Saturday, October 29, 2011

Topeak Rear Baskets: Ideal for Bike Commuting and Errands

Century Cycles has two new items that should prove useful to anyone who commutes by bike, or enjoys doing their shopping or other errands on two wheels. Both products are rear-mounted baskets by Topeak, and work in conjunction with the Topeak Explorer rear cargo rack.

The Topeak MTX Rear Basket ($39.99) looks like a regular basket, but you get the added benefit of compatibility with Topeak's MTX QuickTrak system, which makes the basket easy to slide on and off the rack, so you can take it into the store and use it as your shopping basket, and then carry your stuff inside when you get home.

The Topeak Trolley Tote ($79.99) takes the same rear basket concept and steps it up a notch. It has the look and hauling capacity of the classic milk crate. But, it also has an extendable handle and a pair of wheels, so you can pull it around like an airport carry-on bag. Of course, it also works with the Topeak MTX QuickTrak system to securely attach it to your bike, and easily remove it and take it with you. Plus, it folds flat so that it's out of the way when you want to take it along, but don't need to haul stuff in it all the time.

Check out the video below for a demonstration of both products in action (click here if the video is not appearing for you). Both products are now in stock in our Rocky River store; as always, give us a call if you'd like to see them in either Medina or Peninsula. For more details about these and other Topeak products that we carry, see: www.centurycycles.com/get/topeak

Friday, October 28, 2011

Mountain Bike Action Shootout: Giant Talon 29er vs. Giant Yukon FX

If you're a mountain biker in the market for a new bike (or upgrading a 10-year-old hardtail), the editors at Mountain Bike Action Magazine think the Giant Talon 29er 0 and the Giant Yukon FX should be on your shopping list. They just did a shootout between the two Giant bikes to make it easy for you to compare not only the bikes, but the the riding experience you'll get from each bike. They explain:

Bike shootouts usually corral similar bikes that sell for around the same price to battle it out for supremacy. This shootout is a little different. The two bikes from Giants are only similar in price. They have different wheel sizes and a totally different approach to how those wheels connect to the trail. One bike has dual suspension, while the other has a suspension fork and a rigid rear end. So why compare these two seemingly different bikes? Because that is exactly what any rider looking for a $1000 mountain bike is going to have to do. This shootout is not so much between bikes as it is between the riding experiences you’ll get from each bike.


Click here to check it out -- a must-read if you're considering a mountain bike purchase in the near future!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Upcoming Rides: FFF (FFFF) Oct. 29; Red Flannel Nov. 6

The Medina County Bike Club will hold its 33rd Annual Friendsville Freebie Fifty (Fall Foliage & Frostbite Frolic) at 10:00 a.m. this Saturday, October 29, starting on the Medina Square and with routes of either 28 or 50 miles. It is a chance to enjoy the beautiful fall scenery, cool weather, apple cider and much more!

FFF(FFFF) has been an annual FREE event since 1976. The route is 50 miles with a 28 mile cutoff. Included is a map, complimentary cider stop, good company, and places to buy food along the route. When you gather for the FFF(FFFF) at the Medina Square, the MCBC reminds everyone that a city ordinance forbids riding on the sidewalks at the square. Helmets are required on all club rides. For more event information, contact Tom Waterson at twaterson@neo.rr.com.

The FFF(FFFF) is not the only late-season ride left to enjoy before the snow flies. Ride the Lorain county countryside (pictured below) on the Lorain Wheelmen's Red Flannel Metric Century in Oberlin on Sunday, November 6. Be sure to look for CC staff on both rides!

Right on, Akron!

This morning we tip our bicycle helmets to the City of Akron, which yesterday opened the final section of the Towpath Trail in its city limits -- proclaiming itself the first major Ohio city to do so -- and to Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic when he said, "C'mon, Cleveland, get your act together."


Photo and article: Akron Beacon Journal

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Check out the bikes at Metro Lexus

When Metro Lexus decided they needed some bicycles in their luxury car showroom, we're thrilled they came to Century Cycles! We loaned them a few bikes and provided small signs with QR codes that link to more information about each bike, just in case a Lexus buyer needs bike details, too.

Do you have a public or retail display that could benefit from a bicycle (or two)? Contact tracey@centurycycles.com.


Monday, October 24, 2011

New Product: LONG Sleeve DYL T-Shirts!

