Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Photos from June 26 Night Ride on the Towpath Trail

Here are some pictures from our last Night Ride on the Towpath Trail on Saturday, June 26, 2010:



Don't forget: our next Night Ride is on Friday, July 9! All of our Night Rides start at 8:00pm from our Peninsula store. Go to www.centurycycles.com/for/nightrides for full details!

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Product Review: 2011 Raleigh Competition Carbon Road Bike

Last Friday, thanks to Sean, our Raleigh sales representative, I had the opportunity to test-ride the upcoming 2011 model of the Raleigh Competition road bike. This bicycle has a frame made of Raleigh's high-modulus monocoque carbon fiber, including the fork with 1-1/2 inch to 1-1/8 inch tapered steerer tube. The natural carbon color is highlighted with neon green accents, along with matching 700x23 Vittoria Rubino Pro tires.

The drive train is anchored by Shimano's 10-speed 105 group, including the shift/brake levers, front and rear derailleurs, chain, and cassette, rounded out with an FSA compact double (50/34) crankset and chainrings, with the new BB30 oversized bottom bracket system.


The handlebar is the aluminum FSA Wing Compact model with ergonomic flat tops. The rest of the cockpit is put together with Avenir 200 Series aluminum stem and seat post, topped off with a Selle San Marco Ponza saddle.


Stopping power is provided by Tektro Dual Pivot brakes. The whole package rides on Mavic's Aksium Race wheelset.
The bike weighs in at 17 pounds, 14 ounces (55cm frame, without pedals).

So, here I am putting it through its paces heading south on Akron-Peninsula Road (by the way, it was sheer coincidence that I ended up wearing a matching jersey/shorts kit). Doug, Sean, and I finished the Valley Loop, then Sean and I headed further north for some hill work (up Boston Mills Rd, down Columbia Rd, up Snowville Rd, then down through the Brecksville Reservation, and back home on Riverview Rd); about 40 miles total.
So, how did it ride, you ask? First off, let me point out that this was my first real ride on an all-carbon bike (other than quick parking-lot test rides), so my main point of reference is to my steel and titanium road bikes.
One of the first things I noticed was the sound, or I should say the lack thereof. Some carbon frames have a tendency to transmit and amplify noise from the road, as well as from the chain and cassette, but I heard none of that on the Competition.
If I would have had to guess, I would have picked a 57cm as the ideal size for me, but surprisingly, the 55cm test model fit perfectly fine; I was able to get a good leg extension without jacking the seat post way up over the frame, and my forward reach felt ideal for racing and fast, aggressive riding.
The carbon frame did its job. It felt smooth and supple when cruising along, but stand up and hammer on the pedals, and you get out of it what you put into it. It's a real point-and-shoot piece of machinery; on the downhill S-curves of Riverview Rd, I found myself leaning into the curves more than usual, and tapping the brakes less than usual.
The Shimano 105 shifters gave fast, clean shifts whether up-shifting or down-shifting. Remember that with trickle-down technology, the 105 of today is as good as the Dura-Ace of a few years ago.
The compact double crankset gave me plenty of gears to handle the climbs of the valley. The compact double concept has become quite popular and works very well for most weekend riders. Serious racers, however, may find that they run out of gears on the high end and would prefer a standard double (53/39).
At $2,599.99, the Raleigh Competition provides a good value to anyone looking for a race-worthy full-carbon road bike. You get solid brand-name quality in the wheels and drive train, and save a few bucks with generic labels on some of the lesser-noticed parts (brakes, stem, seatpost).
If you must have a little more "bling" in your ride, the Raleigh Prestige and Raleigh Team share the same carbon monocoque frame with the Competition. At $3,249.99, the Prestige gives you a full SRAM Force drive train, including a SRAM Force 53/39 crankset with BB30, and an alloy FSA seat post and stem, and FSA carbon handlebar. At $5,499.99, the Team gets you Mavic Ksyrium SL wheels and a full SRAM Red drive train.

