Monday, June 30, 2014

How to (Politely) Use Chamois Cream

Chamois cream is a skin lubricant used to prevent chafing and other discomfort during those long bicycle rides. Ideally, the um, "application" of this cream should take place in the privacy of your own home before you leave for the ride. But sometimes, during those REALLY long days, you may need to re-apply during a ride.

Bicycling Magazine recently offered these etiquette tips for smooth application.

Paceline Products Chamois Butt'R has been one of the most popular chamois creams for many years, and a staple in many of Century Cycles customers' kits. It's available in both the Original Formula and the newer Her' version formulated especially for women. In stock in all three of our stores!

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Happy Santana Tandem owners report back from Michigan ride

Gary and Nancy purchased their Santana Beyond tandem bicycle from the Century Cycles store in Medina. They report that they've ridden about 420 miles on it so far, and are "pretty darned happy with it."

They came across this place, Tandem Ciders, a winery and cider-making shop in the Leelanau Peninsula are of northern lower Michigan.

Thanks for the update, Gary and Nancy, and we're glad you're enjoying your bicycle!

Thinking about trying out a tandem with your significant other? Our Medina store is Ohio's only authorized Santana Test Ride Center. We've got several Santana tandem bicycles in stock, and several of our staff are expert tandem owners and riders themselves! Stop in and take a look!

Friday, June 27, 2014

Scranton Flats Towpath Trail Construction update video

Tim Donovan from the Canalway Partners brings us this latest video update of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail construction in the Scranton Flats area of Cleveland:

Click here if the video above is not appearing for you.

As mentioned in the video, you are invited to participate in the grand opening of the Scranton Flats Towpath Trail in two ways.

First, attend the Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Monday, July 7, 2014 at 1:00pm. Click here to RSVP.

Second, the Scranton Flats Pier is a new observation deck on the Towpath that extends out into the Cuyahoga River. They need a nickname for the pier, and you can choose from a final list of eight candidate names. Click here to vote!

Thursday, June 26, 2014

Video from the June 21, 2014 Night Ride on the Towpath Trail

Thanks to the 86 people who joined us for our latest Night Ride on the Towpath Trail this past Saturday, June 21, 2014. It was a beautiful evening, perfect for a ride on the first day of summer!

Thanks to Joe from the Peninsula store for capturing this video footage:

Click here if the video above is not appearing for you.

Join us for our next Night Ride on Saturday, July 5, 2014. For details, including directions, preparation tips, and photos and videos from past Night Rides, go to:


Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Ohio to Erie Trail Bicycle Riders stop by Peninsula

These two intrepid travelers (Bruce - left, and Chris - right) left the Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, just after the rains subsided this morning. They got a lift from a friend from their homes in Columbus, and are riding the Ohio to Erie Trail to Cincinnati.

After helping them out with a couple of flat tires, the folks in our Peninsula store sent them on their way with wishes of good luck and good times.

You can see more photos of long-distance touring cyclists that have visited all three of our stores in our Bicycle Touring Photo Gallery.

Sunday, June 22, 2014

Win a bike with Summit Metro Parks Summer Biking Spree!

Cyclists of all ages can earn free rewards* during the second annual Summer Biking Spree event, July 1 through August 31. Ride at least five different sections of the multipurpose trails managed by Summit Metro Parks: the Bike & Hike Trail, the Towpath Trail and the new Freedom Trail.

One lucky participant – drawn at random from submitted forms (due by 10/15) – will win a new Raleigh bicycle from Century Cycles. The drawing will be held October 16. The number of completed forms will determine the odds of winning.

Riders can earn a bicycle license plate, reflective sticker, and vehicle-window cling.

You can download an entry form here. Additional forms are available at the visitors center at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, the park district's administrative offices, at Century Cycles in Peninsula, and all Acme Fresh Market stores.

For more information, call 330-865-8065.

* Out-of-county residents pay $5 to receive their rewards.
Summer Biking Spree bike license plate
Summer Biking Spree window cling

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Temporary Towpath Trail Closure June 23 - 27

The Cuyahoga Valley National Park has announced that a portion of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail will be closed for emergency repairs from Monday, June 23 through Friday, June 27.

