Grizzly 100 MTB, Gravel & Gran Fondo

The Grizzly 100 kicks off September 5, 2026, at Big Bear Lake, offering three distinct racing options for cyclists ready to test themselves at 6,750 feet. You can tackle the full 100-mile mountain bike route through San Bernardino National Forest’s singletrack and fire roads, the 100-mile gravel fondo on dirt roads circling the lake basin, or choose shorter 50-mile variants if you want the high-altitude challenge without the full century. Registration opens in early spring at $81.13 for early birds, climbing to over $100 as race day approaches, and sells out most years by mid-August. Expect a 8:00 AM mass start from Big Bear Village, with aid stations stocked every 15-20 miles featuring hydration, nutrition, and mechanical support.

Big Bear’s elevation makes every pedal stroke count. The mountain bike course gains over 10,000 feet of climbing as it winds through pine and aspen groves, while the gravel route rolls across high desert plateaus with panoramic views of the San Gorgonio Wilderness. September temperatures typically range from 45°F at dawn to 70°F by midday, so layer smartly and pack arm warmers you can shed after the first climb. Previous winners have included elite regional riders from Southern California’s mountain bike scene, and the event draws a friendly mix of serious racers and weekend warriors chasing personal records.

Plan to arrive the day before to acclimate to the altitude and pick up your race packet at the Village conference center, open Friday from noon to 7:00 PM. Parking fills quickly on race morning, so either walk from your rental or shuttle in from overflow lots near the Discovery Center. If you’re bringing family, the finish-line festival runs all afternoon with local food trucks, craft beer from Big Bear Lake Brewing Company (founded 2010), and live music. Kids love cheering from the barriers and collecting high-fives from finishers still buzzing on endorphins and mountain air.

After you’ve recovered, spend the afternoon on the water. The North Shore’s bike path connects to Grout Bay, where you can rent paddleboards or kayaks and soak sore legs in the lake’s cool shallows. For lodging, look for cabins and condos within walking distance of the Village on Lake.com, especially along the South Shore near Meadow Park, where you’ll have easy access to both race headquarters and post-ride lake views. If the Grizzly sells out, check the waitlist or consider volunteering at an aid station to earn your finisher swag and soak up the atmosphere for next year’s attempt.