Monday, June 28, 2010

Last week's bicycle tourers in Peninsula

There were a few more touring bicyclists stopping by the Century Cycles store in Peninsula last week:

Joseph Casamassima (left) and Greg Giemza (right) are riding across the country (east to west) on "Miles for Mom - Coast to Coast for a Cure." The pair are raising awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis and Parkinson's Disease, which have stricken both of their mothers, respectively. You can follow their journey, and make a donation, at: www.milesformom2010.com

Haley (left) and Judy (middle) are both from San Francisco, CA. They are riding the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route from Mobile, AL to Owen Sound, Ontario. They took a break for a couple days in the area, and met up with our local friend Jo (right) to do a sight-seeing ride here in the Cuyahoga Valley.
You can see more photos of touring cyclists in the Century Cycles Bicycle Touring Photo Gallery.

Friday, June 25, 2010

Brian Griggs' new gig with Yehuda Moon + other news

So you know the cycling comic strip Yehuda Moon and the Kickstand Cyclery, right? And you know Yehuda Moon creator Rick Smith lives in Shaker Heights, right? Well, did you know he recently hired a ghostwriter who also hails from the shores of Lake Erie? Our hearty congratulations go out to Brian Griggs (also known by his online handle, Fatty McBastard) on his new gig!

In other cycling news:

Cleveland's June Critical Mass bike ride is TONIGHT at Public Square -- gather at 6pm, ride at 6:30pm. (Cleveland Critical Mass or on Twitter at @CLECritMass)

Geopolitical Cycles: 19th century bikers pedaled across cultures and into massacres. (New York Times Book Review)

Do bicycle helmets save lives? Or do they hurt cycling? (Planet Green)

Bikes banned in Black Hawk, Colorado. For real. (League of American Bicyclists)

A tour of the Brooks saddle factory. (Dirt Rag/Bicycle Times)

Old ink cartridges form bike path in Australian national park. (Treehugger)

The Bicycle That Saved Curious George

One of the first books that cycling enthusiast parents look forward to reading to (and with) their children is the classic Curious George Rides a Bike. Did you know that there is a much more serious connection between bicycling and Curious George?
The authors of the Curious George series were Margaret and Hans A. Rey. While working on the first books of the series, they were German Jews living in Paris during the Nazi occupation of France. Using spare parts, Hans put together two bicycles, which the couple used to flee Paris and the Nazi persecution. Using the bicycles, plus a combination of ships and trains, they eventually made their way out of France, to Brazil, and finally to New York City, where they eventually made arrangements to get the books published.
The story of the Reys' earlier lives, and their narrow escape, was made into a 2005 picture book by Louise Borden called The Journey That Saved Curious George.
Thanks to UrbanVelo for the story and links.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

Century Cycles teams up with Main Street Cupcakes




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Century Cycles teams up with Main Street Cupcakes to offer sweet treats for sweet rides

ROCKY RIVER, Ohio (June 24, 2010) – Main Street Cupcakes and Century Cycles are teaming up to offer sweet treats for sweet rides, celebrating the benefits of buying local when shopping in Rocky River for both bakery and bicycles.

The Detroit Road neighbors have launched a summer promotion that has an eye-catching pink and white Electra Townie Holiday 3 bicycle from Century Cycles on display at Main Street Cupcakes -- a cupcake box tucked perfectly inside its handlebar basket as a reminder that bicycles are an ideal mode of transportation for around-town errands. Main Street Cupcakes customers also receive a coupon good for $25 off their next bicycle purchase from Century Cycles.

At Century Cycles, the purchase of an Electra Townie or cruiser bicycle comes with a free cupcake from Main Street Cupcakes – a delicious way to celebrate their new wheels and remind Century Cycles customers about Rocky River’s newest Detroit Road retailer.

This promotion is good only at the Rocky River locations of both stores while supplies last.

