|
|
|
|
April Birthday Ride
Prez Sez – May 2026
Greetings fellow club members, and bicycling community.
I hope everyone had as much fun riding in April as I did. With all the weekly rides, I was able to get in more miles after recovering from the ELR Growler, this was the first year I was able to complete the full 60-mile ride. It is certainly challenging, especially for a 75-year-old. After more than a decade in the club, I’ve noticed that with our 64-year history, we have quite a few senior members—anyone over 60. This is not a bad thing at all; it’s inspiring to see how cycling keeps us fit and boosts longevity. We have members riding strong well into their 70s, 80s, and even 90s. The real challenge isn’t the older riders, but bringing in more younger families and riders to take on leadership roles. We’re off to a good start with our new Vice President, Ryan, and his wife, Membership Director Anna, but we need to encourage more youth to get involved. As a club, we should focus on becoming more inclusive.
We had a great turn out for the April Birthday rides, there seemed to be a lot more show up than the 30 who registered, probably double, which is great. It’s awesome to see our members getting out for the group rides again.
Our May birthday ride as part of "May is Bike Month" will occur on Saturday May 9, 2026. The plan is to start at Steven’s parking lot, ride out to Lost lake for some treats that we had left over from the Cell Hill Century, from there you can ride with Glenn Medina to Oneal’s station at 41 & Road 200, or ride with Ryan Stromer to the backside of Millerton, or just ride back to the start. We want to make this an “All inclusive – no drop ride”. You can register at: https://fresnocycling.com/event-6678527.
Thank you for your continued support, your enthusiasm, and your dedication to safe cycling. I look forward to seeing many of you out on the road, on the gravel or on the dirt.
Ride with purpose, ride with pride, and enjoy every mile. Ride SAFE and Ride Legal!
That’s all for now, The Prez
Dennis Ball
|
|
|
THE CELL HILL CENTURY
Despite several scheduling changes, we successfully hosted the first Cell Hill Century (formerly The Kirch Flat Century) on April 25, 2026, instead of the usual early May date. The change avoided conflicts with other local rides and events, although it overlapped with the Clovis Rodeo and Tower District Porch parties. Initially, only 40 riders registered, but the final count reached 87. New Board members VP Ryan Stromer and Membership Director Anna Lloyd volunteered to coordinate the event, marking their first time organizing. They are now veterans after learning a lot about how to organize an event, they secured the venue, most of the volunteers, and managed to make the event a success despite a few challenges. The riders had great weather, great rest stops, SAG drivers, Comms personnel, and a delicious after ride meal. Next year the Cell Hill Century will be scheduled for the first Saturday in May regardless of others who may schedule a bicycling event on that date.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Fresno Cycling Club at the Wildflower CenturyThis year, the Fresno Cycling Club had a strong showing at the Wildflower Century, an event hosted by the San Luis Obispo bicycle club. The weather could not have been better, making for an enjoyable day on the bike. Riders appreciated the excellent rest stops along the routes, which provided much-needed refreshments and encouragement. The selection of routes offered something for everyone, adding to the fun and excitement of the ride. Afterward, participants gathered for a delicious meal, capping off a memorable day. It was great to see so many familiar faces from the FCC at the event, highlighting the club's enthusiastic participation and camaraderie. |
|
|
|
|
RIDE TO GLACIER POINT
I’m not sure how long they have been doing it, but every spring after the road is cleared of snow, the Forest Service in Yosemite has been opening the road to Glacier Point to bicycles only for a few days before they open it for vehicles. My first year riding it was on April 30, 2022, it was a fun ride with a group of FCC members, for most of whom it was their first time riding as well. That first year we road on the old road which suffered from years of weather and traffic pothole repairs and poor condition. This year April 30, 2026 the group pictured here did the Glacier point ride. Along with several other club members who were in various other groups and solos. It If you start at the turnoff from Highway 41, the ride is 32 miles out and back with 3,500 feet of climb. |
|
|
MAY IS NATIONAL BIKE MONTH
Happy May is National Bike Month. It's that time of year where we take the opportunity to promote all things bicycling to the extent possible with a Nation-Wide Celebration.
