About The Ride

Welcome to Off The Front’s second annual Charity Ride, which will take place Saturday, October 8th, 2011. The Century, the Metric Century, the 25-Mile course, and Family Ride all offer the autumn breezes and colorful scenery of California’s Central Valley. With four courses of varying distances and terrains to choose from, people with all ability levels and skill sets are able to join in the fun.

All proceeds from the ride will go to benefit Off The Front, a non-profit organization that endeavors to improve kids’ education levels and battle childhood obesity in the impoverished areas of Fresno.

SAG Vehicles:

SAG vehicles will be available throughout each course and rest stops will be accessible along the way, offering water, snacks & ride support.

Post Ride Food & Festivities:

A post ride meal will be provided for each paid participant after the ride, as part of the family friendly atmosphere that will have activities for the kids, wonderful food and music. Extra meal tickets can be purchased for $10.

Check-in:

Check-in will be available on Friday, October 7th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm and starting at 6am on October 8th, the morning of the ride. We suggest you check in on Friday to avoid the insanity and incomprehensive mumbles from people who haven’t had their morning coffee as they try to check-in at the last minute.

• The Century Riders can start anytime between at 7-8am.
• The Metric Century Riders can start anytime between 7:30-8:30am.
• The 25-Mile Riders can start anytime between 10:00-10:30am.
• The 11-Mile Family Ride starts at 10:30-11:00am. This ride is for kids to do with their parents or for those newer to cycling.

Ride Cost:

• Century - $75
• Metric - $70
• 25 - $50
• Family - $30 for adults, $15 for children
• ** New this year! Bring in 3 riders to participate and you ride FREE!Please note, in order to take advantage of this offer, participants must sign up online together.

Weather & Directions:

For local weather, click here.

All rides begin at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Clovis. Click here for a map.

Download the ride map

Directions From Highway 41:

• Take the Friant Rd. Exit toward Millerton Lake
• Turn Right onto N. Friant Rd.
• Turn Right onto N. Willow Ave.
• Trinity Presbyterian is on the left at 12168 N. Willow Ave.

Directions Heading North on Willow Ave. from Herndon Ave.:

• Go North on Willow Ave. to Willow/Copper Ave. intersection
• Continue North on Willow Ave. another 1.5 miles past Copper Ave.
• Trinity Presbyterian is on the Right at 12168 N. Willow Ave.

• Century: 94 miles, 5164 feet of climbing.
• Metric Century: 69 miles, 4213 feet of climbing.
• 25-Mile: Approximately 25 miles, 722 feet of climbing.
• Family Route, approx 11 miles, 100 feet of climbing

Click here to sign up.

Will this be an annual event?

Yes. This Ride will occur annually the second weekend in October.

What kinds of bikes are allowed on the course?

Road bikes, mountain bikes, big bikes, kids bikes, triathlon bikes, training bikes, blue bikes, red bikes and tandem bikes are all welcome.

Is Tandem Registration available?

Yes, but you will need to register as two riders.

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Yes. We prefer to avoid head injuries whenever possible.

Can I use my iPod during the Ride?

No. Try actual nature sounds for a change of pace.

Is this ride okay for beginners?

The 11 mile Family Route is great for beginners.

Is this course timed?

There should be plenty of time provided to finish each course, regardless of skill level. But out of respect for our volunteers, if you don’t arrive at a rest stop at a certain times, you will be dropped from the course and no longer have access to the SAG vehicles. If it gets dark and you haven’t reached the last checkpoint, you may need to find someone with a GPS to get you back on course.

How do I register?

Click here to register.

Can my kids ride too?

Yes, in fact, they get a hefty discount! We require that kids under the age of 18 ride with an accompanying adult in the Family Ride and prefer a 1:1 child to adult ratio. Please know that though the Family Route in on a road with wide bike lanes, kids will be riding along side vehicle traffic. As such, only kids who have experience riding with traffic should consider this ride.

How much of my registration goes to charity?

100% of proceeds go to Off the Front.

What’s included in my registration fee?

It is a charity ride, so 100% of proceeds go to Off the Front. For early registration, the Century Riders pay $75. The Metric Century Riders pay $70. The 25-Mile Riders pay $50. The Family Ride is $30 for adults and $15 for kids. All prices will increase by $15 after early registration. Sept 3rd is last day of early registration. All riders have the option to pay $25 and receive a t-shirt.

When does early registration end?

Friday Sept 3rd is last day of early registration. All prices will increase by $15 after that date.

Is fundraising allowed?

Not only is it allowed, it is highly encouraged.

How do I fundraise?

Tell your friends, family and coworkers about this amazing cause and incredible ride, and ask them to support you financially. The more zeros, the better. You will be guided through setting up a fundraising page when you register.

Are there volunteer opportunities available?

Absolutely! We need people to help set up and tear down for the event, help with registration, man booths, help in the SAG vehicles, man the rest stops, and serve food at the carnival. If you’re interested, please email Julie@offthefront.org.

Where are the local bike shops if I need parts?

We suggest:

• Rubber Soul Bicycles (N. Blackstone Ave. and W. Nees Ave.)
• Momentum Cycling (N. Ingram Ave. and W. Cromwell Ave.)
• Tri-Sport (N. Ft. Washington Rd. and N. Friant Rd.)
• Steven’s Bicycles (N. Willow Ave. and E. Nees Ave.)

Are there hotels in the area?

There are lots of hotels in the area, including a cluster right off Highway 41 and Herndon Ave. These hotels include: Hampton Inn & Suites, La Quinta Inn & Suites, The Holiday Inn Express Hotel and Suites, Comfort Suites, Hilton Homewood Suites, Marriott TownePlace Suites and Marriott Springhill Suites.

Are you looking for resources to help you get started for a Century or Metric Century Ride? Pinnacle Training Systems is a great start

Cross training with Fresno Adventure Boot Camp is a great way to increase strength and endurance in a unique outdoor experience