Manx Club gathering in Big Bear with over 200 buggy’s

1964 Myers and Company Myers Manx (Old Red)

The iconic beach buggy.  We have all seen them, on the beach, off road, in movies and even commercials.  But have you ever seen over 200 of them at once?

The Manx Club picked Big Bear Lake for its beautiful backdrop of these unique buggy’s and to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the Meyers Manx.   Owners eagerly awaited to meet Bruce Meyers, the creator of the buggy that bares his name.

Bruce told me that Big Bear was the place that off-roading was introduced to the fun-buggy world.  Back in the 60’s, hanging out at his cabin with some other early owners, there were a group of off road motorcycle enthusiasts.  The motorcycle guys were talking about this new endurance race they did in Mexico and Bruce piped up “well, a buggy could beat your best motorcycle time”.  With the challenge issued, he entered the race.  He beat the best motorcycle time by over 5 hours!  Bruce told me that Road and Track picked up the story and then the rest was history.  4 wheel off road racing was born.

Bruce originally created and built the first 5 vehicles and really never expected the cult-like following that followed.  He is a very spry an entertaining fellow with an enthusiasm for life that makes you feel good when he talks to you.

Bruce Myers the creator of the Myers Manx

The parking lot at Northwoods Resort was filled with buggy’s

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Some Meyers Manx vehicles were flown from other countries as far away as Australia!  The Director of the Manx Club drove his vehicle over 3500 miles from Montreal, Canada.

There will be a parade of these cars as they drive around the lake tomorrow, July 12, leaving Northwoods Resort at 9:00 am.    They don’t have a total count yet – but this will be the largest official gathering of these vehicles ever, they have over 250 vehicles registered to show.

Turbo Manx for raffle – Someone is going home with this $30k beauty!

Green Manx Machine

This one is smiling!

One Hot Manx

Eco Motor in 2004 Manx

HOT PINK!

Racing Manx

Sparkle Manx

When you go to the Chili Cookoff tomorrow, you are sure to notice a lot buggy’s in town, and now you know why!

Big Bear Parks Highlight – Sugarloaf Park

 

Big Bear has many facilities around the lake and eventually I will get to them all but I thought, why not start a little off the beaten path?  One of my favorite parks in Big Bear is Sugarloaf Park.

Sugarloaf Park is located at the intersection of Maple and Baldwin and has many excellent features.  With a skateboard park, baseball field, basketball courts, public restrooms, playground, child swings, big swings, covered picnic area (this is huge) and more – this park is a gem that usually goes unnoticed by the majority of people.

The Big Bear City Fire Station 292 is on the corner of Baldwin and Maple and the park surrounds the station.

Oh, did I tell you it has a full exercise circuit?

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Another perfect day in Big Bear

It is another perfect day in Big Bear.  People are getting ready for the festivities this Fourth of July weekend, cleaning BBQ Grills, stocking up on supplies.  There are many things to do so, I just had to pick out a few and link to the rest!  First – a public service announcement:

ABSOLUTELY NO FIREWORKS!
We are in a forest, the lake is low, we are in a drought – let’s all be smart.  BBQs are permitted but due to high risk dangers, but there are restrictions in camping areas.
Oh, one more thing – In the San Bernardino National Forest – smoking is limited to an enclosed vehicle or building, or within a Developed Recreation Site.  Click the link for more:
San Bernardino National Forest Fire Use Restrictions

Community Arts Theater (C.A.T.S) presents
The Wizard of OZ
Relive a timeless classic live and in person at the Performing Arts Center – click the link below:
The Wizard of OZ show schedule

Big Bear Lake Artwalk Festival
hosted by the Mountain and Desert Arts Association, Arts Council of Big Bear Valley and the City of Big Bear Lake
July 4th, 5th and 6th
This is an excellent thing to do whether by yourself or with the family. There will be artists showing off their works with some performing their craft right in front of you eyes! There will be live music on the center stage, food and a beer garden featuring craft brews from Hanger 24.
Admission is free – so why not come out and roam?
Big Bear Lake Artwalk Festival

Big Bear Lake 4th of July Firework Spectacular
Who wants to see fireworks on the 4th of July? Why everybody, of course. Big Bear Lake put on one of the largest shows in Southern California year after year. The fireworks are shot out from a barge on the lake so they are visible from almost anywhere you have a view of the lake.  There are many public viewing places are great and many businesses and organizations have special seating and events you can reserve also. For a choice of reserved events:
Big Bear 4th of July Events

Old Miners Days Annual Chili Cookoff

July 12 – Old Miners Day’s Official Chili Cookoff
Do you like chili? Then you should come to the 2014 Big Bear Old Miners Association International Chili Society sanctioned Chili Cook Off. It is really hard to miss as it is in the Bartlett Street Public Parking lot. The festivities start at 10 am. Admission is free. There will be music, food, dancing and our world famous “Outhouse Races”.