Dapper Doug Charnock is modeling Century Cycles' newest piece of "Define your life. Ride a bike." swag -- a black long-sleeve t-shirt, which will help you look into the distance knowing your arms are appropriately protected from the elements. All the cool CC kids will be wearing it this winter and you can, too, for just $19.99.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Sudsy Success: All Hail the Ale Night Ride


The 2nd annual All Hail the Ale Night Ride for Cleveland Beer Week on October 15 was a sudsy success, with over 125 people braving a damp, chilly and windy day to show their devotion to both bicycling and beer. The costumes were EPIC! We had almost the entire family of Great Lakes Brewing beers represented, including Christmas Ales Eric Newton and Hari Ender -- who were riding their very first Century Cycles Night Ride! For ALL the photos by our own Doug Charnock and Mike Petcher, check out the slide show below.

Ales hailed in some way by the Night Riders' costumes (in no particular order): Sierra Nevada, Guinness, 21st Amendment's Brew Free or Die IPA, Celebrator, Duff, Harp, Winking Lizard's World Tour of Beer, PBR, Great Lakes Conway's Irish Ale, Great Lakes Christmas Ale, Great Lakes Nosferatu, Great Lakes Elliott Ness, Dos Equis, Left Hand, Pirate, Corona, Fat Tire, Arrogant Bastard, Warsteiner, Trappist, Cleveland Browns Stadium Tailgater, Pumpkin Ale, Blue Moon, Budweiser, Kalik, Miller Light, and Boulder Beer Singletrack.

We also collected $39.00 at the Night Ride for the Malone Scholarship Fund for Cleveland Beer Week, and Century Cycles supplemented that donation by giving the charity's silent auction at Brewzilla an Electra Deluxe Relic bicycle worth $549.99. Night Riders also donated $106 for the Hopsice of Medina County in memory of Doug's mother, Marda Charnock.

Thanks to EVERYONE who rode (and dressed up) with us, and big huge thanks to our All Hail the Ale Night Ride partners -- The Winking Lizard, Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, and Cleveland Beer Week. Stay tuned for the 2012 Night Ride schedule!



Click here if the slide show above does not appear for you or to see it in a browser.

So true....


Last Sunday's Frazz really nailed what it's like to cycle in Northeast Ohio in the fall (and wonderfully illustrates the old Cleveland joke "don't like the weather? wait a few minutes and it will change").

All the more reason to enjoy a sunny and clear weekend like this one -- and hopefully you can fit in a bike ride between all that pumpkin-carving and leaf-raking!

Friday, October 21, 2011

Last Chance: Summer Clearance and Used Rental Bike Sales

Our Summer Clearance Sale ends Sunday, so this weekend is your last chance to score awesome deals on the warm-weather gear that are the old stand-bys of most cycling wardrobes -- including 30% off Pearl Izumi shorts and jerseys, 50% off LUNA clothing for women, and up to 40% off cycling shoes!

I also wouldn't dawdle if you're interested in the Used Rental Bike Sale. Here is what we have left -- and once they're gone, they're gone!

Raleigh Venture 4.0s: 3 men's (22"), 3 women's 14", and 5 women's 16"

Raleigh Mountain Scouts: 4

Tagalongs: 4

Burley Trailers: 3

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Deagan's Bike Night Grand Prize Winner

Congratulations to Claudia Fleming of Cleveland for winning the Deagan's Bike Night grand prize -- a 2011 Raleigh Detour Deluxe commuter bicycle worth over $800! Claudia was presented with her new bike by (from left to right) Dan Deagan (owner of Deagan's Kitchen & Bar in Lakewood), Sean Burkey (Midwest Rep for Raleigh Bicycles in Seattle), and Scott Cowan (owner of Century Cycles).

The Bike Night finale party last Thursday, October 13, was a lot of fun. Raleigh Bicycles kicked off the evening's festivities by handing out free bike lights and wrenches to all the bicyclists at the restaurant who shared the event on social media. At 8pm, Deagan started announcing prize winners (while Scott started a tasty malt beverage on tap):

Katie Higgins was the lucky winner of a Deagan's gift basket custom-made for by Erika (a.k.a. Mrs. Deagan):

Jim Fuduric won a Century Cycles t-shirt and gift card (then the Fuduric luck continued when his father later won another CC t-shirt and gift card!):

Other winners included Eddie Salim (Deagan's gift card), Mikki Kast (Avenir Bike Pump from Raleigh), and Amy Salim (Avenir Bike Pump). Again, congratulations to all and many thanks to EVERYONE who biked to Deagan's all summer long!

