TL/DR: Runs are DIY or by volunteer run leaders. Anyone who would like to voluntarily lead a run is encouraged to do so, and start a new thread in the BBBB Sub-Forum to organize it.
For nearly 24 years, exploring the awesome trail network and scenic backroads of the San Bernardino Mountains has been the key component of the Bronco Bash experience. Over the years we've experimented with many different approaches to managing the trail ride experience at BBBB, from totally Do-It-Yourself trail running to fully planned, manned and scheduled run lists. In recent years we've taken a step back from the highly organized approach and returned to our roots as a "disorganization". We would rather help you than herd you, so we promote a "Do-It-Yourself" approach to trail runs. Here are some key notes to consider in order to make the most of your trail riding experience at Big Bear Bronco Bash XXIV:
For nearly 24 years, exploring the awesome trail network and scenic backroads of the San Bernardino Mountains has been the key component of the Bronco Bash experience. Over the years we've experimented with many different approaches to managing the trail ride experience at BBBB, from totally Do-It-Yourself trail running to fully planned, manned and scheduled run lists. In recent years we've taken a step back from the highly organized approach and returned to our roots as a "disorganization". We would rather help you than herd you, so we promote a "Do-It-Yourself" approach to trail runs. Here are some key notes to consider in order to make the most of your trail riding experience at Big Bear Bronco Bash XXIV:
- There will be no "official" runs sanctioned by So Cal Broncos.
- BBBB participants are encouraged to plan their trail riding activities ahead of time, and show up in Big Bear with either a plan for each day already, or the willingness to "go with the flow" as you meet people and form together in ad hoc groups to head out to the trails.
- You are encouraged to use our discussion channels (this Forum or our Facebook Groups (click Here for our 66-96 Group or Here for our 6G Group) to join in the discussions well in advance of BBBB, to meet others and develop your individual trail plan. Post up in any of those channels to see who's interested in the same types of runs you are. Make new friends if you haven't yet.
- Everyone is encouraged to use the discussion forum here at socalbroncos.com to ask questions, plan runs, etc. The forums are accessible to everyone regardless of what various Facebook or other social media groups you are in. It's where people can come together from across the So Cal Broncos diaspora, regardless of other group affiliations, and have discussions that stay put rather than disappear out of people's news feeds within a day. Just go into the BBBB sub-forum and start a new thread. If you need any help getting signed up or creating a thread let me know, I'm happy to help.
- If you would like to plan a run yourself and invite others to come along, please make a post in the BBBB sub-forum to organize your run. You can provide as much information as you'd like but please at the very least include your meeting time and staging location. You might also consider adding links to trail information, adding a photo from the trail, introduce yourself as the run leader, list any requirements you'd like to impose or preparedness suggestions. I would also encourage you to ask people to post in your thread to "sign up", with a pre-set maximum number of participants. If you just post a meeting time and place you're likely to wind up with 40+ rigs, which can overwhelm you and your participants, not to mention others trying to use the trail. I recommend capping runs at 20 rigs. Once you have a thread for your run you'll be able to link to it in posts to the So Cal Broncos facebook groups or any outside groups if you would like to invite more people on your run.
- We maintain a fairly comprehensive list of trails and trail information on the So Cal Broncos website HERE. Use that information to help plan your trail runs. Each trail is assigned a difficulty level, has a brief trail description, links to image galleries from past runs on that trail, and a trail map with downloadable GPX files. Several trails can be linked together to make a longer run, if desired. If you need any help choosing trails or a route for your run, let me know, I'm happy to help with suggestions.
- I expect there will be several pre-planned runs posted in the threads by folks who have volunteered to organize them. So please check the forum periodically for more runs that may get posted. But note that it's not an official run list and that there is probably quite a bit of run planning happening offline or in other channels.
- If you are a member of some other group outside of So Cal Broncos and your members are attending Big Bear Bronco Bash, we welcome you. The Big Bear Trails are of course open for everyone to use at any time. But we do hope you'll choose to be a part of So Cal Broncos (in addition to whatever other affiliations you have) if you are attending Big Bear Bronco Bash. Please note that all of our headquarters activities are intended for active So Cal Broncos members.
- If anyone has any questions please ask. If you are thinking about maybe putting a run together yourself, I encourage you to do so and I know it will be appreciated by many. I stand ready to help with any information you might need in order to plan a route and make the most of your run.