New Product: CatEye Commuter Cyclocomputer


There's a new computer for your bicycle available this season, from CatEye, our most trusted go-to brand of electronic accessories. It's called the Commuter, because it's got extra features geared to those who ride a bike for commuting, transportation, errands, and utility.
First of all, it's a wireless computer, which means easy installation and clean looks. It's got all the features most people want in any computer: current, average, and maximum speed; trip distance, total odometer, ride time, and time of day. It's also got a pace arrow, which tells you if your current speed is higher or lower than your average speed.
To help make your commutes easier, the CatEye Commuter also tells you the temperature and your ETA (estimated time of arrival) in both actual time and in a bar graph. It's also got a calendar. To keep tabs on this information during early-morning or night-time commutes, it's also got a backlit screen that can be set to auto-off mode or always-on mode (keep in mind that excessive use of the backlight shortens battery life). Finally, it gives you a report of your carbon offset (Drew's favorite feature).
The FlexTight mounting bracket provides easy tool-free installation on most stems and/or most handlebars, from 22.2mm to 31.8mm in diameter.
The CatEye Commuter is $69.99 and is now in stock in all three Century Cycles stores, as well as online.

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Photos from June 4 Night Ride on the Towpath Trail

Here are some photos from the last Century Cycles Night Ride on the Towpath Trail on June 4, 2010. Thanks to Doug Charnock and Blanton Unger (both of the Peninsula store staff) for the photos!



Don't forget that our next Night Ride on the Towpath is this Saturday, June 26, 2010. The ride starts in Peninsula at 8:00pm! See www.centurycycles.com/for/nightrides for more details.

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Hot New Product: iPhone handlebar mount

By popular demand, we now have an option for carrying your iPhone or iPod on your bicycle handlebars! We tracked down a model that sells for less than half of many other commonly-available models!

The iPod / iPhone case by Ibera is $23.99, and it includes a handlebar clamp that fits most common bikes (22.2mm - 31.88mm diameter handlebars). The clamp also has a mounting bracket that lets you attach a spare water botle cage to your handlebar.

The case easily attaches and detaches from the clamp with a quick release mechanism. Best of all, the case's clear polyurethane cover allows you to operate your iPod / iPhone controls with the device inside the case.

Now in stock in all three Century Cycles locations!

Monday, June 21, 2010

Catching up with more bicycle tourers in Peninsula

The steady stream of long-distance touring bicyclists continued last week, with these visitors to the Century Cycles store in Peninsula.


This is Jeff Herzsstein, Sebastion Kennerknecht, and Dan Shively on June 16, 2010 taking a break while riding from Brooklyn, NY to San Francisco, CA.

This is one of the most colorful characters we've come across. His name is Jonathan Catalano, and he started his ride from his home in Buffalo, NY, and was the second touring group to stop by on June 15, 2010. He was using parts of the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route to get to Atlanta, GA, where we was going to stay with his sister for a while to paint her house. He then planned to make his way back north and west to catch the TransAmerica trail to the west coast, then head south through Mexico, Central America, and South America.

His most interesting stories were about his most recent job as a "tower climber." He worked for a company that builds and maintains those towers for radio and cell phone transmission. His last task before leaving was to climb an 800-foot tower to change the light bulb at the top!

You can follow Jonathan's journey at: www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/jello

Friday, June 18, 2010

The Inner Belt bridge bike lane saga continues

Yesterday's Plain Dealer reported that ODOT determined an Inner Belt bridge bike lane is not feasible, and instead now recommends the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge be used for bike traffic.

In today's edition, PD editorial board came down hard on ODOT in an editorial titled "Can ODOT say anything but 'no?'" They say the decision is "disappointing but unsurprising" and that "ODOT is a master of the narrow 'no' -- no matter the economic plusses." PD editors call on Gov. Strickland to demand a culture change at ODOT. They also call the proposed changes to the Lorain-Carnegie Bridge a "common-sense upgrade [that] should be done regardless of what happens with the Inner Belt."

Click here for our past blog posts about the effort to get a bike lane on the new Inner Belt bridge -- including who supports it, who is against it, and how to get involved.

Amazing stunt riding...on a carbon road bike

Check out this video from the UK of a guy doing some amazing things that are normally done on a steel mountain bike with 5 inches of suspension:



And yes, before you ask, Raleigh says, "This will totally void your warranty."

