Saturday, July 31, 2010

Expanded sock selection in Peninsula


After being raided for TOSRV, GOBA, and other events, our sock selection in Peninsula had become, to be honest, shall we say, lame. That is, until last week, when a crack team of commandos executed a top-secret raid on Rocky River's socks department. So, stop in now to see a full selection of socks in fun and practical designs. As you can see, we have every color that you could possibly want, except maybe blue. Or yellow.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Win a free bicycle when BIKETOWN returns to Cleveland!

In 2003, Bicycling Magazine held an essay contest in order to give away 50 bicycles to residents of Portland, Maine. The project was dubbed "BikeTown," and it was such a success that it was expanded to other cities in later years.

In 2005, BikeTown came to Cleveland, and Century Cycles lent a hand by storing, building, and delivering the bicycles to the local winners. You can see some pictures from the marathon session our mechanics had in putting the bikes together!

BikeTown has returned to Cleveland this year, and the contest is already under way. Beginning on July 25, 2010, any person interested in entering to win can submit their story of 50 words or less, telling why they should win a free bicycle. The last day to enter is August 5, 2010.

Once the winners are selected, the bicycles will be awarded at Wade Oval on Wednesday, August 11.

More details, including a link to the entry form, can be found at Walk+Roll Cleveland. If you don't need a new bike, but know a friend or family member whose life could be changed by a bicycle, forward this information to them!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Stolen BMX now in stock!


New as of this week, Century Cycles has expanded its BMX lineup with the addition of bikes from Stolen Bike Co. Models we have in stock include the Wrap, Stereo, and the Pinch.

Stolen BMX bikes are being ridden by top pro riders around the world, such as Morgan Long and Kareem Williams of the USA, and Paul Jeffries and Phil Aller of the UK.

Stop into the Medina store (our BMX headquarters) to check them out, or see the specs and pics on line at: www.centurycycles.com/get/stolen

Friday, July 23, 2010

This just in: Giant Expressway unfolds and goes!


Giant's Expressway 1 ($499.99) upgrades your commute to the fast lane and you can find this folding bike now in the Medina and Rocky River Century Cycles stores, ready for test-riding!

Quickly transforming from a bike into an easily portable package in just 15 seconds, the Expressway easily fits under a desk, in a closet, in car trunks, etc. The efficient and sweet-riding aluminum frame has quick-release clamps that, with the ones in the stem and handlebars, let you fold the Expressway into a compact package for transport in the included carrying bag. To ride the bike, simply reverse the process, hop on, and go!
City cycling can be hectic, but Shimano provides its trick 8-speed drivetrain with twist shifter that easily handles stop-and-go riding, while the powerful linear-pull brakes offer total confidence and control even in chaotic urban traffic. The bicycle also features fenders and a rear rack.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

How to learn bicycle repair


We get a lot of e-mails and phone calls to the effect of "How can I learn how to be a bicycle mechanic?"

Of course, during the winter months, we offer our Bicycle Maintenance Classes. The winter is the best time for us to have these classes, as the repair shop areas are too busy during the spring and summer months to devote time and space for classes. To be the first to find out when we schedule our classes for the coming winter, keep an eye on this blog, or sign up for our eNewsletter.

The best way to learn bike maintenance skills, like learning anything, is to learn by doing. Even if you take a class, honing your skills takes practice and repetition.

Start by doing the work on your own bike yourself. You'll make mistakes along the way, and maybe even break things, but at least you'll only be breaking your own stuff. Start with the easy stuff, like replacing tires and tubes, work your way up to intermediate stuff, like adjusting shifters and brakes, installing chains, and adjusting bearings, and then the more advanced stuff like replacing the whole drive train, replacing bearings, truing wheels, and so on.

The number-one repair skill that every cyclist should have under their belt is changing a flat tire. We have a web page devoted to this at:

http://centurycycles.com/how-to/how-to-fix-a-flat-tire-pg714.htm

A good way to practice this skill is to do it in your garage at home, when you're not pressed for time and heading out on a ride. Pretend you have a flat even if you don't; take the wheel off, deflate the tire, remove the tire and tube, then put it all back together. This gives you a chance to hone your skill without being under the pressure of being out on the road and having to make sure you do it right to get home. You can find out what aspects of the process give you trouble, so that you know what advice to ask for later.

