Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Fully Recharge in Less Than 24 Hours

Looking for a little nudge to sign up for our Bike Camp-Out Night Ride on the Towpath Trail? This blog post from Surly Bikes (re-posted with permission) tell one Surly insider's story.

Never dismiss the power of a break from routine, even if it’s for less than 24 hours. Trevor Clayton of Surly Bikes rarely passes up a chance for a Sub24 Hour retreat himself, and he’s making a point to promote the healing properties of short getaways by taking his dealers and customers out with him on shop visits.

The Hunger For Escape
I’m Trevor Clayton, Sales and Mental Gymnastics Lead for Surly Bikes. I feel like we, as in society at large, are “distracted” by our busy urban lives—though “obsessed” may be a more accurate word. We’re obsessed with schedules, professional advancement, and making and spending money. We rush frantically from one thing to the next: from home to work to the gym, to dinner to picking up the kids to this meeting or that... all the while documenting it for our friends and family via social media.

It’s easy to see how we lose track of our connection to the people and the world around us when all we are is plugged in and electronically networked.

Finding that simple satisfaction of freedom from duty or deadline to enjoy a fiery sunset or the scent of pine needles… isn’t this an essential part of being human? As essential as that first cup of coffee in the morning, or David Bowie’s “The Man Who Sold The World” album?

As someone who feels acutely aware of the dichotomy in supporting an urban existence while still fostering a meaningful connection to nature, I find the Sub24 overnight to be one the most satisfying ways to sate the hunger for escape when time is a scarce commodity. It can often be the decision between zoning out on Netflix after dinner, or packing up your bike to be ready for the night and next day.

Having a bike pretty much ready to go all the time—or simply keeping seasonally appropriate gear all in one place—helps to swiftly smote the “paralysis of packing” excuse. Just double check your inventory, fine tune, add food, fill flasky, and tuck on out the door. Also, remember that just because you left work for the day doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go home!

One of my favorite parts about the city, besides leaving it, is finding all the little nooks and crannies to spend an evening in. When I first met some of the original Surly ealdormen many, many moons ago, they introduced me to parts of my city I had never seen before. Their spirit of exploration and camaraderie made me really fall in love with the bicycle, and ultimately drove me to work for Surly. Their inspiration helped me realize what a bike is really for—it is not only a responsible mode of transportation, it’s the perfect vehicle to enjoy freedom from traffic and escape from the mundane.

It’s A Tribal Thing
It helps to know that I’m not alone in my desire for occasional relief from everyday pressures. Most of us here at Surly suffer from the same affliction most Americans seem to pride themselves on: we work too much. It’s no coincidence that the Sub24 overnight format was really born out of necessity—we found we needed to disconnect from the rat race in order to reconnect to the human one.

When I have the pleasure of traveling to other states, and I get to spend time with our dealers and other Surly fans, visits often turn into ride/camp/party trifectas. This is my favorite recipe for a medium-to-large sized group event—equal parts nature worship and pedal-powered chaos.

One of the more recent collaborations we did was this past September with YAWP! Cyclery in Denver, Colorado. Riders convened at a trailhead entrance to the venerable Colorado trail and rode into the mountains with a distant campground as the chosen basecamp. When we arrived nearly nine hours and 7,000 feet of climbing later, other customers and friends who knew of our destination spot greeted us with a roaring fire and three kegs of masterfully crafted beer from favorite Denver breweries. More people showed up the next day to do day rides into the ever-stunning Buffalo Creek wilderness… and to help us drink all that beer.

I think the truly brilliant outcome of this mashup event is that, while it provides more face time, it’s still manageable, and it’s so inclusive for everyone, from seasoned bikepackers to first-time campers. Even better, it promotes our connections to each other and our environment, beyond even our love for bikes and beer.

The Sub24’s a tribal thing wherein we reinforce this love of the shared outdoor experience and all its benefits—from escape to adventure to nurturing that inner animal who finds our modern way of life a bit spiritually draining from time to time. It’s about deepening partnerships, building brand champions, creating authentic experiences, and having REAL fun. The result bonds customers to the shop, the shop to the brand, and the brand back to the customer. With every trip, we’re growing a network of shops that share a joint passion for the two-wheeled life less ordinary.