Friday, October 14, 2011

All Hail the Ale Night Ride's Eve

It's the eve of our annual two-wheeled celebration of Cleveland Beer Week at the All Hail the Ale Night Ride on the Towpath Trail -- Century Cycles' final Night Ride of 2011!

You love beer? You love bikes? This is the event for you! It's a FREE nighttime bicycle ride that begins at Century Cycles in Peninsula (1621 Main Street/Route 303) and will end with a special Cleveland Beer Week tapping of cask-conditioned Sierra Nevada Dry Hop Torpedo beer at the Winking Lizard Tavern next door. (The first 50 riders at the Winking Lizard will get a carabiner bottle opener from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company!)

For more information, go to www.centurycycles.com/for/CleBeerWeek or call Century Cycles at 330-657-2209.

Here are the latest event details:

• BIKE RIDE: Pedal your bicycle with a crowd of fellow bike-and-beer lovers on a 13-mile nighttime bicycle ride on the Towpath Trail. It will roll out at 7:30 p.m., but plan to arrive earlier to admire your fellow rider’s beer-inspired garb, take a spin on the Blender Bike, and enjoy the pre-ride festivities. Rain or shine. No pre-registration necessary. Bike lights and helmets are REQUIRED.

• COSTUMES: While beer costumes are not required, they are highly encouraged. The people and bikes decorated in tribute to the event theme “All Hail the Ale” can win post-ride prizes donated by Century Cycles, the Winking Lizard and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, plus they won’t have their beer loyalty questioned.

• FOOD: At the ride’s halfway point, there will be Oktoberfest-themed snacks – pretzels, sausages, cheeses and other salty delicacies – to fuel the ride back to the Winking Lizard Tavern and make you REALLY thirsty for some good beer.

• POST-RIDE BEER: After the ride, head to the Winking Lizard Tavern in Peninsula for a special tapping of a cask-conditioned Sierra Nevada Dry Hop Torpedo. Not to be a buzzkill, but there will be no beer allowed or distributed on the Night Ride until the tapping and Night Riders are responsible for their own bar tab.

• A GOOD CAUSE: The All Hail the Ale Night Ride is free and no pre-registration is required. However, bring a few extra bucks, because the All Hail the Ale Night Ride wants to further celebrate Cleveland Beer Week by supporting its charity, the Malone Scholarship Fund. Cash donations will be collected pre-ride and post-tapping. The first 27 people who donate will receive a free Yehuda Moon book.

• MORE CLEVELAND BEER WEEK FUN: Century Cycles is also donating a bicycle to the silent auction to benefit the Malone Scholarship Fund at BREWzilla, the party that culminates Cleveland Beer Week. For a chance to bid on the bicycle and other auction items donated by local breweries and companies (plus enjoy more amazing beer), attend BREWzilla on October 22. Tickets and info are at http://www.clevelandbeerweek.org/.

Just a reminder:

While the Night Ride is FREE and requires no advanced registration, Night Riders must sign a waiver before participating and are responsible for the purchase of their own beer and food at the Winking Lizard. This ride is at night, in the dark woods on an un-lit trail. That is why bicycle lights and helmets are REQUIRED. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult; young adults under 21 should ignore all the excitement about the beer tapping. Finally, make sure those beer costumes don’t hang or catch in a bicycle’s spokes or chain (falling off your bike tends to ruin the fun) and that you can still wear your bike helmet in costume.

See you tomorrow night!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Rule the streets on a Rush Hour



Forget sitting in traffic. Rule the streets on Raleigh's Rush Hour instead.

Its tough Reynolds chromoly track frame and chromoly fork will last the long haul and boast a nimble ride to dodge potholes and pedestrians. You'll also dig Sugino's Messenger crankset, the classic track handlebars and the toe clips with leather straps that offer a nice, vintage look.

What else would you expect from a company whose first bike was a fixie?

Rider: Chris Walters / / Camera: Justin Stark

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Countdown to the Ale Ride!

Just four days and counting 'til Century Cycles' final ride of 2011 -- the All Hail the Ale Night Ride for Cleveland Beer Week! To get ready to roll this Saturday night, remember to:

Mark your calendar to arrive earlier than normal! This ride starts at 7:30pm, and parking-lot festivities start at 6:30 p.m. with the Blender Bike, registration for prize drawings, and more.

