Pushing Past The Limit: Siena Hermon

I'm Siena Hermon a 22-year-old Big Bear local, born and raised. Growing up I was always around the cycling scene because my dad was a hardcore XC racer and owned a local bike shop here, Bear Valley Bikes.

We would always go to races as a kid and I loved the people and the environment but didn't ever see myself racing. Then years down the road when my dad started the Grizzly 100 mountain bike race here in Big Bear I was intrigued to race my bike here in my backyard on the trails I knew and loved. This race excited me and ended up being one of the main motivators that got me into biking.

That is when I found cycling, I loved the challenge, and I wanted to continue to push myself farther and farther each time I road. I did my first Grizzly in 2019, and I loved it. I remember saying to my friends at the time, “Wow! That was the hardest thing I've ever done” because it truly was.

Training in Big Bear is ideal for me because there is an endless amount of single track and fireroad trails all around the valley. It is the perfect place to ride for not only Mountain Biking but gravel cycling too. The elevation of 6752 is known as the sweet spot for athletes. Living and training here year-round gives me a real advantage over athletes at sea level.

And beyond the performance benefits, it’s just beautiful - you get to see views of the lake, forested areas, wildlife, and my all time favorite thing about Big Bear is the beautiful blue skies we experience almost on the daily basis!

Now looking at where I am now, I have continued to push each and every boundary I have ever had for myself. Now signing up and competing races over 100 miles — and not only that — being competitive in those races.

In 2024, I won the Grizzly 100 MTB race which was a huge accomplishment for me being the race that started my passion for the sport. I also won the Gigante de Piedra race in Spain. I kicked off 2025 with a 2nd place at the Rock cobbler and 4th place at Belgian Waffle Ride California. I know this is just the beginning of a flourishing career.

I want to help inspire and provide wisdom to people who are getting into cycling. Maybe you are like I was - interested in pushing your limits. So, let’s break boundaries together!