Levi Teal from YAWP! said it best, “We don't spend a lot of time at the shop explaining to customers who we are and what we're doing. Instead, we hope that our actions explain everything that needs explaining. When Surly joined us for a weekend trip, it legitimized our mission. Our customers got to see that we are who we portray ourselves to be.” He continues, “It was like getting Ozzy to write a blurb for your album release. Beyond that, I can't count how often someone has come into the store and said, "I haven't stopped thinking about the Wednesday since I rode one in September."

Prepping Your Sub24
The best thing about these shorter Sub24 format excursions is that the gear requirements are minimal for all participants, and that only leaves more room for luxury items (which is a good thing for customers and friends who are new to the overnighter concept.) For those with limited time, lighter loads can also mean a swifter approach and hastier retreat the next morning. Personally, I hate to be rushed and like to err on the side of comfort and mirth over minimalism. It’s amazing how little volume a skin of wine takes up in a frame pack, so why not?

Speaking of comfort and mirth, when planning a shop getaway, it’s important consider the weather, shelter, and warmth first. Being wet, cold, or otherwise miserable does not translate to a good time! Tools, tubes, inflation, and whatnot should be a given, and of course make sure bikes are set up for the task at hand! Most everything else that may or may not be coming along depends on where you are going and what kind of trouble is planned (or unplanned.)

As we always say: “Run whatcha brung.”

Personal and Communal Advantages
Maybe the best thing about the Sub24 is how it lifts your community while affecting you personally. By introducing overnights to everyone within your cycling world, you not only expand the footprint of your shop, you share your own mission and vision. The S24O opens up surroundings and turns forgotten or desolate places into excellent bases of operations for nights of starry splendor.

It’s hard to argue that workweeks need an overhaul just as bad as an old 1x1 hub. Use your shop to remind them (and yourself)! Get lost, recharge, and while you’re at it, find a couple of trees to string a hammock between.

Pack Up Your Surly, And Get Out
Surly has long been a proponent of bicycle escapism and self-sufficiency. Nearly every model we make has some consideration for cargo capacity via rack braze-ons, extra bottle bosses, and geometry that is sympathetic to carrying more than just the rider. The very essence of our “Fatties Fit Fine” design imperative gives you the means to build any frame into an all- or mixed-terrain bike. Carry yourself and your essentials out of the city and out into the wide world of dirt, roots, rock or anywhere else the sidewalk ends. With the advent of production frame packs and other ingenious rackless bike bags, you have the ability to turn damn near any bike into a burly bike-touring rig.

Lately, I’ve been using my Straggler 650b as my go-to overnighter, and it feels just as alive packed as it does unencumbered. Our bikes beg to be abused and reused—it’s the cold beauty of ‘Natch 4130 steel. Many of my frames have had three or four different incarnations and resurrections.

Every time I notice a particular bike is collecting dust, I think, “Huh, maybe I just need to rethink that build and take it camping.” Some brands are just built that way—they encourage you to push the limits of where you ride and what you can bring along for the journey. I think that if Surly had a spirit guide, it would be a spry old hobo who lives in the woods but comes to the city to rumble with the other hobos now and again.

Sunday, May 29, 2016

Support Bike Cleveland at Share Your Draft - June 10, 2016

You are invited to join Bike Cleveland for their third annual Share Your Draft fund-raising party! Mix and mingle with some of Cleveland's most engaged professionals, local funders, non-profit leadership, and cycling advocates. The evening will feature a great selection of local beers, wine, and delicious appetizers, and is a great opportunity for you to get caught up on the transformative work Bike Cleveland is conducting throughout the region.

  • When: Friday, June 10 5:00 - 9:00pm
  • Where: Dunham Tavern, 6709 Euclid Ave, Cleveland,OH  44103
  • Tickets: $50/person Purchase Here

Saturday, May 28, 2016

Bike To Breakfast at Herb's Tavern of Rocky River!

