Big Bear Cycling Expo Tour de Big Bear - Friday

The Tour de Big Bear Cycling Expo opens Friday afternoon (July 31, 2026, noon to 8 p.m.) at Bear Mountain Resort, offering free admission to anyone curious about the cycling weekend ahead or simply looking for an excuse to browse gear in the cool mountain air. Vendors set up throughout the resort’s base area, showcasing everything from custom frame builders to local trail guide services, energy bar companies to bike computer manufacturers, with live music adding energy to what feels more like a summer block party than a traditional trade show. You don’t need to be registered for the weekend’s races to attend, and many visitors treat the expo as a standalone outing, combining it with a chairlift ride (Bear Mountain’s scenic lift runs until dusk in summer) or a stroll through the resort’s lakeside trails. Big Bear Lake has drawn cyclists since the 1970s, when the first mountain bike pioneers began adapting cruiser bikes for the surrounding fire roads, and the area’s elevation (ranging from 6,750 feet at the lakeshore to over 8,000 feet on nearby peaks) provides natural altitude training that attracts serious riders from across California. The lake itself stretches seven miles long and covers 3,000 acres, its cool summer waters offering relief after long rides, and the network of paved paths circling much of the shoreline creates an ideal recovery spin for anyone nursing tired legs. Friday’s expo timing works perfectly for those arriving after work, giving you the full evening to chat with vendors, pick up last-minute supplies, and soak up the pre-event atmosphere before Saturday’s full schedule begins. For dinner, walk to Teddy Bear Restaurant (established 1996), a casual spot on Big Bear Boulevard known for hearty portions and a laid-back vibe that fits the cycling crowd, or try the wood-fired pizzas at Nottingham’s Tavern (opened 2008), where the outdoor patio fills with riders swapping route recommendations and mechanical advice. The expo draws everyone from weekend warriors testing their first metric century to seasoned racers fine-tuning their setups, plus plenty of non-cycling partners and families who appreciate the free entertainment and mountain setting. Secure your Big Bear Lake lodging through Lake.com, prioritizing locations near the Village or along the north shore for easy access to both the expo and Saturday’s activities, and remember that July temperatures at this elevation rarely break 80 degrees, making evening expo browsing particularly pleasant when valley cities below are still baking in triple-digit heat.