THE PREZ SAYS.....
Greetings fellow club members, happy October.
September is over and it's on to October. September was a great month starting out with a fun Birthday ride to honor many of our members, even the Club President. We had a good turn out and had a fun ride from Steven's Bicycles parking lot to Highway 168 and Old Millerton Road, where we enjoyed the new pavement on Old Millerton Road. I have really enjoyed the success of the monthly birthday rides, however there won't be a dedicated birthday ride in October due to the Tour De Femme and Club picnic occurring this month on Saturday Oct 25. Register at https://fresnocycling.com/event-6016777.
Also occurring in September was The Lighthouse Century and rides, an annual favorite put on by the San Luis Obispo Bicycling Club. It has been a favorite of many Central Valley riders for years, and this one was no different. Our club was well represented at the ride, on each of the four lengths of rides. If I had to guess I would say possibly 75 to 100 FCC members were in attendance among the 1,000 or so that were there. The weather was perfect for a nice coastal ride, overcast but warm enough that you didn’t need a jacket.
OCTOBER EVENTS
So, what's on the agenda for October? We will start off with the Grizzly Ride on Oct 4th. Although the Club isn't putting on the Grizzly anymore, we still support the ride which supports the Charitable organization The Sierra Vista Scenic Byway, it has been a long-standing October ride for many years. I will be doing a gravel ride. Register at: https://thegrizzlyride.com/
Next on the October agenda is our very own 20th Annual Bass Lake Powerhouse Double Century happening on Saturday October 11th, 2025. Once again, this year we are featured in the California Triple Crown Stage Race, 3 days, 600 miles, 45,000 feet of climbing in three Double Century rides. Register at: https://fresnocycling.com/event-5895263. This year we are offering a 20th year commemorative jersey and vest for anyone to purchase at: https://fresnocycling.com/event-6364095.
To cap off October we will have the Annual Tour de Femme and Annual FCC Picnic together on Saturday October 25th at Clovis Hills Church. https://fresnocycling.com/event-6016777. See story below.
A BICYCLE CAN IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH
Here is a story that many of riders can relate to. "Elias had been trapped in the stressful city grind—long hours, sedentary work, and a stern warning from his doctor about his health. He decided his only path forward was the neglected, dust-covered bicycle in his garage.
His first ride was brutal. Lungs heaved, muscles burned, and he almost quit on the first hill. Yet, leaning on a park bench, he realized the air was fresher, the sounds were clearer, and the chronic stress knot in his shoulders had loosened just a fraction. He got back on, embracing the rhythmic push-and-pull of the pedals as a new, comforting heartbeat.
Over the next few months, Elias made cycling his ritual. The gentle, continuous motion-built strength, was easy on his joints, and his doctor noted a significant drop in his blood pressure and resting heart rate. He was literally strengthening his cardiovascular system with every mile.
But the greatest gains were mental and emotional. The rides became his time to process stress and clear his mind. He arrived at work energized and focused, replacing his short temper with a resilient optimism. He found a welcoming community in a local cycling club, replacing solitude with camaraderie.
One year later, Elias was lighter, stronger, and healthier than he’d been in a decade. Bicycling hadn't just made him physically healthier; it had been his therapy, providing clarity and connection. He realized the simple magic of turning human energy into forward motion was the key to reclaiming his life and well-being."
EVENT JERSEYS AVAILABLE
If you missed out on ordering this year’s Climb to Kaiser or Tollhouse Jerseys, we have some leftovers that are available for purchase in limited sizes. Contact me at president@fresnocycling.com if you want one. They are both good looking jerseys.
BASS LAKE POWERHOUSE DOUBLE CENTURY VOLUNTEERS
We are in need of a few more volunteers to help with the BLPDC. Contact Ride Director Gia Parker at basslakedouble@gmail.com.
That’s it for now. See you on the road, gravel or dirt. Ride safe and ride legal.
The Prez
Dennis Ball