Our June 2010 eNewsletter

The June 2010 edition of the Century Cycles eNewsletter was sent out late yesterday. In case you missed it, you can read it online. Here's what's inside:
  • Inviation to the Medina County Bicycle Club's Ice Cream Odyssey Ride on July 17
  • Final wrap-up and reports from our Cleveland Bicycle Week events, including the Bay Bike to School Challenge, Pajama Party Night Ride, and Ride of Silence.
  • 5 Questions with Brad Sweet of the Rocky River store.
  • 5 Tips: Preparing for and Riding in a Charity Bicycle Tour
  • Our latest online poll: Which age had the best bikes?

To catch up on past issues of the eNewsletter, and sign up to receive it in your Inbox, go to our eNewsletter Archive page.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

5 Tips: Preparing for and Riding in a Charity Bicycle Tour

The charity bike tour has provided the motivation for many new cyclists to become interested in the sport. They've also become favorites for veteran riders, providing an annual event to look forward to, get together with long-time cycling friends, and re-live old memories.

The following 5 tips will help you get ready for your event, and help you enjoy yourself more during the event. Many of these events, like the MS150 Pedal to the Point, Pan Ohio Hope Ride, and Pelotonia are multi-day rides, but most of these tips apply equally well to single-day events such as the Tour de Cure, or to non-charity events such as the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA).



  1. Train by building up your mileage gradually. Most supported bike tours have rest stops every 12 to 15 miles, so if you can ride that distance comfortably, you'll do fine. If you're a beginning rider, start your training by doing short loops of 12-15 miles from your home or on your favorite local bike trail. Once you've done that a few times, ride out 12-15 miles, take a break, then ride back. Later, ride out 30 miles, then ride back, taking a couple of short breaks along the way. Keep building up your distance in this manner until you get to the distance of your event. During your breaks, eat a light snack. Drink plenty of water or sports drink during the breaks and while you're riding. To avoid "bonking" or dehydration, you should follow the rule of "drink before you're thirsty; eat before you're hungry." In summer-like weather, you should finish at least one water bottle between each rest stop, if not more. Don't spend too much time dawdling at the rest stops. If you rest too long, you're body thinks it's done for the day, and then you'll have to warm up all over again when you get back on the bike.

  2. Make sure your bicycle is tuned up and in good working order. Don't wait until the week before your event to take your bike into your favorite shop for a tune-up, because during the busy season, the service department may be backed up longer than a week. It's okay to take it in a month or so before the event--once it's tuned up, nothing major should go wrong with it in a couple of weeks, and the shop that tuned it up should be glad to give it a last-minute safety check a couple of days before the event. Don't rely on the event support mechanics for a tune-up or other major work--they are there to help you with unexpected emergencies, but they are not likely to have a lot of hard-to-find parts on hand, especially if you've got exotic wheels or other high-end components.

  3. When choosing what gear to pack, find a good balance between comfort and convenience. Self-supported bike tourers are like backpackers; they are constantly weighing each piece of gear they use and trying to find the lightest possible items to carry. This often means sacrificing comfort, such as sawing the handle off of your toothbrush, using the smallest, thinnest sleeping pad, and a tent that you barely have room in which to change your clothes. On a supported tour, however, you have the luxury of somebody carrying your gear for you, so you can afford to live it up a little. If you're traveling alone, use a spacious 2-person tent. If you're traveling with a partner, use a 3- or 4-person tent so you're not rolling over each other all night. Use a nice, thick model of sleeping pad, or even an inflatable mattress. If you're a light sleeper, bring along ear plugs and an eye shade to minimize disturbances from the campers around you. Bring a small flashlight or headlamp for those late-night excursions to the restroom.

    Don't go too overboard with this tip! You'll need far less clothing than you think. You'll be wearing your casual off-the-bike clothes for only a few hours each day, so you can probably double up on the days you wear each t-shirt and pair of shorts. You should only need one sweatshirt or light jacket for the evenings when it cools off. And keep in mind the generous volunteers that will be loading and unloading your bags every day! Stay within the tour organizer's stated limits for the number, size, and weight of each of your checked bags. If you're riding with a partner, put your shared camping gear in one bag, and combine your clothing in a second bag. Or, pack your personal items and clothing in separate bags, and split up the shared gear between you.

