Saturday, March 31, 2012

Now in stock: Arkel bags and racks

Arkel is a Canadian company based in Sherbrooke, not far from Montreal, Quebec. They started in 1988 to design the best bicycle pannier bags available to cyclists, period. They have succeeded in becoming the first choice in pannier bags for serious long-distance riders. They use only the best materials and construction available, starting with Cordura fabric (that's made in the USA), heavy-duty YKK zippers, and durable aluminum hooks and other hardware.

Century Cycles is now proud to make a selection of fine Arkel products available in our three stores. Their signature GT-54 rear and GT-18 front panniers provide the best on-the-bike storage and protection for your gear that money can buy, whether your adventures take you around town or around the world. For adventures closer to home, the seatpost-mounted Randonneur Rack and matching Tail Rider Trunk Bag provide just enough space for long day rides and weekend jaunts. For the full list of products that we have in stock, see: www.centurycycles.com/get/arkel

Arkel stands behind their products not only with a lifetime warranty, but they personally put them to the test themselves! As evidence, follow Louise, the wife of company owner Paul McKenzie, as she embarks this month on a 14,000-kilometer (over 8,600 miles) ride from Beijing to London. This 5-month cycling adventure will take Louise and the 80 other participants through China, Kirghizstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Moldavia, Bulgaria and so on all the way to London, via Paris!

Friday, March 30, 2012

Now available: Pearl Izumi Sun Sleeves

Here's a classic hot-weather cycling dilemma: You want to keep the sun off of your arms, but you're tired of constantly slathering on greasy sunscreen. You could wear a long-sleeve jersey, but that would feel too hot (and maybe look a little funny) on a summer day.

Century Cycles has the answer with the new Pearl Izumi Sun Sleeves. They work just like arm warmers, in that they are temporary sleeves that you pull on or take off as needed. You might want to call them "arm coolers" though, because they're meant to keep you cool rather than warm.

Start with the white, rather than the usual black, color. This helps to reflect, rather than absorb the sun's rays. The Elite Transfer fabric with In-R-Cool technology provides UPF 40+ sun protection. Mesh panels on the bottom provide excellent breathability. Left- and right-specific cut gives you a smooth, comfortable fit.

With the summer-like Spring season that we've been having, I've had a chance to try out the Pearl Izumi Sun Sleeves on several sunny day rides. I can vouch for the fact that they do their job as advertised. The material breathes so well that I would even go so far as to say that I felt cooler with the Sun Sleeves on than I would feel with bare arms. When the hot sun of a long day in the saddle is really beating down on you, just dowse the sun sleeves with some water from your bottle, and as the water dries, it's like having air conditioning on your bike!

The Pearl Izumi Sun Sleeves are now in stock in Small, Medium, and Large at our stores in Medina, Peninsula, and Rocky River; $30 per pair.

An added bonus is that they look great with our new Century Cycles Custom Jerseys and Shorts, also in stock in our stores!

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Why Do You Ride?


What are your reasons to ride? Raleigh wants to know and has created a website, Reasons To Ride, to serve as a place to share your story and find motivation, inspiration and a community of people who also celebrate being a bicyclist.

We aren't alone in what we do, but we do have our own reasons for doing it. So what are your reasons??

Submit a video of yourself and Raleigh will add it the interactive "quilt." Even better? Submit it by April 15 to be automatically entered to win a Raleigh Revenio Carbon 2.0 road bike worth $2,400 or one of 10 runner-up Avenir accessory prize packages! For more details and to submit your video, go to Reasons To Ride.

Century Cycles owner Scott Cowan already took the leap -- here's his video for Raleigh:

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Free 2012 Cycling Guide available now

When you stop in this weekend to shop our Spring Sale, be sure to pick up our 2012 Century Cycles Cycling Guide -- 24 pages of cycling goodness and tips!