Bike To Breakfast returns again this year to Herb's Tavern!

Ride your bike to Herb's for breakfast and enjoy 10% OFF your bill!

Every time you ride, you get an entry to win great prizes, including the grand prize of a new bicycle! Prize drawings will be held at the closing party on August, 14, 2016 (must be present to win).

The Bike To Breakfast offer is valid on Saturdays from 8:00-11:30am, and Sundays 8:00am-1:00pm, now through August 14, 2016.

Herb's Tavern is located at 19925 Detroit Road, Rocky River, OH  44116, right next door to the Century Cycles store!

Friday, May 27, 2016

Two pairs of cross-country cyclists visit Peninsula

We have two groups of cross-country bicycle touring visitors to visit the Century Cycles store in Peninsula this week!

On Wednesday, May 25, brother and sister Noah and Brianna Cross stopped by while on their way from Lowville, NY to visit their other brother in Colorado Springs, CO. You can follow their trip on their blog at: bikelikecrazy.wordpress.com


The next day, friends John and Chad stopped in during the fourth day of their trip from their home in Erie, PA. They are headed to Astoria, OR, where they will stay to start new lives and careers on the west coast. They were headed to Findlay Lake State Park to camp for the night, so we provided them with some bicycle-friendly directions.

Ironically, when we mentioned to John and Chad that we had two other cross-country visitors the day before, they said, "You mean the ones on the way to Colorado Springs? We camped with them in Ashtabula!"

Good luck to both pairs of riders! You can see more photos of long-distance touring cyclists that have visited all three of our stores in our Bicycle Touring Photo Gallery.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

What We Ride: Tom Wiseman - Foundry Overland Ti

Tom Wiseman is a bike mechanic and our Bicycle Fit Specialist at the Century Cycles store in Medina.

He purchased his Foundy Overland Ti in the fall of 2015 while attending an open-house event at Quality Bicycle Products (QBP) at their warehouse in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. QBP is the distributor of our popular Surly Bikes and Salsa Cycles, and Foundry is another of their in-house bicycle brands.

The bike features a titanium frame and carbon fiber fork with with tapered steerer tube.

Q. What made you choose the Foundry Overland Ti?

A. I had been saving up a bunch of high-end parts to use on a gravel/winter bike. I was planning to put all the parts on another Raleigh frame (my main road bike is a Raleigh), but was waiting for it to become available. In the meantime, I test-rode the Foundry Overland Ti at Biketoberfest [the QBP open-house]. The one I test-rode was a small frame, which was actually a little too big for me. The QBP rep happened to mention, "Well, we do have ONE extra-small frameset still available." They were able to make me a good deal on it, so I snagged it.

Q. What components did you use when putting it together?

A. Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic drivetrain, with matching shifters, derailers, crankset, and road hydraulic disc brakes, Stan's NoTubes Grail wheelset - set up with Hutchinson Intensive road tubeless tires.

Q. What kinds of rides do you take it on?

A. Technically, it's a gravel bike--taller and less aggressive geometry compared to a cyclocross bike, but it would be no slouch on a cyclocross course. I'm using it as a gravel bike/any-road bike/bad-weather bike/winter bike. So, I take it out on long training rides when I never know what the road or the weather is going to throw at me.

Q. How does it ride?

A. It rides exactly like you'd expect a titanium bike to ride, which to me is a good thing. Not quite as smooth as carbon, but more quiet and sure-footed. A "point-and-shoot" kind of feel--it's going to go where you want it to go with no surprises.

Q. Any other thoughts on the bike?

A. The bike is a mechanic's dream--no cables to adjust; ride, wash, lube, and repeat. In fact, I just got back from the new trail up at Hampton Hills Metro Park on it. Have not found anything yet I can't point it at and ride.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

First Mountain Bike Trail in Summit Metro Parks is now OPEN

The Summit Metro Parks has announced that their first mountain biking trail is now OPEN! The trail is located in the Hampton Hills Metro Park, with the trailhead at 2092 Theiss Road in Akron. This is just 8 miles south of the Century Cycles store in Peninsula!

