Big Bear Gran Fondo Growls again as Thousands Celebrate Return
Over 2,500 riders returned for the 11th Annual Tour de Big Bear, Southern California’s favorite ride!
Photo: Another AWESOME Tour de Big Bear! Thanks to ALL of the volunteers at every rest/food stop that happily covered our every want and need!
Some route changes, plus the addition of the NEW Gravel Ride and the Tour de Big Bear start/finish and Expo at Bear Mountain made for a fantastic weekend of cycling!
Situated in the San Bernardino National Forest at 6,752’ elevation, Big Bear Mountain it has cooler summer temperatures along with stunning mountain scenery. It was a great first year being at Bear Mountain, one of the local ski resorts
The Tour de Big Bear is known for its legendary aid stations and it did not disappoint. Ribs, avocado toast, bacon, just to name a few of the delicious treats riders enjoyed along the way. Plus, the usual hydration and nutrition products to fuel everyone’s ride!
Photo: Ribs, avocado toast, bacon, just to name a few of the delicious treats riders enjoyed along the way.
The ride was unfortunately cancelled last year due to the pandemic, but the incredible turnout speaks volumes, everyone was desperate to get back in the saddle and enjoy the weekend reaffirming the Tour de Big Bear as Southern California’s favorite ride without doubt!
Chris Barnes, President of the Big Bear Cycling Association said “We had a great weekend seeing all of the cyclist enjoy our town. The new venue was amazing, the new routes were refreshing and the new Dirty Bear was epic! The Tour is hosted by so many wonderful service groups around the Big Bear Valley that we are proud to support with donations for their effort. It truly is a community effort to host the Tour de Big Bear and we can't wait until next year when we can make it even better!”
The ride included timed climb called Onyx Assault a climb of roughly 8.6 miles at 5% to the top of Onyx Summit at 8,443 feet above sea level).
Onyx Assault Men under 50
1st Plaque on the Perpetual Trophy, Winners Jersey, $200 cash and Free Entry for 2021 - Kevin Festini, Poway 26:06.47
2nd $150 cash and Free Entry for 2021 - Samuel Brehm, Big Bear City 26:46.55
3rd $100 cash and Free Entry for 2021 - Thomas Fuller, Redlands 26:56.27
Onyx Assault Men over 50
1st $200 - George Tomasich, Norwalk 29:25.23
2nd $150 - Mike Hileman, Las Vegas 30:46.37
3rd $100 - Albert Vinas, Fullerton 30:49.03
Photo: Onyx Assault Men over 50 podium presentation
Onyx Assault Women under 50
1st $200 cash and Free Entry for 2021 - Stephanie Bissonnette, Las Vegas 30:23.92
2nd $150 cash and Free Entry for 2021 - Marjie Bemis, Corona 30:59.71
3rd $100 cash and Free Entry for 2021 - Camila Buritica, Los Angeles 31:33.50
Onyx Assault Women under 50
1st $200 cash and Free Entry for 2021 - Barbara Sullivan, Carlsbad 35:04.99
2nd $150 cash and Free Entry for 2021 - Carol Neal, Palm Desert 37:04.86
3rd $100 cash and Free Entry for 2021 - Selina Nordberg, La Habra, 38:47.67
In 100 mile Gran Fondo which featured 5,600 feet of climbing, Steven White (Las Vegas) was first overall in a time of 4h 28m 17s ahead of Evan Larson and Jason Paez (Chino) in third. For the women, Marjie Bemis (Corona) won finishing in 5h 6m 54s ahead of Andrea Dauria (San Diego) and Jennifer Borton (Redlands).
In the 70 mile Grand Tour which featured 5,600 feet of climbing, Angelica Pedler (Encinitas) won finishing in a time of 3h 5m 21s ahead of Brian Washburn (Thousand Oaks) and Felipe Loureiro (San Diego). Monic Little (Camarillo) and Lisa Stanners (Mentone) were 2nd and 3rd respectively for the women.
In the 50 mile Big Bear Valley Tour which featured 3,700 feet of climbing, Chris Wier was fastest in a time of 2h 13m ahead of Rodrigo Tome (San Diego) and Hans Kittler (San Diego). For the women, Betsy Cook (Victorville) was fastest in a time of 2h 36m 5s ahead of Wenin Herrera (El Monte) and Jennifer J Hoban (Parker, CO).
In the 25 mile Tour de Big Bear which featured 1,250 feet of climbing, Michael J Porsche was fastest in a time of 1h 22m 11s ahead of Bryce Smith (Winchester) and Eric Wilson (San Marino). For the women Jessica Santolla-Solorio was fastest in a time of 1h 31m 49s ahead of Ana Roca (Long Beach) and Kari Andrew.
Photo: Mike Hileman and Stephanie Bissonnette from Las Vegas, Mike came 2nd in the Onyx Assault and Stephanie first for the women (over 50s).
The 2021 Big Bear featured a NEW 50 mile Gravel Ride through the San Bernardino National Forest fire tracks and gravel roads.
Stuart Gonzalez (Corona) was fastest in a time of 3h 36m 2s ahead of John Hatchitt (Santa Clarita) and Matthew Neylon (Montrose).
Alice Perryman was the fastest lady in a time of 4h 23m29s ahead of Kimberly Sweet (San Diego) and Katherine Lackner (San Diego).
Photo: The 2021 Big Bear featured a NEW 50 mile Gravel Ride through the San Bernardino National Forest fire tracks and gravel roads.
Here’s what Riders Had to Say!
Eye Gear Sport Optics said afterwards “One of our FAVORITE events every year!! Amazing volunteers covering our every want and need!! Thank you!!!”
Mile Hileman said after receiving his award, “Another AWESOME Tour de Big Bear!! Thanks to ALL of the volunteers at every rest/food stop that happily covered our every want and need!!!”
Richard Duquette said afterwards, “Thanks for the quick results & great event!”
Michael Famileti, “Great ride, great event, thanks to all who volunteered and put on this fun, safe ride !”
David W Bannick, “Such a rad day on that Dirty Bear 50 course”
Thursday Night Glow Ride – Best Bikes!
Photo: 2021 Glow Ride Winners are defending champions Greg and Bynette Mote who won a $500 gift certificate to Get Boards
Photo: First runner up for the 2021 Glow Ride - Mr Donovan won a $300 gift certificate to Get Boards!
Friday Poker Ride – Best 3 Hands
Winners for the Poker Ride 1st place Logan Foote, 2nd place Frank Ramirez, and 3rd place Rommel Bartlett. All three podium winners received a Goldsmith’s Sports gift basket.
Photo: Winners for the Poker Ride 1st place Logan Foote, 2nd place Frank Ramirez, and 3rd place Rommel Bartlett.
Craig’s Crown – Largest club signed up on Active
Craigs Crown winner was Barkada 619 bringing 32 riders. Who got a plaque on the Perpetual Trophy and each team member of the club received a Crown
The full 2021 Tour de Big Bear results can be found here https://bigbearcycling.com/tour-de-big-bear/tour-de-big-bear-results
Mark your calendars for next year for the 12th edition on Saturday, August 6, 2022!