  4. Don't forget to have fun! You've spent months training, and raising funds and awareness for your cause. The ride is your reward for all of the hard work you've put in. Enjoy it however you wish! Ride at whatever pace is comfortable for you. Stop at the rest stops and partake in the snacks and socializing. Smell the roses, as the saying goes. If you end up feeling like you're having a bad day, or if the weather turns sour, don't feel guilty if you have to hitch a ride in the SAG wagon. Forcing yourself to suffer through a ride does not do anything to relieve the suffering of the people you're riding for. Stay safe!

  5. Be a good ambassador for cycling. Always be aware that non-cyclists will judge your actions, and then judge every other cyclist based on those actions. This may not be fair, but it's a fact of life. By behaving as an upstanding bicycling citizen at all times, you'll make riding safer and more enjoyable for yourself and the rest of us. Don't assume that because you're riding for a charity that you're above the law. Obey the usual traffic regulations just like drivers are expected to do. Even though Ohio law allows riding two abreast, if a driver is trying to pass you, single up for a moment to make it easier. Don't pass drivers on the right at stop signs or traffic lights; get in back of the line and wait your turn.

    When patronizing restaurants and other local businesses along your route, it's reasonable to expect good service, but remember that these establishments probably aren't equipped to handle dozens (or even hundreds) of cyclists during a special event. Be patient, and tip well. Don't assume it's okay to use their restrooms or fill up your water bottles if you're not buying something from them. Make them look forward to your next visit, so that they'll be proponents of future bicycling events in their town.

The Century Cycles staff has many years of combined experience in bike tours, both as participants, and through our sponsorship and support of many of Ohio's most popular rides. Look for our support van this summer at the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure, Ice Cream Odyssey, Pan Ohio Hope Ride, MS150 Pedal to the Point, and the NEW Farm 'N Barn Bike Tour in the Cuyahoga Valley!

What tips do you have to share from your cycling adventures? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

Staff Profile: Brad Sweet

Happy anniversary, Brad! This month Brad Sweet, 26, celebrates year #2 of working for Century Cycles in Rocky River. A former car salesman, Brad lives with co-worker Josh Ronschke in an apartment with bicycles stowed in the corners of almost every room. “Even the bathroom?” he is asked. “Well, no bikes are in the bathroom. Just parts.”

Q: What’s the difference between selling bikes and selling cars?

A: At Century Cycles, we don’t work on commission or have quotas. We can truly keep the customer’s best interest in mind to make sure they get the best bike for their needs. It’s a pure selling experience that focuses on good, fun things.

Q: Do you remember your first bicycle?

A: Oh, yeah. My first bike ties into my first real heartbreak as well. In my recollection, I had a 24” cruiser -- or maybe it was even smaller -- that had “Challenger” on the side and was black and gold. I tried to tweak it myself by adding mag wheels. My mom noticed a bare bike frame in the garage and put it out on the curb with the trash. Gone. Because of that, I keep bikes I like for a long time.

Q: So how many bikes do you have right now?

A: I have about six that are fully functional. I always have something around for friends to ride so they don’t have an excuse not to ride with me.

Q: Do you have a favorite bike?

A: The best recent riding is on a single speed rigid mountain bike. It started as a hardtail Diamondback and is now a Frankenstein bike with a mix of Surly and other parts.

Q: Road or dirt?

A: Dirt. Not a doubt in my mind. It keeps you keen. You have to be vigilant when you push yourself off-road because there is real risk involved. But there are also those distinct moments of zen - you're reacting without really seeing, just focusing on going fast and staying smooth.

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

A: Clean your bike. As mechanics, we see a lot of really dirty bikes. Just keeping your bike clean does wonders for it.

Q: What do you like about working in a bike store?

A: The variety – every day there are interesting situations and customers.

Q: When did you start bicycling?

A: I got my first “real” bike when I lived in Chicago about six years ago. It was a steel frame mountain bike to attack the streets of Chicago. I took a brief hiatus when I moved to Pittsburgh – the bicycle commuting was painful with all those hills – but started back up again when I moved back to Cleveland.

Q: What’s your favorite trail?

