. The open

air design on both decks allows guests to

experience as well as see the lake, as they

can hear the boat ply through the water and

taste lake spray and breezes. New old-time

photos line the Queen’s sides, depicting Big

Bear history. On board potty too.

Bellows is the lake’s most experienced

skipper and his expert tour narration reflects

that. His father Dave began the tour

tradition in 1989, taking over Big Bear

Queen, which once sailed Newport Beach.

Chris served as backup skipper alongside

his Dad, having already captained on the

lake aboard Pine Knot Landing’s original

tour boat Sierra. Captain Chris took over

permanently two decades ago.

Sail past the homes of celebrities—if

you’re lucky Noel Blanc, who with his father

Mel mouthed the voices of Bugs

Bunny, Porky Pig and other legendary

characters for decades, will come out to

hail Big Bear Queen guests.

Captain Chris expertly navigates the

boat he’d piloted for so many years around

China Island and past the Zebra Room.

Talks about the creation of the dam, aeration

system, Teetering Rock, the old

damkeeper house and many more fascinating

points of interest. Cruising right past

the Solar Observatory is another highlight

and last year bald eagles were thrilling

guests, soaring above the boat and sometimes

even swooping down.

“Brian Dennehy’s daughter was married

on this boat,” Captain Chris recalled

of the Tony and Emmy-winning actor best

known for his role as Sheriff Will Tasle in

“First Blood,” the initial Rambo film. “It

went really well, everyone had a wonderful

time. There have been many weddings

aboard the Queen.”

Big Bear Queen’s final sunset cruises

sail Sept. 5-6 and as an added treat will

feature not just the sun setting but the full

moon rising. Head out at 6:30 p.m. when

Big Bear Today

See the Solar Observatory and other sights and sites on Big Bear Queen tours

others are calling it a day for spectacular

sunsets over the water as the sky turns

Technicolor and reflects off the lake to create

awesome photo ops.

Romantic in scope and a favorite with

couples who want to chat or cuddle, sunset

cruises feature scaled down narration

from daytime tours as Captain Chris just

covers the highlights. As with other Queen

tours guests can bring their own beer, wine

(there’s a corkscrew on board), champagne

or cocktails, picnic baskets etc. Cost for

sunset cruises is $25.

Daily Big Bear Queen fares are $23,

senior-military $21, ages 3-12 $15, under

three free. Call (909) 866-3218.

Big Bear Today

GET WET

With Us!

SEA DOOS

JET SKIS

WAVERUNNER

Rentals

To To Los Angeles

and Orange County

Captain John’s

S

Marina

CAPT. JOHN’S GROUT BAY

West Boat Ramp

MARINA WINDY POINT

W E

North Shore

Landing

Castle Rock

Trail

Holcomb

Valley

BOULDER

BAY

1989 25 YEARS 2014

The Mountain’s Monthly Lifestyle Magazine

GILNER POINT

METCALF

Holloway

BAY Marina

Big Bear and Vicinity

Pleasure

Point

Performing Arts

Center (PAC)

Polique Canyon

Trail

Solar Observatory

BIG BEAR LAKE

Mill Creek

Mill Creek

Alpine Slide

at Magic Mtn.

Pine Knot

Trail

Cougar Crest

Trail

Woodland

Trail

Discovery Center

Serranno

Campground

East Boat

Ramp

EAGLE POINT

Swim

Beach

Big Bear

Pine Knot

Marina

Marina

Meadow Park

Town Trail

Walk

Board

September 2020—Page 13

CC

Club View Drive

Big Bear City

Moonridge

Big Bear Mountain

To Victorville, Barstow

& Las Vegas

Museum

Big Bear

Alpine Zoo

To Angelus Oaks

and Redlands

WAKEBOARD

RIDES

Free ree Lessons!

SKI DOCK

Edgemoor

Rd.

Holloway's

Marina

Log Cabin

Rest.

To

Village

Big Bear Blvd.

Also on the North Shore at

North Shore Landing!

GET WET WATER

SPORTS CENTER

878-4FUN

866-5706

Big Bear.

Blvd.

Alpine

Slide

All Phone Numbers are area code

(909) unless otherwise noted

September

1

Bear Valley Farmers Market

8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Convention

Center; fresh fruits, vegetables,

flowers, vendors. Free

admission. 585-3000.

