On July 12th, we set out for an ATB Beginner Ride that ended up being one for the books. The route led us through Panorama Vista Preserve—one of Bakersfield’s best-kept secrets. Nestled beneath the bluffs along the Kern River, the preserve offers a little bit of everything: tunnel-like passages cut through native trees, expansive vistas that stretch for miles, and ecosystems so rich in texture, they feel like they're humming under your wheels.

It’s a place best explored by bike. And while it’s open to the public, it’s private property held in trust for conservation—so we ride it with respect, knowing that careless use could jeopardize access. The terrain is home to restored habitats, rare species, and the kind of biodiversity you can feel just by being there. It’s a privilege to pass through, and we encourage every rider to treat it as such.
The route itself served up a satisfying mix: pavement, singletrack, doubletrack, fire roads, even sand. Everyone faced their own flavor of challenge, and everyone handled it in their own way—whether powering through or skipping a section to honor their comfort zone. By the time we regrouped, the smiles were unanimous. It was that kind of ride.

We were stoked to have ambassadors Gene, Drew, and Alejandro out with us. Their energy helped set the tone, and Drew even captured the day on his CampSnap camera. The vibe of these photos sums up the ride perfectly.

After wrapping the ride, we made a crucial stop at Panorama Liquor for post-ride refreshments. The hot dog roller came out, like it always does, because let’s be honest—it’s not really a Grizzly ride unless the dogs are rolling.

What stood out most wasn’t the trail variety or the scenery (though both were stellar)—it was the growth we saw across the board. Some riders learned new trails. Others tackled unfamiliar terrain. Some opted out of sections and gained confidence just by showing up. Everyone brought something different, and that’s exactly what makes rides like this so special.

This route, this crew, and this day captured everything we’re about at Grizzly. “Run what you brung” wasn’t just a playful mantra—it was proof that these rides aren’t about what kind of bike you’re on, how fast you go, or how much experience you have. They’re about showing up, getting outside, and sharing something real. Everyone left stoked, and that’s what matters most.