Relay for Life Benefits from Event at Curt’s Cyclery

Bicyclists from around the Lehigh Valley came out Saturday morning for the Second Annual Curt’s Cyclery Century -- C³ for short -- despite the sprinkles and early-morning thunder.

Dee Miller, who co-owns with her husband, Curt Miller, explained that the cyclists were given a 10-mile route that began and ended at the shop. For each lap a rider completed, the cycle shop would donate $1 to the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

The event wasn’t a race, Dee clarified. It was a ride. Cyclists could do as many laps as they'd like, as quickly or as slowly as they'd like, and they could bike for as many as 10 laps, which equals 100 miles -- "a century" in the bike industry.

In 2010, the average number of laps per rider was five, or 50 miles, Dee added. There were 13 riders who completed the 100 miles.

According to Matthew Miller, a professional cyclist for Giant Manufacturing Co. and the son of Dee and Curt, “everyone’s goal is to do the century.” It was his suggestion that the local store hold the event.

“We just wanted a cool way for people to come out to the shop and ride all day,” Matthew said.

This was Christine Albanese's second year participating in the C³.

“It was much better weather last year,” said Albanese, who didn't let the wet weather dampen her spirits. Albanese said she came out to have fun, and for the camaraderie.

“It’s very nice,” said Bob Meade, a cyclist from Nazareth. “It’s not a competition. It’s a social thing as well as something new and different.”

Meade, who admitted to being in his 50s, said he just got his bike in November after his brother encouraged him to give it a try. He completed two laps and set his sights on four laps total.

“Who knows, maybe I’ll get inspired after four laps and do more,” he said.

To refuel between laps, Curt’s Cyclery offered the riders bagels, sports drinks, water, Domino's pizza and bananas. Each rider also received a complimentary bag with coupons, a T-shirt, a water bottle, snacks and a few more goodies.

For each completed lap, the riders also received a ticket for prize drawings. Largely donated by local businesses, the prizes included memberships to Nazareth Barbell and Snap Fitness; gift cards from , , Your Best Little Hair House and Curt’s Cyclery, and a $125 gift basket from in Bath.

“We’re grateful to the community for their friendship and support for all of these years,” Dee said.

Also at C³, Jeff Lenosky, a professional stunt rider for Giant, performed two shows for the crowd. Lenosky wowed spectators as he bunny hopped his mountain bike up and down platforms and across diamond-shaped bars.

The stunt rider once held the record for the highest bunny jump, with 45.5 inches, Lenosky said. The current Guinness World Record is 52 inches and was set by Benito Ros Charral of Spain, according to www.guinnessworldrecords.com.

The Sparta, N.J. (Sussex County), resident explained that he started trying bicycle tricks on a BMX bike when he was a kid. The one-time spectator when his father took him to shows, Lenosky is happy to now be the performer.

“I remember how inspiring it was for me as a kid,” he said. “It’s nice to inspire people to get on their bikes.”

Lenosky called on volunteers for his show, and two stepped up to the task.

The first was Cameron Winarchick, who laid on the pavement and became “a human speed bump.” The stunt rider jumped his bike over the top of the boy a few times, and stunned the crowd as he was able to gently tap the boy’s nose with his front tire.

“It wasn’t that scary because he’s a professional,” Winarchick said. “I thought it was great.”

Christian Keller had similar thoughts about his part in the stunt.

“It was fun,” Keller said. “I knew he wasn’t going to hit me.”

Lenosky jumped his bike off the top of his truck and over the top of Keller’s head.

Lenosky admitted that during practices he has gotten hurt quite a few times, but while he was practicing different stunts -- not the stunts he performed at Curt’s Cyclery.

“This is safer,” he said.

Curt’s Cyclery opened 40 years ago on Main Street in Nazareth by Curt’s father. Today, it is on Bath Pike (Route 248), and sells bicycles by Giant, Orbea, Haro and Eastern.