5

Free Fishing Day on the lake; no

fishing license required. 866-

5796.

5

Free Bird Walk leaves Chirp Nature

Center (40850 Village Dr.)

8 a.m. sharp; Virtual Walk

streamed online at 1 p.m. (888)

412-4477.

8






11-12

Kodiak 100 Ultra Marathon and

50 Mile Trail Runs at noon Friday,

6 a.m. Saturday with finish

festival in the Village. 744-

4056.

12-13

Adventure Van Expo at Bartlett

Parking Lot 10-5 Sat., 10-3

Sun. Free admission. 866-6190.

12-13

50th Annual Oktoberfest outdoors

at Wyatt’s at the Convention

Center kicks off with

The Express Band. 585-3000.

15






18-20



Center continues with

live bands and German revelry.

585-3000.

19

Golf Club Demo Day at the Bear

Mountain course 11 a.m.-3

p.m.; free club demos and fitting

by Cleveland Golf and

Srixon. (844) Go-2-Bear.

19

Bird and Nature Talk watch party

4 p.m. at Chirp Nature Center

(40850 Village Dr.); “Batty for

Bats.” Free. Also streamed

online. (888) 412-4477.

22

Bear Valley Farmers Market 8:30

a.m.-1 p.m. at the Convention


flowers, vendors. Free admission.

585-3000.

24-27



Center continues with live

music and German revelry. 585-

3000.

26

Grizzly 100/Mountain Bike Gran

Fondo held by Team Big Bear

with 30/50/100K rides start in

the Village. teambigbear.com.

26

Deep Creek Cleanup held by the

Forest Service 7:30 a.m. at

Bowen Ranch in Victorville. Must

RSVP and sign volunteer agreement

at least one week prior.

693-0778.

29

Bear Valley Farmers Market 8:30

a.m.-1 p.m. at the Convention


flowers, vendors. Free admission.

585-3000.

October

1-4





3000.

3

Bird Watching Cruise aboard Big

Bear Queen departs Big Bear

Marina at 8 a.m. $10 per person.

(888) 412-4477 or 866-

3218.

8-11





3000.

10-11

Team Big Bear Mountain Bike

Shootout #3 mountain bike racing

at Snow Summit. 633-6729.

15-18





3000.

22-25





3000.

For updated calendar of events visit us on the Internet!

www.bigbeartodaymag.com

E

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A

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E

N

D

A

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Recreation

Guide

Action Tours

Zip through the trees on nine ziplines.

Segway along Village streets, discovering

Big Bear history at the same time on a most

unique tour and ride. Learn tree rope climbing

skills like rappelling from certified

instructors or seasonally snowshoe through

the forest. (909) 866-0390.

Alpine Slide

Shoot down a tobogan-style ride at Magic

Mountain, as a hand lever allows you to

control the speed. After an exhilerating

run, ride the chairlift back to the top for

more fun. $7/ride, 5-ride books $30. There’s

also new Mineshaft Coaster plus miniature

golf, Go-Karts, Soaring Eagle, familypriced

snack bar, video games. Open daily.

Big Bear Blvd., 1/4 mile west of the Village.

(909) 866-4626.

Big Bear Speedway

Soki Kart racing comes to Big Bear with

timed heats and authentic track experience.

Reach speeds up to 30 mph while

negotiating hairpin turns and straightaways

on the Grand Prix-style course. Double

Karts allow younger riders to go to. $20 on

first visit includes license valid one year,

head sock and race ($25 double Kart). Base

lodge with snack bar. At Big Bear Snow

Play next to Motel 6. (909) 585-0075.

THE ALMANAC

Bike Rentals

Bear Valley Bikes across from Alpine

Slide has a variety of bike rentals. Front

suspension $10/hour, $30/4 hours, $40/all

day. Full suspension $20/hour, $50/4 hours,

$70/all day. Full suspension demo $25/

hour, $60/4 hours, $85/all day. 40298 Big

Bear Blvd. Call (909) 866-8000.

Bingo

The Elks Lodge hosts stirring Bingo games

each Friday night at 7 p.m. All are welcome

ages 18 and over. 40611 Big Bear Blvd.

west of the Village, across from Lakeview.