A: I’m still discovering a lot. I really enjoyed a fast trail called Pontiac Lake in Michigan. With its sweeping banked curves and the effortless speed you sustain, it feels like you're in a dirt bobsled track.

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

A: I play music. Besides bicycling, my other outlet is acoustic guitar.

Q: What’s your favorite post-ride drink?

A: Chocolate milk. It does the body good!

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Great dads deserve a great bike for Father's Day

Got a high-performance dad to shop for this Father's Day? Then don't give him a run-of-the-mill gift! When Western Union surveyed 1,000 people to ask the top items fathers have enough of to last the rest of their lives, the top of the list was tools (26%), ties (25%) and cologne (23%).

So cross all those things off your shopping list for Father's Day and pencil in Century Cycles' gift recommendation for Dad -- the Raleigh Misceo 1.0 ($549.99).

We like to call the Raleigh Misceo "the Swiss Army knife of bikes." It’s one of our most popular men’s models this season in a hot new bicycle category – the performance hybrid. The Misceo is a super versatile bicycle that sports an aluminum frame and front suspension fork. They combine to provide a great ride on the road AND are rugged enough to handle the rougher terrain of an off-road challenge. Dad will also like that it has 24 speeds -- he'll have the right gears on both hill and dale.

Want to upgrade Dad to disc brakes, a 9-speed drivetrain and a higher component level? Then give him the Raleigh Misceo 2.0 ($769.99).

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Ontario-bound cyclists stop in Peninsula

The latest pair of long-distance bicycle tourers just stopped by the Century Cycles store in Peninsula. Fred from Maryland (left) and Randy from Virginia (right) started in Louisville, Kentucky, and are following the Underground Railroad Bicycle Route to Owen Sound, Ontario.

Randy broke his derailleur and had it replace yesterday, but needed some additional adjustment to the cable tension, so Rich took care of that for him.

See our Bicycle Touring Photo Gallery for more pictures of riders that have stopped by all three of our stores.

Monday, June 14, 2010

"Prioritizing the Power of the Pedal" on WCPN's Sound of Ideas Tuesday

The Sound of Ideas is a local talk/discussion program hosted by Dan Moulthrop on WCPN, the Cleveland-area affiliate of National Public Radio. On the morning of Tuesday, June 15, 2010, the topic is "Prioritizing the Power of the Pedal." Join in as Dan welcomes the following guests to the program:

Among the topics covered will be what the USDOT's new priorities could mean for Ohio, plus an update on the much-anticipated Cleveland leg of Northeast Ohio's Towpath Trail.

You can listen by tuning into 90.3 FM in the Cleveland area, or listen live online at wcpn.org/soi from anywhere in the world. The program begins at 9:00am Eastern time.

Define your life - in San Francisco!

I just returned from a week-long vacation in sunny Northern California with my girlfriend. Fortunately, the Fog City did not live up to its nickname, and we had clear skies and warm days to enjoy cycling around San Francisco, as well as seeing wine country by bike.

Bicycling across the Golden Gate Bridge can be a harrowing experience, but one that should be on the "bucket list" of every cyclist. Imagine the busiest summer weekend on the Towpath Trail, with hundreds of fellow tourists on bike and on foot. Add in 30mph+ cross-winds and a 270-foot drop to the cold water of the Bay below!

I had the good fortune of a friend living in town who let me borrow a bike for the day, but if you want to try the ride yourself, there are plenty of bike rental concessions available. They are easy to find near Fisherman's Wharf and the surrounding area.

There's no toll or fee to cross the bridge on foot or by bike. You can ride both ways, or take the ferry back to San Francisco from Sausalito, the first town on the north side of the bridge, for about $8.

Friday, June 11, 2010

Road cycling routes in the CVNP


Century Cycles' website is pretty deep with lots of bicycling resources, thanks to our Webmaster Extraordinaire Kevin Madzia.

One of the resources you may not have stumbled across yet is this page devoted to road cycling routes in and around the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, all starting from our Peninsula store. They include the Valley Route, which is a very basic route good for all skill levels, and the Death Ride (above), the ultimate hill-climbing challenge based on a route originally mapped out by member of CTC. Links to Bikely are also provided for the maps, cue sheets and elevations.

