Stolen Bicycle - Please Help!

Katie Spotz, a Mentor, Ohio native, become an international celebrity earlier this year when she became the youngest person to row solo across the Atlantic Ocean. Her adventure also raised funds and awareness of the need to create safe drinking water for billions of people in need around the world. You can read about her journey and the cause at: http://www.rowforwater.com/

Back in 2006, Century Cycles helped Katie prepare for a previous adventure, when we outfitted her with a Giant OCR Composite 2 road bicycle, which she then proceeded to pedal 3,300 miles across the USA, in memory of her grandmother, who had recently passed away from lung disease.

Katie was recently a victim of a robbery, where she lost the bike, as well as her car and other sports equipment, including the oars she used on her Trans-Atlantic row. The incident is a great loss for Katie, in terms of both the monetary and sentimental value of the items.

The bicycle is a black/carbon fiber color, with blue highlights:

If you have any information about the bicycle or any of the other items, please e-mail us at info@centurycycles.com.

CLOSED for Labor Day

Please note: All three Century Cycles stores will be CLOSED on Monday, September 6, 2010 in observance of the Labor Day holiday.

We will be open for our regular hours all other days:

Friday and Saturday: 10am - 6pm
Sunday: 12-5pm

Tandem-Touring Couple Visits Peninsula

We hadn't seen any long-distance bicycle tourers here in the past couple of weeks, and so thought that the season was winding down, until this couple stopped in on their tandem (with cargo trailer) today. Meet the Moolhuizens, who left their home on the shores of Lake Michigan and are making their way through Ohio and towards Pittsburgh, PA, where they hope to catch the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Towpath to Washington, DC. From there, they will follow the East Coast Greenway to Key West, Florida.

They said they hope to work a few months in Florida during the winter to save up some cash, then decide whether to head south to Mexico, or north to Alaska. They haven't made any entries in their online trip journal yet, but once they get around to it, you'll be able to find it at: http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/moolhuizen

You can see other pictures of bicycle touring visitors to our store at: www.centurycycles.com/for/touring

Happy birthday, Scott Cowan!

Today is Century Cycles owner Scott Cowan's 50th birthday and such a momentous birthday seems like a good time to take a little walk down recent-memory lane....

Like when Scott was the cover story of Ohio Sports & Fitness magazine last year (above)....

Or helped spark a bicycling craze in his hometown of Bay Village through his work with Bay Bike To School Challenge....

Or that crazy visit to the Robin Swoboda Show....

Or when he hosted a party to celebrate the movie "Breaking Away"....

Or kicked it with Kenny back in 2008....

Or when The Plain Dealer spent 10 minutes with Scott Cowan....

Or when Bob Roll rocked Century Cycles.

Have a great day, Scott -- here's to 50 more years of two-wheeled fun and making new memories!

How good is Google Maps's new bike software?

A few Sundays ago, The New York Times ran an interesting article, "Google Leads, You Pedal." It is about how Google Maps's new bike application is reshaping the way bike enthusiasts travel. How good is a software created by a techie thousands of miles away for getting you where you want to go? So far, there are mixed reviews in the always-opinionated biking community.

From a local perspective, Kevin used it the other day to map a bike route. Google took him through the Metroparks and he was surprised to find it steered him on to a bridle trail -- a sure way to get himself fined. He's made a note to himself to contact Google to let them know, which they will appreciate -- the software is user-generated and Google has already received over 20,000 suggested corrections.

What is your experience with Google Maps for biking? Or is there another bike-mapping web site that you prefer?

(Artwork via The New York Times)

Akron Bike Week - Sept. 3-12, 2010

The City of Akron celebrates the 3rd Annual Akron Bicycle Week on September 3 through 12!

Join in the festivities as the Mayor of Akron gets things started at 11:00am on Sept. 3 at the Northside Train Station!

Throughout the week, there are numerous fun group rides planned, including the STOMP Bicycle Adventure (Summit Tour Of Metro Parks) sponsored by Century Cycles on Sept. 4. But, it's not just about the riding--there are more events: farmer's markets, a scavenger hunt, rides on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, plus classes on basic bicycle maintenance and riding skills!

Go to http://www.akronbikeinfo.org/ for the full schedule of events!

Vote for a Bike-Sharing program in Cleveland!

News coming to us from GreenCityBlueLake and CoolCleveland.com:

B-Cycle, one of several companies that operate bicycle-sharing programs for cities, is holding a contest to determine a location for one of their next installations. As of this writing, Cleveland is #2 in the voting, behind Rochester, New York.