(909) 866-3557. Closed at deadline, call

Boat Tours

“Big Bear Queen” sails daily from Big

Bear Marina with guaranteed daily tours

and its most experienced captain, Chris

Bellows. Tours daily at 11 a.m., 1, 3 and 5

p.m. Adults $23, seniors/military $21, 12

and under $15, 3 and under free. Sunset

cruises Saturdays 7 p.m., bring your favorite

beverages. (909) 866-3218.

Pirate Ship Lake Tours aboard newly

refurbished “Time Bandit,” a one-third scale

replica of a 1600’s galleon that appeared in

the movie of the same name, sail daily from

Holloway’s Marina...complete with canon

fire! Full bar with beer, wine and cocktails.

Fares $24, $16 ages 12 and under, lap child

free. (909) 878-4040.

“Miss Liberty” paddlewheeler with enclosed,

heated deck and snack bar, leaves

Pine Knot Landing for scenic tours of Big

Bear Lake. View the homes of celebrities,

solar observatory, and much more. $23,

Big Bear Today

Recreation • Dining • Nightlife • And More

Road Conditions: (800) 427-ROAD quickmap.dot.ca.gov

Miss Liberty, Big Bear’s largest tour boat, sails daily from Pine Knot Marina with

spacious covered deck and lots of seating. Call (909) 866-8129

$20 senior/military, $14 ages 3-12, four

and under free. (909) 866-8129.

Big Bear Cruzer is the lake’s newest tour

boat, sailing out of Big Bear Marina daily.

The open air boat with sunshade departs

several times daily. $22, senior $20, 12 and

under $12. (909) 866-3218.

Bowling

The Bowling Barn offers new lanes with

automated scoring for bowling enjoyment.

Also arcade games and full-service cocktail

lounge with pool. Glow Bowling after

dark with black lights, sounds. Open daily.

40625 Big Bear Blvd. (enter on Bonanza).(909)

878-BOWL. Closed at deadline,

call first

Fishing

Catch some fun with Big Bear Charter

Fishing on a 22' fully loaded, super comfortable

boat with afriendly, expert guide

Aaron Armstrong. Open or private charters

for individuals or groups of all ages.

All gear provided—rods, reels, bait, lures,

drinks and snacks. Bass fishing too aboard

a Ranger Comanche. At Holloway’s Marina;

(909) 866-2240.

Continued on page 15


Cantrell Guide Service at Pine Knot Landing

is the lake’s longest running guide

service since 1991. Troll for trout around

the lake’s 23 miles of shoreline aboard 24'

pontoon boat with 18 ‘ roof and enclosure

to protect against cold and wind. Professional

licensed guides John Cantrell and

Cliff Fowler (“Fowler’s Fish Tales”) have

80 years experience. (909) 585-4017.

Gold Rush Mining Adv.

Pan for gemstones and fossils millions of

years old in a working sluice with water

wheel, crack geodes to reveal prescious

stones, find real pearls in oysters and unearth

dinosaur bones and poop. Emporium

with mining and gifts plus old fashioned

fudge, candy, sarsaparilla and more. 50016

Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-5678.

Golf

High altitude enhances any game at the

Bear Mountain Golf Course. Nine-hole

(par 35) 2,730-yard course. full-service

4,000 sq. ft. Bear Trap clubhouse and pro

shop offers putting green, cart and club

rentals, restaurant, lounge, and driving

range. Across from the ski resort on Moonridge

Rd. (909) 585-8002.

Helicopter Tours

See Big Bear from above during aerial

tours by Helicopter Big Bear. The lake, ski

resorts, desert and surrounding mountains

can be viewed aboard a climate-controlled

Robinson R44 helicopte, departing daily

out of Big Bear Airport. The helicopter

seats up to four, pilot plus three passengers,

and tours start at $35 per person based

on two passengers. (909) 585-1200.

Hiking

There’s dozens of trails and natural areas to

enjoy the rugged beauty of the San

Bernardino National Forest. From easy

strolls along the lake to stenuous climbs

into the mountains, there are trails for all

abilities, including families, within a short

drive of Big Bear. For information on all

trails in the Valley and the required

Adventure Pass, visit the Discovery Center

on North Shore Dr., about two miles west

of Stanfield Cutoff. (909) 866-3437.

