Rough Draft

OCTOBER 2026

The September birthday ride from Steven's Parking lot to Tollhouse Market. 

The Prez Sez – October 2026 

Greetings members of the Fresno Cycling Club, we're still going strong in our 64th year. A few have even been around for most of those years. I hope the enthusiasm to ride stays strong with we club members and that we continue to welcome new riders to the club. 

I have to say that so far this year we have had a tremendous cycling season. The weather has been barrable and there have been a lot of riders out and about on many of our rides. 

I received an email recently from Ride with GPS.  For some that aren't familiar with them, they are the company we use to create our ride routes. We have a club membership with them that allows our members to have a free account  which when they join the Club's account (link on the website homepage) you can create your own routes.

The email was about the survey of global bicycling clubs that they conducted and compiled the following report.

STATE OF THE CYCLING CLUB

Here is a report from Ride with GPS on the current state of Cycling Clubs. This report is based on a recent survey they took from clubs all over the globe. It is a compilation of various issues from small clubs of 20 to large clubs over 500. Topics such as the best way to promote rides, how to maintain and increase memberships, why membership fades, why people don’t join after they do a club ride. Interesting information that can help our club group and provide the services (rides) that folks want and need.

https://ridewithgps.com/clubs-industry-report-2026?otu=d83ae0f78efc9c5ef247954d98935cc79172b686&utm_campaign=club-industry-report&utm_medium=email&utm_source=backend&utm_term=starter#playbook

This was a very interesting report, I have included the link for those of you interested in learning more about the status of Cycling Clubs. Suffice it to say that much of what is happening in our club in terms of lost membership and lack of ride leaders and Board members is the same problems most clubs reported. 

I am hoping that we can incorporate many of the suggestions on how to improve our club and meet the needs of our members. It would be of great support if we can get the open Board member positions filled as soon as possbile. With elections coming in November it would be a great time to think about what position best fits your talents and nominate yourself or nominate someone you think would be good for a position.

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

VACANT BOARD OF DIRECTOR POSITIONS

  1. Rough Draft - newsletter creator
  2. Sponsorship coordinator
  3. Bass Lake Powerhouse Double Century coordinator
  4. Climb to Kaiser coordinator 
  5. Event Volunteer Coordinator

21st Annual Bass Lake Powerhouse Double Century & Century

This year's event will be on Saturday October 10, 2026. Check-in is on Friday from 4 - 8 pm and on Saturday morning it opens at 3:30 am at the Homewood Suites on Gettysburg east of Clovis Ave.

Double Registration: https://fresnocycling.com/event-6709005 

Century Registration: https://fresnocycling.com/event-6863056**

**NOTE: Because of the event being labeled Double Century & Century there weren't many riders signing up for the century, so a separate registration page was created. If you signed up under the original registration page you're okay.

Join us for Spoketacula October Birthday Ride and Annual Picnic ride occurring October 31, 2026

Costumes welcome and encouraged.

https://fresnocycling.com/event-6863278

Keeping the Rubber Side Down

October is one of the best riding months of the year. The cooler mornings are finally here, the foothills are starting to show a little fall color, and many of us are looking forward to putting in some longer miles before winter arrives.

As the days get shorter, let's all make an extra effort to be visible on the road. If you're joining one of the club's early morning rides, make sure your lights are charged and ready to go. Even when we can see well that doesn't always mean drivers can see us.

Stay alert at intersections, communicate with fellow riders, and remember that arriving a few minutes later is always better than not arriving at all.

A Friendly Reminder About Ride Etiquette

One thing that continually impresses visitors and new members is how welcoming Fresno Cycling Club riders are.

Whether you're riding at the front, hanging on at the back, or somewhere in between, a little communication makes every ride better.

  • ·      Call out hazards.
  • ·      Point to debris when you can.
  • ·      Let riders know when you're slowing.
  • ·      Hold a steady line.
  • ·      Encourage newer riders.
  • ·      Be patient with one another.