Besides including 9 pages of the hottest 2012 bikes from Raleigh and Giant -- plus awesome new products from CatEye, Tifosi, Camelbak, Park Tool and more! -- it also includes the following tips:
  • Find A Great Event Ride
  • Best Quick Fixes
  • Skin Care Basics
  • Get Into Group Rides
  • Make Your Bike Fit You
  • Conquer Any Obstacle
  • Safe In The City
  • What the Cycling Lifestyle Offers You
  • Hydration: Essential to Performance
  • Keep Your Bike (and House) Clean
  • Safe and Secure
  • Protect Your Eyes
  • Be Smart -- Train With Your Heart
  • Take Care of Your Drivetrain
  • Care for Your Cables
  • Get the Most From Your Energy Gel
  • Eat Right, Boost Your Workout

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Special Sale Markdowns: Save Up to 50%!

EVERYTHING in every Century Cycles store is on sale until Sunday, but now you can really save big on the following hot deals:
  • NiteRider MiNewt Mini 150 USB: Just $49.99 (reg. $99.99)
  • Tifosi Tyrant Foto Sunglasses (Gunmetal): Just $49.99 (reg. $69.99)
  • Koki Pannier SMU: Just $49.99 (reg. $89.99)
  • Koki Rover Trunk Bag: Just $49.99 (reg. $64.99)
  • Crank Brothers Multi Tool: Just $11.99 (reg. $19.99)
And arriving in time for the weekend....
  • Showers Pass Double Century Jacket (Men's and Women's): Just $69.99 (reg. $124.99)
These are final prices and no further markdowns will be taken. But HURRY -- these deals are only while supplies last!

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

This Just In: Century Cycles Jersey and Shorts!

Oh, YEAH! Check out our new Century Cycles jersey to commemorate our 20th anniversary -- custom-made for us by Hincapie Sportswear, our newest cycling clothing vendor.

The full-zip jersey comes in either Browns Orange or Lake Erie Blue, in both men's and women's sizes. This jersey normally retails for $90, but we've priced it at just $69.99, to make it as affordable as possible for everyone to show their CC pride! Even better? Now thru Sunday you can get 20% off all CC custom apparel at our Spring Sale!

Don't need a jersey (or want a full Century Cycles kit)? Then you'll be glad we also ordered Century Cycles shorts AND bibshorts -- also in both men's and women's sizes! These normally retail for over $110, but we've priced the shorts at $79.99 and the bibshorts at $89.99.

Curious about Hincapie Sportswear, a company that was founded by the family of legendary American bicycle racer George Hincapie? Check out this 6-minute video.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Everybody wins on Electra, especially Meg Ludwig from Strongsville

When Century Cycles decided to have a booth at the Great Big Home and Garden Expo last month, we wanted to display bicycles that would be perfect for anyone to ride (even the people who haven't been on a bike in 20 years) and would look so fun to ride they would stop people in the aisles (even the people who don't normally "ooh" and "aah" over a bicycle). That meant only one bike brand -- Electra Bicycles.


What makes Electra cruiser and Townie bicycles so great? Let's start with the wide seat, then move on to the fact that you sit upright on the bike, not leaned over the handlebars. Plus they look amazing, with cool colors and graphics on both the men's and women's models that make every bike ride even more fun.

But don't take our word for it. Take Gary Thomas' word. He's our awesome rep from Electra, and you can click here to listen to him share his extensive knowledge of cruiser and comfort bikes on this month's episode of Radio Century Cycles -- live online today at 10:30am (or you can listen later on the archive).

You can also take Meg Ludwig's word for it. The Strongsville mother of three was the winner of the Electra Townie bicycle that Century Cycles gave away at the Home and Garden Show:


After we drew Meg's name from the thousands of entries, we were surprised to learn she was a Century Cycles customer (that's her very own "Define your life. Ride a bike." t-shirt!) who loves to bicycle every day in Strongsville, weather permitting. Meg was presented with an Electra Townie 7d bicycle by Century Cycles owner Scott Cowan (at right) and Justin Stark, sales manager of our Medina store (center). Congratulations, Meg, and ride on!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Spring Sale: Our Best Prices of the Year!

