The Prez Sez:
Greetings club members and fellow bicyclists.
This has been some kind of year. One that we will want to forget, but it has been so different and so unique that we will not be able to. The pandemic, the lock downs, the social distancing and mandatory masks. Worst of all for we cyclists: no organized rides or events. Then to make matters worse, we have had all the forest fires around the state making for smokey, unhealthy air for riding.
Due to the fires, some of our members living in the foothills and mountains nearby were affected greatly. Many had to evacuate their homes. There was a great loss of homes and businesses resulting from the fire which has consumed thousands of acres and won’t be contained until the end of October. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of our family that have been impacted by these tragic events. Let us hope that this all ends soon so we can regain some semblance of normalcy.
Needless to say, many of our favorite mountain ride areas have been devastated and our once beautiful forests will be nothing but ugly stubble. The Climb to Kaiser will never be the same.
HELMETS
Should helmets be mandatory for adults? What are your thoughts? I sent out an email last month regarding a study that is being conducted. I hope you had a chance to take the survey and provide some input.
A research team at San Jose State University is conducting a survey to understand the public’s perception of mandatory helmet laws for bicyclists in California. The project description can be found at Exploring the Relationship Between Mandatory Helmet Use Regulations and Adult Cyclists’ Behavior in California Using Hybrid Machine Learning Model.
Currently, the California mandatory helmet law is applicable for cyclists under 18 years of age. This research aims at investigating how the public would perceive an extension of the mandatory helmet law to all adults. They have created a survey to accomplish this and would appreciate your participation. Please see below. Thanks for your help! To take the survey click on the below link. https://sjsu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4MjIkil9LUYnTMx
FUTURE TRANSPORTATION NEEDS SURVEY
Another survey that we sent out last month via email gave you an opportunity to have input on the Transportation needs of the future and how our dollars should be spent. If you didn’t see the email here is the link to take the survey. It is our opportunity to have input on our bicycling needs for the future. https://publicinput.com/2020TranportationNeeds
BLOSSOM TRAIL/FRIANT TIME TRIALS
This year our club FCC partnered with the TC3 Team to sponsor this years’ Time Trial series. In spite of the Covid Pandemic TT Directors Richard Gabel and Natasha Reilly (TC3) held 5 TT events, with 95 participants. Interesting that this was one of our highest number of participants especially considering there were only 5 events, when there is normally 7. To see the results and winners of the series you can check out the link below. https://www.webscorer.com/seriesresult?seriesid=212474
More Time Trials to come. Look for the annual Old Tollhouse Time Trial on Saturday October 31, 2020 and the Annual Four Lane Time Trial (date & time TBA).
UPCOMING SPOOKTACULAR RIDE
The Kern Wheelmen want to host this year’s event, but they need at least 60 people to register by Sunday October 4th. There is a $10 discount for those registering before then. Finally, someone is able to put on an event! Glenn Medina is going and wants some Club members to join him. Go to the link listed below and register.
https://kernwheelmen.org/spooktacular/?fbclid=IwAR1OXp9egxZZ8VINJPCRUL9pExkMskj6TCnS-75i2Yd9wq2hlhgsWcV-R5g
GROUP RIDES
Group rides are still occurring every week. Check the FCC ride calendar for dates, times and locations. These rides typically include:
- Ride Leader Mark Locatelli has been hosting the Family Rides every Sunday and Wednesday evening when air quality permits.
- The Tuesday/Thursday morning ride group has been riding. They meet at Armstrong/Herndon and ride a “B”/“C” pace.
- The All-Roads Group has been hitting the dirt on a regular basis. Henry Pretzer often leads a ride on Wednesday mornings, while others lead various rides on Thursday evenings and Saturday and/or Sundays.
So, we are still getting our riding in despite of the pandemic. Keeping yourself in great shape through riding helps build your immune system to help fight off viruses and sickness.
ANNUAL FCC BOARD MEMBER NOMINATIONS
October is the month we open nominations for FCC Board of Director Positions. Any member who is current in their dues can run for a position on the Board. Elected positions include:
- President,
- Vice President,
- Secretary,
- Treasurer,
- Editor,
- A/B Ride Coordinator, and
- C/D Ride Coordinator.
You can nominate yourself, have someone else nominate you or nominate someone that you feel would do a fantastic job representing the Club members. Elections will be conducted in November.
ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY
Due to COVID restrictions we have already had to forgo our annual picnic, and it appears that we may have to pass on a Christmas Party this year. If anyone has an idea for a party location please contact VP Diana Millhollin. We will wait and see what the future holds. We are still 3 months away, and anything can happen. Keep positive thoughts that we will be able to get together at least once this year.
That’s all for now. Stay safe and stay well. Maybe I’ll see you on the road or on the gravel.
Cheers,
The Prez, Dennis Ball
SS LAKE DOUBLE CENTURY
The Bass Lake Double Century sadly has been rescheduled for Oct 9th, 2021. It was cancelled for 2020 due to Covid-19 concerns and the safety of our riders and volunteers.
THE ANNUAL GRIZZLY CENTURY in North Fork
At the time of this writing, the Grizzly is still being scheduled for Saturday Oct 3, 2020. Registration will open this month. Due to Covid-19 issues, the event will have certain protocols that will be followed.
THE CLUB DAILY RIDE CALENDAR
If you’re looking for rides, be sure to check out the FCC Ride Calendar. We have various Ride Groups having rides to help you get out and get some exercise, and keep those riding legs, heart and lungs in shape.
That is all I have for now. Stay safe and healthy. Ride safe and ride legal.
See you on the road.
The Prez, Dennis Ball
