Big Bear Club Run

Big Bear Club Run
July 4, 2009
Submitted by Derek Thanstrom

OK, so I guess I should do a trip report on this one.

Met up with Eric at my cabin around 8:30 in Blue Jay as he decided to head up a bit early. After sorting out what trails we were going to do and a bit of breakfast, kissed the wife and kids and headed for the "Deep Creek" or "Dishpan Springs" trail. Plan was to go west to east as it's more of a challenge to climb.

Got to the creek and aired down. Noticed that the staging area has been blocked off so not too much room to park and recreate there anymore. Talked with some volunteer rangers in some nice XJ's that wanted to join us for the run but couldn't because they had to take care a business. First climb was uneventful but fun. Second climb took the bonus route and got a bit tipsy but a lot of fun. Finished up this trail around noon and started the trek to John Bull using the fire roads. Passed the end / beginning of Holcome Creek trail and it's buttoned up tight. Doesn't look like that's going to be open anytime soon! Found a nice spot for lunch in the shade and relaxed for a bit before we continued up to the main fire road that cuts over to the John Bull trail.

This is where things go wrong. THE MAIN FIRE ROAD IS GATED! OK, I can understand that Holcome Creek trail is closed but come on, all main fire roads to the Big Bear area? A bit disheartened, we decided to call it a day and head back the way we came and go out through Grass Valley.

Along the way we had two events. About a mile out of Crab Flats, I assisted a dad and his daughter with an out of gas mini dirt bike. (Had training wheels). Loaded it up in the Jeep and drove it back to camp for them.

Then coming around the last turn before we hit pavement, we came across two full size trucks that went head to head on a turn. No one hurt but the trucks were down for the count. For those who don't believe in karma, this would be an example of the good kind. This most likely would have been me going face to face with that truck if I hadn't stopped to help out that dad and daughter.

Aired up and watched the flatbeds take the trucks off. Said our goodbyes and drove back to Blue Jay to get ready for the fireworks display over Lake Arrowhead.

Only issues we had were minor with Eric making some adjustments to his front flares. All in all a good little trip and a great long weekend!

*Cheers*

-Derek