It's that time of year -- time for Century Cycles' big yearly Spring Sale! And here's a bonus for blog readers: You're getting the inside scoop that we're not waiting until March 22 to let the fun begin.

Come in NOW and get at least 10% off all new and special-order bicycles, 40% off all winter cycling clothing, and at least 20% off everything else in every Century Cycles store! Plus buy any bicycle $999 or more and receive a FREE Blackburn AirTower Pump (a $79.99 value), along with 10% off the bicycle. Click here for all the coupons -- including a "Save For Later" you'll definitely want to hang on to until May!

We are also extending our hours on Friday until 8pm for your shopping convenience. This week, shop any Century Cycles from 10-8pm today through Friday, Saturday 10-6pm, and Sunday noon-5pm. While we're starting the sale early, it's all over by Monday, March 26, so hurry in to score these savings.

One last thing: Did you receive one of our 2012 Cycling Guides in the mail? If not, pick one up for free while you're at the store. It's 24 pages of the hottest cycling products and tips that you'll be referencing all year long!

Saturday, March 17, 2012

Wearin' o' the Green Weekend Round-Up


Happy St. Patrick's Day! The luck of the Irish brings you this long overdue Weekend Round-up of news, links and fun stuff from Facebook and Twitter.

Bursts of effort get you fit (which is why biking to work is so good for you). -- BBC

Lakewood's Root Cafe is raising funds for a bike rack. -- Lakewood Sun

Contacting your senators helped! -- Bike League

Bikes Brews and Dan Austin: A Bike Cleveland Social on April 11. -- Facebook

5 Ways Cycling Can Make You a Better Runner. -- No Meat Athlete

Ride every day in April! -- 30 Days of Biking III

Vintage ladies bike...freestylin'. -- Soup TV

Bicycling helps make cities cool. -- EcoWatch

Just say yes next time Chuck Norris asks to borrow your bike. -- Facebook

We raise our pint glasses to saccharomyces cervisiae! -- You Tube

Friday, March 16, 2012

Just Ride: Bike Hour on Tuesday

The world's biggest mass cycling ride is this Tuesday, March 20, at 6pm wherever YOU are. It's Bike Hour, and it's simple. Just ride your bike from 6 to 7pm. No need to register, meet-up or do anything.

JUST RIDE, and show the world our staggering numbers.

Thursday, March 15, 2012

5 Tips: Climbing Hills

Last month we polled Northeast Ohio bicyclists on which cycling skill they wanted to improve and "climbing" was at the top of the list, with 35.5% of the vote.

It's no wonder -- when cyclists from outside our area visit our stores, one of the first things that they talk about is their amazement that Ohio could have so many hills! Whether it's the rolling open roads of Medina County, the winding Emerald Necklace of the Cleveland Metroparks, or of course, the steep ups and downs of the Cuyahoga Valley, Northeast Ohio provides no shortage of challenges to your pedaling power.

Seeing hills doesn't have to leave you shaking in your cycling shoes every time, though. Try these tips to attack those climbs with confidence and enjoy your rides more no matter where the terrain brings you.

1. Don't downshift too soon.

During the flatter approach to the hill, keep pedaling in your big gear to keep your speed going. If you shift into your small chainring (easier gear) too soon, you'll start to slow down and lose the momentum you've already worked hard to build, and your feet will be spinning and going nowhere fast. You'll tire yourself out before you even get to the worst part of the hill!

2. Ride with your hands on the brake hoods.

While going uphill, you won't be going fast enough for aerodynamics to play a big factor, so sit upright so that your chest and your gut can be more relaxed, allowing you to breathe more efficiently. If you've got a flat bar instead of a drop handlebar, use your bar-end extensions if you have them. Either way, it's not likely that you'll need to use your brakes while going uphill, so just try to relax. Don't squeeze a death-grip with your fingers, don't lock your elbows, and don't hunch your shoulders up.