There are a number of good bike repair books that can help; our favorite (which we sell in our stores) is Bicycling Magazine's Complete Guide to Bicycle Maintenance and Repair. Also worth checking out is the Park Tool Big Blue Book of Bike Repair. Park Tool is the first name in high-quality bicycle-specific tools, so you can trust their advice when it somes to using them. Their web site is also a great resource; the "Repair Help" section is broken down by areas of the bike, with step-by-step guides and photos.

Speaking of tools, that is one of the downsides in becoming proficient in fixing your bike on your own. Just about every component on a bike requires a specific tool to remove and install, such as bottom bracket tools, headset removers and installers, crank arm removers, cassette and freewheel tools, wheel truing stand, and the list goes on. At the very least, you'll need a good set of metric socket wrenches and metric allen wrenches to get started on basic repairs, but building a full-service workshop requires a significant investment in more tools.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Brunswick bike paths planned after cyclist's death

All of us at Century Cycles were deeply saddened by the death of Jimmy Chapple, who died on July 6 after being hit by a car while riding his bicycle. Like many of our customers, he had become a close friend, too -- in fact, he was the responsible for many of the Medina store staff's distinctive tattoos.

We were heartened, then, to read this important news story in the Medina Gazette that Brunswick is now planning 25 miles of paths to make it safer for cyclists and walkers in the city. Jimmy's partner of 14 years, Missy Carder, is quoted in the article: “I think anything that they do to make cycling safer for people is wonderful.”

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

Mark your calendars!


We may be over halfway through summer, but that doesn't mean there aren't still a bunch of awesome events coming up to make the most of the season.

Century Cycles Night Ride on the Towpath Trail on July 24: So you've biked the Towpath during the day, but have you biked it at night? Join us this Saturday for another FREE Night Ride! We meet in the parking lot of the Peninsula store -- arrive a little early if you need to do some last-minute shopping or want to get a beverage from the blender bike, then the ride departs at 8pm.

Walk + Roll Slavic Village on July 25: This event has everything from a Blessing of the Bicycles at 2pm to some good ol' bike polo action from Pedal Republik from 1-4pm. Honey Hut will even be using Century Cycles' ice cream bike to pedal while peddling their delicious treats!

Pan Ohio Hope Ride on July 29 - August 1: We are proud to sponsor this amazing fundraiser that has participants pedaling 328 miles from Cleveland to Cincinnati. Did you know one or two-day options are also offered?

Free NiteRider Bike Light Demo at Century Cycles Night Ride on the Towpath Trail on August 7: Last year's NiteRider visit was our most popular Night Ride EVER. These guys only go to the best bicycling events in the U.S., and they are returning here for a second year in a row, so let's give them a warm Northeast Ohio welcome! Not only do you get to try some of the best bike lights for free on the ride, you can also register to win a FREE NiteRider MiNewt Mini-USB headlight ($99.99 value)!

14th Regional Sauder Village Wheelmen Meet on August 7 and 8: Where else can you see about 100 pre-1918 bicycles on a tour, plus see an amazing collection of restored bicycles?

Farm 'N Barn Bike Tour on August 29: Join us for the first annual event to visit the Countryside Initiative Farms in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park!

See you there!

Monday, July 19, 2010

Bottom Bracket Bearings - Old and New

On the left are a set of ball bearings that Derrick in Peninsula recently removed from a customer's bike, even that misshapen one that looks like a piece of gravel. On the right are what the same bearings look like brand new. The bottom bracket is the assembly that connects your pedal crank arms to the bike. If yours feels loose and/or makes awful noises, then it's possible it looks something like the one on the left!


Typically these days, we'd replace the old-style caged ball bearings shown above with a sealed cartridge bottom bracket unit, like the one shown below. It's not much more expensive, and it's much more durable and easier to maintain.


