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Issue: 30
June 2010
In This Issue
Ice Cream Odyssey
Bay Bike to School Challenge
Cleveland Bicycle Week
5 Questions: Brad Sweet
5 Tips: Preparing for and Riding in a Charity Bicycle Tour
Which age had the best bicycles?
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Enjoy the ride!
 
Scott with the Blender Bike at the Pajama Party Night Ride
Greetings!
 
Last month, I brought the blender bike out for the Pajama Party Night Ride and it has now become a pre-Night-Ride tradition. Thanks to everyone who went out in public in their pajamas and helped us celebrate Cleveland Bicycle Week - was that a blast or what?! Due to popular demand, we are planning a few more "super-sized" Night Rides, so stay tuned for those details in the next few weeks.
 
Right now, though, it's all about GOBA! I'm gearing up for Century Cycles' 16th year of being a part of the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure on June 19-26, and I have to say we're still excited to be involved with this terrific event. We love to be on the road supporting the people who support us all year long. I'm sad to report that Derrick has hurt his ankle and won't be along for what would have been his 9th year of GOBA, but Josh and Rich will be with me to keep your bikes running smoothly and take care of any last-minute clothing or equipment needs.
 
No matter where you ride (and what you wear!), enjoy the summer -- keep the rubber side down and let us know how Century Cycles can help!

Cheers,

Scott Cowan, Owner
Century Cycles
Ice Cream OdysseyThe Medina County Bicycle Club's Ice Cream Odyssey is a bicycle outing on a hot summer day (July 17, 2010) through quaint small towns over scenic rolling terrain. Sponsored and supported by The University of Akron Medina County University Center and Century Cycles!

There are route options of 25, 42, or 62 miles. And, you can pre-register for this ride and the Akron Bike Club's ABC Ride (July 11) at the same time to receive a discount!

For full details about the Ice Cream Odyssey, including directions and links to online registration, see:

 
Bay Bike to School Challenge continues to inspire bicycling

Bay Bike to School Group Photo

Century Cycles was proud to sponsor and help organize Bay Bike To School Challenge, a three-week event that ended on May 21, yet continues to inspire more bicycling near and far. As if saving 28,641 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions by bicycling to school wasn't enough, Bay Middle and High School students have now also:
  • Inspired Bay Village Mayor Deborah Sutherland to bicycle more to work at City Hall!
  • Inspired other area schools to contact Century Cycles owner Scott Cowan about developing their own bike-to-school programs!
Go to www.centurycycles.com/to/BTS to see photos, videos, and more information about how the simple act of bicycling to school can have a big influence!
Cleveland Bicycle Week - May 15-23, 2010

In addition to the Bay Bike to School Challenge (above), Century Cycles helped to celebrate Cleveland Bicycle Week in several other ways!

2010 Ride of Silence - Peninsula

The Ride of Silence was held on the evening of May 19, 2010 in Peninsula, organized in conjunction with the Medina County Bicycle Club. About 38 riders attended on a beautiful evening. The riders rode silently and the silence gave them all much to think about--how much they love riding and what a shame that some have lost their lives to motorists. Click here for more photos.

Pajama Party Night RideOn May 15, we took our regularly-scheduled Night Ride on the Towpath Trail and "super-sized" it into the Pajama Party Night Ride! Almost 150 riders turned out, most in their finest sleepwear, to enjoy bike-your-own-smoothies, glow-in-the-dark goodies, and slumber party snacks at the ride turn-around. Click here for more photos, as well as a video from the event!

Mark your calendar for our next Night Ride on the Towpath Trail on Saturday, June 26, 2010. Due to popular demand, we'll be turning more of our upcoming Night Rides into special events, so keeping checking www.centurycycles.com/for/nightrides for details!
5 Questions: Brad Sweet
 
Brad SweetHappy anniversary, Brad! This month Brad Sweet, 26, celebrates year #2 of working for Century Cycles in Rocky River. A former car salesman, Brad lives with co-worker Josh Ronschke in an apartment with bicycles stowed in the corners of almost every room. "Even the bathroom?" he is asked. "Well, no bikes are in the bathroom. Just parts."
 
Q: What's the difference between selling bikes and selling cars?
 