The area affected by the closure is between the Lock 29 Trailhead and the State Route 303 bridge in Peninsula. For those of you familiar with the area, this is the section of trail across the river directly behind our Peninsula store.

Trail traffic will be maintained with a posted detour through the village of Peninsula.

Also, an update on the Towpath Trail further south, the 2-mile section between Ira Road in Cuyahoga Falls and the Botzum Trailhead in Akron remains closed. The repairs to that section of the trail, as well as the tracks of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad in the same area, are expected to be completed by July 2.

Friday, June 20, 2014

Vote for the Best of Cleveland!

Click clevelandmagazine.com/bestof to vote now!
Voting is now open for the 2014 Cleveland Magazine Best of Cleveland!

Bicycle Shop is one of the Best of Cleveland categories, and Century Cycles is honored to have been chosen the "Best of Cleveland" every year since 2010. Thank you for your support!

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Is Century Cycles a Bicycle Friendly Business?

Century Cycles has applied to be recognized as a Bicycle Friendly Business by the League of American Bicyclists. You would think that as a bicycle shop, this would be automatic, but unfortunately, it's not that simple. We've got to go through the same application and review process as any other business.

The League will announce their latest findings this fall, and in the meantime, you can help us. The League wants to hear from our customers about what YOU think. Are we bicycle-friendly? Click the link below to take the Bike League's survery:


The survey will ask for the name and address of the business you're evaluating. We had to apply for each of our three stores individually, so be sure to enter the info for the Century Cycles store that you usually visit. If you want to submit feedback for more than one store, that's fine, but you'll have to click on the survey and start over for each one.

In considering your comments, please think about not only what we do to promote bicycling for our employees and customers, but how we promote bicycling in the community at large. The survey is not too long, and you'll have ample opportunity to write whatever free-form comments you may have.

The survey is available until Friday, July 18, 2014.

Thank you in advance!

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Team McClintock Race Across America Update

Mike Clintock and Team McClintock, the Century Cycles sponsored solo racer in the Race Across America, should have passed a critical checkpoint at the Mississippi River some time this morning.

He sent us these photos a few days ago, sporting his CC Define Your Life Ride a Bike Jersey. Lookin' good, Mike!
Mike was interviewed in a recent video update from the official RAAM media team on Monday:

Mike's part begins at around the 5:20 mark. Click here if the video above is not appearing for you.

By the way, keep an eye out later in the video for a British team that includes Pippa Middleton, the younger sister of Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge.

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure is underway!

The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure of 2014 is now in its third day, with riders taking a rest day in Coshocton (or an optional 50 or 100 mile ride). Our dedicated GOBA support crew reports that they've already seen the usual conditions that make every GOBA memorable: heat, sun, humidity, and rain!

These photos were taken by Cathy from the Century Cycles store in Medina at the event's layover in Orville on Sunday evening:

Click here if the slideshow above is not appearing for you.

Monday, June 16, 2014

Medina Sunday Service Ride Report

Thanks to the ten people who came to Medina for this month's Sunday Service Group Road Bike Ride. Ride leader Cathy reports that in addition to the three staff members who rode, there were four new riders, and three returning riders. The day started out chillier than expected, but most left their jackets behind, as it warmed up quickly. The pace was slow than last month's ride, but a good time was had by all.

The next Sunday Service Group Road Bike Rides are July 6 at 8:00am in Peninsula, July 13 at 8:00am in Rocky River, and July 20 at 8:30am in Medina. For more information and the full schedule, go to:

Saturday, June 14, 2014

Ride Report: Bedford Singletrack Mountain Bike Trail

It's been a week now since the opening of the Cleveland Metroparks newest addition to their growing network of mountain bike trails in the Bedford Reservation. Although I could not make it there to ride on the grand opening day celebration last Saturday, I made it out two nights in a row this past week. The forecast was threatening thunderstorms all day both days, but thankfully, those held off both times.

You can download a map of the trails here.

The first time, I parked at the Egbert Picnic Shelter, the main trailhead for the mountain bike trail system. There's a water fountain and restrooms here, plus even a do-it-yourself bike fix-it station. This lets you do some last-minute repairs, with a bike workstand, air pump, and basic tools needed for most common bike jobs (tire levers, screwdrivers, hex wrenches, and open-end wrenches).

