Cycle sales up with the rise in winter temperatures in Northeast Ohio

ROCKY RIVER, OHIO - This year's mild winter weather has not been good for skiers. But for those who like self-powered travel on two wheels, it's been wonderful.

Century Cycles bike mechanics Adam and Josh are as busy now as they are during the beginning of cycling season. 

"We've had days," Adam said, "that it might as well have been a spring or summer day on a Saturday, where we get so much traffic, we can barely keep track of everybody in here."

Although last year's sales during the winter months were good, Century Cycles founder, Scott Cowan, has seen his sales spike this year. 

"We're up seventy percent over last year's January and February, which is just insane."

Cowan said he thinks there are several reasons for the increased sales of bicycles and cycling equipment. 

It's an activity that's inexpensive and available to everyone, it promotes healthy living through exercise, and the sport has become more a part of our culture, as with the advent of designated bike lanes or bike parking stations like The Bike Rack near Prospect Ave and East 4th Street in Downtown Cleveland. 

But the warm winter temperatures certainly don't hurt.

"The weather has certainly played a huge impact on keeping our season extended into the fall and then really it never dropped off like it usually does in the wintertime and January and February, it's continued to be really awesome," Cowan said.

Cyclist Mike Foley is usually cross country skiing this time of year. But with the mild temperatures and dry roads, he's been out riding instead.

"This year I've been out a lot...probably three time a week, which in the winter time, is unheard of for me," Foley said.

Even though it's only February, Cowan has seen so much interest in the upcoming biking season, that he's already printing up flyers and brochures for this summer's events. 

And although he's optimistic about more mild winter weather ahead, he's still a realist. 

A sign in a display case reads:  It WILL Snow! Keep Riding!