We've all been the new rider at some point. A friendly word or helpful tip can make someone's day and help grow our cycling community.

Cycling Improvements Around Fresno

While progress can sometimes seem slow, bicycle infrastructure continues to expand throughout Fresno. Several projects remain in development, including protected bike lanes, cycle tracks, and trail connections designed to improve safety and connectivity for cyclists throughout the city. Current efforts include improvements along Palm & Belmont, Barstow, Blackstone, and other key corridors. [fresno.gov], [fresno.gov]

As cyclists, we all benefit when more people feel comfortable and safe riding in Fresno. Every mile of improved infrastructure helps move us in that direction. [fresno.gov]

Fall Fuel

Cool weather can be deceptive. Even when temperatures are comfortable, your body still needs hydration and fuel.

Many riders focus on replacing fluids during the summer heat, but October is often when people unintentionally fall behind on hydration because they simply don't feel as thirsty.

As you head out for longer rides this fall:

  • ·      Drink before you're thirsty.
  • ·      Eat before you're hungry.
  • ·      Carry a snack on any ride longer than 90 minutes.
  • ·      Prioritize recovery after the ride.

Your future self with thank you for it.

Cycling Safety Corner

Be Seen, Be Predictable

With daylight hours decreasing throughout October, visibility becomes one of the most important factors in cyclist safety. Riders should make sure front and rear lights are fully charged before every ride, even during daytime hours. Bright clothing, reflective accents, and predictable riding behavior help motorists identify cyclists sooner and react appropriately.

A few reminders:

  • Use a white front light and red rear light on early morning and evening rides.
  • Signal turns well in advance.
  • Ride in a straight, predictable line.
  • Avoid sudden movements around parked cars and intersections.
  • Make eye contact with drivers whenever possible.

As autumn temperatures cool, remember that shaded roads, fallen leaves, and occasional moisture can reduce traction. Give yourself extra braking distance, especially on descents.

From the Board

As we head into one of the best cycling seasons of the year, we'd like to thank all of our ride leaders, event volunteers, sponsors, and members who make Fresno Cycling Club such a special organization.

Whether you're preparing for a century, enjoying a casual weekend ride, or simply meeting friends for coffee after a few miles, we're glad you're part of the club.

Ride safe, look out for each other, and enjoy every mile.

See you on the road.

CENTRAL VALLEY - FCC BICYCLING HISTORICAL MUSEUM by Mark Perkins

I have a very special project in mind, which will require a few people with some special talents & or skills.  I would like to create a special committee which would have a goal of creating a place where the cycling history of the Fresno area, and of the Central San Joaquin Valley, can be preserved, and shared with everyone.

Some of you know me, but I'm sure that many of you don't.  I am the Fresno Cycling Club's longest continuous member - I joined in 1973, but I began riding on club rides in '72.  (Incidentally, FATE brought me to Fresno in January of 1972 - another story.)  I am also a Lifetime Member, and the club's originally appointed Club Historian - you may call me the Ex-Historian if you like.  I was appointed Historian (sometime in the late-80's or early-90's) by Past-President Bill Bruce because he found out that I had saved almost all of my club newsletters (at the time) in 3, 3" thick 3-ring binders (Now 4, 3" thick and 1, 1" thick binders).  But what Bill didn't know about was all of the other stuff that goes with the 53-year membership of a guy who doesn't throw anything related to his cycling history away.  And once I had that title, people began giving me even more club memorabilia, including even a bicycle which once belonged to one of the club's first-year members - in pristine original condition.  And that bike came with its original owner's helmet, shoes, membership card, and more of his personal possessions.  I now own several bicycles which were originally owned by FCC members.

