Update on the ride to Thelma’s Family Restaurant.

Our route up to Big Bear seems to have survived the recent pounding from Hilary with a couple of places with minor damage. Cal Trans already show those as cleared. On the other hand the planed route home took us over Onyx Summit and past Angelus Oaks on CA 38.  That route is under “full closure” status. I will continue to monitor repair progress on that route. We may end up returning on CA 18, nothing wrong with that.

Notes on the ride to Thelma’s Family Restaurant.

A short run from our meet up location will find us at Cajon Junction, nestled between the San Bernardino Mountains to the east and the San Gabriel Mountains to the west. We turn onto CA 138, heading east, for an easy cruise to Silverwood Lake. As we skirt the Western and Southern shores we are presented with some spectacular views of the sparkling lake off to our left. The scenery and road change to low alpine forest and winding mountain roads as we leave the lake behind and head for the village of Crestline.

Silverwood Lake was created in 1971 as part of the State Water Project by the construction of the Cedar Springs Dam, consequently inundating the former town of Cedar Springs. The growth and development of that small community was due in large part to the efforts of Dr. Carl Hewitt, and his wife Ella. The Hewitts found the valley they would call home, while exploring on Carl’s motorcycle.

Don’t forget to register for this ride on the Event Page, here

Notes on the ride to Thelma’s Restaurant.

CA 138 joins CA 18 just after Crestline. The 27.5 mile stretch from this junction to Bear Valley Dam will take us through Rimforest, Skyforest and Running Springs as we traverse the San Bernardino Mountains. The scenic byway provides access to popular outdoor areas, for both summer and winter activities, offering some truly stunning panoramic views and great roads to enjoy on a motorcycle.

Rim of the World Highway was initially constructed in 1852 as a logging road by Mormon settlers in what is now modern day San Bernardino County. At the time the Rim of the World Highway was known as the equally appropriately named Crest Drive. 

Don’t forget to register for this ride, here.

Notes on the ride to Thelma’s Restaurant.

At Bear Valley Dam we will turn left onto CA 38 and run along the north shore of Big Bear Lake. Big Bear Lake is the jewel of the San Bernardino National Forest and known for excellent fishing and summer water activities. We pass through the village of Fawnskin, once the hub of lakeside activity, serving as a stagecoach stop and tourist attraction with hotels and dining. The town’s main landmark is the Fawn Lodge, built in 1924, but now closed.  Look for the Big Bear Solar Observatory, on your right, as we skirt Serrano Campground. We run along the north side of Big Bear Airport before turning right at its east end. A zig and a zag and we are in the parking lot. Thelma’s Family Restaurant & Bakery. Time to eat!

In 1884 Frank Brown built an unusual dam here to supply irrigation water for the Redlands area. The single-arch granite dam formed Big Bear Lake, then the world’s largest man-made lake. Engineers claimed the dam would not hold, and declared it “The Eighth Wonder of the World” when it did. The old dam is usually underwater because of the 20-foot higher dam built 200 feet west in 1912.

Big Bear Solar Observatory is a university-based solar observatory. It is operated by New Jersey Institute of Technology. BBSO has a 1.6-meter clear aperture Goode Solar Telescope, which has no obscuration in the optical train.

Don’t forget to register for this ride, here.

Here is your chance to read the ride waiver that you will be required to sign before the ride.

Attached are the gpx files for the ride up to Big Bear  and two alternatives for the return down to San Bernardino. Route 38 out of Big Bear via Angelus Oaks remains closed from Rainbow Ln to Jenks Lake Rd. so that option is off the table.

I look forward to seeing you all on Saturday.

The weather in Big Bear on Saturday is forecast to have a low of 63° F between 05:00 and 06:00 and a high of 81°F between 13:00 and 14:00.

San Bernardino is forecast to have a high of 98°F between 13:00 and 14:00, so it will be warm as we come back down the mountain. Take a break and hydrate at the bottom of the hill before you hit the freeways heading home.

Great video Henry, thank you.

And a big “thank you” to all those that showed up for the ride and the meeting.

• This reply was modified 10 months ago by Ric Magrath.