This is just one of the many services our expert mechanics at all three Century Cycles stores can do to keep your bike rolling smoothly and safely!
To learn more about the bottom bracket and its many variations, see this past Tech Talk article on this blog.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Photos from July 9, 2010 Night Ride on the Towpath

Here are the photos from our last Night Ride on the Towpath Trail on July 9 (thanks to Doug Charnock, Mike Petcher, and Kevin Madzia):



Our next Night Ride is coming up on Saturday, July 24, 2010. As usual, the ride is FREE and starts at 8:00pm from our Peninsula store. Go to www.centurycycles.com/for/nightrides to get full details, including directions to the store.

Our eNewsletter for July 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 in the current issue:

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Free NiteRider bike light demo at Night Ride on August 7


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Free NiteRider bike light demo at Century Cycles Night Ride on the Towpath Trail on August 7

PENINSULA, Ohio (July 14, 2010) – Century Cycles is teaming up with NiteRider Technical Lighting Systems to offer local bicyclists the chance to try the company’s innovative, high-powered lights on a Century Cycles Night Ride on the Towpath Trail on Saturday, August 7. The NiteRider bicycle light display and free demo begins at 6 p.m. in the parking lot of the Century Cycles bicycle store in Peninsula, Ohio (1621 Main Street, on Route 303 between Route 8 and I-271, next to the Winking Lizard Tavern). The free Night Ride starts in the same lot at 8 p.m.

NiteRider will have an assortment of its most popular bike lights available for bicyclists to demo on the two-hour Night Ride. Those interested in using a NiteRider demo light must provide a driver’s license and credit card as collateral, and all demo lights are on a first-come, first-served basis.

The complete line of NiteRider bicycle lighting systems will be on display in NiteRider’s rolling showroom that goes to bicycling events around the country, including the Sea Otter Classic and 24 Hours of Moab. In addition to the product demo, a NiteRider representative will be on hand to answer questions, distribute catalogs and give away a NiteRider MiNewt Mini-USB bicycle light (MSRP: $100) by random drawing to one lucky Century Cycles Night Ride participant.

“Last year, the NiteRider demo was our most popular Night Ride on the Towpath Trail ever,” said Scott Cowan, owner of Century Cycles. “We’re thrilled NiteRider is joining us again this year and that Northeast Ohioans will get a chance to demo their light sets – and maybe even win one.”

For more information, go to www.centurycycles.com/goto/nightrides or call Century Cycles in Peninsula at 330-657-2209.

About Century Cycles Night Rides on the Towpath Trail

Now in their 15th year, Century Cycles Night Rides on the Towpath Trail are FREE group bicycle rides at night along one of the area’s most popular bike paths – the Towpath Trail in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. They attract hundreds of bicyclists who enjoy it as a fun family outing, a unique date night, or a just a casual bicycle ride with friends by moonlight.

Century Cycles Night Rides on the Towpath Trail are open to riders of all ages and abilities, with no pre-registration necessary. Each casual, moderately-paced ride starts promptly at 8 p.m. in the parking lot of the Century Cycles in Peninsula and is approximately 12-15 miles long (about two hours). Parking is available at the Lock 29 Trailhead, just north of the store. Helmets, bike lights and a bicycle are required. Children 15 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult. Although no registration is required and they are free, a waiver must be signed.

Century Cycles Night Rides on the Towpath Trail are also scheduled for Friday, August 27, and Saturday, September 18. (Special Night Ride dates in October will be announced shortly.)

About NiteRider Technical Lighting Systems

NiteRider was founded in 1989 and is widely recognized as a leading innovator and trailblazer in the bicycle lighting industry. The Company is known internationally for the stylish design, high performance and quality of its lighting products as well as for its unparalleled, high standards for customer service. Over the years, NiteRider has sponsored legends in the sport like NORBA legend Tinker Juarez and ultra-distance legend John Stamstad, both inductees of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame. www.niterider.com

Staff Profile: Andrew Copenhaver


Seasonal help doesn’t come much better than Andrew Copenhaver, 19, a student at Allegheny College in Pennsylvania who has worked at the Medina store for the past two summers. You may have read about the Brunswick High School grad recently on our blog and Facebook – Andrew just came in 1st place in the 15-19 age group in the Twin Sizzler bicycle race on July 4. Road racing is not where is heart is, however. That belongs to mountain bike racing.