Be sure to bring a few bucks! We will be collecting donations to the Jimmie Malone Scholarship Fund (CBW's official charity) and to the Hospice of Medina County (in memory of Doug's mother, Marda Charnock). The first 27 people who donate $10 or more to either will get a free Yehuda Moon book!

Be sure to bring your thirst for a special beer! We'll be heading to the Peninsula Winking Lizard after the ride for a special Cleveland Beer Week tapping of Sierra Nevada's cask-conditioned Dry Hop Torpedo beer --sent from California just for this event!

Dress yourself or you bike in some sort of tribute to beer and help us hail the ale! Besides being a ton of fun, your effort could also win you a prize from Century Cycles, Winking Lizard and Sierra Nevada Brewing after the ride.

What counts as "dressing up?" Trust us, we ain't all that picky. You CAN go all out as Jo did above, to celebrate her favorite beer, Blue Moon!

Or you can just wear a brewery jersey:

Or you can wear a cool t-shirt:

Or you can decorate your bike instead of yourself:

Or you can just break out the Duck Tape:

Or let your beery boxers see the light of day, er, night:


See you Saturday for our epic finale to our best Night Ride season ever!

Monday, October 10, 2011

Brooklyn Police Dept. rides Raleighs


A fleet of four 2012 Raleigh Talus 5.0 bicycles was recently purchased by the Brooklyn (Ohio) Police Department through the Century Cycles store in Medina.

Below are Drew and Tom from the Medina store shown delivering the bicycles to Patrolman Mark Murphey of the Brooklyn PD.
The bicycles are customized with a wide array of accessories, including Avenir Excursion trunk bags, Delta MegaRack rear cargo racks, Blackburn tail lights, Mirrycle mirrors, Topeak Mountain Morph pumps, Origin8 bottle cages, Polar insulated bottles, Slime tire liners, Profile Design bar ends, Cat Eye Micro Wireless cyclocomputers, Bell Slant helmets, and police-issue Digital Patrol System lights and sirens from NiteRider. The most unique accessory was the reflective POLICE decals, made by Eyedeal Graphics of Wadsworth, shown here being skillfully applied by Ed in the Medina store:
The Brooklyn PD will haul the bikes around using Thule Doubletrack 990XT hitch racks. To maintain the fleet, they bought some Chain-L lube, White Lightning lube, other lubricant products from Finish Line, and Park Tool chain tools and chain cleaners.

Thank you to Patrolman Murphey, as well as Detective Cindy Eschweiler, who worked with the Medina store team to select and spec the bikes and accessories.

If you are affiliated with a local police department, and would like some help with starting a bicycle patrol or expanding your current bicycle fleet, contact us to discuss a partnership with Century Cycles!

Friday, October 7, 2011

What We Ride: Justin's Giant Anthem X3

Justin Stark at our Medina store has just a few things going on in his life - he's engaged to be married, he's expecting a child in December, and he's been getting his 2010 Giant Anthem X3 ready for the opening of Ray's Indoor Mountain Bike Park on October 1.

The list of upgrades to his Giant Anthem X3 shows Justin's desire to achieve the best mountain bike experience he can get. His bike now boasts a Mavic Crossland wheelset ("lighter, stronger, sweeter" he says), Avid Elixir brakes ("better stopping power and modulation"), Chris King headset ("buttery smooth"), Chris King bottom bracket ("also buttery smooth!"), Gore Ride On Cables ("reduced friction in shifts and crisper returns"), Thomson Elite setback seat post ("sick light"), and Crank Brothers Candy pedals ("my favorite pedal ever").

When he wants to ride outside to enjoy an awesome fall day like today, Justin heads to Reagan Park in Medina, ideal for its proximity to the shop (the Huffman loop is his favorite). On days off, he ventures to Vulture's Knob in Wooster or Findley State Park.

With a baby on the way, we had to ask if a baby carrier is another upgrade in the Anthem's future. Justin replied, "On the road and to work I ride a Phat Cycles Phixie. I plan to make this my kid-towing bike when Lily is born in December. We are buying a Copilot Model A trailer for her as soon as she can hold her head up. Here's hoping she likes bikes half as much as I do!"

(More "What We Ride" profiles are here.)

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Rest in Peace, Steve Jobs

"I read a study that measured the efficiency of locomotion for various species on the planet. The condor used the least energy to move a kilometer. Humans came in with a rather unimpressive showing about a third of the way down the list....That didn't look so good, but then someone at Scientific American had the insight to test the efficiency of locomotion for a man on a bicycle and a man on a bicycle blew the condor away. That's what a computer is to me: the computer is the most remarkable tool that we've ever come up with. It's the equivalent of a bicycle for our minds."

