There is some good news in the offing for the 2009 cycling season. No doubt you have already read in the Fresno Bee about the possibility of the Amgen Tour of California looking at Clovis as a start location for the 2009 Tour of California. This all sounds exciting to me and I’m sure to most of you interested in cycling. It is not often that a cycling event of this magnitude and stature comes to our area and since the announcement the tour has been the buzz of conversations for the last couple of weeks; certainly in my cycling group. What makes this so exciting is that AEG contacted the City of Clovis asking them to submit a proposal to be a host City for a stage start in 2009 by
May 9.

A committee was promptly formed headed up by Bob Keyes a long time cyclist and  bicycle enthusiast. April 16, Bob Invited a gathering of 30 individuals representing the various cycling interest in the area to secure support of the cycling community to continue the effort. The voting was generally positive with the majority in attendance voting to continue with the proposal. The Proposal will be brought before the Clovis City Council May 5 for approval and submitted to the Amgen Tour people by May 9, 2008.

Final determination will not be made until July. So everyone keep your fingers crossed. A celebration to commemorate the widening of Friant Road will held Saturday May 3, 2008 at 10:00 am. The location for this event is at the corner of Old Friant Rd. and New
Friant Rd. All FCC members not participating in the Kirch Flat Ride think about attending this gathering, after all this improvement to Friant Rd. benefits you as much as it does the automobile.

Also, don’t forget to RSVP for the KFC Club ride and barbeque May 3. Fully supported, good trainer to start the season off, great scenic ride and good food. See you there.

Ron Quitoriano