Q: What mountain bike races have you competed in?

A: This Sunday I’m racing in the NEO Power Series. Last year I came in second in the 18 and under age group. Now I’m in the Sport Senior group and am hoping to win it. I’ve also done the Reagan Park Time Trials, the Vulture’s Knob Groovy Series, and the Manitoc Big Valley Race.

Q: How did you get started in mountain bike racing?

A: Working here at Century Cycles. I was inspired by Tom Wiseman. I started riding with him and realized I could keep up. He has such deep expertise – he gives me advice on racing and bike mechanics, and he knows the people and the scene. I don’t race much at school. There is a far superior mountain bike racing scene here than in Pennsylvania, so I come back to Ohio for some events.

Q: What’s one of the best pieces of advice Tom has given you?

A: He said good braking can make you go faster, so I upgraded my brakes. He’s right – you can go faster in turns if you trust your brakes.

Q: How many bikes to do you own?

A: Three. For mountain bike racing, I ride a Giant XTC with quite a few upgrades. It’s my favorite, because I put a lot of work into it myself and race on it. It’s only 21 pounds, which is stupid-light for a mountain bike. I also have a Kona Cinder Cone, plus a Cannondale road bike for commuting to work. It’s about 9 miles from my house to the store and I bike about 75% of the time.

Q: What has been your proudest moment on a bicycle?

A: My proudest moment was finishing the Manitoc Big Valley Race last year. It was a really muddy course and I had a bad crash about 10 miles from the finish. Even with bent rotors and rubbing brakes, I made it to the finish line. I even came in third place!

Q: What’s your favorite local ride?

A: Vulture’s Knob – it’s the toughest, tightest singletrack in the state. It takes your riding to the next level.

Q: What piece of cycling advice do you most often give?

A: Same thing I was told – buy more bike than you need, because you are going to use it.

Q: What was your first bike?

A: A Dyno VFR. I got it when I was around 6 or 7 years old. My first “real” bike was the Kona.

Q: How do you recharge after a race?

A: Chipotle is usually at the races, so I have a burrito and a couple Monster energy drinks. I figure it’s OK -- I just burned 2,000 calories.

Q: What do you like to do when you’re not on a bike or working at Century Cycles?

A: I go fishing or play basketball with friends. I really like outdoor activities, like camping and fishing, but when I can't get outdoors, I like writing and recording music, and I also enjoy cooking very much.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

5 Tips: Helmets

Wearing a helmet is the most important thing any cyclist can do to prevent serious injuries. Whether or not you consider yourself a “serious” rider, you should have a helmet on no matter where or how far you ride. You don’t have to take our word for it; listen to Dr. Michael Schaefer of the MetroHealth Medical Center in this 2-minute video on the importance of bike helmets for everyone.

Buying and wearing your helmet does not have to be a painful process. The staff at Century Cycles has years of experience in fitting helmets for adults and children of all abilities, sizes, and budgets. Here are five tips to keep in mind as you shop for your next helmet:

1. Try on several different models and brands to find the best fit. Some of the lower-priced models have “one-size-fits-most” approach, while the higher-priced models come in Small, Medium, and Large for a more custom fit, and some offer women’s-specific models. We even have an Extra-Large model (the Giro Venti) for those with larger-than-average heads.

Different brands of helmets tend to fit different head shapes better. Usually, we find that our Bell helmets fit better on people with more oval-shaped heads, and our Giro helmets tend to work better on more round heads.

For children, helmets are sized based on an age range, from infants and toddlers to ‘tweens. All kids grow at different rates, so take the age recommendations as a general guideline -- we have fitted toddlers who required an adult-sized helmet.

2. Wear the helmet level so that it covers your forehead. This is the most common mistake we see among helmet wearers, both children and adults. Wearing the helmet tilted back on your head leaves your forehead exposed to impact. And increases the chances of the helmet falling off , or not properly absorbing an impact even if it stays on. You should have a gap the size of about two fingers between the front edge of the helmet and your brow.

