Tour de Big Bear 2026

Tour de Big Bear – Big Bear, California

• Date: July 31 – August 2, 2026
• Location: Big Bear Lake, California, USA
• Distances: Road: 25/50/70/100 miles | Gravel: 25/50 miles | MTB: 50km
• Event Type: Cycling Festival (Road, Gravel & MTB)

The Tour de Big Bear weekend includes a benchmark gravel race California has on its calendar, set within a multi-day cycling festival high in the San Bernardino Mountains from July 31st to August 2nd. The event is a celebration of cycling in all its forms, drawing riders to Big Bear Lake for a weekend of structured events and unstructured adventure in a classic mountain setting at over 6,700 feet of elevation.

The dedicated gravel routes, the DirtyCub and DirtyBear, offer 25 and 50-mile options respectively. These courses guide riders onto the quiet network of scenic fire roads that crisscross the area. As a gravel race California is proud of, it offers a different perspective on this famed landscape. The experience is one of rhythm and flow, with mixed surfaces winding through pine forests and away from the crowds of the main festival.

While gravel has a dedicated following, the weekend is a true festival. The road events include four Gran Fondo distances, and mountain bikers have a thrilling 50km cross-country course on the schedule. This variety is key to the atmosphere, placing it beyond a typical gravel race in California. Cyclists of every persuasion share the same mountain air and festival grounds, creating a diverse and energetic environment for all who attend.

The heart of the weekend is the Big Bear Cycling Expo at Bear Mountain Resort. This central hub is where the riding community gathers, buzzing with energy. Here, participants can browse vendor booths, demo new bikes, and enjoy live music and local food. The expo captures the event’s inclusive spirit and is a fine example of the community found at other gravel events in United States.

The celebratory tone extends beyond the main races. A series of free, family-friendly events invite everyone to participate. The casual Poker Ride circles the lake, the Friday Night Glow Ride illuminates the town with costumes, and a Family Fun Ride provides a safe loop for the youngest cyclists. These gatherings underscore the event’s focus on community and making shared mountain memories, not just competition.

Ultimately, the Tour de Big Bear offers a complete experience, blending personal challenge with the spirit of a mountain holiday. It is an opportunity to find a rhythm on quiet fire roads or simply soak in the festival atmosphere with family. To review all details for this signature Southern California cycling event, please consult the official event website.