3. Soft-pedal as you shift into easier gears.

You need to keep pedaling in order for your shifters to operate, but you don't want to have the full force of your weight on the pedals as you shift, because this increases the chance of a miss-shift, or even worse, a jammed chain or broken derailleur. Keep pedaling in a smooth circle, but ease up ever-so-slightly for a moment as you click the shift lever. Once the chain shifts successfully, continue pedaling with normal force.

4. Keep one gear in reserve.

As the hill gets steeper and you continue to shift into your easier gears, try to keep from using that very last, easiest gear. This will accomplish two things. First, if you try to fool yourself into thinking that the second-easier gear is your last remaining option, you'll try to keep pedaling in that gear. Later, if you reach a point where you think you absolutely can't go on any further, you'll be pleasantly surprised to find that you have one easier gear left to get you up through that final push of the climb. Before you know it, you'll realize that you are getting stronger than you think, and you may end up not needing that last gear at all in the future.

5. Stay seated as long as you can.

Your heart and lungs work more efficiently when you're seated, but eventually you may reach a point where you have to get out of the saddle to apply that extra power in your legs. Try to put off this moment as long as you can. When you do stand up, you may need to up-shift one or two gears harder to maintain a smooth cadence. Note to mountain bikers: when climbing on off-road dirt trails, you might need to stay in the saddle through the whole climb. Standing on the pedals takes some weight off of your rear wheel, which may cause your tire to spin out in the dirt, which then mean's you're walking for sure.

One more bonus tip for when you finally reach the top of that hill...don't wait too long before you up-shift back into your normal cruising gears. If you stay in your low climbing gears at the top, you experience that "going nowhere fast" phenomenon again, and you'll tire yourself out even more just from pedaling so much, in addition to the effort you just put in on the climb.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

2012 Ohio Bicycle Events Calendar now online

Start planning your bike rides for the year! Click here to check out the online edition of the 2012 Ohio Bicycle Events Calendar. Our in-store copies of the calendar should be in any day now -- we'll let you know when they arrive!

A tip o' the bike helmet to the Ohio Bicycle Federation for compiling and publishing the calendar. It's probably the most popular hand-out in our stores and a wonderful resource for cyclists.

Monday, March 12, 2012

Summer Hours begin this week!


With the start of Daylight Savings Time comes the start of our Summer Hours at all three Century Cycles stores! As of Monday, March 12, 2012, the following hours are now in effect for the Medina, Peninsula, and Rocky River stores:
  • Monday through Thursday:
    10:00am - 8:00pm
  • Friday and Saturday:
    10:00am - 6:00pm
  • Sunday:
    12:00 - 5:00pm
As always, our current hours of operation can be found on our web site at: www.centurycycles.com/for/hours

For our bike rental customers on the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Peninsula, remember that the cutoff time for taking out a rental bike is 90 minutes before closing time for the day.

Film line-up announced for Banff Cleveland

The film line-up for the Banff Mountain Film Festival in Cleveland has been announced. Check it out, then be sure to stop by your local Century Cycles to buy your advance tickets!


Photo by Jimmy Chin from the film "On Assignment"


Film Menu - Friday, April 13, 2012

The Freedom Chair
Best Film - Mountain Sports, Sponsored by Live Out There
Canada, 2011, 15 minutes
Directed and produced by: Mike Douglas
Website: http://www.switchbackentertainment.com/
Classification: General – coarse language
Focus: Snow sports

Film Synopsis: Josh Dueck was an aspiring skier and coach until a ski accident in 2004 changed his life for good. Despite his comeback and success in the world of competitive sit-skiing, he wasn't content. Josh's dream is to tackle the backcountry and the steepest and wildest mountains in the world – and with his infectious outlook, he may just catch his dream.