The trail features three miles of purpose-built mountain bike-only trails, with an additional three miles planned by year's end!

Join us as we help Summit Metro Parks and local mountain biking enthusiasts celebrate this new trail at these two upcoming events:

  • Mountain Bike Trail: Ribbon-Cutting - Wednesday, June 8, 11:30am - 12:00pm - Join Summit Metro Parks commissioners, staff, volunteers, and park partners as the Hampton Hills Mountain Bike Trail is officially opened. After a few remarks and the cutting of the ribbon, go out and ride!
  • Mountain Bike Trail: Open House - Saturday, June 11, 10:00am - 3:00pm - Join us at the brand-new Hampton Hills Mountain Bike Trail, whether you ride or not! Includes local bike vendors and food trucks.

Monday, May 23, 2016

ALERT: Store hours for Memorial Day Weekend 2016


PLEASE NOTE: The Century Cycles stores in Medina and Rocky River will be CLOSED on Monday, May 30, 2016 for the Memorial Day holiday. Sorry for any inconvenience!

Beginning Sunday, May 29, the Peninsula store begins EXTENDED SUMMER SUNDAY HOURS! Until further notice, the store will be OPEN 10:00am-6:00pm every Sunday (bike rentals close at 4:30pm).

Peninsula will be OPEN on Monday, May 30 from 10:00am until 5:00pm (bike rentals close at 3:30pm).

Enjoy the day as we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Friday, May 20, 2016

An impromptu bike camping overnight in Peninsula

Chris, Ryan, and I (Kevin) from the Century Cycles store in Peninsula did an impromptu bike camping overnight last night; think of it as a dry-run for our Bike Camp-Out Night Ride on the Towpath Trail on June 4.

I packed up the same set of gear that I'll be using on the June 4 ride:

  • Bike shorts
  • Long-sleeve jersey
  • Spare socks
  • Toothbrush kit
  • Camp pillow
  • Sleeping bag
  • Sleeping pad
  • Headlamp
  • Tent
  • Chain lock
  • Bike shoes
  • Water bottle
  • Bike glvoes
  • Helmet
  • Sunglasses
  • Bike GPS
  • Headlight
  • Taillight
  • Road ID
We closed up the store at 8:00pm, headed next door to The Winking Lizard for a quick dinner, then hopped on our bikes and headed south on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. We arrived at the camp site around 11:00pm, set up our tents, and hit the sack.

We woke up around 6:45am this morning, packed up our tents and gear, and headed back north. We stopped for breakfast at the Valley Cafe, and arrived back in Peninsula just in time to open the shop back up.

Join us for our Bike Camp-Out Night Ride on the Towpath Trail on June 4! It's FREE, and it's to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Adventure Cycling Association and National Bike Travel Weekend! For complete details on the event, including a registration form, go to:

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Video: The Benchmark - the latest film from Salsa Cycles

Follow Salsa-sponsored endurance athletes Jay & Tracey Petervary through Italy on their 2014 Liguria MTN Divide benchmark ride. Riding the 8-day Alta Via MTB Stage Race route straight through, start to finish, unsupported, and as quickly as possible, the became one of the most challenging bikepacking races of their lives.

Click here to watch.

The Benchmark - the latest film from Salsa Cycles - Adventure By Bike.

Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Cross-country bicyclist visits Peninsula

We had our first bicycle touring visitor of the season back on March 25. After a drought of visitors since then (well, with the recent weather, maybe "drought" isn't the best word), we finally had another yesterday at the Century Cycles store in Peninsula.

Conrad left Portland, Oregon on April 1 and is headed east to visit his family in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania before moving to China.

You can see more photos of bicycle touring visitors who have been to all three of our stores in our Bicycle Touring Photo Gallery.

Sunday, May 15, 2016

Join Team Left Hand/Century Cycles for the Bike MS Buckeye Breakaway -- Deadline is May 18, 2016!



