Thursday, March 31, 2011

Sign up for 30 Days of Biking!

Join the worldwide movement starting tomorrow, April 1, and sign up to ride every day for 30 days! Why? Just to prove you can! To motivate yourself to ride more this year! To motivate your friends and neighbors to ride more! Just for fun!

All you have to do is ride your bike every day in April. It doesn't matter how much you ride each day--do a short spin around the block just for the sake of riding! If you can ride to work or school, do a long training ride or group ride, all the better!

Sign up to let the world know that you're in: just go to www.30daysofbiking.com and fill out the online form. If you use Twitter or other social media, post daily updates on your daily biking experiences. Use the hashtag #30daysofbiking to automatically include your updates in the worldwide feed! Also, see the 30 Days of Biking page on Facebook!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Public Input Sought for Bike Users Map for Summit/Portage Counties

The Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS) agency is holding public meetings in order to receive feedback on the a Summit/Portage County bike users map. The map can be accessed here.

Two meetings in two locations are scheduled:

April 13, 2011, 6:30pm
Highland Square Branch Library
807 W. Market St.
Akron, OH  44303

April 27, 2011, 5:30pm
Kent Free Library
312 W. Main St.
Kent, OH  44240

If you're a cyclist in the Akron or Kent areas or anywhere else in the nearby region, here's a great opportunity to make your voice be heard and be a part of the process of improving cycling conditions in Northeast Ohio!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Rt. 303 in Peninsula closed April 10-14

In early April, construction crews will be closing Main Street / State Route 303 in Peninsula for four days, to replace the railroad crossing directly in front of our Peninsula store.

The electronic warning signs are already up on Rt. 303 notifying local traffic that the road will be closed Sunday, April 10, and will re-open Friday, April 14, upon completion of the construction.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and have created this website page with information and detour instructions, in particular for westbound customers coming to the store from Hudson or Route 8. If you are coming to Century Cycles from the east, you should have no problem accessing our parking lot, although we have also posted instructions on how to proceed further east after your store visit.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Bike Gallery - Salsa Casseroll

We had the privilege of custom-building this 2011 Salsa Casseroll for a customer in our Peninsula store. This bike is replacing a custom Serotta, and the rider will be using it for brevets and other endurance events.

You can see more photos of the bike, as well as the full specifications, on this page in our Bike Gallery.

Check out other custom bike builds and modifications we've done in the past in the full Bike Gallery.

Friday, March 25, 2011

Get the Guide!

We have just published the Century Cycles 2011 Cycling Guide -- 24 pages of fantastic new products, useful bicycling tips, and our schedule of Night Rides on the Towpath Trail. If you didn't receive one in your mailbox, stop in one of our stores this weekend during our Spring Sale and ask for one! If you got one, please tell us what you think of it!

In the guide you can check out 2011 products from Raleigh Bicycles, Giant Bicycles, Saris car racks, Tifosi sunglasses, CatEye lights and computers, Gore Ride-On cable systems, and much more.

Some of the super-helpful tips include:
  • Find a Great Event Ride
  • Off-Road Survival Tips
  • What Makes a Woman's Bike
  • Skin Care Basics
  • Make a Great Home Gym
  • Start a Bike Commute Culture at Work
  • And my favorite: Fight the Funk (you're going to have to pick one up to know what that's about!)

Sally went forth on her bike


Maybe Sally Forth needs a Garmin Edge 500 -- now in stock at all our stores and 20% off this weekend.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

5 years ago: Bob Roll rocked our world

Five years ago today, Bob Roll made his legendary visit to Century Cycles -- a night of cycling craziness that lives on in our memories (and our bathroom wall). The Plain Dealer story about his visit is but a small glimpse into the insights Bob shared about the Tour de France, pro cycling, and Lance (and it doesn't begin to capture his amazing sense of humor). Ah, Bob -- one day we hope you can return!

Walk down memory lane now over, today we start our biggest sale of the year! Click here for all the deals and discounts or -- better yet -- stop in to shop, test ride, try on, or just say hi.

And if you stop in our Rocky River store, be sure to check out Bob's lasting presence in the bathroom.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Hot winter clothing 40% off at Spring Sale

As the temperatures dip into the 20s and 30s again, you'll be happy to hear select winter clothing is 40% off at our Spring Sale that starts tomorrow.

Besides the fact that this is stuff you can wear now, this 40% off deal is good for some of our hottest products for men and women -- including the Pearl Izumi jacket that VeloNews named its #1 cycling product, a super-cool thermal hoody, cozy AmFIB Tights, wool jerseys, winter gloves, balaclavas, and more.

