Life After the Eaton Fire and What's to Come

These past 7 months since the Eaton Fire reshaped my town, life, and business have been challenging to say the least, but here I am coming out of the trauma and loss, thinking what's next? Over the past few months, Ester and I have found a new home in Big Bear, California, approximately two hours East of Los Angeles, nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. We sit at 7,000 feet above sea level, and the air is crisp, clean, and fragrant with the scent of Jeffrey Pines. Chipmunks, squirrels, coyotes, and bears regularly scurry through our yard, creating quite a scene for our two dogs.

Boo Boo swimming in the fresh powder.

The dogs loving the snow while basking in the sun.

After the Eaton Fire tore through our home in January, we bounced around between family's homes in Long Beach and Joshua Tree, before settling in Big Bear in March. I won't sugarcoat it: the first 6 months of 2025 were tough. Aside from losing all our belongings in the fire (personal mementos, family photos, clothing, bikes, camping gear, etc.), the most challenging aspect was losing the lives and community we had worked so hard to build. Losing our daily comforts and routine was quite tricky, as we entered a housing market that was over-inflated, with thousands of other Altadeanens also looking for a new home. Finding something even remotely comparable in terms of comfort, size, and proximity to our shop in downtown LA seemed nearly impossible. Additionally, after the intense loss of our home and community, being even remotely close to where we were once comfortable was traumatic in itself. Thus, Ester and I agreed to seek solitude in the mountains towering over Southern California.

Enjoying my morning coffee on the deck.

Growing up in the heat of Apple Valley, I would always dream of heading up to Big Bear for better weather and even snow, but that dream became a reality two months to the day after the Eaton Fire swept through Altadena, destroying nearly 7,900 structures. Now, here I am six months later, reflecting on the past and working to deal with the trauma. I won't lie, Big Bear has been challenging, from relocating from the city I had resided in for the past 15 years to making new friends and missing the old ones. All that said, it has been a bittersweet experience for Ester and me. It's like getting your cake and being able to eat it, only to find out it is one of the sweetest cakes you've ever had. Thankfully, that bittersweet feeling has been fading, and now I'm starting to dive back into work with a better mindset, thinking, "What's next?" Now that we're working to rebuild our new lives, not having the gear from the past has been both a blessing and a curse. Sometimes I think about how great it would be to have my bikepacking rig, so I could explore our new community, take a quick overnighter, and even join in on a group ride. Truthfully, my interest in bikes and camping has waned. That's the curse; now the blessing has come from my new interest in other sports: rock climbing.

Boo Boo showing his love for Sport climbing.

After moving to Big Bear, an old friend came to visit and encouraged us to join the local Rim of the World Climbing Club for an evening climb. There is a local chapter that meets every Tuesday and usually climbs in a new spot around the valley. Being so new to the sport, I'm incredibly humbled by it and my mentors, Adam and Mary, of Bear Valley Outfitters. They graciously took Ester and me under their wings and taught us everything we know about Sport Climbing. Little did I know before moving to Big Bear that the climbing here is some of the best in Southern California. Right in our backyard is the Holcomb Valley Pinnacles, and as the name suggests, it is genuinely the pinnacle of climbing. Now, I've only been climbing since May, but I can tell you from my limited experience that Holcomb is a must-see destination for climbers of all skill levels. Holcomb offers a wide range of climbing options, including trad, sport, top rope, and bouldering. You won't find any multi-pitch climbing routes, but that's ok, it gives me more reason to travel.

Ellis, leading the Goblin Roof at The Coven in Fawnskin.

Now what's next? Road Runner Bags was founded on the sole purpose of supplying high-quality bike bags and backpacks to the cycling community. Although I've always believed in designing multi-purpose gear, being deeply immersed in the cycling community made it hard for me to stray far from that focus. Our large backpacks are phenomenal for travel off the bike; the Slacker is perfect as a personal item when flying, and the Comrad makes for a great packable backpack, among other uses. However, I never intended the bags to work too well for climbing, that is, until now. I've been using my Large Anything Pack exclusively as a hauler for all my climbing gear. It works great for holding enough gear for two people (and my dogs) to go out for an evening of climbing, but it could be better. It could be taller, narrower, have loops for quickdraws, double as a rope bag, and even more.

The fact is, I am not the only Road Runner Bags customer, and my opinion matters only to a small extent, considering that I didn't start this business to serve my own needs. Yes, that has been a driving force for my designs, but ultimately, you are our customer, and your opinion matters most! That is why I am here today, asking you: what would you like to see us make? What bag designs have you been needing in your life? You've grown with us over the past 15 years, and now I'm asking you to tell me how you've developed your interests, both on and off the bike. What bag(s) are you needing to carry you into the next year and beyond? There are a few climbing bags (backpacks, gear bags) on my mind, but that's about it. I humbly ask you, as our loyal customer, to support our American Manufacturing Facility by inviting you to participate in the design process of a new bag. We've been working over the past few months to restructure our facility and product line; now we're at a point where bringing in a new design would be well-received. While you ponder over your thoughts, enjoy photos of our new lives in Big Bear, and let my experience guide you into your next sport.

Use the form here to submit your response on what bag(s) you would like to see us produce.

Cheers.

Road Runner Bags Founder and Chief of Fun Officer: Brad Adams.

Boo Boo enjoying the last of the snow.

Baby and Boo Boo chasing each other while swimming in Big Bear Lake.

Baby enjoying her new backyard.

The best way to hold 5 Paddleboards and 4 friends, plus two dogs.

Baby & Boo Boo showing their love for Paddleboarding.

Thursday SUP Slackers group Slackline across Big Bear Lake to China Island.

BJ's Sandwiches off Big Bear Blvd in Big Bear City has the clodest Amberbocks in town. Also, the Beef Dip on a French roll is a must try. Ester loves their Ruben.

Mary leading us down a secret trail above Snow Summit.

Kyle testing out our new Webber Grill with some fresh Grocery Outlet Ribeye.