Feel free to wear a hat, bandanna, or skull cap under your helmet for warmth or sun protection. It will not affect the safety of the helmet, as long as you are still able to wear it in the correct position and adjust the fit properly. Some helmets have an additional visor in the front. The visor is purely for providing a little extra protection from sunlight; it does not affect impact protection. Most people who are riding drop-bar road bikes prefer a helmet without a sun visor, as the visor tends to block your vision a bit when you’re in the bent-over riding position.

3. Adjust the rear fit dial, side buckles, and chin strap for optimal safety and comfort. A helmet that’s the correct size for you can still feel uncomfortable (and be unsafe) if it’s not properly adjusted. First, put the helmet on in the correct position (see tip #2 above). Reach behind your head and turn the fit dial to tighten or loosen the internal harness so that it’s snug around your head. Next, adjust the buckles on the side straps. The buckles should sit just below and slightly forward of your ear lobes. Adjust the slack on the chin strap so that you can get two of your fingers between your chin and the strap. This leaves just enough room to hold the helmet on securely, while still allowing you to breathe and talk normally.

If all of the above sounds complicated, don’t worry--we’ll help you select the right size helmet, and make all of the initial adjustments for you.

4. Don’t store your helmet in direct sunlight. Also try to minimize the amount of time you have to leave your helmet in the car. Extreme heat will degrade the material inside the helmet, compromising its protective ability.

5. Replace your helmet after a crash or after five years of use. Bicycle helmets are designed for a single impact. If you suffer a crash, do not wear that helmet again because it will NOT effectively protect your head if you have another crash.

The material inside the helmet cracks and/or compresses to absorb the shock of the impact. Even if there is no damage visible on the outside of the helmet, there may be cracks or compressions under the shell that you can’t see.

Bicycle helmet manufacturers recommend you replace your helmet every five years, because exposure to the elements and normal wear and tear break down the protective material, degrading its ability to do its job. If the pads inside your helmet are worn out, that’s probably a good sign that it’s time for a new helmet.

Something to keep in mind when shopping for a helmet is all bicycle helmets provide the same level of protection. Every bicycle helmet sold in the United States must meet the standards established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for bicycle helmets. A more expensive helmet does not provide better protection than a cheaper helmet. The differences among lower-priced and higher-priced helmets are fit, weight, ventilation, and styling. Also remember that helmets designed for other activities (e.g. skateboarding, rock climbing, hockey) do NOT provide the proper protection for use while cycling.

Peninsula's latest bicycle touring visitor

This is Wesley Jacobson, who stopped in the Century Cycles store in Peninsula last week. He's riding around the perimeter of the US (over 10,000 miles total) to raise funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. You can check him out more at: www.jacobsonexpress.com

He's riding a Trek carbon road bike, which he was the first to admit was not ideal for bicycle touring. We tried to talk him into taking a Surly Long Haul Trucker; he said maybe for his next trip!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Celebrate ClevelandBikes at a party on 7/23

A message from Kevin Cronin and the good folks at ClevelandBikes:


Join Us To Celebrate Cycling Growth and Success with ClevelandBikes!

So what do you do to acknowledge seven years of cycling progress, including:
 Bike lanes on Euclid Avenue;
 Northeast Ohio’s first bicycle station;
 Three years of successful bicycle weeks;
 City-wide bicycle plans and parking lot requirements adopted, complete streets plans under review and a greater focus on cycling safety and transportation;
 Steady growth in the use of bikes in conjunction with buses and trains;
 MORE ATTENTION FOR CYCLING INTERESTS THAN EVER BEFORE!

Save the date, Friday, July 23rd, for a ClevelandBikes fundraiser, participate in the cycling auction (with great bicycles and other attractive gift packages), join friends and fans to watch an exciting stage of the Tour de France; learn about cycling initiatives in Northeast Ohio; and have a great time! Questions? Contact Kevin Cronin or Jody Orlovick at ClevelandBikes.

Flannery's Pub, located on East 4th Street and Prospect Avenue, will be cycling central on Friday, July 23rd, 5:30-9:00 pm. Complimentary food and wine, with cash bar available.