What We Ride: Petch's Root Beer Float

Like many of us (and many of you), Century Cycles General Manager Mike Petcher names his bikes. Dubbed "The Root Beer Float," his 2009 Masi Speciale CX is Petch's go-to bike for bike paths and trails -- and anywhere else that his regular road bike is not up to the task.

Click here to read the complete "What We Ride" story about Petch's cyclocross bike and the modifications he made to it. The Root Beer Float was actually one of the first Masi bicycles Century Cycles ever sold and we profiled it in a blog post back in February 2009 with lots of close-up pictures of its beautiful brown goodness.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Don't miss our Spring Sale Hot Deals

Hot Deals are making an encore appearance at our huge Spring Sale this Thursday through Sunday! These are extra-deep, 40%- and 50%-off discounts on some popular accessories -- offered only March 24-27 and only while supplies last. Sale shopping tip: You're best chance of scoring a Hot Deal is on Thursday or Friday, before the big weekend rush.


50% OFF HOT DEALS

Pearl White, Metallic Blue, or Matte Black only
Reg. $59.99 Sale $29.99
Reg. $69.99 Sale $34.99
Terry Women's T-Shirts
Reg. $34.99 Sale $17.49
Reg. $69.99 Sale $34.99
Reg. $39.99 Sale $19.99
Reg. $39.99 Sale $19.99
Reg. $54.99 Sale $27.49
(White only)
Reg. $99.99 Sale $49.99
Reg. $21.99 Sale $10.99
Reg. $17.99 Sale $8.99

40% OFF HOT DEALS

Reg. $29.99 Sale $17.99
Sugoi Neo Pro Shorts (Men's & Women's)
Reg. $49.99 Sale $29.99

We and our shadow

It's always impressive when the student who comes to job-shadow at a bike store actually rides a bicycle to the assignment.

That impressive student was Michael Ruehl, a senior at Bay High School, who is pictured above with his bike and Century Cycles owner Scott Cowan. He chose Century Cycles as his sponsor for Bay High School's Career Shadowing Program, to learn more about being a business owner and what it's like to work in a bike store. He kept busy that morning and was a big help to the staff in Rocky River as they received a delivery of bicycles, inventoried accessories, put away chairs and tables from the maintenance clinic the night before, and assisted customers trying to decide which bike was right for them.

Monday, March 21, 2011

Spring Sale on the front page

If you're in Medina county, check out Century Cycles' spring sale ad above on the front page of today's Medina Gazette! Our biggest sale of the year starts Thursday, March 24, and runs through Sunday -- click here for all the details and coupons you can print out.

For these four days, everything is ON SALE in all our stores! Save big on a new bicycle and outfit your bike (and yourself!) for riding. Get a great deal on winter cycling clothing -- all marked a whopping 40% off! And Hot Deals will be back for an encore, with some deep 50%-off and 40%-off discounts on a few popular items, including cycling shorts, sunglasses, and helmets!

Friday, March 18, 2011

It's Here: 2011 Ohio Bicycle Events Calendar

Come and get 'em! We now have the 2011 Ohio Bicycle Events Calendar in stock in all three stores -- available for free and a GREAT resource for many local bicycle rides and events. Prefer to get this information online? Click here for the web version of the calendar.

Century Cycles is proud to support this publication of the Ohio Bicycle Federation by being an advertiser -- check out our ad below, starring CC owner Scott Cowan and avid high-wheeler Dick DeLombard on a Night Ride last year!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Irish insights on a sunny St. Pat's

Happy St. Patrick's Day! This sunny holiday -- a great day for being with friends and family, perhaps enjoying a tasty hopped beverage, and going for a bike ride! -- reminds us of this quote from Irish author Iris Murdoch:
“The bicycle is the most civilized conveyance known to man. Other forms of transport grow daily more nightmarish. Only the bicycle remains pure in heart.”

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Take our poll: GPS for bikes -- yay or nay?

This month we want to know: Do you think GPS for bikes is a good idea? You've got five choices above, but we've already heard from longtime Century Cycles customer Ann Raffis, who wished we would have added the option "getting lost is when I have the best rides" -- for her, the truest answer of all! If you, like Ann, have another option you wish was in the poll, let us know in the comments.

The results from last month's poll asking how you fight cabin fever are below -- and it's clear that being in the great outdoors is the cure for when you're sick and tired of being cooped up indoors!
Thanks, as always, for voting! Do YOU have an idea for a poll? We'd love to hear it! Just let us know in the comments or email us at info@centurycycles.com.

