Back Roads and Beaches Blog

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2010-04-20T16:53:00.001-04:00

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Thorn Mountain Bike Trail Conditions April 2010

2010-04-20T12:58:00.002-04:00

Update from Nab: Right now, the trail is very ride-able. There are some soft spots but with some more riding, they’ll be packed down. Back section is closed with some problem mud but Nab is working on it. Come on out before the next batch of rain!

2010 Oberlin Earth Day 5k and Kids Fun Run pics posted

2010-04-17T20:41:00.003-04:00

First, second, third place. Photo: Ben Bickel

Check out the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook fan page (photo albums) for photos of today’s Oberlin Earth Day 5k and Kids Fun run.

Active spring events begin another great outdoor season

2010-04-15T15:18:00.004-04:00

The weather this spring has been more like summer and cyclists have been out in droves! Businesses along the route are buzzing, wineries are busy and eateries are starting to serve outdoors again. Here are a few upcoming 5k runs, walks, competitions and other outdoor active events around north central Ohio.

Earth Day 5k Run/Walk and Children’s Fun Run
Saturday, April 17, 2010
10am (Children’s fun run at 9:15am)
The Oberlin Earth Day 5k Run is celebrating it’s 37th year. Please bring a non-perishable food and/or household item to donate to Oberlin Community Services.  Spring into Action 5K Race for Haiti Saturday, April 17, 2010 9am at the Lorain County Metro Parks Bridgeway Trail-Days Dam E 31st St. and East River Rd., Lorain, OH The Course will begin and end at Days Dam. All proceeds will go directly to Habitat for Humanity International.

5th Annual Sandy Ridge Half Marathon & 10k
Sunday, April 18 7am registration, 8am race
Lorain County Community College
1005 Abbe Rd. North
Elyria, OH
This is a fast, flat looping course in and around the Sandy Ridge wetlands area, a spectacular birding hotspot.

NHA Walk/Run for the Homeless
May 8, 2010
Registration begins at 7am
Lorain County Community College
5k run, 1 mile walk to benefit homeless families. Each registration fee will cover the actual cost to feed and shelter one person for one night at the Haven Center.

Lorain County Heart Walk
May 15, 2010, 8:30–11am
Avon Commons
1-3 mile walk to benefit the American Heart Association

Kayaking Symposium
May 22, Lakeview Park, Lorain
9am–2pm
Lorain County Metro Parks is teaming up with the Backpackers Shop to provide a chance to test out a variety of kayaks (weather permitting). Other outdoor recreation related demos and info will be available throughout the event.

Spring is almost here-get ready!

2010-03-06T19:33:00.007-05:00

Sunny days are now becoming the norm and the snow is melting. Are you ready? Here are a few upcoming semi-competitive fun events that are perfect for an early spring kick-start to another great season of biking, swimming, running and kayaking! We’ll be adding more as dates are set.

1st Annual Sole to Sole 5k

Saturday, March 27, 8:30am

Schwartz Road Park

34741 Schwartz Road

Avon, OH

Keel-haulers 2010 Vermilion River Race

Sunday, March 28

This annual race is appropriate for novice to expert racers. Families and small groups are encouraged to participate.

Indoor Triathlon

Sunday, April 11th at 8am

Splash Zone, W. Hamilton Rd., Oberlin

Individuals and Relay teams do 30 minutes each of swimming, cycling (spin) and running. All levels welcomed and encouraged to participate! Registration fee of $20 goes to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. $10 for t-shirt.

Register in person at the Splash Zone or call 440.774.5059.

25th Annual Lorain Wheelmen Bicycle Club AFROST ride.
Sunday, April 11th
Registration: 8–9:30am, beginning at Shupe School in Amherst
A flat, early season tour to kick of the season and test your fitness. Routes visit many historic towns and villages in Lorain County. 25/50/64 mile courses.

Earth Day 5k Run/Walk and Children’s Fun Run

Saturday, April 17, 2010

10am (Children’s fun run at 9:15am)

The Oberlin Earth Day 5k Run is celebrating it’s 37th year. Please bring a non-perishable food and/or household item to donate to Oberlin Community Services.

