Cycling Fans Get Opportunity to Ride Portion of the Amgen Tour of California Stage 6 in Big Bear plus Many More Perks

On Friday, May 18 cycling enthusiasts get an opportunity to ride a portion of the same route that the world’s greatest professional cyclists will race on during The Amgen Tour of California Stage 6 Finish in Big Bear Lake. The ride, called The King of the Mountain Experience, is open to all levels of cyclists that want to bask in the glory of riding through the official Amgen Tour of California finish line arch two hours before the actual professionals cross the finish line. Note: King of the Mountain Experience is limited to the first 250 registrants.

Cycling enthusiasts enjoy a 35-mile trek that starts at Snow Summit Mountain Resort, and snakes over to Big Bear Lake’s north shore on Hwy. 38. From there participants are treated to Big Bear’s scenic beauty as they head west down Hwy. 18. This takes them to the turnaround point at Snow Valley Mountain Resort. The cyclists then head back to Snow Summit where they cross through the official Amgen Tour of California finish line arch. The course ride is supported by guides and a full-support crew. There is also a self-timed section on the course that gives participants a read-out of their times that they can compare with the professional race leaders.

In addition to riding 35 miles of the Stage 6 course King of the Mountain Experience participants get certain privileges others do not. Race day perks include V.I.P. finish line area seating, free bike valet, commemorative event tech T-shirt, raffle drawings, finisher’s medal, and limited edition number plate. There is also a V.I.P. reception after the race at Black Diamond Tavern that includes appetizers, no-host bar and cycling celebrities such as Phil Liggett, the official announcer of the race. Other benefits include pre-event bike check lube & tune, discount food and lodging, and Thursday night tour viewing party.

King of the Mountain Experience is Friday, May 18 at the Amgen Tour of California Stage 6 Finish Line at Snow Summit Mountain Resort, located at 880 Summit Blvd. The glory ride is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., which starts and finishes at Snow Summit. Entry fee is $150 per person. For more information about King of the Mountain Experience or to register log onto www.bigbearclimb.com or www.openairbigbear.com.

When it comes to cycling, it’s only natural to think of Big Bear as a mountain biking destination. However, Big Bear is well known within the circuit of cyclists as a mecca for road cycling because of its diverse climbs and peak-to-peak rides. Big Bear Lake is 100 miles from California’s coast. Its picturesque mountain-top setting rivals well known cycling mountain ranges throughout the world, such as the French Alps, Italian Dolomites and Canadian Rockies.

The San Bernardino Mountains offer several thigh-searing, lung-starving peaks, cresting over 7,000 feet. A favorite ride by many cycling enthusiasts is a scenic, 9-mile relentless ascent to Onyx Summit, the highest altitude roadway in Southern California. One of the key attractions for serious riders is the ascension up to Onyx Summit, which tops off at 8,443 feet.

Those who love the mountains, but are not into big mountain climbs, will enjoy a casual 40-mile loop; that gently rolls around Big Bear and Baldwin Lakes, providing a spectacular view of dense forests and surrounding peaks. Big Bear Lake is a must, for avid to casual cyclists, to add as a road cycling destination.

Naturally, one of the top choices for cycling in Big Bear Lake is a ride around the lake. The 15 mile journey around the blue jewel is approximately an hour at a casual pace. However, many riders occasionally stop to snap a few photos of the beautiful alpine setting, which leads to lengthen the time of the round trip loop.

A great way to extend a ride around Big Bear Lake is to add Baldwin Lake to the mix. This is ideal for cyclists who like distance rides without vertical mountains. The 40 mile loop gently rolls along both lakes with spectacular views of lush forests and mountain vistas.

It’s best to start this duo-lake ride on the south shore, and head west toward the Big Bear Lake Dam on Hwy. 18. Cross the dam, and continue to ride in a clockwise direction, east to Hwy 38, on the north shore. Here, cyclists will enjoy a scenic seven mile pedal along the lake’s edge. Across the lake are views of Snow Summit and Bear Mountain Ski Resorts. Peeking above the ski resorts in the distance is the façade of Mt. San Gorgonio. Continue on Hwy 38 and take it to Baldwin Lake. Make the right turn at Baldwin Lake road. In four miles the name of the road changes to Shay Meadow and leads you back to Big Bear Blvd. (Hwy 18), for a spin through Big Bear City, and eventually back to Big Bear Lake; to complete the loop.

For avid enthusiasts and adventure seekers, who want to tackle one of Big Bear’s most challenging climbs; a clear choice for local riders is the Keller Peak Ride. The ride is short, but does have some demanding steep portions to Keller Peak; that ascends for a little over 2,000’ in just five miles! This regular weekly group ride for Big Bear cyclists pushes the limits of all different levels of riders. The recommended route is to take Stanfield Cutoff counter clockwise to Hwy 38, and take the north shore route west to Hwy 18. Pass the Big Bear Dam and continue through the “Arctic Circle” and over Lakeview Point for an exceptionally fast and twisty descent towards Running Springs.