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

Listen in: Radio Century Cycles

Radio Century Cycles is a monthly call-in show broadcast online that gives you the inside scoop on bicycling in Northeast Ohio. Click here to listen to the show, download it for later, or get it as a free podcast from iTunes. The show is broadcast live at 10:30 a.m. the third Tuesday of every month, should you want to call in with a question or comment. The show is hosted by Bob Soroky, a sales associate at our Medina store and a radio veteran.

On the first show last month, Bob interviewed local Cat 1 racer Andy Clarke about his training in Spain.

On today's show, Bob interviewed Derrick Kortvejesi, service manager of Century Cycles in Peninsula, for his tips on how to prep a bike for spring riding. At the close of the interview, Derrick recommends using a "chain checker," a tool that bike mechanics use to gauge chain wear and elongation. A worn-out chain can shift poorly and damage the cogs and drivetrain, which is much more costly to replace than a chain (and certainly more expensive than a $12 chain checker).

Monday, March 14, 2011

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Weekend Roundup: A snowy pile of cycling news & links

Sunday In June registration is now open -- cycle through the 4th largest Amish settlement in the WORLD with over 800 others. -- Cleveland Touring Club

Can indoor bike racing rescue Slavic Village? -- Fresh Water Cleveland

Don't forget: Daylight Savings Time begins tomorrow (and, as of Monday, Century Cycles returns to full summer store hours). Here's a helpful PSA to help you understand what DST means. -- The Ellen Degeneres Show

We saw someone wearing a "Frazz" t-shirt at our Big Adventure party last Friday and we thought you'd like to know what our good CC friend, Jef Mallett, has been up to. -- The Washington Post

We also saw a great Akron blogger at our party and thought you'd like to read her about her first-ever visit to our Rocky River store. (Charlotte, we don't serve Sierra Nevada there EVERY day, just so you know.) -- Back on Two Wheels

We paid tribute to "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure," but here are 10 more movies where bikes steal the scene (including the classic "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid"). -- Treehugger

Medina city council OKs funds to extend multi-use trail. -- The Medina Gazette

The Mayor of Seattle recently had his bike stolen. So what did this outspoken bicycling advocate choose for his next ride? A Raleigh. -- Seattle Bike Blog

There's a buzz building amongst Northeast Ohioans who are planning to go to this criterium through the streets of Pittsburgh next month, some to race (both men's and women's fields, with identical prize payouts) and some to watch (Tailgate Village, anyone?). -- Steel City Showdown

Among these 25 wild, weird vending machines is the (drum roll, please) Bikedispenser. -- Today

That's it for now! Have a great weekend!!

Friday, March 11, 2011

WestLife newspaper: Century Cycles rolls into spring!

Many thanks to WestLife newspaper reporter Sue Botos for coming to (and covering!) our spring event, Century Cycles' Big Adventure. Below is a clip of the story from the print edition -- check out those great photos of Carl Williams and his daughter Amy, plus CCers Kevin Madzia, Derrick Kortvejesi (and his lovely wife Kathy), Jo Laird, and Eric Edwards. Click here to read the story online.

Staff Retreat Photos

Century Cycles held our annual Staff Training Retreat on Feb. 22, 2011 at Camp Cowan (a.k.a. Scott's house). Our staff retreat is way for all of us to get together to look ahead to the coming cycling season and discuss how to continue to provide the best service to our customers and be Northeast Ohio's favorite home town bicycle store!

If the slide show is not appearing for you above, click here. Thanks to Doug, Petch, and Kevin for the photos!


Thursday, March 10, 2011

New Pearl Izumi cycling shoes, now in stock!

The new Spring 2011 Pearl Izumi shoes have arrived at Century Cycles and we are excited about two new models that both feature running-shoe-style uppers with traditional lace closure like your other favorite shoes:

The Pearl Izumi X-Alp Seek IV (for both men and women -- men's shown at left; $100) is comfortable and efficient for bicycling, hiking or walking. These sweet shoes feature running shoe uppers that are light, quick-drying and breathable synthetic/mesh with full laces for a custom fit. They also boast dual-density EVA outsoles/midsoles with firmer EVA plates under your cleats for pedaling efficiency and beveled heels for easy walking, plus their lugged soles grip great on all surfaces.


The Pearl Izumi Fuel (for both men and women -- women's shown at left; $95) are super-stylish, lightweight cycling shoes that work great on and off the bike. Designed to be a dual-purpose shoe, the Fuel has soles that are stiff for pedaling efficiency yet have enough flexibility for walking comfortably too. The running-shoe-style upper features mesh for breathability, lightness and a sweet fit and feel.