National Bike Month was established in 1956 as a celebration of cycling in the United States. It is sponsored by the League of American Bicyclists and takes place every May.
The National schedule includes
- National RIDE A BIKE DAY Sunday 5/03. #BikeDay
- BIKE TO WORK WEEK 5/11-17
- BIKE TO WORKDAY 5/15
On National Ride A Bike Day, let’s all ride bikes together, wherever we are and at our own pace, to take part in a collective action and kick start making life better for everyone.
There are so many reasons to bike: because riding a bike is fun! Because riding a bike brings us joy, health, and happiness. Because when more people ride bikes, life is better for everyone. And because when all of us who ride bikes ride together on National Ride A Bike Day, Sunday May 3rd, we can show our neighbors and our leaders why making it easier, safer, and more accessible to ride a bike is so important to so many people.
LOCAL MAY IS BIKE MONTH EVENTS/RIDES
Friday May 15, 2026, 4 pm at City Hall
Join Mayor Jerry Dyer, Fresno County Bicycle Coalition, and the Active Transportation Advisory Committee for the 4th Annual Bike Ride with the Mayor in celebration of Bike Month! It's a fun ride for all levels of riders. Register at: https://fresnobike.org/event-6641861
The Fresno Cycling Club where avid, passionate and first-time bicyclists can find a place to be involved. We are an all-inclusive bicycling club, with the mission of promoting safe and legal bicycling for all levels of riders.
|
|
|
What does it mean to be an "all-inclusive" bike club?
In practice, it means the club aims to remove barriers and create a supportive environment by:
- Welcoming riders regardless of skill level (from beginners to advanced cyclists)
- Being inclusive of different ages, genders, cultures, and identities
- Accommodating various types of bikes (road, mountain, adaptive cycles, e-bikes, etc.)
- Offering rides or programs suited to different fitness levels and needs
- Promoting a culture of respect, safety, and community rather than competition or exclusivity
So instead of focusing only on performance or elite riding, an all-inclusive bicycling club prioritizes participation, accessibility, and a sense of belonging for everyone who wants to ride.
Are We Truly an Inclusive Bicycling Club?
As our club continues to grow, it’s worth taking a step back and asking an important question: Are we as inclusive as we think we are? Inclusivity isn’t just about having an open invitation, it’s about creating an environment where people of all backgrounds, abilities, and experience levels feel genuinely welcomed, supported, and able to participate fully.
What Does Inclusivity Look Like in Cycling?
An inclusive bicycling club reflects diversity across skill levels, ages, genders, cultural backgrounds, and physical abilities. It means a beginner rider feels just as comfortable joining a ride as a seasoned cyclist. It means no one feels left behind—socially or physically.
Where We Might Fall Short
Even with the best intentions, barriers can exist:
- Group rides that are too fast or competitive for newcomers
- Unspoken norms that make new members feel like outsiders
- Limited outreach beyond existing social circles
- Lack of representation in leadership or ride leadership roles
Recognizing these gaps isn’t a criticism—it’s an opportunity.
How We Can Improve
- Offer Ride Variety: Create clearly labeled ride levels (e.g., beginner, no-drop, social pace, advanced) so everyone knows what to expect.
- Adopt a “No-Drop” Culture: Ensure that no rider is left behind, especially on beginner-friendly rides.
- Mentorship Programs: Pair experienced riders with newcomers to help them build confidence and connection.
- Expand Outreach: Partner with local community groups, schools, or advocacy organizations to invite a broader range of participants.
- Leadership Diversity: Encourage members from different backgrounds to take on visible roles within the club.
- Open Feedback Channels: Regularly ask members—especially newer ones—what would make them feel more included.
Building a Culture of Belonging
Inclusivity isn’t a one-time initiative—it’s an ongoing commitment. Small actions, like introducing yourself to a new rider or adjusting pace to keep the group together, go a long way. A welcoming culture is built ride by ride.
Let’s continue working toward a club where everyone—not just some—feels like they belong.