Alpine Pedal Path is a very easy 3.5 mile

(each way) paved trek following the lake

on the north shore. Popular with hikers,

bikers, skaters, strollers and wheelchairs

as it passes Carol Morrison East Boat

Launch, Discovery Center, Serrano

campground, Solar Observatory and more.

Castle Rock Trail is a short but strenuous

hike, that ends with a panoramic view of

Big Bear Lake. Legend has it that a beautiful

Indian maiden, jilted by her lover, took her

life by leaping from this towering 100 ft.

monolith. It’s reached after a mostly uphill,

.8 mile walk past a stream and featuring

beautiful views. Located on Hwy. 18

between Boulder Bay and the dam; park on

the lake side of the road.

Cougar Crest Trail is moderate two-mile

(each way) hike. As it winds above the

lake’s north shore, it offers up great views

of water and the surrounding mountains.

Trailhead is on North Shore Dr. about two

miles west of Stanfield Cutoff, .6 mile

from the Discovery Center where you can

park without an Adventure Pass.

Woodland Interpretive Trail is a short,

scenic family stroll with minimal elevation

gain, located on the north shore near Cougar

Crest. Free trail maps (available at the

trailhead or Discovery Center) identify

markers along the route noting local

vegetation, wildlife areas, etc.

Pacific Crest Trail comes through Big

Bear from Onyx Summit through the East

Valley to Hwy. 18 and then past Holcomb

Valley Rd. and Cougar Crest through

Holcomb Valley before continuing its 2,638

mile journey from Mexico to Canada. Call

the Discovery Center to find out where to

catch this famous international trail.

Pine Knot Trail from Aspen Glen picnic

area climbs the southern ridge above Alpine

After Dark...

Big Bear’s Nightlife & Entertainment Guide

ALLEY OOPS SPORTS BAR—Family Karaoke each Saturday night at 8 p.m. Glow

Bowling at 8:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. Sat. and Sun.

Watch the big game on big screen TVs, open to all ages. Happy Hour Monday-

Friday 5:30-7 p.m. with 50¢ off all bar drinks (except draft), $1 hot dogs. Bowl

3 games for the price of 2 with coupon in this issue. Inside the Bowling Barn at

40625 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 878-BOWL.

BARNSTORM RESTAURANT—Live music Saturdays during dinner with favorite

local musicians, please call for schedule. 501 W. Valley Blvd. at the airport. (909)

585-9339.

BIG BEAR MOUNTAIN BREWERY— Craft microbrew beers, food in a cozy

atmosphere. Wear your gear, 75¢ off your beer. 40260 Big Bear Blvd. 866-BEER.

THE BONE YARD—Over 40 beers on tap plus large selection of wines and spirits.

560 Pine Knot Ave. (909) 878-0401.

NOTTINGHAMS TAVERN— 40797 Big Bear Blvd. near Bartlett. 866-4644.

THE CAVE BIG BEAR—Your favorite artists up close and personal! See national

performers, top tribute bands and more in Big Bear’s hot new intimate concert

venue. Good food and full cocktail service including craft beers from Big Bear Lake

Brewing Co. CLOSED FOR COVID-19, PLEASE CALL (909) 878-0204.

THE LODGE AT BIG BEAR LAKE—Fridays see singer Nikki Sparks in Stillwells

lounge 5-8 p.m. followed by Johnny Jukebox 8-10. Brad from Silver Moon Sept.

5 and 19. 30650 Village Dr. (909) 866-3121.

THE PINES LAKEFRONT/TAVERN—Duke Michaels and Peggy Baldwin on the

outdoor patio Saturdays and Sundays 1-4 p.m. 350 Alden Rd. (909) 866--5400.

WYATT’S CAFE & SALOON—Open 4 p.m. Wednesdays for country dancing with

DJ,Great grub and drinks, family-friendly. Celebrate 50th annual Oktoberfest at

Wyatt’s beginning Sept. 12-13! Saturdays and Sundays, Fridays starting Sept. 18,

Thursdays starting Sept. 24. Convention Center, Big Bear Blvd. at Division. (909)

585-3000.

Slide three miles (each way) to Skyline Dr.

