Operation BLACK BEAR

Operation BLACK BEAR

Distance: 17 +/- miles

Event Brief Time: Saturday 25 March 23 at 0830hrs

Start Location: Sycamore Canyon Car Park, CA

Event Finish Time: No Later Than Saturday 25 March 23 at 1700hrs

Finish Location: Sycamore Canyon Car Park, CA

Situation

The Area of Operations (AO) for Operation BLACK BEAR is the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in California. The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is the largest urban national park in the United States and the largest urban national park in the world.

Operation BLACK BEAR is a test of endurance, navigation, fitness, and mental strength.

Mission

Candidates must complete the 17 +/- mile route in under 7 hours to PASS and under 5 hours to earn the GBF Op BLACK BEAR Dog Tag.

Execution

Candidates will meet at the start point at the Sycamore Canyon Car Park. At 0830hrs, GBF Staff will give an event brief before checking candidates maps and kit. Candidates are advised to carry paper maps (waterproofed), in addition to their smartphone, for navigation. Each candidate must carry 25 lbs plus water and food. Once GBF Staff are happy with the candidate's kit, they will be released to begin the route.

Candidates should be self-sufficient for the entire route although there is water near the end of the route (HERE).

Candidates finishing in under 5 hours will receive the highly sought-after 'GBF Operation BLACK BEAR’ dog tags. The first individual to complete the event in dog tag time will earn the GBF Gold Dog Tag.

Service Support

- Mapping. You can navigate this route easily from the AllTrails app on your Smartphone. GBF suggests candidates have a paper map, compass, and GPS for redundancy. To download the route from AllTrails, you will need to sign up for a membership.

- Route. Operation BLACK BEAR. This is the route candidates will follow, including the summits of Tri Peaks (3009 ft), Sandstone Peak (3110 ft), Exchange Peak (2950 ft), and Boney Mountain (2838 ft).

- Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice but they are reminded this is a self-supported, rural event with little provision for support. Wet weather gear is advised in case of inclement weather conditions.

- Equipment.

This list is mandatory:

• Backpack (waterproof inner-bags)
• Phone
• Phone charger
• Head Torch (spare batteries)
• Hydration bladder(s)
• Whistle
• Compass
• Pocket knife
• Emergency rations (see below)
• Chem-light/cyalume
• Emergency shelter
• Personal First Aid Kit

This list is recommended:

• Maps (waterproofed)
• GPS
• Blister kit
• MRE(s)

- Replen. Candidates should carry enough food and water to last the duration of the 17 +/- mile route. There are emergency water points in the area.

- Rations. Candidates must have a minimum of 2 x energy bars as emergency rations. It is the candidates' own decision if they wish to take extra food with them.

- Water. Candidates must carry a minimum of 3 litres of water and be self-sustained for the whole route. The use of hydration bladders is encouraged.

- Medical. A personal medical kit is required by every candidate. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions prior to starting the event. If any GBF staff deems a candidate is medically unfit to continue, they may be withdrawn from the event for their own safety.

- Transport. Transport to and from the event will be at candidates own arrangement.

Command and Signal

GBF HQ - 9419939432

Weight - candidate’s backpacks must weigh 25 lbs without water and food.

Numbers - Maximum number of candidates 40. Minimum number of candidates 10.

Cost - $115 until end of 2022

($135 from 2023)

Refunds - Refunds will be in the form of a GBF voucher for future events. Refunds within 30 days of an event will not be possible.