I tried to study the map a good bit ahead of time to get my bearings and figure out how to link up all the sections of trail most efficiently. I think I'm an above-average map-reader, but I was still a bit confused, and ended up riding two of the trails in the wrong direction the first time.

I was confused my first time riding the Royalview Trail, too, so I didn't feel too bad, and it's been a piece of cake to make my way around Royalview ever since. Once I made it around all of the Bedford trails once, I had it down. The second time I visited, I parked at the "lower" trailhead near the intersection of Egbert Road and Overlook Lane. I didn't have any trouble this time, and linked up all the singletrack, along with the connecting sections of the All-Purpose Trail (APT).

That's the cool thing about they way they laid out this new trail. You can take the singletrack in bite-sized chunks as you wish, and you've got a bailout point on the APT anywhere along the way if you want to head back home without completing the entire trail.

The trail is very beginner-friendly, with relatively wide, smooth trails without too many rocks and roots to roll over. It's easier than Royalview, and I'd even go so far as to say it's easier than Quail Hollow State Park. I rode my Salsa Mukluk 2 fat bike, with the wheels swapped out for my new 29x3 wheels, with Surly Rabbit Hole rims and Knard tires. For the singlespeeders out there, the climbs aren't too intense, and for the truly hardcore, the trails could even be handled on a cyclocross bike.

The trails are open to mountain bikers and hikers. To minimize conflicts, the trails are one-way for mountain bikers, and the opposite way for hikers. The trail map has each trail section marked with an "A" at one end and a "B" at the other end; the "A" is the entrance for mountain bikers or the exit for hikers; the "B" is the exit for mountain bikers or the entrance for hikers. Also note that the trail crosses the bridle trail several times, and in a couple of places runs concurrently with it, so practice bridle trail sharing etiquette and yield to horses.

So, how can YOU navigate the Bedford Singletrack Mountain Bike Trail your first time without getting lost? We've put together a handy step-by-step guide for you, mapping out where to start, what to look for, and where to go in order to ride the entire trail network without skipping or repeating any trails. The steps are mapped out based on your parking at the Egbert Picnic Shelter trailhead, but we've also included steps for how to adapt if you want to park at the lower trailhead at Egbert Road/Overlook Lane. Just go to:


to check it out!

You may be asking, what's the best way to do it, parking at the Egbert Picnic Shelter Trailhead, or parking at the lower trailhead? There are pros and cons to both.

If you park at the Egbert Picnic Shelter, you'll have access to water, restrooms, and tools at the beginning and end of your ride. You're more likely to find an available parking spot.

If you park at the lower trailhead, then you can re-fill on water (and use the restroom) halfway through your ride. The first trail you'll go on, though, is the Mars Quarry Trail, which may be the toughest one, with more climbs, tight turns, and rocks than the others.

Personally, I think I like parking at the lower trailhead better. Even though there are some ups and downs both ways, there's more elevation gain going from the lower trailhead up to the Egbert Picnic Shelter, so if you start at the lower end, you get most of the climbing out of the way in the first half of the ride, then you get to enjoy a (mostly) downhill cruise back to your car on the second half.

My favorite part overall about the Bedford Singletrack Moutain Bike Trail is that, as an east-sider, I FINALLY have a quality mountain bike trail that's just a 15-minute drive (or a 40-minute bike ride) from my home!

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Photos from the Pajama Party Night Ride

Thanks to the almost 150 people who showed up for our 5th annual Pajama Party Night Ride on the Towpath Trail this past Saturday, June 7, 2014 in Peninsula! The weather was clear and beautiful!

Here are some photos from the event (courtesy of Doug Charnock / One Gear Photography):

Click here if the slideshow above is not appearing for you.

For our schedule of remaining Night Rides on the Towpath Trail, see:

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Follow Mike McClintock on the Race Across America

Mike McClintock made his first attempt at completing the grueling Race Across America in 2011. That year, with support from Century Cycles mechanic Tom Wiseman (from our Medina store), Mike make it almost 2,300 miles in about 8-1/2 days before having to drop out of the race due to medical complications.

Mike is making another run for it this year, and the race started yesterday (June 10) at 12:00pm local time in Oceanside, California. If all goes well, Mike will reach the finish line in Annapolis, Maryland. Mike is racing to raise funds and awareness for Central American Medical Outreach and the American Cancer Society. Click here to make a donation to support Mike and these organizations.