An important thing to remember is to make a left off the highway at Deer Lick Fire Station. This is usually where the leg-searing pain begins. It is a steep and narrow road with no outlets, so it’s important to pay attention and ride safely all the way to the fire lookout tower, which is perched high in the sky at 7880’. Most riders who reach the top like to catch a breath, and climb to the top of the tower to enjoy amazing panoramic views from almost 8,000 feet above sea level. On clear days Catalina Island can be seen to the west.

A great place to take kids and beginning riders is a fresh, paved Alpine Pedal Path located on the North shore of Big Bear Lake. The Alpine Pedal Path starts at the east end of the lake at Stanfield Cutoff, and rolls along the shoreline for about 3 ½ miles, passing Juniper Point and Meadows Edge Park. From there the path snakes through the Serrano campground, and pops out on North Shore Lane near the Solar Observatory. This area is a perfect place for a relaxing, lakeside cruise with friends and family, without the hassle of cars!

Big Bear’s cycling-friendly community has two full service bike shops that sell, rent and service bikes. Bike shop staffs include cyclists who provide valuable information and local knowledge of rides in and around Big Bear Lake. All levels of riders are encouraged to take time to experience Big Bear’s small town hospitality, superb mountain roads and stunning landscapes. Big Bear Lake should be added to any cyclist’s list of “Must Visit” cycling destinations.

Pro-Cycling Tips;

• Seasoned PRO | Cycling Tips – As I get older cycling changes shapes and means different things to me in my life. At first the bike meant that I could get to school quicker. It then became about who could do the highest jumps. It was all about freedom and fun.
• Victory Salute Like A PRO | Cycling Tips – Bike racing and cycling is filled with unwritten rules and etiquette. Above all, style is paramount. All else is of little importance. You’re only as good as your last race. I regularly get ridiculed for all my unwitting blunders.
• Bucket List | Cycling Tips – … Ride the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders (will rent a bike and take out insurance for this); Go to the Tour de France with a press pass and blog about all the pro’s cycling tips; Ride the Grand Fondo Sportful in …

Big Bear Cycling Association Safety Initiatives Includes Share the Road Campaign, Children’s CycleFest 2012 and Lids on Kids Program

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. April 17, 2012 – Today Big Bear Cycling Association (BBCA) announced its new safety programs for 2012, which are the club’s main focus for this year. The new initiatives include a cycling safety awareness program called Share the Road campaign, a children’s cycling festival on May 12 to demonstrate safety practices in a fun, interactive environment, and an ongoing program called Lids on Kids that gives kids living in Big Bear Valley free cycling helmet inspection and/or a new helmet.

“Cycling is a fabulous individual and group event for health, exercise and fellowship while taking in the spectacular scenery Big Bear Valley has to offer,” said Craig Smith, president of BBCA. “However, cycling must be safe for both cyclists and motorists alike.”

SHARE THE ROAD: BBCA’s 2012 safety awareness campaign called “Share the Road” is named after CalTrans’ local signage that encourages motorists and cyclists to share the roads and highways. Big Bear community leaders have agreed to do their part to ensure safety on Big Bear’s roadways by displaying “Share the Road” stickers on all City of Big Bear Lake Public Work vehicles, Big Bear Disposal trash trucks and Mountain Area Regional Transit Association (MARTA) buses. Campaign stickers are available to the public at BBCA events and local Big Bear bike shops.

BIG BEAR CHILDREN’S CYCLEFEST 2012: BBCA hosts the first annual Big Bear Children’s CycleFest 2012, a fun and interactive event for elementary school-aged children that includes a free bike and helmet inspection, safety discussions, a bike-handling skills clinic, and an obstacle course. Big Bear Children’s CycleFest 2012 is Saturday, May 12, 2012. It is the official kick-off event for the Amgen Tour of California Stage 6 Finish in Big Bear (Friday, May 18, 2012).

“We’ll be giving out many prizes including new helmets, stickers and a healthy lunch,” added Smith. “Plus all participants at CycleFest 2012 will be entered into a drawing for a new mountain bike sponsored by the City of Big Bear Lake.”

Big Bear Children’s CycleFest 2012 is Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Big Bear Sheriff Station located at 477 Summit Boulevard in Big Bear Lake. Parking is available at the Masonic Lodge located at 385 Summit Boulevard. Admission is free. Sponsors of the event include Big Bear Cycling Association, City of Big Bear Lake, Bear Valley Unified School District, San Bernardino County Sheriff, Chains Required Bike Shop and Bear Valley Bikes.

LIDS ON KIDS: BBCA has a long-term goal to provide every child in the Big Bear Valley (kindergarten through sixth grade) with a free cycling helmet inspection and/or a new helmet. The program, which is funded by BBCA’s Tour de Big Bear cycling events, aims to get children trained and involved in safe cycling.