You can cast your vote for bike-sharing in Cleveland by going to: www.bcycle.com/whowantsitmore.aspx

Be sure to enter a zip code in the city of Cleveland to be sure that all of our votes count!

Product Review: CamelBak Podium Water Bottles

For the past several years since I've been a member of the Century Cycles family, I've been a big fan of the large-size version of our custom Century Cycles water bottles. The squeeze-and-squirt top is quicker and more convenient to use than the traditional pull-top style water bottles. In addition to making hydration on-the-go a little easier, it also provides a good defense against chasing dogs and other hazards of the road.

These basic water bottles do tend to have an issue with the cap leaking. This is especially annoying when they're filled with sports drink rather than water, when they leave streaks of bright red or green goo running down your nice bike frame. But, I always figured, what'dya want for $3.99?

The other day, I started thinking about upgrading to a higher-end water bottle, and so picked up a pair of the CamelBak Podium bottles. They come in clear and solic plastic with assorted color designs, for $8.99 each. I prefer the clear ones, because I like being able to glance down at the bottle in the cages on my bike and be able to see how much fluid I have left. They also come in an insulated version called the Podium ChillJacket for $11.99 each.

Both versions are made with BPA-free polypropylene lined with CamelBak's HydroGaurd to prevent bacteria build-up and resist retaining taste and odor. They feature a wide opening to make filling and cleaning easy. The cap screws on securely, and contains a locking mechanism to prevent spillage if say, for example, you want to stow your bottles in a duffle bag on the way to a ride, or to the gym.

The best part is CamelBak's high-flow valve with no moving parts. Just hold to your mouth and give the bottle a firm squeeze for a good shot of water or your favorite sports drink.

I took my new Podium bottles on a 56-mile ride Sunday morning. The bottles stayed securely held on my bike in my bottle cages, with no rattling. I experienced no leakage from either the caps or the valves. I also think that the nice, steady flow from the valve helped me drink more water than usual during my ride, which is always a good thing.

In conclusion, and this may sound like an exaggeration, but I never imagined that an upgrade as simple and inexpensive as a water bottle could make a ride so much more enjoyable! Stop by our stores to check out the CamelBak Podium and Podium ChillJacket bottles for yourself!

Define your life - at the Cleveland Triathlon!

Here's Mike, a Century Cycles customer from Wadsworth, during the running leg of the Cleveland Triathlon on Aug. 8, 2010. Nice shirt, Mike! Thanks for sharing with us, and congratulations on completing the race!

Our eNewsletter for August 2010

The latest edition of the Century Cycles eNewsletter just hit subscribers' mailboxes yesterday afternoon. You can read the online version here, and sign up to receive your own copy (and catch up on past issues) on our eNewsletter Archive page.

 

Here's what's in the current issue:

• Summer Clearance Sale!
• More Night Rides on the Towpath Trail
• Back to School Time is Bike to School Time
• Staff Profile: Paul Gallmeier of our Peninsula store
• 5 Tips: Car Racks
• Our Latest Online Poll: What kind of car rack to you use?
• Facebook Fan Photo of the Month

Back to School Time is Bike to School Time

For some children, heading back to school isn't a joyful occasion, what with the end of summer and the onset of homework. But the way they get to school can inject some joy -- bicycling there can add fun, independence and freedom.


Just ask their parents, many of whom have fond memories of riding a bike to school as a kid. Back in 1969, over half of all students biked to school. Today only about 15 percent of students bike or walk to school, according to the Safe Routes to School Partnership.

Other risk factors are also worrisome: As much as 30% of morning traffic is generated by parents driving their children to school, one-third of schools are in "air pollution danger zones" and more than 33% of U.S. children are now overweight and obese or at risk of becoming so.

At Century Cycles bicycle stores, which sponsors and helps organize area bike to school programs, the bicycling experts have these tips to make back to school time bike to school time:

Stock up on safety essentials

The #1 item is a properly-fitting helmet, which has been shown to reduce the risk of head injury by up to 85 percent. Century Cycles has a wide assortment of styles and can help with size and straps for the best fit. Also consider a bike lock, a bell (to alert pedestrians a bike is coming their way) and lights or reflective clothing (to improve visibility).

Plan the route to school

The safest place for bicycle riding for older students is on the street, where bicycles must follow the same rules of the road as cars. Review those rules with your children - go with the flow of traffic, obey the traffic laws, be predictable and stay alert. Children less than 10 years old are better off riding on the sidewalk, if your jurisdiction allows it. They should be warned to watch for vehicles in driveways, avoid pedestrians on sidewalks and be especially careful at intersections.