There are just FOUR days remaining for you to join the TOP fund-raising team in the 2015 Bike MS Buckeye Breakaway, and help Team Left Hand / Century Cycles step it up a notch in 2016!

The deadline for joining our team is Wednesday, May 18, 2016! If you've been thinking about joining, NOW is the time! The benefits you get from joining are numerous, including:

  • Team training rides
  • Money raised at team fundraising events is shared among all team members
  • Custom team jersey from sponsor Primal Wear
  • Refreshments following training rides provided by sponsors Left Hand Brewing Company, NUUN Hydration, and Justin's Peanut Butter
  • Priority access to the Left Hand Brewing Company beer truck at the post-ride party on the first day of the Bike MS Buckeye Breakaway

There is an extra $65.00 fee to join the team, which helps with the cost of our team jerseys and other team benefits.

For more information, including our team training ride schedule, and instructions for how to join the team, go to:



Saturday, May 14, 2016

CC owner Scott Cowan talks to WKYC's John Anderson about VeloSano

Avenue Fitness in Avon Lake held a fund-raising event today for VeloSano, the three-day event in July for cancer research at the Cleveland Clinic. Century Cycles owner Scott Cowan was there to talk to WKYC's John Anderson about the importance of preparing your bike ahead of time, and choosing the proper bicycle from a local bike shop.

Scott's interview appears in the third of several segments included in the video below:

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

Bike Camp-Out Night Ride on the Towpath Trail: June 4-5, 2016

2016 marks the 40th anniversary of the Adventure Cycling Association, and they've got several events planned throughout the year to help celebrate. June 3-5 has been designated as National Bike Travel Weekend, where we're encouraging anyone to try taking an overnight trip by bicycle.

On June 4, 2016, we're transforming our regular Night Ride on the Towpath Trail into a Bike Camp-Out Night Ride!

(If you don't want to camp out, you are still welcome to attend our regular 14-mile Night Ride on the Towpath on the same evening.)

Here's how the Bike Camp-Out Night Ride will work:

  1. Register using this form; the cost is FREE!
  2. Between now and Saturday, June 4, make sure you've got the necessary camping gear and a way to carry it on your bike. Stop into any of our three Century Cycles stores and talk to us for ideas and suggestions!
  3. On June 4, bring your bike and gear and come on down to our Peninsula store to join the Night Ride. We suggest you eat dinner before you come, and arrive around 7:30pm to have plenty of time to find parking, get yourself and your bike ready, and check in.
  4. We'll leave for the Night Ride at 8:00pm sharp. We'll ride on the car-free Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail with the regular Night Riders for about 7 miles down to the Botzum Trailhead. Regular riders will turn around and head back to Peninsula, while bike-campers will continue for a few additional miles.
  5. We'll set up camp at a special location that we've secured by permit through the Summit Metro Parks. There are restrooms and drinking water available at the site (NO SHOWERS).
  6. Feel free to bring some post-ride snacks and beverages. (PLEASE NOTE: Per Summit Metro Parks regulations, no alcoholic beverages are permitted.)
  7. The next morning (Sunday, June 5), wake up at your leisure, pack up your gear, and ride back to Peninsula.
  8. There are a couple of places to stop for breakfast, including the Valley Cafe (right on the Towpath Trail about 1 mile from the camp site) and Fisher's Cafe & Pub back in Peninsula.

What to Bring

Here is our suggested list of what you'll need to pack for a bike camp-out overnight trip:
  • You will need your own bicycle.
  • Cargo racks and bags/panniers on the bike for carrying your gear
  • Helmet (required)
  • Headlight and taillight
  • Water bottles with water or sports drink
  • Cycling clothing (appropriate for the weather)
  • Casual clothing for hanging out at camp
  • Tent
  • Camp sleeping pad
  • Sleeping bag
  • Camp pillow
  • Headlamp or flashlight for getting around the campsite after dark
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, medications, any other personal items and toiletries you need
  • Mosquito repellent spray
  • Optional: Snacks and beverages for the evening and morning
  • Optional: entertainment for yourself and the group: frisbee, ball/glove, games, guitar, harmonica, etc.
If you've never been on one of our Night Rides on the Towpath Trail before, please see our this page for general information, preparation and safety tips, and photos and videos from past rides.

