Big Bear Today Magazine May 2022

Page 2—May 2022
From the Publisher
Hiking 28 miles in
one day on the PCT
for Make-A-Wish
T
he
28-miles of Pacific Crest Trail
in Big Bear Valley these folks will
be hiking I know well, and have
hiked myself many times.
Just not all in one day.
That’s exactly what dozens of twofooters
will do on May 21 and again on
June 4, hitting the PCT by 4 a.m.,
headlamps and flashlights illuminated to
chase away shadows. What’s more, they’re
each committing $2,500 or more in donations
for the effort, either writing their own
tax-deductible check or raising money, in
some cases lots of it. The hiker gets a twonight
hotel stay and meals, trail support and
much more, a chance to dig deep not just
into your pockets, but also your soul.
The Trailblaze Challenge is the best
event in Big Bear you’ve never heard of.
The idea of hiking 28 miles on the PCT to
benefit Make-A-Wish started with the San
Diego chapter six years ago and has since
spread like wildfire. From Northern California
and Nevada all the way to Alabama,
chapters around the country are hosting
events on their own local trails that challenge
hikers and raise money to grant
wishes to critically ill kids.
Covid threw the event for a loop the
past couple years in some places, but
Trailblaze Challenge San Diego hit the
PCT in 2021 and is doing so again this year.
Just how many will participate is an unknown
at press time, but at least 70 returning
veterans are expected to hike.
There were 74 hikers that first year in
2017 and subsequent events have seen as
many as a couple hundred participate. Over
$2 million has been raised to grant wishes
to sick kids, an amazing total indeed and
an indicator of the passion that both the
cause and event inspire in people.
“That’s over 200 life-changing wish
experiences that not only impact wish kids
directly, but also impacts their families
along with thousands of community members
involved annually in making wishes
come true,” said Christine Reed of Make-
A-Wish San Diego.
So why haven’t you heard of an event
that raises millions and grants hundreds of
wishes? Trailblaze Challenge San Diego
stays somewhat under the radar to discourage
unregistered hikers from crashing its
party. Marathons call them bandits, but by
any term they’re people who show up to
do the event but don’t raise money or register.
Given that there’s aid stations along
the route and trail support, it’s easy to see
why this is a problem.
The group doesn’t even want the
hike’s start and finish lines publicized.
Given that there’s 39 miles of PCT in Big
Bear, it’s pretty easy to guess which 28 are
involved in the event but we’ll honor that
request. Of course, Trailblazers won’t be
the only ones on the trail since PCT is
popular with thru-hikers heading from
Mexico to Canada at this time of year. In
any case, registration is closed so if you’re
interested in participating look to 2023 by
making your commitment around the holidays.
Trailblaze Challenge is a months-long
journey that starts with commitment and
ends with hike. Registrants receive personal
training schedule and the chance to
go out on weekly training hikes, tips on
footwear and hiking gear from seasoned
professionals, and help with fundraising.
During hike weekend participants stay
two nights in town and are treated to Friday
night dinner, post-hike Saturday celebration
and breakfast on Sunday before
heading home. Transportation to the trailhead
and support along the trail are other
perks as well as a cool T-shirt. All part of a
journey that lets hikers discover a lot about
Make-A-Wish, and also about themselves.
Any impact Trailblaze Challenge
makes on the PCT is mitigated thanks to
the event’s main underwriter, Wheelhouse
Credit Union. As part of its mission to
Leave No Trace Behind, WCU is providing
hikers with reusable bags for training
hikes and the big event to clip to their packs
for trail cleanup. The PCT will be cleaner
after they walk than before.
“It seems like just yesterday that I went
to my first info meeting in 2017,” said Suzi
Reagan-Harlow, now on her fourth event.
“That time between starting in the chilly
dark of night and hiking as the sun yawns
and stretches across the forest might have
happened in a dream. I didn’t want to wake
up, except that together we are raising
money for the kids.”
It should be noted that wishes aren’t
granted to only terminal children, contrary
to popular belief. All are critically ill, but
some recover with memories of a lifetime
people who beat feet for a good cause help
provide.
You can help Trailblaze Challenge
cross the finish line for its fundraising goals
by making a donation; visit
bigbeartodaymag.com for the link. Or walk
28 miles next year!
Have a good one.
Marcus
ON THE COVER: Thru-hikers, Trailblazers and everyday day hikers will keep Pacific Crest
Trail busy in May. See our coverage on pages 2 and 4. —BBT photo by Marcus Dietz
Volume 33, Number 11 May 2022
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6
8
11
16
Publisher
Marcus G. Dietz
Associate Publisher
Sandra L. Dietz
Publishing Consultant
Bret Colson
Technical Consultant
Charles Dietz
Photography/Distribution
Steve Dietz
John Daskam
Mark Gauger
In This Issue...
Big Bear Today
See it all on the Pacific Crest Trail
Rare flowers and lions, spectacular sights and sacred sites, all
found along the famous Pacific Crest Trail...in just its Big Bear
sections! Thru-hikers are making their way north on the PCT
but you don’t have to go all the way to Canada to have fun
because there’s great local sections to hike right here. Plus
more PCT coverage on this page. Can you tell we love it?
Spartans Back to Tackle Mud, Fire
Top athletes from around the Southland and even the country
tackle a dizzying array of obstacles when this signature event
returns to Snow Summit. Walls, mud, even fire challenge
warriors not to mention Big Bear’s elevation and 1,200 vertical
feet of climbing. Spectators get a front row seat for the action
plus access to vendors, music, and their own obstacles.
Maifest Back 2 Weekends, Grill & Chill too
Maifest is back for three days over two weekends, bringing a
bit of Oktoberfest with a spring flair to it. Not to mention three
German bands, brats and beers! Plus Grill & Chill over
Memorial Day weekend sees Kansas City BBQ competition,
brews and live music including Morgan Leigh Band.
Museum Opens for Holiday, Tacos, Talk
Big Bear Museum opens for the season with hands-on history
the whole family will love. Like the authentic five-stamp mill,
working blacksmith shop, “gold” panning for the kids and
more. Plus eagle talk on May 12 (page 3), tacos on May 23.
Fast Times at Big Bear Speedway, Ropes too
Get a taste of real racing on a fifth-mile long grand prix-style
track at Big Bear Speedway driving state-of-the-art Sodi karts.
You’ll hit speeds up to 30 mph while leaning into hairpin turns
and pounding straightaways. Then climb Big Bear’s only ropes
course, where over 30 challenges await.
Grizzlies can be viewed up close and
personal at Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Page 15
DEPARTMENTS
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3
13
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From the Publisher
Potpourri
Area Map/
Calendar of Events
The Almanac
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