Ride with your kids

If you love bicycling, chances are your kids will, too. Just be sure to model the behavior you're teaching - wear your helmet, obey traffic laws and be respectful to other cyclists and motorists. Along the way, you may also find more joy and feel more fit.

Staff Profile: Paul Gallmeier

Paul Gallmeier, age 61, is one of several customers-turned-employees at Century Cycles. He has been a valuable addition to the part-time staff of the Peninsula store since the Spring of this year. He lives in nearby Sagamore Hills with his wife and their two Boston Terriers.

Q. How long have you been cycling?

A. It's really been a lifelong thing for me. As a kid growing up in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, I rode my bike to little league games and practices, and everywhere else. It was my only transportation at Indiana University in Bloomington; I rode to classes, work, and to get groceries and other errands. The only time I've really taken a break from bicycling was when I was in the service.

Q. What was your time in the service like?

A. I enlisted in the Navy in March of '67. I was assigned to a couple of different ships in the Pacific and Atlantic. A big part of the time was along the coast of Vietnam on supply ships, but I was also on an aircraft carrier for a while. The big ships can stay at sea almost indefinitely, as long as they can get food, fuel, and ammunition, and that's what the ships I was assigned to did--I was on an "oiler," or fuel supplier, and an ammo supplier. I got to see many other countries: Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Spain, Italy, Malta, and the Greek island of Corfu. One day while we were docked for R&R at Crete, we turned the deck into a floating casino. I loved being a sailor, and I learned a lot, but I got out in 1971 because I also wanted to get a college education.

Q. So, you were at IU in Bloomington--there's a big cycling culture there, with the "Little 500" race and the connection to the movie "Breaking Away" and all...what was that like?

A. It was a great town; I lived there for nine years, and I tried to find a way to stay there longer, but the jobs just weren't there. I did have a job driving for the campus bus service for a while during the filming of the movie, and met a lot of the crew as I drove them around town. There are several scenes in the film where if you are familiar with the town, they just aren't right, like where Dave Stoller is supposed to be riding to campus, but if you know the streets, you can tell he's riding the wrong way!

Q. What was your first bicycle?

A. It was the one I rode around as a kid; I don't remember what brand it was, but it had a swept-back handlebar, coaster brakes, and it was a singlespeed--these (points to his legs) were the real gears! Later, I got a Schwinn Varsity, and then a couple years into college I got a Raleigh Record. I still had that Raleigh when we moved to Ohio. In the late 90's, I got another Raleigh, a C-40 hybrid.

Q. How many bikes do you own now?

A. I have a Raleigh Mojave 4.0 mountain bike that I bought from Century Cycles a couple of years ago, and I have a Surly Long Haul Trucker that I bought since I started working here.

Q. Which is your favorite?

A. I love the Surly Long Haul Trucker; it's the best bike I've ever owned.

Q. What is your favorite place to ride?

A. I like hitting the singletrack once in a while, and I've always really liked the Towpath Trail, but I've started to really enjoy riding on the road more since I got the Surly, and I like doing the Valley Loop. It's starting to get me thinking that maybe now I need a "fast" road bike...

Q. What do you like about working at Century Cycles?

A. I like being around the bikes and the gear, and the people I work with. Being a rookie, my co-workers have helped me learn a lot, and I'm still learning. I retired four years ago, and I hardly ever even think about my last job. This has been my best summer in a long time.

Q. What's be best cycling advice you've ever received?

A. When it comes to mountain biking, "Speed is your best friend." It's intimidating at first, but once you get used to the idea, keeping your momentum up as much as you can really helps you clear the rough patches. Also, switching to clipless pedals, and the idea that it's easiest to click into them if you just start pedaling and not worry about clicking in until you get going.

Q. What questions to you get asked most often in the store?

A. A lot of questions about chains--cleaning, lubrication, and such. Also, how to use a presta valve, or knowing the difference between the presta valve and the schrader valve.

Q. What is your favorite post-ride refreshment?

A. I'm a beer guy--I like ales and lagers, and German beers, because that's my heritage. I also don't mind a good stiff shot once in a while--tequila or whiskey.

What kind of car rack do you have?

