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Grizzly 100 & Big Bear MTB Gran Fondo 2026

Grizzly 100 & Big Bear MTB Gran Fondo 2026

Presented by Bear Valley Bikes
Mountain Biking
Big Bear Lake, CA
Sep 12, 2026
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About This Event

This mountain bike event in Big Bear Lake, California combines what were once two separate races into a single day of challenging high-altitude riding. The Grizzly 100 serves as the final race in the National Ultra Endurance (NUE) Series, drawing elite riders from around the world to compete on one of California’s most demanding courses.

The event offers multiple distance options to accommodate different skill levels. The MTB Gran Fondo features 30k and 50k routes with scenic climbs, while the Grizzly 75k and 100k represent the true endurance challenge. Riders tackling the longer distances face the notorious 2N08 climb before completing multiple laps of the upper loop through Helipad, Lodge Pole, and Cabin 89/Pine Knot sections. The entire course takes place at elevations between 7,000 and 8,500 feet, adding the challenge of thin air to already demanding terrain mixing single-track, double-track, and fire roads.

The dreaded Radford Climb has earned recognition as one of California’s most feared five-mile climbs, separating contenders from finishers. Aid stations throughout the course go beyond typical race fuel, offering everything from Hammer Nutrition and pickle pops to bacon, watermelon, and Grandma Betty’s homemade cookies.

As the NUE Series finale, the event features eight competitive categories including single speed and masters divisions. The atmosphere balances serious competition with strong community support from local volunteers and spectators. One participant noted how the event “seriously exceeded expectations” thanks to the exceptional organization and mountain biking experience delivered in Big Bear’s renowned high-altitude terrain.

The National Ultra Endurance Race Series (NUE)  is a premier mountain bike endurance racing series in the United States dedicated to testing the limits of mountain bikers on gruelling, long-distance courses. Established to cater to the growing demand for ultra-endurance mountain biking events, the series features a variety of races across the country, showcasing some of the most challenging and scenic terrain. Riders compete in categories such as Open Men, Open Women, Masters, and Single Speed, accumulating points throughout the season, with overall champions crowned at the end of the series.

Strambecco provides detailed profiles of each event in the series, which you can see below.  Here are brief descriptions of some prominent events in the National Ultra Endurance Race Series (NUE):

Mohican MTB 100 (Ohio)

Held in the beautiful Mohican State Park, the Mohican 100 is one of the most popular and accessible races in the NUE series. Riders traverse 100 miles of rolling hills, singletrack, and technical terrain through the Ohio wilderness. The race features a mix of fast-flowing sections and demanding climbs, making it a perfect early-season endurance test.

Wilderness 101 (Pennsylvania)

One of the oldest races in the series, Wilderness 101 takes riders through the rugged terrain of the Rothrock and Bald Eagle State Forests. With 101 miles of technical singletrack, fire roads, and rocky descents, the event is renowned for its challenging climbs and demanding technical sections, providing a true test of stamina and skill.

High Cascades 100 (Oregon)

This high-altitude race occurs in the stunning Cascade Mountains, offering riders an unforgettable experience on Bend’s premier trails. The High Cascades 100 is known for its mix of volcanic rock sections, smooth singletrack, and scenic views of the Cascade Range. The elevation and technical features add to the difficulty of this race, which is a favorite among experienced endurance racers.

Tatanka 100 (South Dakota)

Named after the Lakota word for buffalo, the Tatanka 100 brings riders to the picturesque Black Hills of South Dakota. The course offers a variety of terrain, including steep climbs, rocky descents, and fast-flowing singletrack. This race also provides riders with spectacular views of the Black Hills National Forest, making it both a scenic and challenging event.

Shenandoah Mountain 100 (Virginia)

The Shenandoah Mountain 100 is a fan-favoritee event in the NUE series, held in the scenic George Washington National Forest. This race features long climbs, fast descents, and plenty of rocky and rooty singletrack, giving riders a tough but rewarding challenge. Known for its beautiful vistas and well-supported aid stations, it’s a popular race for elite competitors and weekend warriors.

Pierre’s Hole 100 (Wyoming)

Set in the breathtaking Teton Valley near the Grand Tetons, Pierre’s Hole 100 offers riders a mix of flowy singletrack, steep climbs, and technical descents. The high elevation and dramatic scenery make this race a standout in the series, while its challenging course tests both fitness and technical ability.

Each event in the NUE series provides a unique challenge, but they all share a common goal: pushing riders to their physical and mental limits across some of the most beautiful landscapes in the United States.

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