Mr. Q’s Corner
Here we are into the month of July with 100-degree temperatures.  Most cyclists I know are inclined to start rides at 6:30 am instead of 8:00 in order to beat the heat.  Cycling activity has slowed in the area due to high temperatures and less than desirable air quality, but you will find a few hardy souls still doing their rides in the surrounding foothills.  A lot of us head for the mountains for cooler temperatures and fresh air.  I enjoy riding at higher elevations during July and August to avoid the heat.  Just an hour’s drive from Fresno, around the Shaver Lake area, you can find some of the most scenic cycling routes in Fresno County with good roads, stores at about the right distances, and most importantly, light traffic. 
Always-popular routes are: Shaver to Wishon, Shaver to Courtright and Shaver via Rock Creek road to Tamarac ridge.  The Shaver to Tamarac ride is definitely for the more adventurous and experienced riders. Road conditions are marginal at best with missing pavement, some potholes and steep climbs in the double-digit range, but still a great scenic fun ride.  Any of the routes are a challenge; just bring your climbing legs and climbing gears.
For those of you who want a ride with fewer miles and less climbing, try Dinky Creek to McKinley Grove.  McKinley Redwood Grove, located half way between Dinky Creek and Wishon, is a beautiful spot to stop and enjoy these majestic trees.  There are two stores along the way, one at Dinky Creek and the other at Wishon. Another popular route is starting from the boat marina at the end of Shaver Lake, up Hwy 168 to Tamarac then on to Huntington Lake and the General Store. For you climbers who want an adventure try the ride up Kaiser Pass road from Huntington to the turn around for the Climb to Kaiser.  Any of  these rides would be a great way to spend a Saturday in the cool clear air of the Sierra Nevada.

I would like to thank all Fresno Cycling Club members who volunteered for the 2009 Climb to Kaiser.  The response from Club members was spectacular, helping to continue Fresno Cycling Club’s reputation for first class rider support and making the Climb to Kaiser one of cycling’s premier events in California.  Thanks again everyone.

See you on the road . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mr. Q