Join us and have fun!

If you've never taken an overnight trip on your bike before, it's FUN and EASIER than you think! Our staff are bike-camping enthusiasts, and will be there to help you every step of the way. We've taken numerous Sub 24-Hour Overnights ourselves, and have even written an article on the subject for a local fitness magazine!


Friday, May 13, 2016

THE PROGRAM - Available on DVD May 17


Ben Foster and Chris O'Dowd star in one of this year's best movies, THE PROGRAM. When an Irish sports journalist becomes convinced that Lance Armstrong's performances during his Tour de France victories are fueled by banned substances, he begins the hunt for evidence that ends up changing the world of cycling as we know it. THE PROGRAM is available on DVD May 17th, 2016.

THE PROGRAM is based on the book Seven Deadly Sins: My Pursuit of Lance Armstrong by David Walsh.


"A thoroughly good read on one of the most compelling sporting stories of our time, told by one of the key protagonists in the collapse of the sorry house of cards. Compelling indeed." --The Sports Book Review

When Lance Armstrong won his first Tour de France in 1999, the sports world had found a charismatic new idol. Journalist David Walsh was among a small group covering the tour who suspected Armstrong's win wasn't the feel-good story it seemed to be. From that moment of doubt, the next thirteen years of Walsh's life would be focused on seeking the answers to a series of hard questions about Armstrong's astonishing success.

As Walsh delved deeper into the shadow world of performance-enhancing drugs in professional athletics, he accumulated a mounting pile of evidence that led a furious Armstrong to take legal action against him. But he could not make Walsh--or the story--go away, and in the autumn of 2012, Walsh was vindicated when the cyclist was stripped of his seven Tour de France titles.

With this remarkable book, Walsh has produced both the definitive account of the Armstrong scandal, and a testament to the importance of journalists who are willing to report a difficult truth over a popular fantasy.

"Walsh provides intriguing new details and probes into Armstrong's personality." --The Globe and Mail (Canada) 

"Powerful." --The Sunday Times (London)

DAVID WALSH is a chief sportswriter with The Sunday Times (London). A four-time Irish Sportswriter of the Year and four-time UK Sportwriter of the Year, he was also named the 2012 British Journalist of the year. Coauthor of L.A Confidential: The Secrets of Lance Armstrong and author of From Lance to Landis: Inside the American Doping Controversy at the Tour de France, he is married with seven children and lives in Cambridge, England.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Buy a CatEye wireless computer, get a FREE Loop safety light set!

Purchase a wireless bike computer from industry leader Cat Eye, and you'll receive a FREE set of CatEye Loop safety lights!

Small, portable, bright, and light, CatEye's Loop Light Kit includes 2 Loop Lights; one for the front (white) and rear (red). CatEye's versatile elastic mounts let you place these lights easily and securely on handlebars, seatposts, and almost anywhere else you choose to add visibility. The Loop is uniquely designed to throw light in nearly all directions for added visibility. And the attach-anywhere elastic mount lets you even put them on your gear and quickly change lighting configurations whether you're riding, walking, hiking, etc. Plus, the lights boast simple push-button operation, powerful constant and flashing modes. Each runs on 2 CR2032 batteries (included).

We've got a number of eligible Cat Eye wireless cyclocomputers in stock in all three Century Cycles stores!