On Assignment: Jimmy Chin
USA, 2010, 6 minutes
Directed and produced by: Renan Ozturk
Website: http://www.www.camp4collective.com.com/
Classification: General
Focus: photography, climbing, outdoor culture

Film Synopsis: A brief portrait of a passionate athlete who has melded climbing and photography. Jimmy Chin believes that “the most honest photos happen when both the subject and the photographer are just in the moment, and the rest of the world has just fallen away.”

On the Trail of Genghis Khan: The Last Frontier
People’s Choice Award – On the Trail of Genghis Khan (series), Sponsored by V.I.O.
Australia, 2011, 46 minutes
Directed by: Tim Cope
Produced by: Richard Dennison
Website: http://www.timcopejourneys.com/
Classification: General
Focus: adventure, exploration, culture

Film Synopsis: On an epic journey of truly historic proportions, Australian Tim Cope, his band of horses, and his dog Tigon travel overland 10,000 km from Mongolia to Hungary, following the footsteps of legendary warrior and nomad Genghis Khan. The Last Frontier captures the culmination of his stunning three-year journey, the crossing of the Carpathian Mountains. Photo from the film On the Trail of Genghis Kahn. 

INTERMISSION

Blue Obsession
USA, 2011, 8 minutes
Directed by: Alan Gordon, Jordan Halland
Produced by: Alan Gordon
Website: http://www.blueobsessionfilm.com/
Classification: General
Focus: Ice climbing

Film Synopsis: The beautiful and ever-changing icefalls of Alaskan glaciers provide a stunning setting for some unusual ice climbing adventures.

Hanuman Airlines
USA, 2011, 26 minutes
Directed by: Hamilton Pevec
Produced by: Kimberly Phinney, David Arrufat, Wildes Antoninoli
Website: http://www.theultimatedescent.com/
Classification: General
Focus: Paragliding, climbing, exploration
Subtitles: lots, multiple placements on screen

Film Synopsis: Two Nepali adventurers channel the Hindu God of Wind on their mission to launch a paraglider from Mount Everest’s summit and travel to an ocean they have never seen.

Seasons: Fall
USA, 2010, 4 minutes
Directed and produced by: Skip Armstrong
Website: http://www.forgemotionpictures.com/ 
Classification: General
Focus: Kayaking

Film Synopsis: Deep canyons with steep, spring-fed creeks provide Kate Wagner with a soul-session in this paddling paradise.

Ski Bums Never Die
Canada, 2011, 4 minutes   
Directed by: Eric Crosland
Produced by: Mike Douglas
Website: http://www.switchbackentertainment.com/
Classification: General
Focus: Snow sports
Subtitles: a few

Film Synopsis: What does it take to be a ski bum? An unending dedication to powder skiing? The ability to do anything in your ski boots? A lifelong quest for deep snow? Find out with this unusual and inspiring band of skiers in the Kootenay region of British Columbia.

Reel Rock: Sketchy Andy
USA, 2011, 22 minutes
Directed by: Peter Mortimer
Produced by: Nick Rosen
Website: www.senderfilms.com
Classification: Parental guidance – coarse language, nudity
Focus: Slack lining, BASE Jumping, craziness!
Adrenaline Factor: High!

Film Synopsis: American climbing dirtbag Andy Lewis is taking the discipline of slacklining into the future as he solos the world’s longest high-lines and masters the hardest aerial ricks, while pushing his equipment to the limit. As Andy goes higher, harder, and faster with climbing, slack, and B.A.S.E., we all wonder how far he can go before it’ll be one step over the line.

Film Menu - Saturday, April 14, 2012

All.I.Can: The Short Cut (special edit for Banff Tour)
Best Feature-length Mountain Film, Sponsored by Town of Banff
Canada, 2011, 11 minutes
Directed by: Dave Mossop, Eric Crossland
Produced by: Malcolm Sangster, Eric Crosland
Website: www.sherpascinema.com
Classification: General
Focus: Snow sports   

Film Synopsis: Stunning time-lapse sequences, creative visuals, great skiers, and deep powder are highlights of this excerpt from the award-winning feature film that looks at snow sports and the environment.

