Big Bear MTB Gran Fondo 2026
Event Overview
The Big Bear MTB Gran Fondo 2026 is scheduled for September 5, 2026, in Big Bear Lake, California. Listed by the National Ultra Endurance Mountain Bike Race Series (NUE), the event is part of a long-running mountain bike racing program in the Big Bear area.
The 2026 event is scheduled to start at 7:00 AM, with a participant limit of 500 riders. The official event page currently lists two course options: a 100K route and a 75K route. Interactive course maps are provided through CalTopo.
The course is designed around the high-altitude terrain surrounding Big Bear Lake. The organizer describes the route as featuring single-track, double-track and fire-road climbs and descents, with elevations ranging from approximately 7,000 to 8,500 feet. The event is intended to combine demanding mountain-bike terrain with the scenery around Big Bear Lake.
For 2026, the organizer states that it plans to use a World Cup-style course, with staggered start times intended to reduce congestion on the course. Aid stations, volunteers and local support are also part of the event experience.
For official information and registration, visit: NUE MTB – Big Bear Grizzly
Ride Experience
- High-altitude mountain biking: Racing takes place at approximately 7,000–8,500 feet.
- Two course options: Riders can choose between the 100K and 75K routes.
- Mixed MTB terrain: Single-track, double-track and fire roads create varied riding conditions.
- Climbing and descending: The course combines sustained climbs with technical descents.
- Big Bear scenery: Routes feature the mountain landscape surrounding Big Bear Lake.
- Supported race environment: Aid stations and volunteers provide support along the course.
Why It Stands Out
- High-altitude challenge: The elevation adds an additional physical demand to the race.
- Technical terrain: A combination of single-track, double-track and fire roads creates a varied MTB experience.
- Two distances: The 100K and 75K options offer different levels of challenge.
- NUE Series event: The race is listed as part of the National Ultra Endurance Mountain Bike Race Series.
- Big Bear setting: The event combines mountain-bike racing with the distinctive alpine environment of Big Bear Lake.
Summary
Big Bear MTB Gran Fondo 2026 is a high-altitude mountain bike event scheduled for September 5, 2026, in Big Bear Lake, California. With 100K and 75K courses featuring single-track, double-track and fire roads, the event offers riders a demanding mountain-bike challenge in the Big Bear terrain.