  • CatEye Padrone ($54.99) - Our BEST-selling bike computer, the extra-large screen is great for those who want a simple, squint-free riding computer. Available in black or pink!
  • CatEye Fit ($59.99) - The Fit lets you track your activity whether you're cycling or walking. For use walking, you simply un-clip the head unit from your handlebars and toss it in your pocket!
  • CatEye Micro Wireless ($59.99) - This one lets you choose which exact metrics you want to see while you're riding, including speed, time, pace, distance, and more. A bright backlight makes low-light riding possible.
  • CatEye Strada Wireless ($64.99) - Displays the essentials such as speed, distance, ride time, pace, and more.
  • CatEye Adventure ($99.99) - In addition to the standard cycling computer functions, the Adventure's built-in altimeter shows altitude gain and the percent grade you are climbing.
  • CatEye Strada Digital Wireless with Cadence ($99.99) - Wireless communication between the computer and speed/cadence sensor keeps your efforts dialed; the perfect tool for both racing and training.
  • CatEye Strada Digital Wireless with Heart Rate ($119.99) - Displays all the important ride stats you need plus your heart rate, too, using the included chest strap.
  • CatEye Stealth 50 ($149.99) - GPS capabilities to track your rides constantly and accurately. Built-in USB interface to upload your data to CatEye or third-party training websites like Strava.



The Fine Print
Limited time only; while supplies last. Computer must be purchased at regular price. Computer installation is not incluced; additional labor charge will apply.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Volunteer for NOACA's Spring 2016 Bike & Pedestrian Counts

The Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) & Bike Cleveland need your help to make sure bicyclists & pedestrians count.

These counts help them plan for active Transportation projects.

They’ll be counting at locations throughout Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina Counties on the following days and times:

  • Tuesday, May 17, 2016 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday, May 18, 2016 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 19, 2016 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

All Volunteers will be provided with a $25.00 gift certificate to a Northeast Ohio bicycle shop of their choice and also be reimbursed for associated travel costs. Volunteers that count two or more sessions will receive a $45.00 gift card.

For more info or to sign up, please go to www.noaca.org and fill out a short survey. If you have any questions, contact Melissa at mthompson@mpo.noaca.org or 216‐241‐2414, ext. 344.

Thursday, May 5, 2016

163 kids at H.G. Blake Elementary ride for Bike To School Day; A.J. Colby from Fox 8 visits!

Chris from the Century Cycles store in Medina joins kids riding to school on the signature Century Cycles penny-farthing, or high-wheeler bike.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016 was National Bike To School Day. The students at H.G. Blake Elementary School in Medina, Ohio made a fine showing for the event as part of the Century Cycles Bike To School Challenge, with 163 students bicycling to school!

Here are more photos from the day:

Click here if the slide show above is not appearing for you.


They were joined by A.J. Colby, weatherman from Fox 8 Cleveland! Here's his video from the event:

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

Wednesday, May 4, 2016

It's National Bike To School Day!

The Century Cycles Bike To School  Challenge kicked of its NINTH year on Monday, May 2, 2016. Despite unseasonably cool temperatures, students rode their bicycles, including over 50% participation at both Bay Middle School and Rocky River Middle School on Monday and Tuesday!

Here are a few photos that Petch from our Medina store got at A.I. Root Middle School and H.G. Blake Elementary School on Monday, and at Claggett Middle School on Tuesday:

We're expecting record turnout at every school for National Bike To School Day today, so stay tuned for updates tomorrow!

Monday, May 2, 2016

Four gentlemen riding home to Cincinnati on the Ohio To Erie Trail

A group of bicycle touring visitors stopped into the Century Cycles store in Peninsula today. They had scheduled their vacations around the trip, so couldn't be deterred by the unseasonably cold temperatures on this Monday in May.

They all hail from the Cincinnati and are riding home from Cleveland on the Ohio to Erie Trail.

You can see more photos of bicycle touring riders who have visited all three of our stores in our Bicycle Touring Photo Gallery. Our own Kevin from the Peninsula store rode the Ohio to Erie Trail last fall from Cincinnati to Cleveland; you can read all about it here.

Sunday, May 1, 2016

Join the National Bike Challenge!

It's May, and the start of National Bike Month and the National Bike Challenge! Start logging all of your rides and miles now through September 30 to rack up points and help Cleveland beat Pittsburgh in the Rust Belt Battle!

You can log your rides manually, or if you use Strava, MapMyRide, or Endomondo, your miles can be logged automatically!

Join your workplace or school to see you stack up against your co-workers. Compare your points to other in your community! Create a team, or join the Century Cycles team!