The Lids on Kids program officially began December 2011 in partnership with the Rotary Club of Big Bear Lake’s “Santa Program” and Kiwanis Club of Big Bear Valley’s “Gifts for Kids.” Fifty bike helmets and 15 bicycles were given to families in the Big Bear Valley during these events. The goal for BBCA is to ensure Big Bear’s 1,200 kids are properly fitted with a bike helmet. 

Amgen Tour of California Presents Race Jerseys for 2012

Custom Race Jerseys Awarded to Leaders and High Performers in Each Stage

BIG BEAR LAKE, CA, March 26, 2012– AEG, presenter of the Amgen Tour of California professional road cycling race, has unveiled the official race jerseys for the 2012 race taking place May 13-20. The custom race jerseys, produced by Hincapie Sportswear, official jersey supplier for the Amgen Tour of California, are awarded to the race leaders in various categories throughout the eight-day competition.

Earlier this year, AEG sponsored a design contest for the 2012 Amgen Breakaway from Cancer® Most Courageous Rider Jersey. Mike Monroe from Brea, Calif. created the winning design, which prominently features the Breakaway from Cancer logo and blue and gold colors. Monroe’s design was chosen from a pool of submissions and determined by the following criteria: creativity (50 percent), use of colors and elements (25 percent), and choice of theme (25 percent). Moore’s prize package includes a trip to one Stage of the 2012 Amgen Tour of California, an Amgen Tour of California merchandise package, and the opportunity to present the official jersey to the Most Courageous Rider winner of this year’s Stage 7 which will finish in Mt. Baldy, California.

Race contenders who excel in the following classifications have the opportunity to earn one of six custom-designed jerseys during each leg of the race: The 2012 Amgen Race Leader Jersey – The Amgen Race Leader Jersey is awarded daily to the rider with the least amount of elapsed time over the entire race to that point. Depending on each day’s results, the rider wearing the Leader Jersey can change from stage to stage. Because the overall winner is based on lowest cumulative time, it is possible for a rider to win the Amgen Race Leader Jersey without winning a daily stage.

The 2012 Amgen Breakaway from Cancer® Most Courageous Rider Jersey – Each day, this jersey is awarded to the cyclist who best exemplifies the character of those engaged in the fight against cancer – courage, sacrifice, inspiration, determination, and perseverance. This year’s jersey was designed by a passionate Amgen Tour of California fan, Mike Monroe who won a contest for his design efforts.

“As an avid cyclist, I’m well aware of how great an event the Amgen Tour of Californiais, and I’m blown away by being selected as the winner of the jersey design contest,” explained Monroe. “The biggest honor is to be part of such a great initiative like Breakaway from Cancer.  When I first heard of the contest, I was excited to combine my love of cycling and art in the same project. I really wanted to design a piece where the Breakaway from Cancer logo stands out, and I believe my design does that.”

2012 Nissan King of the Mountain Jersey – As a reflection ofCalifornia’s majestic mountains, this jersey goes to the peloton’s strongest climber. A cyclist earns this jersey by collecting points at designated King of the Mountain (KOM) locations located at the tops of mountains and hills. Only the first three cyclists to reach the top on rated climbs receive points towards this award.

2012 Visit California Sprint Jersey – The Sprint Jersey is awarded to the rider that accumulates the most bonus points, which are given based on Sprint Line performances as well as finishing the stage in the top-15 places. Cyclists who specialize in bursts of power and speed, or consistently finish near the top of each stage, will have the best chance to wear this respected green jersey.

2012 Rabobank Best Young Rider Jersey – Each day, all riders who are under 23 years old compete for this special recognition. The jersey will be awarded to the young rider with the least amount of elapsed time over the entire race to that point. Be on the lookout for these rising cycling stars. 

2012 Exergy Most Aggressive Rider Jersey – Following each stage, as determined by a selection panel, the daily prize for the Most Aggressive Rider will be awarded. This will be based on the participant who shows the most sporting aggression by being involved in attacks, chasing down escapes, length of time in a breakaway, etc.

“We’re excited to be the official jersey partner of the Amgen Tour of California and to create custom jerseys for the rider classifications of the most important bike race in theUS,” said Rich Hincapie, President of Hincapie Sportswear. “It’s an honor for Hincapie Sportswear to be part of such a prestigious event and provide the means to recognize the race’s very best riders.”

The 2012 Amgen Tour of California is set to cover more than 750 miles throughout California from May 13 – 20, and will feature United Cycling International (UCI) Pro, Pro Continental and Continental squads. The 16 world class teams chosen to participate in the 2012 race will include Olympic hopefuls and Tour de France contenders representing more than 20 countries around the world.

Fans can get their hands on the six custom-designed jerseys, sold exclusively at AMGENTourofCaliforniaStore.com. For more information about the Amgen Tour of California, and to enter to win a $500 Amgen Tour of California shopping spree, visit www.AmgenTourofCalifornia.com. The contest goes live today, March 26, and runs through April 9. No purchase necessary.