Spring into Action 5K Race for Haiti
Saturday, April 17, 2010
9am at the Lorain County Metro Parks Bridgeway Trail-Days Dam
E 31st St. and East River Rd., Lorain, OH
The Course will begin and end at Days Dam. All proceeds will go directly to Habitat for Humanity International.

5th Annual Sandy Ridge Half Marathon & 10k

Sunday, April 18 7am registration, 8am race

Lorain County Community College

1005 Abbe Rd. North

Elyria, OH

This is a fast, flat looping course in and around the Sandy Ridge wetlands area, a spectacular birding hotspot.

Findley State Park MTB Ice Race Update

2010-01-07T10:02:00.002-05:00

The ice race scheduled for this weekend has been canceled. All the snow we’re getting has prevented Findley Lake from freezing sufficiently. We’ll keep you posted on a rescheduled date. And don’t forget, there is plenty of snow for snow-shoeing and cross country skiing!

First Findley State Park Ice Race of 2010 Scheduled

2009-12-31T14:26:00.005-05:00

Photo courtesy of Tenant Nabakowski

Ice is beginning to form on Findley Lake. That and a cold forecast are enough for Nab and the North Coast Mountain Bikers to schedule the first ice race for January 10. The race will begin around noon. Come earlier for practice. Races will take place on a figure 8 and a Cross Country course. Classes include studded and non studded tires. Click here for more information and pictures.

Cost will be $15 and includes any and all events, prizes, campfire and brats. $10 for members of the North Coast Mountain Bikers. This is a great group of guys and gals who welcome everyone of all skill levels. Any questions, call Nab at 216.215.5445. Check out the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook page for ice condition confirmation by Jan. 8. Click here for a map to Findley State Park.

Holiday Season on the Back Roads and Beaches Multi-sport route

2009-12-23T15:30:00.003-05:00

Photo: courtesy of the Oberlin Inn

Seasons Greetings!
Wishing you a New Year filled with tailwinds, smooth roads and
miles of great cycling, swimming and running!

New half-mile section added to Thorn Mountain Bike Trail

2009-11-07T08:47:00.002-05:00

The Thorn Mountain Bike Trail is in great shape to ride for this weekend. And with a forecast of sunny and 60s it’s definitely time to hit the trail! North Coast MTB Club leader Nab has been out and has blown the entire trail clear of leaves and added a half mile section. Now making the trail a full 9 miles! Check out this YouTube video of the trail:

2009-11-01T19:19:00.002-05:00

It turned out to be a great day for the Inland Trail Marathon and the Red Flannel. The sun came out late morning and hung around all day! You can find lots of photos from both events at the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook page.

Update on the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail

2009-10-30T16:33:00.003-04:00

An update from Nab just in time for the weekend—The Thorn Trail is wet with leaves but ride-able and fun. Nab will be out there this weekend with his leaf blower to clear the entire 9+ mile trail. (note from blog editors: we think his arms might get sore so lend ’im a hand if you've got the time)

2009 Red Flannel Ride set for November 1

2009-10-23T13:58:00.002-04:00

For many, the Lorain Wheelmen’s annual Red Flannel ride marks the end of the riding season—or just the beginning of the fall/winter cycling season. Set for November 1st, the ride typically brings out hundreds of cyclists to enjoy a scenic fall ride. The start-finish and registration is in Oberlin. Distances are 67 miles and 33 miles. Riders can depart beginning at 9am. There will be food served at stops along the way. Click here for more details and registration information.

New video highlights of Back Roads and Beaches

2009-10-19T21:12:00.002-04:00

New video from ONN TV’s Discover Ohio series containing highlights from the Back Roads and Beaches Multi-sport route.