A: At Century Cycles, we don't work on commission or have quotas. We can truly keep the customer's best interest in mind to make sure they get the best bike for their needs. It's a pure selling experience that focuses on good, fun things.
 
Q: Do you remember your first bicycle?
 
A: Oh, yeah. My first bike ties into my first real heartbreak as well. In my recollection, I had a 24" cruiser -- or maybe it was even smaller -- that had "Challenger" on the side and was black and gold. I tried to tweak it myself by adding mag wheels. My mom noticed a bare bike frame in the garage and put it out on the curb with the trash. Gone. Because of that, I keep bikes I like for a long time.
 
Q: So how many bikes do you have right now?
 
A: I have about six that are fully functional. I always have something around for friends to ride so they don't have an excuse not to ride with me.
 
Q: Do you have a favorite bike?
 
A: The best recent riding is on a single speed rigid mountain bike. It started as a hardtail Diamondback and is now a Frankenstein bike with a mix of Surly and other parts.
 
Q: What piece of cycling advice do you most often give?
 
A: Clean your bike. As mechanics, we see a lot of really dirty bikes. Just keeping your bike clean does wonders for it.

You can read the rest of our interview with Brad on our blog.


Charity Bicycle Riders5 Tips: Preparing for and Riding in a Charity Bicycle Tour

The charity bike tour has provided the motivation for many new cyclists to become interested in the sport. They've also become favorites for veteran riders, providing an annual event to look forward to, get together with long-time cycling friends, and re-live old memories.

The following 5 tips will help you get ready for your event, and help you enjoy yourself more during the event. Many of these events, like the MS150 Pedal to the Point, Pan Ohio Hope Ride, and Pelotonia are multi-day rides, but most of these tips apply equally well to single-day events such as the Tour de Cure, or to non-charity events such as the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA).
 
1. Train by building up your mileage gradually.
2. Make sure your bicycle is tuned up and in good working order.
3. When choosing what gear to pack, find a good balance between comfort and convenience.
4. Don't forget to have fun!
5. Be a good ambassador for cycling.
 
For more details on each of the above tips, see the accompanying article by Kevin Madzia on our blog.

The Century Cycles staff has many years of combined experience in bike tours, both as participants, and through our sponsorship and support of many of Ohio's most popular rides. Look for our support van this summer at the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure, Ice Cream Odyssey, Pan Ohio Hope Ride, MS150 Pedal to the Point, and the NEW Farm 'N Barn Bike Tour in the Cuyahoga Valley!

What tips do you have to share from your cycling adventures? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment on our blog.
June 2010 Poll Image
Which age had the best bicycles?

Many bicycle afficionados have a soft spot for bike designs of past eras. It might be because of fond memories of their first bike, or being a fan of a certain event in history, or a favorite vintage bike that's still in their collection.

What age do you think had the best bikes? Let us know by taking our latest online poll.

Last month's online poll asked "What was your most embarrassing moment on a bike?" The most frequent answer, by an overwhelming majority of 68%, was "Fell over because I couldn't get my feet unclipped."

Don't feel too embarrassed. Even experienced riders have brain lapses like this that send them crashing to the pavement. For first-timers and veterans alike, Century Cycles offers hands-on service with all of our clip-in pedal and shoe purchases!

We'll install the cleats on your shoes, install the pedals on the bike, and set up your bike on a stationary trainer in the store. This way, you have the opportunity to get used to the feeling of clipping in and out of the pedals, without the risk of falling over. Most pedals have the ability to adjust the clip-in/clip-out tension, so we'll get that set at a level that you're comfortable with. Just one more way that Century Cycles helps riders of all skill levels enjoy cycling to the fullest!
Century Cycles Logo

Define your life. Ride a bike.
 
Our Stores:
1079 N. Court St. (Rt 42, K-Mart Plaza)
Medina, OH  44256 map
Phone: 330-722-7119
 

1621 Main St. (Rt 303)
Peninsula, OH  44264 map
Phone: 330-657-2209
 

19955 Detroit Rd. (between Wagar and Wooster Roads)
Rocky River, OH  44116 map
Phone: 440-356-5705

www.centurycycles.com

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