Tom Wiseman is supporting Mike again this year from afar as his USA Cycling Certified Coach.

Mike will be riding a 2014 Raleigh Revenio Carbon 4.0 bicycle purchased from Century Cycles. The bike features a Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting system, which will provide Mike with the thousands of miles of reliable performance needed for the race.

You can read more about Mike McClintock and his support crew at the McClintock Race Team web site:


Also, look for regular updates on the team's Facebook page, and follow Mike's progress live right here.
'14 Raleigh Revenio Carbo 4.0

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Active Transportation Conference - Akron - June 26, 2014

The Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study (AMATS) is the transportation planning organization for Summit, Portage, and Wayne counties in Ohio. They invite you to attend their Switching Gears – Active Transportation Conference on June 26 in downtown Akron. This conference is free and open to the public, and includes lunch. It will begin at 9:00am and will take place at the Akron-Summit County Public Library and the John S. Knight Center.

Learn how to make your community more bicycle and pedestrian friendly through key speakers who have done it, and various how-to workshops. The key speakers are Jason Roberts of The Better Block, and  Dave Cieslewicz, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Bike Federation and former mayor of Madison, Wisconsin.

Bring your bike and join AMATS on their first Bike-N-Brainstorm of the season, with a group ride through the downtown Akron area.

There are plenty of spaces still available, so please pass this on to any bike enthusiast – or anyone – who might be interested!  Additional information and registration can be found at Switching-Gears.org.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Cycling Makes Sense Fitness Rides in Medina County

In partnership with Medina County Park District, Century Cycles presents Cycling Makes Sense Fitness Rides!

These FREE beginner-friendly rides are a great way to get out on your bicycle for a non-aggressive ride and experience the park's wonderful multipurpose trails. Lynne from the Century Cycles store in Medina will start each 6-10 mile ride with some basic tips for how to keep you and your bike fit.

All rides begin at 6:30pm. Adults only; helmets are required.

Register at www.medinacountyparks.com. There is a minimum of 5 participants and a maximum of 15 participants per ride.

Schedule:

  • Tuesday, June 10, 2014 - Buckeye Woods (meet at the ball field parking lot)
  • Tuesday, July 8, 2014 - Lester Rail Trail (meet at Lester Rd trailhead)
  • Thursday, July 31, 2014 - Chippewa Rail Trail
  • Thursday, August 21, 2014 - Buckeye Woods (meet at the ball field parking lot)

Friday, June 6, 2014

School Of Bike - Summer Flat Tire Repair Classes

Our School Of Bike cycling and maintenance classes are normally only held during the winter months (November-February).

By popular demand, we are providing you with the opportunity to learn once and for all how to fix your own flat tire! The classes will be held at all three Century Cycles stores every other Thursday, June through August, starting June 12, 2014. Here's the full schedule:

Flat Tire Repair Classes
  • Thursday June 12th 7:00pm
  • Thursday June 26th 7:00pm
  • Thursday July 10th 7:00pm
  • Thursday July 24th 7:00pm
  • Thursday August 7th 7:00pm
  • Thursday August 21st 7:00pm
Bring the front wheel off of your bike for this hands-on clinic. We'll have bikes available to show you how to re-install the wheel, as well as tips and tricks for removing and re-installing your rear wheel.

Classes are FREE; no pre-registration is necessary.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

Bedford Reservation Mountain Bike Trail Grand Opening - Saturday, June 7, 2014

Celebrate National Trails Day this Saturday, June 7, 2014 with a ride at the Cleveland Metroparks' newest mountain bike trail in the Bedford Reservation!

Swing by Egbert Picnic Area for a free hot dog/veggie dog and some bluegrass music any time after 1:00pm, until they run out!

Although the celebration begins at 1:00pm, you can ride the trail any time starting at 6:00am. The Egbert Picnic Area is the main trailhead, but keep in mind that during the day, this area may get very busy and the parking will be limited. You can park at other locations and access the new trail.

The event will cancelled if the trail is wet. Check the event's page on Facebook for the latest updates, including a trail and parking map, which will be posted on Friday, June 6.