Upcoming weekend full of cycling, arts, farmers markets and autumn delights

2009-09-30T11:26:00.007-04:00

Activity around the Back Roads and Beaches route this weekend will be sure to please cyclists and tourists interested in arts, locally grown foods, architecture, performance, and entertainment for just about anyone. Fall colors are appearing in all their glory to form a gorgeous backdrop for a weekend of cycling, entertainment, great food and wine. There is a lot going on so make your plans now to stay for the weekend to catch it all! Here are a list of activities moving south to north around the route and assuming you’ll be starting your tour at Findley State Park in Wellington:

Findley State Park Fall Campout: Celebrate fall and create some great family memories. The park will have a craft show, games, trick or treating, hayrides and much more. Regular camping fees apply. Call 440-647-5749 for more information. Don’t forget your mountain bike to catch the Thorn Trail at Findley. It’s 10 miles of awesome single-track!

Thorn Trail in Autumn

When you pedal your way north on Back Roads and Beaches, make sure to stop at the Wellington Reservation and rent a paddle boat for free. This facility has spectacular fall color and the cleanest restrooms around!

Wellington Reservation in early autumn

Heading north toward Oberlin-take the new BRaB Oberlin spur route and you just might end up spending an entire day exploring here! But before you head into town, check out the Breuer Pottery Open House. The event is both Saturday and Sunday from noon–5pm. Enjoy wine, hors d'oeuvres and desserts in this rustic, artsy setting located immediately to the left of the bike path leading into Oberlin. Once you leave Breuer Potter, follow the BRaB signs until you see the new BRaB spur route signs and follow those into town. Once you turn onto Morgan St., don't miss the Weltzheimer Johnson House on the left. You can tour this Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian house from 12–5pm this Sunday, October 4)

Other activities in Oberlin this weekend include:

The FAVA Gallery presents Claudia Berlinski & Sherry Bradshaw Searching for the Underground Sea, a collection of works on paper, in conjunction with Sherry Bradshaw’s Digging Beneath the Surface, an installation piece. The gallery is open this weekend, Saturday from 11am–5pm and Sunday 1–5pm.

Saturday, October 3 is also Oberlin Community Day and a great opportunity to explore the many organizations and businesses that make Oberlin such a special place. The historic Apollo Theater will be reopening after an exciting phase I renovation. The opening will be celebrated with a free showing of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at 10am on Saturday. Other Community Day activities include:

11:45am: Don Pease Bike Path dedication with music by the Oberlin High School Band. The bike path will be dedicated in honor of Congressman Don Pease at the Oberlin Depot, where the bike path meets Main St. (SR 58)
1–3pm: Explore Oberlin Bike Tour, win prizes for visiting Oberlin lites! Register at the flagpole at the corner of Tappan Square
1:30pm: OCircus Performance, Tappan Square
2–3pm: Free ice cream on Tappan Square
3–3:15pm: Bike tour prize drawing for tourists who visit a majority of sites and organizations.
The Oberlin Heritage Center will also be offering a day of free family-friendly events such as guided tours, historic games and school house events.

Moving along through BRaB, outside of Oberlin... Matus Winery will be celebrating Octoberfest with a gourmet German meal on Saturday evening beginning at 5:30pm. Live entertainment will begin at 8pm. Or you can just stop out anything throughout the afternoon. Matus Winery loves cyclists!

Paper Moon Winery will be featuring a Jazz Quintet on Saturday from 4–7pm.

There are several great wineries all throughout the Back Roads and Beaches Route. All are quite bike-friendly. Click here for a full list.

Between Oberlin and Vermilion, just off the BRaB route, you’ll find a delightful, whimsical gallery open-house at Riverdog Gallery on Gore Orphanage Road. They are hosting their open house in tandem with Breuer Potter this Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Riverdog Gallery

Moving north toward Vermilion, you will notice Miller's Apple Hill is in full "pick your own apples" mode. This is a great time to pull over and experience fresh, just picked produce and cider, get a wagon ride and pick up some trail mix.

There are plenty of orchards and farmer’s markets along the route to stop and pick up some “natural energy”

These are only a few special events along the route this weekend. Make sure to check the website for lodging, dining and bike services along the route. See you out there!