2N10, through lush meadow and stands of

white fir and Jeffrey Pine. Continue another

1/4 mile to Grand View Point for spectacular

180-degree vistas.

Holcomb Valley

At one time, Big Bear Valley was thriving

gold country. The last remaining signs of

this historic chapter in Big Bear history are

featured in a driving tour through what is

known as Holcomb Valley. Totaling 11.6

miles over a dirt road, the tour offers stops

at Two Gun Bill’s Saloon, Hangman’s

Tree, Pigmy Cabin, Metzger Mine, and

more. Free maps available at the Big Bear

Discovery Center on the North Shore—

call 866-3437. Allow three hours for the

drive.

Horseback Riding

Baldwin Lake Stable is open year-round

for horseback riding. Rates are by the hour,

offering one, two, three and four-hour rides

with longer rides heading along the famous

Pacific Crest Trail plus sunset rides. A

variety of spectacular mountain trails with

horses for all riding abilities. For little

buckeroos there’s hand-led pony rides and

petting zoo. Reservations suggested for all

rides. Big Bear Blvd. east to stop sign at

Hwy. 38, go through intersection, veer left

on Shay Rd. to 46475 Pioneertown Rd.,

Big Bear City. (909) 585-6482.

Jet Skis/Waverunners

Jet skis and two, three and four seater

Waverunners from Get Wet Water Sports

Center at North Shore Landing (878-

4FUN), and Holloway’s Marina (866-

5706) are $85-$140 per hour. Big Bear

Marina (866-3218) has new Yamaha threeseaters

for $125/hour, gas included. Pine

Knot Landing has three-person

waverunners available at $109. 478-4377.

Miniature Golf/Go Karts

Putt ‘N Around, located at the Alpine Slide

at Magic Mountain, features landscaped

18-hole miniature golf course with water

hazards and breaking greens. Then there’s

an oval-shaped go-kart track with highbanked

turns, which nine Can Am racers—

including four two-seaters—with Honda

5.5 horsepowers engines and an array of

safety features zip around. 866-4626.

Scenic Sky Chair

Ride Snow Summit’s Scenic Sky Chair to

the top for incredible views of the Valley,

lake, Mt. San Gorgonio, and more. Enjoy

barbecued food, beer and wine at the View

Haus on top, which has a terrific sundeck,

while taking in spectacular views that can

stretch to the Basin. Hike down or ride the

chair back. Roundtrip ride (no bike) $24,

$19 senior/youth (save 20% with 72 hour

advance online or phone purchase). Daily

till Sept. 7, then weekends only till closing

day Oct. 10. (909) 866-5766.

Soaring Eagle

Fly 500' downhill on the new Soaring Eagle

attraction at Alpine Slide, only one of its

kind in California. Reach speeds up to 26

mph during the dramatic downhill

descent—only after riding backwards to

the top! Up to two can ride at one time.

Open daily. On the boulevard 1/4 mile

west of the Village. (909) 866-4626.

Wakeboard/Water Ski

Get Wet Water Sports Center offers

water ski and wakeboard rides from North

Shore Landing, Holloway’s Marina and

Big Bear Marina. $195/hour ($360 for 2

hours) includes equipment and boat. Group

rates. (909) 878-4FUN.

Water Slide

Alpine Slide is home to two side-by-side

water slide flumes that take riders through

a maze of banked turns and wild, wet

action. All-day passes $20, single rides $2,

10-ride books $15. Open daily till Sept. 7,

then closed for season. 1/4 mile west of the

Village on Big Bear Blvd. (909) 866-4626.

Zoo

Grizzly and black bears, bobcats, coyotes,

mountain lions, deer, eagles, and other

animals are at Big Bear Alpine Zoo, many

of which are native to the San Bernardino

Mtns. Open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays, 10-

5 Saturday and Sunday with daily animal

presentations at noon and weekend 3 p.m.

“feeding frenzy” tours. Moonridge Rd. to

Clubview, veer right to Bear Mountain,

and turn left to the zoo. $12 adults, $9 ages

over 60 and children 3-10, under two free.

(909) 584-1299.


THE BACK PAGE

Thrills galore at Speedway, Ropes Course

t age 15 AJ Wayne wasn’t old

enough to drive but he already had

a license. To race, in fact, at Big ABear Speedway, where he registered the

track’s second fastest time of the day.