As if that weren't enough (and by golly, it should be), Fathead's Brewery is having a party to celebrate the day starting at noon on Saturday at their Tap House in Middleburg Heights. For every pint of their Trail Head Pale Ale sold that day, $1 will be donated to the Cleveland Metroparks Trails Fund. After Saturday, 50 cents for every pint, $1 for every growler, and $5 for each keg sold will go to the fund.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

80-year-old military veteran to travel 2,500 miles from Washington state to Ohio via electric bicycle

Former Medina County resident John Moss plans to ride 2,500 miles from Washington State to Ohio on an Easy Motion NEO Jet electric bicycle. The cross-country ride kicks off today (June 4th) and is anticipated to wrap up around September 1st at the Century Cycles bicycle shop located in Medina.

John Moss is an 80-year-old Korean War veteran who grew up in a West Virginia farming family of eight children. He raised his family in Medina County, where he served as a teacher and Planning Director. Nearing retirement from a family business, he began cycling when he was 62. He is now an experienced bicycle traveler who has biked across North America several times, including through the Yukon to Alaska.

Rehabbing from a recent injury, John was dreaming of making one more long distance ride; an Easy Motion e-bike is helping him fulfill that lofty ambition. The bicycle was purchased at Cynergy E-Bikes of Portland, Oregon, and shipped to the Century Cycles store in Peninsula for assembly and tune-up.

"This ride is a goal and personal challenge. I’d been told e-bikes weren't for touring. Then I found the Easy Motion NEO Jet. The Jet has the comfort, power, and range I need to complete my trip. The low top tube makes it easy to mount/dismount, which is especially important when carrying panniers. The front shocks will make the ride more comfortable, and the straight handlebars offer compromise between an upright and more aggressive position. Disc brakes are better for long downhills and the wet conditions I’ll travel through. A critical feature is that the NEO Jet has regular Shimano Deore gearing and the bicycle rides well, even when the electric assist is turned off or inactive. After adding a rear rack, a mirror, and a seat-mounted water bottle holder, I’m literally set to Jet," said John Moss.

The Easy Motion NEO Jet has an MSRP of $2,999. The NEO Jet’s 350-watt planetary-geared motor will allow John to travel up to 60 miles on a single charge. He is expecting to ride five days a week until he arrives at Century Cycles, his favorite bike shop in Ohio. His daughter Lois Moss co-founded Century Cycles with Scott Cowan in Medina in 1992.

"John Moss will certainly be our long distance champion for e-bike riding," said Rich Fein, Owner of Cynergy E-Bikes. "We have customers that use Easy Motion bikes for commuting 10-30 miles round-trip per day, and the bikes have a range for even longer commutes and for recreational rides. At 300 miles per week, John will be showing that electric bikes are serious transportation for riders and potential riders."

Easy Motion USA CEO, Steve Lindenau stated, "We are pleased John selected Easy Motion for his recovery and entry back into cycling and that he included us with his inspiring journey across America. We encourage other cycling enthusiasts to follow his voyage and progress and interact with John on his inspiring adventure."

John is planning to follow the Northern Tier Route published by the Adventure Cycling Association, although he may change plans to follow good weather or a new adventure. Updates on the ride will be posted to the Easy Motion USA Facebook page.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Wadsworth Rotary and JDRF present The Gear Grinder ride

The Wadsworth Rotary presents the 2nd Annual The Gear Grinder ride, in partnership with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The event is on Saturday, July 19, 2014, starting at 9:00am.

Two ride options are available, ad 50-mile route through the scenic countryside of Medina and Wayne Counties, or a 1- to 13-mile Family Ride on the Rittman Bike Path. Both rides start and end at the Rittman Bike Path in Rittman, Ohio.

For online registration, go to: www.thegeargrinder.com


Monday, June 2, 2014

Seven riders for Sunday Service in Peninsula yesterday

Thanks to the seven riders who came to our Sunday Service Group Road Bike Ride in Peninsula yesterday! It was the six shown above, plus Doug, our Sales Manager in Peninsula. It was a perfect morning for a bike ride!

Our next group road ride is Sunday, June 8 in Rocky River, then the following Sunday, June 15 in Medina.

For the full schedule and more details, see: www.centurycycles.com/for/SundayService