Personally, I like the idea of having a Club kit that we can wear to represent our great Club, especially when attending out-of-town rides. Unlike racing teams who change their kits every year, we tend to stick to one design for a period of time. The Club has had club jerseys since its racing days back in the 60’s. Over the years there haven’t been that many different designs. The latest version was designed by Past President Ron Quitoriano in 2013, and modified a little in 2016. Prior to that, we had the same jersey design in two different color schemes, one red and one blue, which had been around for several years as well. Although it has been a nice looking kit, I think it would be nice to start this new decade off with a fresh new look.
I know there must be some talented graphic designers among our nearly one thousand members that could come up with a spectacular design for a new kit, or at least offer up some ideas. Hit me up if you have some ideas: we need to get this designed and into production.
STANDING POSITIONS
Something new to our club will be the addition of “Standing Positions.” These will be positions that members can commit to serve in for a year at a time. They will not be Board members, but they will be volunteer positions that will be assigned certain duties to be responsible for, in the support of the Club activities and events. These positions would relieve some of the extra duties now performed by Board members and Ride Directors.
A committee lead by Board Member Tina Sumner has come up with a list of these positions. We will be discussing this issue and seeking Board approval at March’s Board meeting. Once approved, we will post the list of positions and solicit members to fill them.
RIDER SAFETY
It seems there has been an increase in vehicle vs bicycle incidents/accidents over the past few years. Bicycles traveling on the roadways with motor vehicles are in a very vulnerable position. Even when we do everything right, we can still be hit by cars. We can’t stress enough how important rider safety is. Exactly what does that mean?
First off it is important to follow the California laws as it applies to bicyclists https://www.calbike.org/go_for_a_ride/california_bicycle_laws/,
Also, follow the Rules of the Road for bicycles https://fresnocycling.com/Rules-of-the-Road which (with a few exceptions) are basically the same as for automobiles.
A few pointers that can help you be safer:
- ride with a partner or a group (just be careful not to hit the wheel of the person in front of you), be mindful at all times of your surroundings,
- wear a rear view mirror (motor vehicles are required by law to have rear view mirrors, bicyclists should be also),
- equip your bike with a flashing rear light,
- consider riding with on-board video cameras front and rear.
If you are struck by a vehicle, try to get a look at the driver, and get a vehicle description and license plate number, which can be awfully hard to do when you're lying in pain on the ground (reason enough to have a riding partner or group).
MARCH RIDES
Keep an eye out for the Time Trial schedule to start up this month. The TT’s will be on Tuesdays (starting with the Belmont/Academy series). During the hot months of June, July, and August, the TT’s move to the Friant location. The TC3 Club will partner with FCC this year to sponsor the Time Trial series.
On Saturday, March 7, the 31st Annual Reedley Blossom Bike Ride http://www.blossombikeride.com sponsored by the Reedley Lions Club.
On Saturday, March 21, our bicycling friends in Visalia, the Southern Sierra Cyclists Club is hosting a Century ride https://www.facebook.com/events/651597735594014/. It is free to all riders, but they are asking a donation from those who can afford it to help defray the costs of putting on the ride.
As always check the Ride Calendar for our everyday local rides, meetings and events. https://fresnocycling.com/Ride-Calendar
UPCOMING CLUB EVENT RIDES
The Kirch Flat registration is open https://fresnocycling.com/event-3757208. The event will be held on Saturday May 2, 2020 this year. Get your ride group together and get signed up for this great annual ride. There are 5 ride options available from 15 miles to 100+. As usual there will be great SAG support, well stocked rest stops and a great after-ride meal. Any questions, please contact Ride Directors Michael Quiroz and Yvonne Moreno.
New this year will be the inaugural Tour de Femme on Saturday May 23, 2020. This ride is for ladies only. The registration and details for this ride will be online very soon. This will be an opportunity for our ladies to enjoy a ride without the distraction of their male counterparts. In fact, it will be a great time for our male members to serve as volunteers to staff the rest stops and SAG support. FCC Secretary/Ride Director Janet Lucido and her staff are putting this ride together.
The 44th edition of the legendary Climb to Kaiser will be held on June 27th, 2020 https://fresnocycling.com/event-3417757. This year there will be two rides available: the C2K and the Tollhouse Century. Diana Dean, FCC Volunteer coordinator, will be coordinating our volunteers to fill positions that are not yet filled. A big thank you to all our rest stop coordinators and volunteers who, year after year, step up to make this event a great success.
MEETINGS
March Board Meeting will be on Wednesday March 4th, 2020 at the Me N Eds Victory Grill 4010 N Cedar at 6:30 pm.
Quarterly Member Meeting. This has be rescheduled from March 9th to Monday April 6th at 6 pm. The meeting location will remain the same: Vino Grill and Spirits, 1440 E. Champlain, Suite 106. This month we are partnering with the Multi-Sport Mixer to focus on the Fresno Cycling Club. Come listen to our guest speaker and enjoy some appetizers and spirits.
