For the past 10 years, the Inland Empire 4 Wheelrs (yes, that’s how they spell it) have sponsored Big Bear Forest Fest, an organized set of runs through the San Bernardino mountains. This event features an impressive vendor area, raffle prizes, food second to none, and a full range of trail choices for all skill levels. Some of the featured trails are mountain favorites such as John Bull, Pilot Rock, White Mountain, and Onyx Summit. Camping for the event was in the Snow Valley Ski Resort parking lot.
We arrived mid-day on Friday, got through tech inspection, and relaxed for the evening. Dogs, chips, and a bottle of water, all for $3.00, was the evening’s fare.
On Saturday morning, Jonathan Mizer, our IE4W Trail Boss, filled us in on the days plans for John Bull and we hit the road at 8:30. Our 40 minute drive past Big Bear Lake took us to the trailhead and we aired down. We wound through some moderate dirt and rock trails keeping a slow pace so we wouldn’t catch up to the earlier John Bull run.
Having run this trail many times before, Richard briefed us that this trip would be more scenic than difficult. While not technical, the trail offered moderate sized rocks that would catch your skidplates if you weren’t careful. We found out that Mike’s guest, Leslie, had never wheeled before. Better this trail than the Hammers.
After moving around a Jeep with a blown front axle, we came upon a TJ with the rear differential stuffed under the driver’s seat. All of the control arms were bent and the pumpkin was pointing straight up. Some careful winching pulled everything back into place and ratchet straps held them there. Two more hours of wheeling found us at trails end and on the highway for camp. All told, we were in the Jeeps 9 hours that day. Needless to say, dinner and a cold beer tasted great that evening.
Sunday consisted of relaxing by the motorhomes and heading into Running Springs for lunch and shopping. A late afternoon departure put us all home before dark.
Attendees: Richard & Courtney; Bob & Kathi; Mike & Leslie; and Tom & Lawana