On my own, if I could afford to do it, I believe that I can fill a fairly large space with the cycling memorabilia that I have accumulated over the years.  I also have a few very important cycling events in mind which were or are connected to Fresno history, and even a few famous people whom you probably didn't know cycled in the Fresno area, like Boxing Champion Jack Dempsey.  Plus, the breaking of the Transcontinental Cycling Record in 1961 by a young man whom I believe was a Fresno State student, Jerry Hornig, and his support crew of Vic Black and his brother in a Ford station wagon.  An event which led to the formation of the Fresno Cycling Club in February of 1962.  There are also many other cycling stories, some which I know, and others still to be gleaned from the Public Library's microfilm files.  And of course we could not leave William Saroyan out.  And did you know that there was once a bicycle club called The Sun-Maid Wheelmen Bicycle Club, of Fresno?

There are many other ideas going around in my head as well.  If we create this, others will come and donate more.  They already have been, but we must create a place where these bits of history can be properly preserved for many future generations to enjoy.  I have personally witnessed this through my connections with the Marin Museum of Bicycling/Mountain Bike Hall of Fame in Fairfax, CA, and the U. S. Bicycling Hall of Fame in Davis, CA. - how they have both grown since their beginnings.  I am now 76, and I don't want these things to get into the hands of people who don't have a clue what they're all about when I pass away, and my immediate family members don't have much of a clue about any of this.

California State Parks is seeking community input in a new survey that will help shape the future of three new state parks coming to the Central Valley: Feather River Park in Yuba County, San Joaquin River Parkway in Fresno and Madera counties, and Dust Bowl Camp in Kern County. 

You can take the State Parks Forward visioning survey online. It will remain open until Sept. 4, 2026. Share your thoughts and ideas about:

  • What would make these park properties most valuable to you.
  • Preferred recreational activities or programs at the future state park.
  • Your vision for the future of these parks.

The survey should take approximately 5-10 minutes to complete and can be focused on a specific park or all three. There will also be opportunities to provide feedback in person at community events announced later this summer. Whether online or in person, your feedback will help inform future engagement and planning. Following this engagement process, State Parks will submit a visioning report to Governor Newsom outlining key recommendations and next steps.

Learn more about the three new state parks, take the survey and sign up to receive the latest updates from the State Parks Forward website.

Mark Perkins – Author of the Fresno Uphill Climb to Kaiser

Next year will be the 50th anniversary of the legendary Climb to Kaiser which will be on Saturday June 26th, 2027. Suzanne Schwarzwaelder Lock, the woman who created this great event and past historian Mark Perkins will hopefully be able to attend this momentous occasion. Mark Perkins and Suzanne both rode the original ride as a training ride for another event. It was such a great challenging ride that they decided to make it an official event of the Fresno Cycling Club.

Although it will be the 50th anniversary of the event, 2027 will only be the 48th edition. In 2020 we were unable to hold the event due to the Covid 19 pandemic, and in 2023 we didn't have the Climb to Kaiser, only the Tollhouse Century and Metric Century due to the huge snow pack that made it impossible to clear the Kaiser pass until the first part of July. 

Mark's book tells the story of the first 38 years of the C2K. If you finished the ride during that time then your name is in the book. It is filled with lots of information about the challenges of the ride over the years. You can purchase the book directly from Mark as described below.

The price through me 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.

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

FB Messenger

Fresno Mountain Riders - contact Steve Grusis 

EMAIL

FCC Website

Rides and Events listings

  • https://roll.ooo/welcome

Contact Ride Coordinator Glenn Medina to post your ride on the Calendar.

Club Ride Calendar Events for September

   For the Latest Information on the daily, weekly, and event rides for Fresno Cycling Club, please be sure to check out the Ride Calendar!! 

  • Sunday Gravel Explorers – Sundays at 8:30 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.
  • October Birthday Ride – Saturday Oct th : Celebrate our Oct birthdays with a special ride. Join us for a fun and festive gathering on the road! Register here:  
FCC Ride Calendar

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. As a 501(c) (3) we can cheerfully accept deductible donations to the support of our mission.

FCC BOARD MEETING

Wednesday, October 7, 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

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