Big Bear Today Magazine September 2020

Page 16—September 2020
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 •