--Steve Jobs (1955-2011)
from an interview for the documentary film "Memory and Imagination"


This Weekend: Stores Closing Early; Towpath Trail Closed

PLEASE NOTE: Due to a special event, all three Century Cycles stores will be closing at 3:00pm this Saturday, October 8. Sorry for any inconvenience!

Due to the Towpath Marathon running race, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail will be CLOSED beginning at 5:00pm on Saturday, October 8. The trail will remain closed the through the morning of Sunday, October 9, and most of that afternoon.

Note the during the period that the Towpath Trail is closed, our Bicycle Rentals in Peninsula will NOT be available.

Also be aware that while the Towpath Trail is closed, the trailheads and parking lots in the affected area of the trail will also be closed and not available for public use. This includes the Botzum Trailhead at the southern end, the Lock 29 Trailhead in Peninsula, and the Lock 39 Trailhead (near Rockside Road) to the north.

Timeline:

Saturday, October 8:
  • 1:30pm - Last call time for bicycle rentals in Peninsula
  • 3:00pm - Century Cycles stores close
  • 5:00pm - Towpath Trail and trailheads closed within CVNP
Sunday, October 9:
  • 12:00pm - Century Cycles stores open for normal sales and service hours
  • Bike rentals in Peninsula available when Towpath Trail re-opens.
  • 3:30pm - Last call time for bicycle rentals
  • 5:00pm - Century Cycles stores close at normal time
It is possible that bicycle rentals will not be available at all on Sunday, depending on when we are notified that the Towpath Trail is re-opened. Please feel free to call us at 330-657-2209 to check if the trail is re-opened.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Get our #1 tip for less

Our #1 tip for dressing for fall riding? Get arm, leg and knee warmers to conveniently adapt to the quickly-changing temperatures. Now Century Cycles is making it easy for you to get them -- we've just slashed the prices on Mavic Arm Warmers, Mavic Leg Warmers, and Mavic Knee Warmers, all only $29.99 (regularly $44.99)!

These Mavic products boast a soft, brushed Lycra fabric that transfers moisture and breathes to keep you dry and comfy mile after mile. They feature an anatomical cut, soft silicone grippers to keep them comfortably in place and (for the leg warmers) ankle zips for easy on/off. Slip them on when it's cool and easily pack them into a pocket when the mercury rises.

This markdown is only good while supplies last, so get 'em while we got 'em.

Mavics don't fit you the way you like? That sometimes happens, which is why we also stock Pearl Izumi leg, arm, and knee warmers. While you're trying things on, be sure to check out our complete selection of fall and winter cycling clothing, in all our stores now -- including long-sleeve jerseys, full finger gloves, shoe covers, balaklavas, and more!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Cleveland's Best Bike Shop - Again!

Thanks so much to the readers of Cleveland Magazine for voting Century Cycles the Best Bike Shop in Cleveland for the SECOND year in a row! This is an amazing honor we owe entirely to our stellar staff and our fantastic family of customers. Again, thank you!

Check out the October "Best of Cleveland" issue on newsstands now for more great picks by the readers and editors. Congratulations to our Bike Night partner, Deagan's Kitchen & Bar, for winning Best Suburban Hot Spot (West) and Best Small Plates/Tapas, and to our All Hail the Ale Night Ride partner (and Peninsula neighbor), Winking Lizard, which won Best Sports Bar!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Fun ride to Deagan's Bike Night; Finale Party on Oct. 13

Last Thursday a bunch of us Century Cyclers ignored the weather forecast and set out on our bicycles for Deagan's Bike Night, where the above photo beautifully captures the fun we had -- as well as the pretty ceiling at Deagan's Kitchen & Bar! The evening began promisingly at Huntington Beach, where some of us met up:

We hadn't pedaled but a few strokes before the rain started. And then came down harder. But you know what tastes great after a rainy ride? A delicious craft beer on tap -- cheers! -- and the wonderful gastropub fare that is Deagans' specialty.

Like us, you still have a couple chances to pedal yourself to Deagan's Bike Night for some fun and great food, and (unlike us) you can enter to win a Raleigh Detour Deluxe Bicycle worth over $800 from Century Cycles! The last regular Deagan's Bike Night is this Thursday, October 6. And the bonus? The weather forecast looks GREAT for Thursday -- no rain!

