Cyclists treated for hypothermia in Big Bear race

A major storm cell passing over the Tour de Big Bear Cycling Race put a brake on the tour for two-dozen cyclists Saturday afternoon.

The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department says the cyclists suffered from mild-hypothermia while on Highway 38 near Big Bear. The stretch is a colder part of the 100-mile mountainous race through the Big Bear Valley.

San Bernardino County Fire crews working at the aid station were able to provide medical evaluation and assistance immediately as the riders showed up.

All patients were evaluated and warmed up by the fire crews and aid station workers. The riders weren’t taken to the hospital, having only suffered minor injuries. They did, however, end the race. They were taken back to the starting line in Downtown Big Bear, about 8 miles away.

Nearly 2,000 people participate in the race.

San Bernardino County wants to remind everyone traveling in the mountains to be prepared for cold weather, even on a hot summer day. The climate can change rapidly with the monsoonal moisture tracking through the area. This could also result in flash floods, lightning, and in this case, a rapid decrease in temperature. Prolonged exposure could cause hypothermia.