Yesterday's blog entry provided tips on using various kinds of car racks. So, what kind of car rack are you currently using? Let us know by taking this online poll:



You can see the results of our past online polls at:
www.centurycycles.com/to/poll

5 Tips: Car Racks

Unless you're lucky enough to have good bike trails or traffic-free country roads right outside your front door, or you've dedicated yourself to living car-free in all conditions, you probably have to deal with loading your bike onto your car to go for a ride.

Choosing the car rack that's right for your needs is a process of finding a balance among cost, convenience, and security. For an overview of the different styles of car racks, and the pros and cons of each of them, see this page, Understanding Your Car Rack Choices, on our web site.

Of course, the staff at all three of our stores has plenty of experience with installing car racks of all types. We can help you select the right rack to meet your needs and budget, and ensure that it is installed according to the manufacturer's specifications for the utmost in safety and security.

Regardless of the style of car rack that you have or are considering buying, here are five tips that cover some of the most frequently-asked questions that we get about racks, as well as the most frequently-made mistakes.

1. Choose your rack before choosing your car. This may sound a bit ridiculous at first--if you're preparing to invest many thousands of dollars in the car of your dreams, why should your choice be affected by a $100-$200 bike accessory? However, if you're serious about cycling, then you're probably serious about carrying your bike(s) around safely and conveniently. Once you've settled on both the car and the rack you want, check with us or use the rack manufacturer's fit guide to verify that the rack is compatible with the vehicle.

2. When you're setting up a trunk-mounted rack, be sure to have the lower feet resting on the horizontal surface of the car’s bumper (if available). This will ensure that as much of the weight of the racks and bikes is supported by the bumper, and only the minimum necessary strain is put on the supporting hooks and straps. See the photos below for examples:

WRONG!

CORRECT!

3. Keep the bike’s wheels from turning using straps or bungee cords. For short trips down to your local bike trail, it's okay to leave your wheels spinning, but for long drives, you'll want to have some way to keep them in place. If you're using a trunk rack, then you can tie the loose ends of the support straps around each wheel. Most hitch racks come with a spare strap that you can use for this purpose. This won't be an issue for most roof racks (and some types of hitch racks), since the wheels are held in place by the rack itself. Keeping the wheels from spinning while you're driving down the highway saves wear and tear on your hubs' bearings. If the wheels are spinning, it's almost as if you're riding your bike the whole distance that you're driving!

4. Don’t let the bike hang too close to the ground. This applies to both trunk racks and some hitch racks, and is a problem more often with cruiser-style bikes or ladies-frame bikes using a frame adapter bar. If one or more of a bike's wheels are hanging too close to the ground, then as you go over a big bump or approach a steep incline, you run the risk of having the wheels dragging on the pavement, or even worse, having the bike knocked off the rack or the rack knocked off the car. To solve this problem, try to fit the arms of the rack into a different area of the bike's frame so that the bike hangs higher. You might also be able to change the position of the frame adapter bar, if you're using one. Also, make sure the rack's bike support arms are set at the appropriate height. See the photos below for examples:

Not ideal

Better

5. Remember not to pull into the garage with bikes on your roof. At least once a year, we have somebody bring in a bike for evaluation after it's been crashed into a garage while on a roof rack. Avoid this situation by coming up with a system for reminding yourself when you have your bikes loaded. One common scheme is to put your garage door opener inside one of your cycling gloves. Another method is to place your garage door opener in a different location inside your car whenever you're carrying bikes. Of course, you've still got to worry about public parking garages and drive-thru service lanes with low clearance. Some people have a sign that they tape or suction-cup to the winshield that says "Bikes On Roof." Whatever it takes to avoid a catastrophe that can mean costly repairs to your car, your bike, and your home.

Century Cycles is an authorized dealer for Thule (say "TOO-lee") and Saris (SARE-iss), two of the most popular and reliable car rack manufacturers, and all of their racks are made here in the good ol' U.S. of A! Stop by any of our three stores and let us help you find the best rack for your vehicle!

Bike Aboard! on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad seasonal schedule has been in full swing since June! Don't forget that with the CVSR's Bike Aboard program, you can take your bike on the train for a one-way trip between any two stations for just $2!

See www.centurycycles.com/for/bikeaboard for full details.

This may also be an appropriate time to remind everyone reading this that the railroad tracks running past the Peninsula store are ACTIVE! Keep an eye out for the warning signals and the crossing gates as you ride or drive down Rt 303. This driver barely missed getting caught by the train just before this past weekend's Night Ride on the Towpath Trail:



And, don't park too close to the tracks, even when there's no train in sight at the moment. This Prius didn't get off so lucky: