Cross Training in the Mountains: A Weekend at Tour de Big Bear

Last August I spent a weekend in Big Bear Lake for the annual Tour de Big Bear, a cycling event that winds through the mountains and forests of the San Bernardino range. While most people know Big Bear as a ski town in winter, it’s also a great place for summer training and cross-training for hiking and backpacking.

Cycling has become something I’ve been exploring more intentionally as cross training for time in the mountains. Long rides build cardiovascular endurance and leg strength while putting less repetitive impact on the joints than long days on the trail. The sustained climbs and steady effort translate well to hiking fitness, especially when preparing for bigger objectives later in the season.

Another big reason I planned the trip for August was the chance to connect with hikers coming through town on the Pacific Crest Trail. Big Bear is a well-known stop along the trail, and late summer is when many northbound or flip-flop hikers pass through the area.

I really enjoyed spending time talking with hikers, hearing about their journeys so far, and learning what had worked for them along the trail. Conversations often turned to gear choices, resupply planning, and timing different sections of the trail. I was glad to be able to offer a little help where I could, whether that meant sharing gear suggestions or helping think through scheduling and trail logistics for the miles ahead.

The weekend ended up being a great mix of endurance training and connection with the broader outdoor community. Cyclists, hikers, backpackers, and thru-hikers all moving through the same mountain town, each pursuing their own version of adventure.

—Beyond the Trail LLC