 Live Auction: Bid on varied gift packages of theatrical and performance events, restaurants and other activities, highlighting bicycles donated and refurbished by the Ohio City Bicycle Co-Op, including bikes from Bianchi, Kestrel, Basso and Trek.
 Tour de France: Watch the exciting stage 18 of the Tour, from Salies-de-Béarn to Bordeaux, through beautiful country-side and the woods of Les Landes, with an exciting sprint finish.
 Fun and Socializing: Enjoy the evening with those who enjoy and appreciate cycling growth in Northeast Ohio.
 Learn about exciting cycling initiatives: A short hop from “the Bike Rack,” Northeast Ohio’s first bicycle station, you can see the progress, review plans and sign up for your membership and learn about other exciting events for Northeast Ohio.

Join us by purchasing tickets at a range of levels:
 $30 -- Peloton Member
 $75 – Breakaway Leader
 $100 -- King of the Mountain
 $150 – Maillot Jaune
Make checks payable to ClevelandBikes, a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization, committed to advancing all forms of cycling as healthy sport, recreation and transportation. In thanks, guests will receive a free Tour de France water bottle!

We Plan to See You There!!

To contact ClevelandBikes: Phone 216 377 0615; Fax 216 881c3928; or via email at kevin@clevelandbikes.org.

Monday, July 12, 2010

Medina Twin Sizzler Photos - July 4, 2010

A few guys from the staff of the Century Cycles store in Medina participated in the annual Twin Sizzler bicycle race, including Don, Tom, Drew, Chris, and Andrew, who placed 1st in his age group. Great job, guys! See below for photos from the event:

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Art in motion: The Electra Amsterdam Girard 3i

I am in full swoon mode over the two Amsterdam Girard 3i bicycles we now have in stock in Rocky River -- Tree of Life (above) and Madonna (below). Both are collector's editions adorned with the artwork of mid-century master designer Alexander Girard, who inspired the designers at the Electra Bicycle Company when they visited his collection at the Museum of International Folk Art in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Girard's artwork adds a delightful quirkiness to the simple elegance of the classic Amsterdam, Electra's modern Dutch city bike. Nothing is overlooked -- the frame, saddle, grips, and even the bells are decorated with whimsical Girard designs, plus little touches like the contrasting spokes also grab the eye.

These bikes are further proof of Electra's dedication to creating everyday bicycles that are both a joy to ride and a joy to behold. You gotta see -- and, unlike other art, test ride! -- them to experience the full swoon for yourself.

Friday, July 9, 2010

Cleveland Magazine shout-out to Century Cycles' bike rentals

In the "Outdoor Adventures" issue on newsstands now, Cleveland Magazine says the best way to see the Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath is by bike. "No bike? No problem. Century Cycles...rents bikes." Our very own Derrick Kortvejesi, Service Manager in Peninsula for over 17 years, is then asked about his favorite sections of the 110-mile Towpath Trail. Click here to read Derrick's tips and the entire clip.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Night Riding, 1900-style

One of our customers in the Century Cycles store in Medina brought this gem into the store to show us how bicycle technology has changed. It's a kerosene lamp designed for bicycles, from the early 1900's era.

He said he has actually tried it out, and it works, other than blowing out once you get above about 10 miles per hour!

You can check out current bicycle lighting technology in use at our next Night Ride on the Towpath Trail this Friday, July 9, 2010. The ride begins at 8:00pm from our Peninsula store. The store will be open before the ride, so you can stock up on new headlights and taillights or any other last-minute needs.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

POHR Training Ride in Rocky River on Saturday

Century Cycles is a proud sponsor of the 2010 Pan Ohio Hope Ride and this Saturday, July 10, we will be hosting a POHR training ride, starting at our Rocky River store at 9am and riding 30-35 miles through the Cleveland Metroparks. All skill levels welcome. Like all POHR training rides, it is open to the general public and POHR past, current and future cyclists.

To register for the training ride, please visit www.meetup.com/panohiohoperide.

Define your life - in the Capitol! Plus other bikes in the news...

