2016-05-07 - Fresno Cycling Club's Kirch Flat Cinco de Mayo Ride

This year's Kirch Flat Cinco de Mayo ride sponsored by the Fresno Cycling club was another hit this year.  Cooler temps and a bit of rain on parts of the course during the day made for some easier riding compared to last year's heat.  Along with a new start/finish venue as Paso Tiempo Park in Clovis, there were some minor route changes to the longer rides.  The intent was to even out the route distances; the reality added to a bit of confusion on the road for some of the riders, and SAG vehicles.  With the exception of one rider who got into a corner too hot on Maxon road, everyone made it back to the finish for barbecue, though, and generally had a great time.

Riders line up at the start.

Event Hostess Yvonne Moreno.

Riders line up at the start.

Jim Johnston's BMW R1200 GS SAG Moto.

Riders line up at the start.

May 2, 2015 - Fresno Cycling Club's Kirch Flat Century

I worked the Fresno Cycling Club's Kirch Flat Century this year after a one-year hiatus.  I missed it last year to attend my Aunt's 100th birthday party.  I last worked this ride in 2013 and a short write-up can be found HERE.

There were some changes for 2015, including some additional routes.  This ride is designed by the Fresno Cycling Club as an all-ages, all-abilities, membership drive ride.  As such, they try to have a route for everyone, including a flat 15 mile route, an all flat half metric, flat and hilly metric routes, and flat and hilly full century routes.

While this many options is great for the cyclists to find that right ride for them, it can turn into a logistical nightmare for the SAG as riders are literally going in six different directions.  Since most of the riders are local, and they're on local roads that they know, it's not uncommon for them to make their own revisions to the routes during the day depending on how they're feeling.  But, at the end of the day, all of the riders make it to the end for a barbeque with friends.

This year, the weather was great and everyone made it back with virtually no problems to speak of.

Kevin's Honda ST1300 MotoSAG in an orange grove west of Orange Cove, CA.

Part of the Century route along Adams Avenue at Wakefield Avenue, west of Orange Cove, CA.  View east.

Part of the Century route along Adams Avenue at Wakefield Avenue, west of Orange Cove, CA.  View west.

The last of the Century riders turn onto Park Avenue from Hills Valley Road (State Route 63) headed into Orange Cove, CA.  Easily the worst stretch of road on the entire course.  View east.

The last of the Century riders turn onto Park Avenue from Hills Valley Road (State Route 63) headed into Orange Cove, CA.  View east.

Fresno Cycling Club President Dennis Ball (sporting the full Fresno Cycling Club kit) escorts the last riders around the Century course.

2013-05-04 - Kirch Flat Century

The Kirch Flat Century is presented by the Fresno Cycling Club.  It is generally a members only ride, but used as a recruitment ride as well. Anyone who signs up to be a Club member can ride.

The ride starts in the valley but has a number of short, steep climbs peaking to an elevation of just under 2000 feet.

Create Maps or search from 80 million at MapMyRide

This year's ride was held in near perfect weather.  There were few issues that required SAG support.  Many riders used it as their first Century ride.

Tutu Archuleta climbs the big hill on Riverbend Road (at McKinley Avenue) while Jessica Jurado waits. View north.

Tutu Archuleta get to the top of the big hill on Riverbend Road (at McKinley Avenue) where Jessica Jurado was waiting. View north.

Tutu Archuleta claims she's lost. Kevin points to her location on the route sheet.