Big Bear suggestions
I may not get two Jeep weekends in a row, and JV takes priority, so do not count me as confirmed for a 4/6/03 BB run (unless I can take a little person to ride shotgun).
I do suggest making it an introduction run with a variety of terrain. Make the run start time 9AM or 10AM (give people time to climb the mountain).
Make the run mildly challenging for the introduction, with proximity to some of the harder parts (to recruit future run participants).
The suggestion of starting with Gold Mountain from Hwy 18 is great. One challenging stair step ledge (that can be driven around) is the only tight spot for the unprotected, and great views of the valley.
Leaving GM at Holcomb Valley Road (3N16) I would head west to Burn Flats road (3N02). This will take you to the intermediate part of John Bull (3N10). Again, there are two sections with rocks and root challenges, but passible with 225's (and no rocker damage if spotted patiently). This run will deposit the group at the intersection of 3N10 and 3N32 for a deserved break (or lunch depending on start time).
The drivers wanting a challenge can play on the hard part of John Bull (1/4 mile west on 3N10) while on break. Up and down, to/from John Bull Flat, can be fun to drive (and watch) but keep the group together for the duration (do not split into two groups). I find getting-it in this little section of JB is quite satisifying, without the wear and wait of taking a group through the complete trail.
I would not pressure anyone unprepared to run this section of John Bull (better to return for a more advanced run this summer). I have had groups enjoy being spectators in this area for well over an hour, so remain flexible to allow people to enjoy. There is little need to make the run a forced expedition, with lots of good runs to return to in the future.
Take 3N32 back to 3N16, or if you know the way take the boulder squeeze trail to 3N07, and then head west on 3N16.
This return to 3N16 allows people who need to get off the mountain early an opportunity to get back to the main highway (via Polique Canyon Road).
Run 3N16 west to 3N08, to cut over to 3N14. This takes the group below a limestone mine and above upper Holcomb Creek (an area with pioneer history) to 3N14 (another opportunity for folks who have appointments to return to the highway via Fawnskin, can I stress to be flexible in the afternoon for people with schedules).
From 3N14 you can run 2N13 to the Butler Peak fire lookout (easy, if open, for a fantastic view) or begin Holcomb Creek (3N93, moderately hard -- you need rocker protection).
Both trails terminate at 3N16, both will consume close to two hours for a moderate group. It's better to not gamble a race with sunlight until the long summer days.
If needed, Holcomb Creek trail can be split at Canada Larga (2N07X), or continue on 3N93 to 3N16
This west end of 3N16 will allow a return to Hwy 330 through Green Valley and Running Springs.
You can also bypass 3N08 and run 3N16 west to begin White Mountain (2N17), in place of Holcomb Creek (a view from the top of a ridge rather than the bottom of a canyon), but again, it may be better combined with a summer run. I have it on good faith that an informal more difficult run will be scheduled with SoCalXJ folks in the summer.
All of these runs can be found on the USFS map or the Sidekick map.
The proximity of the SBNF should allow for a number of return trips and a variety of challenges (no need to over schedule the day). This is one of the good and bad points of the SBNF: the ease of making a day run into a tour of the challenges (Gold Mountain, John Bull, Holcomb Creek or Cleghorn, 2N17X, Deep Creek) or keeping the pace and expectation slow enough to enjoy the journey (watch more than just the trail).
With a little flexibility you will have a full day wheeling, with optional challenges and great scenery.