What do you think? We’d love to hear your ideas on how we can make our club even more inclusive. |
|
|
ANNUAL RIDE OF SILENCE
Each year, the Fresno Cycling Club hosts the annual Ride of Silence for the Fresno/Clovis area in honor of those that have been injured or killed while riding the roads in our county. This year, on May 20th, we will be meeting in the northeast corner of the Buchanan High School parking lot for an 8-mile route through Clovis and Fresno. This year, our community is riding to bring awareness to the community about safer streets for everyone who uses them, but especially for our youth. Over the past two years, we have witnessed several teenagers who have had their lives ended all too short when they were struck while riding a bicycle near their homes. With nicer weather and an increase in e-bikes, our community members are even more at risk. Parents, community members, bicyclists, and pedestrians are all users of the roads that we need to share. Increasing awareness for road safety, rules, and visibility is one of the main causes for this ride. I, Melissa Rose, the ride leader for our local Ride of Silence will continue to support this ride to create a safer community for us all. Please come support this year's Ride of Silence so those who have been injured or killed will be honored and remembered. Please register for this free event through the FCC website. https://fresnocycling.com/event-6584279 |
|
|
C2K AND TOLLHOUSE CENTURY TRAINING RIDES
Tollhouse Century training rides led by FCC Ride Coordinator Glenn Medina! Each ride will be on a Saturday starting from the Steven’s Bicycles parking lot at Willow & Nees in Clovis. Start time will likely be between 7:00 and 8:00 AM but may vary according to the weather forecast and length of each ride. Details for each ride will be posted on Sunday or Monday before the ride on the FCC ride calendar and on the “Fresno Cycling Club Rides” Facebook page. The ride dates will be May 16, May 23, May 30 and June 6. The rides will get progressively more challenging. These rides will be C level, training pace with few and brief stops. Regrouping at designated stops so that the group finishes each ride together. People training for Climb to Kaiser are welcome to join any of these rides!
Tollhouse Century Training Ride #1
May 16: Humphrey-Wildcat-Lodge Loop CCW; 74 miles and 5000 feet of climbing.
https://www.strava.com/routes/8051548
Tollhouse Century Training Ride #2
May 23: Tollhouse Grade Via Humphrey Station; 75 miles and 5900 feet of climbing.
https://www.strava.com/activities/14131922283
Tollhouse Century Training Ride #3
May 30: Tollhouse Grade & Shaver; 85 miles and 7000 feet of climbing.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/54841231
Tollhouse Century Training Ride #4
June 6: Wildcat & Tollhouse; 91 miles and 7800 feet of climbing.
https://www.strava.com/routes/4607536
|
|
|
Help Fresno Cycling Club support NAMI Fresno
By FCC Member Al Graves
Over the past several years, I’ve become increasingly aware of two important things:
1. Most of us are affected—one way or another—by mental illness within our families or close circles of friends; and
2. No local nonprofit provides more meaningful, accessible, and free support services for those individuals and families than NAMI Fresno.
For that reason, I’d like to share a simple and impactful way for members and friends of the Fresno Cycling Club to support NAMI Fresno—while also bringing positive recognition to our Club.
An anonymous donor—a respected cyclist and strong supporter of NAMI Fresno—has generously agreed to match dollar-for-dollar the first 100 contributions of $10 made in the name of the Fresno Cycling Club for the 22nd Annual NAMIWalks Fresno, taking place on May 16th at Woodward Park.
You’re welcome to walk, invite a friend to walk, or simply show your support with a donation—every contribution makes a difference. Several of us will also be there on walk day, representing the Club at a clearly marked table.
Your support helps fulfill NAMI’s mission of improving the quality of life for people with mental illness and their families through support, education, and advocacy.
If you would like to support this cause, AND bring recognition to our Club, please click here: FRESNO CYCLING CLUB and have your $10/person contribution matched by a fellow cyclist and proud member of FCC.
To learn more about NAMI Fresno and the resources available to those affected by mental health conditions, please visit: NAMI FRESNO
If you have any questions or for more information, feel free to call Al Graves at (559) 284-0787—any time before his 8:00 p.m. bedtime!