Century Cycles' long-time friend Dick DeLombard sent us these photos sporting his "Define your life. Ride a bike." t-shirt in Washington, DC this past weekend:

At the Washington Monument

At the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (where, Dick
reminds us, the paper bills in your pocket come from)

Dick rode his high-wheeler bicycle in the July 4th parade. You can often spot Dick on this bike at events through Ohio as well, representing the Ohio chapter of The Wheelmen, a club "Dedicated To The Enjoyment And Preservation Of Our Bicycling Heritage."

Thanks for the photos, Dick!
Yesterday, pizza shop owner Matt McClellan arrived in New York City's Times Square, completing a month-long bicycle trip from Florida. He made the journey surviving only on pizza, stopping for a slice every three hours! You can read more from the New York Daily News.
John Teske is a 6-foot-1-inch tall musician, but his upright double bass outdoes him at 6-foot-4-inches! He's having a trailer custom-built in order to haul his instrument around to gigs in the Seattle area by bicycle. See the full story from the Seattle Times.

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Local bike park breaks ground + other news

Congratulations to Bay Skate and Bike Park! Founder Lawrence Kuh and Bay Village Mayor Deborah Sutherland broke ground yesterday on the newest bicycling resource in Cleveland's western suburbs.

In other news:

This is predicted to be the hottest week so far this summer. Here are some tips for staying hydrated while cycling. (Century Cycles)

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood continues to support bicycling, trumpets U.S. bike route system. (Bike League)

We've got a 2010 Tour de France page on our website to get you completely up to (ahem) speed. (Century Cycles)

Monday, July 5, 2010

Bike travel in the news

The Plain Dealer recently had two articles related to going by bike when you're visiting different cities. This article by Susan Glaser talks about the highlights of a 3-hour tour of the monuments in our nation's capital of Washington, DC.

Famed travel writer and radio host Rick Steves talks about the joys of touring European cities by bike; the article can be found online here from the Howard County Times of Maryland.

Friday, July 2, 2010

New for the Summer: Nutcase Helmets


Lots of cycling folks have wanted a way to protect their noggins while expressing their own personal style. Some helmets are available with cool non-racing designs, but most of those are sized for the 5-and-under crowd!

Now, there's a new option for adults with style. Helmets from Nutcase come in lots of unique designs. Each is CPSC certified for multi-sport use, including bicycling, skateboarding, and scootering. They have 11 air vents to keep you cool, and come in 2 sizes (Small/Medium and Large/Extra-Large).

They also feature adjustable quick-release buckles, and include 4 sets of extra sizing pads. $49.99 each.

To see the selection of sizes and colors of Nutcase helmets that we have in stock at Century Cycles stores, go to: www.centurycycles.com/get/nutcase

Please note: size and colors vary by store; please call to verify.


Bicycle Touring pair in Peninsula

These two men stopped by the Century Cycles store in Peninsula last week, while riding the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route from Mobile, AL to their home in Western New York. Bill Graves (left) is a member of the Wesleyan Church of Orchard Park, and Todd Glendenning (right) is the church's pastor. The two are calling their trip Freedom Tour, and they are raising awareness and funds to help the cause against Human Trafficking - The Modern Day Slavery.
You can read about their trip at http://freedomtour.opwc.org and following their more detailed journal at http://enduranceeventtraining.blogspot.com.

Thursday, July 1, 2010

CLOSED on July 4, 2010

PLEASE NOTE: All three Century Cycles stores will be CLOSED on Sunday, July 4, 2010 for the Independence Day holiday. We will be open for our regular hours (10:00am - 8:00pm) on Monday, July 5.

Celebrities who bike: Pink and Bob Dylan

In our continuing series of "Celebrities Who Bike," we are passing on this piece from the Star; pop star Pink was spotted riding a Giant TCR road bike with her significant other Carey Hart.
If you're part of either the Boomer or X Generation, then the only rock start you know named "Pink" should have a last name of "Floyd." However, our generation is not to be left out in the rocker/biker world. According to this report from the Ohnotheydidnt blog on Livejournal, 69-year-old artist Bob Dylan was recently spotted hanging out and cycling around Bratislava in the Slovak Republic.