Then it's the biggie -- the Deagan's Bike Night Finale Party on Thursday, October 13. If you bike on October 13 between 5pm and 7pm, you can still put your name in to win prizes (PLUS get 15% off your total bill of tasty food and beverages). At 7pm, we start handing out gift cards and other goodies from Deagan's Kitchen & Bar, Century Cycles and Raleigh Bicycles. We'll give away one prize every 10 minutes until the bike giveaway at 8pm.

Remember: You MUST be present to win prizes, so if you biked way back in May or June, you gotta come on October 13 to redeem your prize if your name is pulled. See you there!

Sunday, October 2, 2011

5 Tips: Dressing for Fall Riding

Autumn in Northeast Ohio brings some of the best cycling conditions of the year, but riding in the fall also means spending a little more time planning your outings, especially when considering what to wear to stay comfortable.

Choosing the right clothing for the weather can be challenging even for experienced riders. Here are some tips to help you stay comfortable and safe on your late-season rides:

1. Get arm warmers and leg warmers to conveniently adapt to quickly-changing temperatures.
These clothing items may look a little funny, but once you try them, you'll be convinced that they provide the ultimate in versatility and convenience for when the day turns from cold to warm or from warm to cold. When you take them off mid-ride, they are small enough to easily stuff into your jersey pockets. Lightweight liner gloves can fit under your regular cycling gloves, and are another small, easy-to-carry item to help adapt to different temperatures.

2. Be prepared for wet weather by carrying a light jacket.
An unexpected rain shower during a hot summer ride isn't too dangerous; some cyclists even welcome such a refreshing splash. During the non-summer months, however, even if temperatures are only mildly cool, such a rain can be dangerous--you can develop hypothermia in temperatures as high as in the 60s. There are a variety of lightweight jackets that provide different levels of protection for cold air and rain; most of them pack up small enough to carry in your jersey pocket, or you can tie it around your waist, strap it to a cargo rack, or stow it in a trunk bag or handlebar bag. Some jackets have zip-off sleeves, combining the protection of a regular jacket and a vest, and the versatility of arm warmers.

3. Use a headlight and taillight to help stay visible as the days get shorter.
With fall's late sunrises and early sunsets, you may find yourself out on the road in less-than-ideal conditions for visibility. If you plan on riding in the dark on a regular basis, it's wise to invest in a high-intensity rechargeable light system. If you just want to have a backup in case you end up being out a little longer than expected in the dusk, an inexpensive headlight and taillight are adequate to help make sure you're seen by motorists.

4. Remember to wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Without the summer sun and humidity beating down on you, you might not feel the urge to drink as much water or other fluids, but don't forget that it's still just as important to stay hydrated. Also, even in overcast skies, the sun can be just as dangerous on exposed skin as in the summer.

5. Bring a change of clothes, or at least a warm jacket, to wear after the ride.
Even when it's cold, you're still going to sweat while pedaling. If you manage to stay at a safe and comfortable temperature during the ride, it may be during the post-ride cool-down that you need to worry about avoiding the chills. Unless you're ending your ride at home, bring a dry set of clothes to change into for the drive home, or for the group get-together at the coffee shop. If it's not practical to change clothes, bring along a warm jacket that you can put on over your cycling clothes.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Tonight's Night Ride is CANCELLED

Due to the near-100% chance of rain forecasted for today and tonight (falling on an already-drenched Towpath Trail), we have cancelled tonight’s Night Ride.

We apologize for any inconvenience and really hope you can join us on our final ride of 2011 on October 15, the All Hail the Ale Night Ride for Cleveland Beer Week. For more details about that fun, free and super-sized ride, go to: www.centurycycles.com/for/CleBeerWeek.

(On the bright side? Not riding tonight and stuck indoors gives you plenty of time to work on your beer-inspired cycling attire for October 15!)

On October 15, we will be collecting donations for Hospice of Medina County (in memory of Marda Charnock, to whom tonight’s cancelled ride was dedicated) AND to Cleveland Beer Week's charity, the Jimmie Malone Scholarship Fund. The first 27 people who donate $10 or more to either non-profit organization will receive a free book of collected comic strips, Yehuda Moon & The Kickstand Cyclery, thanks to the generosity of YM creator Rick Smith.

The collection jar for the Hospice of Medina County will also be on the counter of our Peninsula store until October 15, should anyone want to make a donation in the meantime.