Recently, the Fresno cycling community mourned the loss of Bob Brooks, a true legend in the sport. Bob passed away peacefully in his sleep at home, a surprising yet peaceful end for a man who dedicated his life to cycling. While his passing was a shock to many, it was a gentle farewell for someone who lived and breathed cycling.
Although I wasn’t a close friend of Bob’s, our paths crossed within the Fresno cycling scene for over three decades. My first encounter with him dates back to 1986 when Ken Tanaka convinced my husband and me to participate in a time trial around Lost Lake Circuit. Freshly equipped with new bikes and just beginning to explore cycling, we found ourselves amidst seasoned racers with their sleek, lightweight bikes. Ken pointed out one rider, “That’s Bob Brooks, the National Masters Champion!” In that moment, the scale of our beginner status became hilariously clear.
My next significant interaction with Bob was in February 1989. He had just opened his Bike Shop Fresno, located north of Herndon Ave near Clovis Ave. Cycling had become my anchor after a divorce, a way to stay grounded. Having explored mountains and bicycle tours on my reliable Nishiki Sport, I was committed to cycling and decided it was time for a serious upgrade. Bob’s bike shop Fresno was my destination. He expertly fitted me with a stunning Team Miyata. Its white frame with turquoise and orange accents appealed to my aesthetic sensibilities, but more importantly, its performance was transformative, especially on challenging climbs.
Around this time, I joined the Fresno Cycling Club and started leading rides, spending weekends conquering hills with fellow enthusiasts. Bob was often among us, sharing our passion for riding.
I remember Bob as a guest speaker at one of our club meetings, where he shared his cycling origin story. We were all captivated, eager to learn how a National Master’s Champion began his journey. He recounted his time as an Architectural teacher at Cal Poly, where he decided to get in shape. Living in Alder Springs, he embarked on his first cycling endeavor: riding down to the four-lane highway and back up. As anyone familiar with the area knows, the four-lane is a daunting challenge, especially for a beginner carrying extra weight. Bob humorously described it taking him nearly the entire day to complete the uphill return! He further amazed us by sharing his experience of being invited to ride with the Russian national cycling team – a remarkable honor.
For over thirty years, I continued to encounter Bob – whether near Mountain House, Boyden Caves, Courtwright (where he often stopped at my water station), or even recently at Shaw and Academy. He always showed genuine interest in my cycling activities. I consistently admired Bob’s unassuming nature; he was a true gentleman and a passionate advocate for the sport he loved. His presence in the Fresno cycling community will be deeply missed.
