March 22, 2014 - OTF (Off The Front) Omnium Circuit Race and Time Trial

March 22 & 23, 2014 was the OTF Omnium.  The Off The Front (OTF) Omnium is a 3 event / 2 day bicycle race held in the Fresno & Hanford areas. Each race offers a different discipline of cycling, including Time Trialing, Flat Power, and small hill climbs. There are 3 races, Ventana Hills TT and the Granville Homes Circuit Race on Day 1 and the long time running Hanford Criterium on Day 2.  I worked on the Circuit Race as "eyes on course" for the USA Cycling Marshals, following the racers around the 1.9 mile route.  With the exception of one rider who crashed as the result of a wheel touch, there were virtually no mechanical problems.

The Circuit course was held in the Ventana Hills subdivision, west of the Millerton and Auberry Road intersection, in the foothills of east of Clovis, Ca.  The course wasn't closed, but because there are only 4 or 5 homes built in the subdivision, there was virtually no traffic.  The road surface was new, smooth, and debris free.  Describing the Circuit course as "fantastic" is an understatement.

Ventana Hills Subdivision Circuit Course

The day couldn't have been better.  Temps in the mid 50°s early warmed to the low 70°s later in the day.  A great day for a race.

Pre-Race warm-ups.

Tom Daugherty & his wife Babette oversee some of the Marshalling duties.

This is the start of one of the men's races. The women started 1 minute after.

A pre-race wave. (Steve Grusis, Race Promoter, is over Kevin's left shoulder, wearing the hat.)

Staging for the first heat of the day.

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.

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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.

Climb to Kaiser - June 25, 2011

Painted on the road at the Wildcat Rest Stop at the crest on Watts Valley Road.

Cyclists at the Tollhouse Rest Stop at Sierra Elementary School in Tollhouse.

My Honda ST1300 at the top of the Four-Lane on Highway 168.

Grizzly Century - Oct. 3, 2009

At a turn out along Mammoth Road, overlooking Redinger Lake. (N 37°10.471', W 119°26.144')

A group of cyclists climbing Mammoth Road. (N 37°10.471', W 119°26.144')