The Man and the Mammoth
Canada, 2010, 6 minutes
Directed by: Callum Peterson
Produced by: Nathan Gillis
Website: http://www.publicritual.ca/
Classification: General
Focus: animation,skiing   

Film Synopsis: A caveman discovers skiing, thanks to his new friendship with a woolly mammoth.

Kadoma
Best Film - Exploration and Adventure Sponsored by Nemo
USA, 2011, 42 minutes
Directed and produced by: Ben Stookesbury
Website: http://www.clearh2ofilms.com/ 
Classification: Parental guidance – coarse language
Focus: Exploration, kayaking
Subtitles: very limited

Film Synopsis: “Kadoma” is the nickname for Hendri Coetzee, a legendary South African kayaker who is known for exploring some of Africa’s wildest rivers. In December 2010, American pro kayakers Chris Korbulic and Ben Stookesbury followed Coetzee into the Democratic Republic of Congo for a first descent of the dangerous Lukuga River. Seven weeks into the expedition, tragedy struck.

INTERMISSION

Journey on the Wild Coast (special edit for Banff Tour)
Special Jury Mention
USA, 2010, 30 minutes
Directed and produced by: Greg Chaney
Website: http://www.groundtruthtrekking.org/
Classification: Parental Guidance – coarse language, nudity
Focus: adventure

Film Synopsis: A young married couple with a passion for adventure turn their camera on themselves, even in their weakest moments, as they attempt to walk, paddle and ski under their own power from Seattle to the Aleutians. Filmed over the period of a grueling year, this film reveals the rugged beauty of the wild northwest coast of North America – and the true meaning of intrepid.

C.A.R.C.A
Canada, 2011, 8 minutes
Directed and produced by: Adam Bailey
Website: http://www.carca.ca/
Classification: General
Focus: avalanche rescue

Film Synopsis: One man's quest to revolutionize the world of animal avalanche rescue. Photo from the film C.A.R.C.A.

Chasing Water
Best Short Mountain Film – Chasing Water, Sponsored by The North Face
USA, 2011, 18 minutes
Directed by: Peter McBride
Produced by: Anson Fogel   
Website: http://www.petemcbridephotography.com/
Classification: General
Focus: Environment

Film Synopsis: Pete McBride grew up on a ranch in Western Colorado, a child of the Colorado River. After a life spent visiting other countries to tell stories as a National Geographic photojournalist, in 2008 Pete decided to follow the water from his family’s ranch to see where it ends up. This is the story of Pete’s journey, and a story about the lifeblood of the American West.

Reel Rock: Origins – Obe & Ashima
USA, 2011, 23 minutes
Directed and produced by: Josh Lowell
Website: http://www.senderfilms.com/
Classification: General – coarse language
Focus: Bouldering, competition
Subtitles: limited (from Japanese)

Film Synopsis: There’s a nine-year-old girl from New York City taking the bouldering world by storm, and her name is Ashima Shiraishi. Guided by her coach and former bouldering star Obe Carrion, this tiny master is crushing competitions and raising the bar for her peers. A trip to the bouldering mecca of Hueco Tanks provides a glimpse of the past for Obe and the start of amazing new adventures for Ashima.

Film selections are subject to change

Friday, March 9, 2012

Bike Build: Carver O'Beast Titanium Snow Bike

Derrick Kortvejesi, a master mechanic at Century Cycles in Peninsula for 19 years, built a Carver O'Beast Titanium snow bike last month for CC customer and avid fat bike rider Dave Semanik. Miraculously during this mild winter, Dave was able to find some snow last weekend and said the Carver rode and shifted perfectly.


For many more detailed photos and the bike's specs, check out Dave's blog post about the build (which includes comments from Derrick on how the build went), or go to its page in our Bike Gallery. (While you're there, you can also check out some other cool bike builds we've done!)