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Tune in to Table Talk with Bob Soroky at 9pm

Century Cycles owner Scott Cowan will be the featured guest on Table Talk with Bob Soroky at 9pm tonight, a weekly blog radio show. Does the name "Bob Soroky" sound familiar? He's also on staff in our Medina store!

Click here to log in to hear the show online. Hint: Log in a bit before 9pm so as not to miss anything. There will also be a call-in number if fans wanna talk on the air with either Scott or Bob.

Like what you hear? Then "like" Table Talk with Bob Soroky on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tabletalkbs.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Adult Trike Fever!


Two wheels feel a little unstable? Then go for three! That's what a lot of people are doing -- at Century Cycles, we've sold a year's worth of adult trikes in just the past two weeks.

On the Torker Bicycles Tristar Adult Trike ($539.99), you can ride to the grocery store, tool around town, or go visiting the neighbors. Made with a durable steel frame and tough wheels, the Tristar can haul your groceries, library books or just an extra jacket. The wide, comfy saddle makes riding a pleasure and the simple coaster brake with an extra hand brake makes it safe.

Other uses for trikes? Well, Google has them, and Scott has been known to ride one in a parade!

Come test ride a trike for yourself (or a family member) and see why so many people have trike fever!

Tuesday, June 8, 2010

Camping in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park


This summer, the Cuyahoga Valley National Park is offering five primitive campsites behind Stanford House, located at 6093 Stanford Road, Peninsula, OH 44264. The backcountry campsites are for distance hikers and bicyclists using the nearby Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and Buckeye Trail only. Drive-up use is not permitted.

Each camp site accomodates up to two tents and six people per site. The rates are $18per day for each site ($15 for CVNPA members).

The campsites are available now through Monday, October 31, 2010. Reservations are available by contacting the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association at (330) 657-2909 extension 119, from 9:00am to 4:00pm, Monday through Friday.
Perfect for your next Sub 24-Hour Overnight bicycling trip!

Monday, June 7, 2010

Coming soon: the Weehoo i-Go Pedal Trailer



The Weehoo i-Go is a new tag-along / trail-a-bike concept for parents who really want to ride. The openness engages children for hours and encourages interaction between parent and child.

Children can pedal as much as they want or sit and relax. While pedaling, children can exert so much force that you'll ride easier with your child than without. Effortless handling.

Includes tons of storage, enclosed drive train, and ergonomic seat that quickly adjusts for different size riders.

Coming soon to Century Cycles!

Thursday, June 3, 2010

The latest bicycle tourer in Peninsula

This is Daniel Boyle, who stopped in the Peninsula store today, the eighth day of his bicycle trip from Burlington, Vermont to Denver, Colorado. You can follow his progress on Twitter @DanielMBoyle.

Thanks again to Doug for the photo! Check out all of our bike-touring visitors at the Century Cycles Bicycle Touring Photo Gallery.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Come rent a bike for a ride on the Towpath Trail!

Looking to take a casual ride in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Got friends and relatives visiting, and looking for something to do while spending a day out?

Century Cycles has bicycles for rent at our store located in Peninsula, Ohio. You can ride right from the store onto the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, which is very flat and suitable for all ages and skill levels.

We rent Raleigh comfort hybrid bikes and Electra Townie cruisers that fit most adults and young adults, Raleigh Mountain Scout bicycles for kids, and trailers and tag-alongs for small children.

We're open 7 days a week, and just a 30-minute drive from Cleveland or Akron!

See our newly-updated bicycle rental information page for full details on rates, hours, directions, our bicycles, and everything you need to know to enjoy a fun ride!

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Short-distance bicycle tourers in Peninsula


Today's visitors to the Century Cycles store in Peninsula show that you don't have to be out for a long time or a long distance to have fun traveling on your bike. Scott and Andy are from Toledo, Ohio, and are just riding home from Cleveland. Their destination today is Findley State Park near Wellington. Both men do work with the Toledo Bicycle Co-op (www.toledobikecoop.org).

UPDATE: Andy and Scott stopped by the Medina store later in the day, also: