184. The Road to Big Bear - Conquering California's Switchbacks

Some drives are destinations themselves. Johnny Mac tackles California State Route 18, the mountain road that climbs nearly 5,000 feet in thirty miles using switchbacks so numerous that counting them becomes futile. Experience the challenge of the Rim of the World Highway as it hauls you from San Bernardino's valley floor to Big Bear Lake at 7,000 feet, passing through multiple ecosystems and testing both your driving skills and your vehicle's capabilities. Learn why those brake check warnings matter, what the locals know that tourists don't, and why arriving in Big Bear feels like an earned accomplishment.Some episodes use AI for research, writing assistance, and occasional voiceover when Johnny Mac is unavailable. His point of view, and his insistence on finding the best local taco remains entirely human.