Lyle T. Bear Grand Tour 2026
*In Progress*
From April 1 to November 15, 2026, riders are challenged to visit at least 12 "Lyle T. Bear" locations, ranging from official signs and public art to real-life bears. This year, I am #33.
A total of 149 checkpoints this year spanning New Mexico, Utah, Arizona, and California. I’m not trying to win the thing, just getting bears that were fun & made sense along with other planned rides. I did make a pilgrimage to the home of Smokey the Bear in Capitan, New Mexico, for Team Strange.
Best Moments
Sleeping in the meadow near Alpine, AZ, after a 3 am departure.
Reuniting with my son in Tucumcara, New Mexico, after a few months away.
Finding some hidden gem bear murals in Downtown Phoenix, Arizona.
My son helping me find all sorts of bears and traveling around town to get them with him.
Seeing how many taxpayer dollars go to Smokey the Bear all over the Southwest while our forest burn all around them.
Exploring Stockton, California, in the middle of the night. A great cultural experience.