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Big Photo Slideshow of Century Cycles' Big Adventure!


Thanks to EVERYONE who came for our annual spring kick-off event last Friday -- over 200 people joined us to celebrate bicycling, the coming of spring, and the movie "Pee-Wee's Big Adventure!" We had a blast and hope you did, too.

Special congratulations go to the 20+ people who won trivia and raffle prizes from Century Cycles, Raleigh, Pearl Izumi, Tifosi, and Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland!

Answers to the FAQs we've gotten:
  • Yes, we still have a limited supply of festive party t-shirts in Rocky River, mostly size XL, in case anyone still wants one.
  • The pee-wee hot dogs for the Pee-Wee party (and those yummy French fries) came from The Linden Tavern, our neighbor in Rocky River.
  • That bike is a 1936 Elgin that is on permanent display in our Rocky River store, along with many other very cool vintage bikes.

Check out all the pictures below -- photographed by our very own Mike Petcher, Doug Charnock, and Kevin Madzia.


Monday, March 7, 2011

Celebrating our 19th year

On this date 19 years ago, the first Century Cycles bicycle store opened in Medina. Since 1992, we've opened stores in Peninsula and Rocky River, built thousands and thousands of bicycles, sold countless kids' first bikes (and those kids are now coming back to us to buy bicycles for THEIR children!), and helped Northeast Ohioans keep rolling on two wheels with second-to-none service -- all thanks to the best customers and staff a bike store could ever hope for!

And you know what 19 means, don't you? It means we're already planning a REALLY big party for our 20th anniversary next year!

Giant for Women clinic a huge success



The Giant For Women clinic at the Medina Century Cycles on February 19 was a huge success, educating over 40 area women about proper bike posture, fit and gear and garnering extensive press coverage in The Medina Gazette (above).

The clinic was taught by our good friend Jackie Baker from Giant For Women, who grew up in Medina county -- we're proud that she bought her first bike from Century Cycles before heading off to college and we were thrilled that Jackie's family could join us for the clinic. A former mountain bike pro, Jackie now travels all over the United States for Giant Bicycles, leading bike clinics and coaching women bicyclists of all skill levels. This was a rare Northeast Ohio visit for Jackie and we're already looking forward to her NEXT visit. (Want to follow Jackie's adventures? Like her on Facebook!)

Our thanks to all who came -- be sure to check out the event pictures below to see if you're in them!


Photo Credit: Debbie Petcher and Mike Petcher

Friday, March 4, 2011

Best. Prize. Ever.

Think you know your Pee-Wee's Big Adventure movie trivia? Then at our party tonight you may have the chance to win this awesome Pee-Wee doll, handmade by local craft artist Natalie Wille! (Yep, we're also giving that movie poster behind it!) See you tonight!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Go Speed Racer, go to the party!

You are not gonna wanna miss Century Cycles' Big Adventure, our big spring event tomorrow night at 7pm at our Rocky River store! Here's the latest and greatest party news....

We just pulled a bunch of great door prizes to give away -- including the cool Speed Racer cycling jersey (size L) above!

We also ordered some festive food from The Linden Tavern, our neighbor here in Rocky River. Come enjoy their delicious french fries that would even make Simone swoon! And we're thrilled, as always, that Sierra Nevada is once again the official beer of a Century Cycles soiree.

So we hope to see y'all here tomorrow night to help us kick off the 2011 bike season in Northeast Ohio -- and be sure tell 'em Large Marge sent you!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Century Cycles announces sponsorship of Grunt Girl Racing

Century Cycles is proud to announce that we are the exclusive bicycle store sponsor of Grunt Girl Racing, an all-women's multidiscipline club and team in Northeast Ohio. Grunt Girl Racing supports, encourages and guides women of ages and abilities who want to learn and train. It helps those who are new to the cycling, running and multisports scene grow in a non-competitive environment without pressure or intimidation. 

Ask any Grunt Girl what she likes best and she'll talk to you about the friendships, the support, and the satisfaction that comes with being part of a team and the joy of discovering something totally new and unexpected about yourself. The benefits go far beyond the finish line!

While you can always go to http://www.gruntgirlracing.com/ to learn more about the club and the benefits of membership, you can personally visit with them at our free Century Cycles' Big Adventure event this Friday night -- unlike Pee-Wee Herman, they are NOT rebels or loners (although, like him, they really do love their bicycles!).