Behind the Ride:
Build for Off Road Adventure Ride Updates
Ride Route Report: Big Bear, CA
Get ready for an off-road journey of epic proportions! Ian Johnson, the driving force behind the Build for Off Road Adventure Ride, has meticulously mapped out a route that promises a thrilling mix of scenery and challenges. And with the help of onX Offroad, he gave us an up-close look at early-stage plans for route.
The adventure will kick off with a scenic “appetizer” in Big Bear, California. Think stunning mountain trails and a perfect “nice day to be in the dirt” to get everyone warmed up. From there, things escalate quickly as Ian and the gang will descend into the legendary Johnson Valley. Hold onto your hats, folks, because Ian hints at some trails rated by onX at a difficulty level of 9/10 that will truly test the limits of both driver and machine! Finally, the Adventure Ride will shift gears as it heads for Kingman, Arizona, where the focus turns to a different kind of adventure – exploring cool, old mine trails and historic haunts, promising a unique blend of off-roading and discovery.
But for now, let’s zoom in on where the rubber will first meet the dirt: Big Bear, California!
Exploring Big Bear with Ian and onX Offroad
Thanks to onX Offroad, Ian has a crystal-clear picture of the terrain awaiting our participants in the Big Bear area.
“We’ll all meet in Big Bear, and then we’re going to be basically running this loop right here. This is Gold Mountain, John Bull Trail, and then all the way around like this,” Ian explained, showing us the detailed map on his screen.
Ian pointed out that one benefit of using onX to plot the Adventure Ride course is the ability to pull up images and information about each trail, ensuring the route will offer not just challenges and obstacles, but incredible views and manageable logistics as well.
With a full week of wheeling in store, Ian has been careful not to go too big, too fast. The Sierra Nevada views, pine paths, and granite boulders of Big Bear should be the perfect place to whet everyone’s appetites for a meaty main course of desert rock that will inevitably be served up in Johnson Valley.
“These are kind of just like a little appetizer,” said Ian. “Big Bear should really just be a walk in the park for everybody.”
Let’s take a closer look at the Big Bear trails that will kick off this adventure:
Gold Mountain Trail
onX Rating: 7/10 – Difficult
Don’t let the “appetizer” label fool you! onX describes Gold Mountain Trail as “a technically challenging trail that’s perfect for all rigs with 4×4 and high clearance.” Between the beautiful views and a wide range of rock obstacles, the Adventure Ride crew may be just as busy spotting as they are sight-seeing.
John Bull Trail
onX Rating: 7/10 – Difficult
Keeping the challenge consistent, John Bull Trail promises more excitement. According to Ian, this will be one of the harder sections of the Big Bear trail loop, with some decent rock crawling in store.
“It’s hard, but it’s not impossible,” he says. “If you have a well-built trail rig, you should definitely be able to handle anything along John Bull Trail.” onX notes that winch points on John Bull can be hard to find, so having a good spotter will help speed the team along.
Polique Canyon Road
onX Rating: 2/10 – Easy
After tackling Gold Mountain and John Bull, the adventure takes a slightly more relaxed pace with Polique Canyon Road. Ian describes it as, “literally just a dirt road through the pine trees. This is not gonna be a difficult section in any way.” Polique Canyon Road will serve as a perfect opportunity to take in the scenery and regroup.
From Appetizers to Mains
The beauty and the challenges of Big Bear should get the Adventure Ride team and their rigs warmed up for the next stop on the map…and let’s just say it won’t exactly be a walk in the park!
“If anyone has trouble here in Big Bear, they have absolutely no business being in Johnson Valley,” warns Ian.
Next up on the Ride Route Report, we’re headed to the land where off-road legends are made. Stay tuned!
What are your favorite trails in the Big Bear area?
Are you getting excited for the challenges Ian and his fellow off-road drivers will face in Johnson Valley? Let us know in the comments below! And make sure you’re subscribed for more route breakdowns and behind-the-scenes updates!
What are your favorite trails in the Big Bear area?
Are you getting excited for the challenges Ian and his fellow off-road drivers will face in Johnson Valley? Let us know in the comments below!
And make sure you’re subscribed for more route breakdowns and behind-the-scenes updates!
onX Offroad is along for the ride. Your brand can be, too.
Reach out to us about becoming an Adventure Ride sponsor!
onX Maps is along for the ride. Your brand can be, too.
Reach out to us about becoming an Adventure Ride sponsor!
Ready to Join the Adventure?
Watch the video below to learn more about putting your brand in the middle of the action!
0 Comments