Better yet, his clocking of 25.77 at Big

Bear Speedway was faster than his dad

Matt’s time of 26.02. Allowing the unlicensed

driver bragging rights, at least for

the day.

Feed your need for speed at Big Bear

Speedway, where racers negotiate hightech

Sodi Karts around a one-fifth mile

Grand Prix-style track. Tires squealing in

the turns, engines roaring, push the karts

to the limit in a real Go-Pro experience

while hitting speeds up to 30 mph. Tecpro

barriers used in Formula 1 and circuits

around the world line the track to make the

experience even more authentic.

These aren’t your parent’s go-karts

from yesteryear; Sodi’s RT8 is a fully featured

vehicle with self-adjusting hydraulic

brakes and vacuum fuel pumps that

come straight from the automotive industry.

The karts handle like race cars and the

Honda Whisper Motors generate amazing

power, enough to lay rubber through turns

though virtually impossible to roll.

The racing experience at Big Bear’s

fastest attraction begins with first time

guests viewing a short safety video. Then

they’re issued Big Bear Speedway licenses—complete

with picture—good for

one year and assigned a heat number.

After donning head socks and helmets

adorned with visors and last

minute instructions, the pit crew

waves drivers onto the track in

staggered starts, no more than 11

cars per heat. First lap is not timed

so racers can get a feel for the car

and track. Timing starts with the

second lap and drivers get about

seven to nine laps or more depending

on how fast they go. At the end

of the heat drivers are waved in to

the pit area where they get a printout

of their time and the six fastest

times in the heat.

Initial Big Bear Speedway

membership is $20 (double kart

$25) which includes license valid for one

year, one race and mandatory head sock

worn under the helmet. Subsequent visits

cost $15 per race or buy credits in advance

which are stored on your license for a year

and save up to 30%.

For thrills above ground there’s the

new Big Bear Ropes Course. Explore a

6,400 ft. mix of suspension bridges, ropes,

spinning log, curved bars and more that

has proven wildly popular since the stateof-the-art

ropes course, only one in Big

Bear, opened last summer. Two stories

high, the mix of obstacles and challenges

is sure to bring out the Ninja warrior in all

of us as participants ranging from small

children to adults climb, trek, stretch and

balance their way through, social distancing

all the time.

Unlike Ninjas, guests are wearing

five-point, full-body safety harnesses that

Big Bear Today

Hit speeds up to 30 mph on the Grand Prix-style track at Big Bear Speedway

are tethered into the structure, so there’s

zero chance of falling as they navigate obstacles

like spinning log or a variety of rope

challenges. Many of the 37 elements on

the towering ropes course are exposed to

nothing but air.

There’s curved bars that adventurers

must wind their way around and swinging

steps. Along with a variety of suspension

bridges, some with wide-open gaps and

others dangling ropes to grasp onto. Even

an 80-foot descent on the Sky Rail zipline

with automatic braking.

Each 20-minute session is $12. Operators

are on the course at all times for

participants who need assistance. All users

must be at least 42” tall and under 48”

must be accompanied by an adult. Maximum

weight 300 lbs.

Big Bear Speedway/Ropes Course is

at 42825 Big Bear Blvd. (909) 585-0075.

• 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! •

FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 •

1st & Only

Mountain Coaster in

California!

Water Slide open thru Labor Day

NEW!!

Soaring Eagle Ride

Now Open!

Unlimited Water Slide rides

• $20 All Day • 10 Rides ... $15

• Each Ride ... $2

Parents!... Sun On Our Spacious Deck While The Kids Play!

Your Alpine Slide experience begins

with a scenic chairlift ride above the

beautiful Big Bear Lake. Then, with

you controlling the speed, your

toboggan plummets back down

the mountain creating a thrill you’ll

want to relive again and again!

• Minature Golf • Go Karts

• Video Game Room • Delicious Snack Bar

Year-Round Family Fun

With 300 Clear Days A Year!

Cool

Summer Spot

www.AlpineSlideBigBear.com

Check website for current operating hours

FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626

FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 • FAMILY FUN! • 909.866.4626 •

Big Bear Today Magazine September 2020

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