Thursday, March 8, 2012

A List of Don'ts For Women Riders

International Women's Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate that women cyclists have come a looooong way since 1895, when this list of Don'ts for Women Riders was published, which instructed women not to (among other things) faint on the road, scream at cows or set off on their bicycles without a needle, thread and thimble.


Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Today is our 20th birthday!

On this day in 1992, Century Cycles Medina officially opened its doors for business! Twenty years (and two additional stores) later, we're still going strong and grateful to all of YOU who make it possible.

On March 7, 1992, Century Cycles was born when Scott Cowan, together with business partner John Boettner and his now-ex-wife Lois Moss, opened what was (and still is!) Medina's largest bicycle store. Check out the news clipping at left, a grand opening announcement that ran in the now-defunct Bicycle Business Journal. Back then, Century Cycles was heralded for offering innovative ideas such as a "preferred customer card" -- a special discount which is still offered to every new bike-buyer at Century Cycles today!

Last Friday, John Boettner (below right) made a special trip to Northeast Ohio from his current home in Alabama to celebrate Century Cycles' 20th anniversary at the stores' annual spring party with his old friend and former business partner, Scott Cowan (below left). Scott and John were joined at the party by well over 100 customers, friends, family and staff of Century Cycles -- stay tuned for more party pictures and reports in the next few days!

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Where We Ride: Krista's Favorite Covered Bridge Loop

Krista McNamee, from the staff of the Century Cycles store in Rocky River, created this bike route in 2009. It starts near the northern end of the Western Reserve Greenway, and follows several scenic back roads. At just under 50 miles, the ride is a nice long adventure that won't leave you too tired to enjoy a post-ride refreshment at one of the many local wineries in the area.

Most of the route is on paved trail or roads, but there are some brief unpaved sections, taking you through seven covered bridges, including the Smolen-Gulf Bridge, the longest covered bridge in the United States.

Krista's favorite restaurant on the route is Josephine's Ristorante (61 E. Jefferston St. in Jefferson), which is known for the best cole slaw in the world (with pecans, pineapple, and dried cranberries). Otherwise, though, services along the route are relatively few and far between, so pack some extra snacks to fuel up mid-ride, and be prepared to take "stealth" restroom breaks.

The most convenient starting point is at one of the many parking areas along the Western Reserve Greenway. From the Cleveland area, take I-90 East to Exit 223, turn left onto State Route 45, turn right onto Austinburg Road, then follow the signs to Old Austinburg Road for trail access.

Click here to see an interactive map of this route, with notes, mileage, and elevation charts.

Stay tuned for more of our favorite places to ride to get ideas of great trails and routes in your area!

Thursday, March 1, 2012

New Season, New Staff in Medina

To meet the needs of the ever-growing cycling community in and around Medina, we've expanded our staff in the Medina store! You can meet them, and more of the Century Cycles crew, at our FREE annual Spring Kick-Off and 20th Anniversary Party, this Friday, March 2 at 7:00pm in our Medina store!

Cathy Kasper
Cathy started with Century Cycles in early 2012, and is a great addition to the team. She specializes in taking care of ladies' cycling needs. Cathy, like many of our employees, is a converted customer. She got cycling fever bad in 2011 and rode her Raleigh Misceo more than 2500 miles! You will find her cycling on the Towpath and also on the Bike MS ride.

Christopher Lenaghan
Christopher graduated from Brunswick High School in 2007, and started working in the assembly department at Century Cycles in early 2012. He grew up riding dirt bikes, which sparked his interest in bicycles. He enjoys riding mountain bikes with his buddies at Regan park in Medina. When he's not in the woods, you can catch him doing wheelies down the sidewalk. In fact, he's so good at wheelies that he's set his sights on the world record for riding a continuous wheelie. The record stands at just over 8 miles (!), and Christopher has worked up to just over 6 miles!



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

So, Christopher can really wheelie, but can he ride the highwheeler? He proved, that yes, he can highwheel it CC style!



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