Thank you for your support and for helping make a difference in our community.
Support the Fresno Cycling Club's Initiative for NAMI Fresno
By Al Graves
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mark Perkins – Author of the Fresno Uphill Climb to Kaiser
This is a 3-month early heads-up.
I am planning to be at this Year's Climb to Kaiser on Friday, June 19th for the sign-in, from sometime around 3 PM until they close the doors around 8 PM, and on the afternoon of Saturday, June 20th, the day of this personal endurance challenge, with at least 10 to 15 copies of my book. Hopefully with Suzanne Schwarzwaelder Lock, the woman who created this great event, to help me autograph and sell them.
We sold 11 copies at last year's event, and one to the Tollhouse Store owner on the Sunday after. And we autographed all of them. So, that should be enough. If anyone thinks that isn't enough please let me know. I will also bring an order book just in case we run out. If I should have to mail one out to anyone, I send them via USPS Media Mail, which is only $7.43 the last time I checked. Remember, this is a 700-page book and it weighs over 4 pounds.
The price through us is more than $25.00 less than if you buy one online. I have set it at only $55.95 plus my local sales tax which brings it up to exactly $60.00. That's just 3 $20 bills. An easy number to remember. One friend bought one online right after it was published, and it cost him $86.33, which is why I set the price if you purchase a copy through myself or Suzanne at $55.95 plus tax.
Incidentally, I currently have 3 copies here at my home, and Suzanne already autographed them. I will also autograph them personally to the buyer when the time comes.
I hope to see you there. Mark PS Mark Perkins was the creator of the Tandem Penny Farthing Bicycles logo used for the Rough Draft which he also thought of the name. |
|
|
LOOKING FOR FCC RIDES??
The following is a list of FCC ride groups and locations to find FCC Rides.
Facebook
EMAIL
FCC Website
Contact Ride Coordinator Glenn Medina to post your ride on the Calendar. |
|
|
Club Ride Calendar Events for May
For the Latest Information on the daily, weekly, and event rides for Fresno Cycling Club, please be sure to check out the Ride Calendar!!
- Spring Training Series – Saturdays: Weekly progressive-distance rides designed to build early-season fitness. Watch the Ride Calendar.
- Sunday Gravel Explorers – Sundays at 11:00 am. Meet at The Bike Shop Sycamore Island gravel adventures for beginning & intermediate riders looking to expand their skills. Check the Ride Calendar for details.
- May Birthday Ride – May 9 : Celebrate our May birthdays with a special ride. Join us for a fun and festive gathering on the road! Register here:https://fresnocycling.com/event-6678527
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UPCOMING FCC AND OTHER LOCAL EVENT
|
|
|
|
|
FCC BOARD MEETING
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
6:30 PM
Me N Eds Victory Grill
4010 N Cedar Ave Members are welcome to attend |
|
|
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL
Your Membership Renewal Date:
{Member_Upcoming_Renewal_Date} |
|
|
Thank You to Our Great Volunteers
Our events thrive because of the people who give their time, energy, and heart. Whether you led a ride, staffed a rest stop, drove SAG, or helped with logistics, you made 2025 a standout year. Thank you for everything you do. To help recruit our needed volunteers for our 2026 events the following link allows you to sign up to volunteer. https://fresnocycling.com/event-6583982 |
|
|
|
|
Our Mission and Commitment
As a 501(c)(3) organization, the Fresno Cycling Club remains committed to promoting safe and legal bicycling for recreation and transportation throughout the Central Valley. Each mile we ride—whether alone, with a small group, or in a large event—helps shape a culture of responsible cycling. We are ambassadors for the sport, and our actions on the road reflect the values we share as a community. That is why we focus on riding legal and riding safe. |
|
|
This message was sent to you by Fresno Cycling Club.
If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe at any time
FCC - P.O. Box 27571, Fresno, CA 93729-7571 www.fresnocycling.com
Please be advised that if you unsubscribe you will no longer receive your copy of the Rough Draft, notices of upcoming events, or notices of renewal reminders. |
|
|
|
.png)
