Our Bear Training rides help you train for the Ride Around the Bear Century, hosted by the Orange County Wheelmen.

There are ten scheduled Bear Training rides, which increase in climbing and distance over the six months. Interspersed with the regular Sunday rides, these periodic remote rides such as Angeles Crest, Palos Verdes, and Graduation Day (to Mount Palomar) are a real challenge! The distances begin in the high 30-mile range and progress to 40 miles quickly. More attention is paid to the amount of climb, so the first ride has about 2400 ft. of total climb.

Please join us. It’s a great way to build endurance, even if you don’t plan to participate in the Ride Around the Bear. We recommend that you ride at your own pace. Don’t try to keep up with faster riders or slow down for slower ones.

The Ride Around the Bear is scheduled for Saturday, June 7, and begins in the city of Redlands, at the base of the San Bernadino Mountains. It climbs up Rte. 330 to Big Bear Lake and from there up to Onyx Summit, at an altitude of 8,400 ft. The descent is down Rte. 18 and back to Redlands. The total climb is approximately 9,500 ft.

Bear Training Route Slips

Bear Training rides begin Sunday, January 13 at 9:00 a.m. at Deerfield Park.

See the Sunday ride schedule for ride dates and routes.
Sunday Rides

Bear Training
Remote Start Directions (PDF)

Our Newbie Rides are geared towards new riders, riders with light experience, and riders who have never ridden in a club atmosphere. The route is a flat and approximately 14 mile. It's a “no drop” ride. “No drop" means that we will periodically stop and regroup all riders back together, so no one is left behind. Your speed is our speed. Half way into the ride we will stop for food, scones, bagels, coffee, juice, and a chance to socialize. If the distance scares you, think of it this way: we really doing two 7-mile rides, and that’s easy!

You also won’t want to miss our quick instructional class before the ride. We’ll be discussing how to ride safely, ride in a group, keeping your bike maintained, and rules of the road. An important aspect of our Newbie Ride is the friends you will make. Riding with a friend is much more enjoyable!

New Rider/Member Rides
Rides are planned for the first Saturday of every month. (With the exception of June 7. That ride will take place on May 31.). See the calendar on the home page for the schedule.

Location: Deerfield Park

Time: Orientation begins at 8:00 a.m. The ride begins at 9:00 a.m. and returns around noon.

Helmets are required.

Please be sure to fill out the special sign up sheet for this ride.