Night Riders

2009-09-09T12:47:00.004-04:00

Here are some photos from last weekend on the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park. The trail was in great shape with lots of maintenance and cool new updates (bridges etc) courtesy of the North Coast Mountain Bikers.

And sent to us from the NCMB’rs, some shots from Saturday’s night ride:

Art Galleries and Farm Markets on the Back Roads and Beaches Route

2009-08-20T15:54:00.026-04:00

Sure, with its charming rural roads and beautiful scenery, the Back Roads and Beaches Route is great all by itself. But what’s a real ride without a destination? Whether you're training hard on the big climbs or just out for a relaxing ride, everyone deserves a break. Here are just a few of the terrific attractions along the route:

Art Galleries

The Firelands Assocation for the Visual Arts (FAVA) in Oberlin has just opened a brand new double exhibit. Claudia Berlinski presents Searching for the Underground Sea (works on paper) alongside Sherry Bradshaw’s Digging Beneath the Surface (installation). The exhibit runs through Oct. 4. FAVA is open Tuesday–Saturday, 11–5, and Sundays, 1-5.

The Work of Claudia Berlinski

The Work of Sherry Bradshaw

And while in Oberlin, be sure to check out Ginko Gallery, the town’s combination art studio and gallery. Visitors can observe five resident artists in the creative process, as well as browse the gallery’s finished art. Ginko Gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10-6, and Saturday, 12-4.

Farm Markets

Miller’s Apple Hill: It might be a little early for apples, but Miller’s has a great Bulk Foods Store. Family-owned and -operated, Miller’s offers a large assortment of candies, snack mixes, meats, cheeses, flours, sugars, grains, and a whole lot more.

Miller's Apple Hill

George Jones Farm and Nature Preserve: Owned by Oberlin College, this organic farm was founded as a community sustainable argiculture project. Browse the Farmer’s Market and learn more about this unique and innovative farm.
Oberlin Market: This grocery/bakery/cafe serves Certified Organic and local, no spray foods. Stop in for a meal, or load up on fresh provisions for your ride.

Oberlin Market

On any given Saturday, Farmer’s Markets can be found in Lorain (9 am to 1 pm), Wellington (9 am to 2 pm), Oberlin (9 am to 1 pm), and Vermilion (2 pm to 6 pm). Tons of fresh, local produce and other organic products.

There are many other sights and attractions along the route, including Lake Erie’s beaches, the Lorain County Metro Parks, multiple wineries, and exciting multi-sport adventures. For more information on these attractions, or anything else Back Roads and Beaches, check out the website, or become a fan of Back Roads and Beaches on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

2009 Vermilion Harbour Triathlon recap

2009-08-16T22:23:00.006-04:00

It was a hot but otherwise beautiful day for the 2nd Vermilion Harbour Triathlon today. About 500 people showed up to compete in Sprint Triathlon, Olympic Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquabike. Overall winner for the Olympic Tri was Ross Hartley with a time of 2:02:25. Overall female was Andrea Myers with a time of 2:23:57. Complete results can be found at the HFP Website here. Adam Kuncel, wearing the Back Roads and Beaches logo, came in 12th overall with the impressive time of 2:19:30. Congratulations to all the athletes who participated in today’s race, including the 1st place Olympic distance team Back Roads and Beaches that consisted of Eileen Bringman (swim time 24:10), Don Haradem (bike time 1:11:25) and Graham Wellman (run time 39:40). Thanks also to Jim Galloway who represented BRaB and placed first in the 50–54 category.

Below are some scenes from today’s race. For more photos click here to Visit Lorain County’s Photostream

From left: Jim Galloway (placed first in the 50–54 category Olympic distance tri), Team BRaB: Don Haradem (bike), Eileen Bringman (swim), Graham Wellman (run)-first place Olympic team.

Trail conditions at Findley State Park Mountain Bike Trail

2009-08-14T10:08:00.004-04:00

Today’s report from Nab says that the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park has dried out enough that there is no mud, just some soft spots. Temps are supposed to be in the 90s so a ride in the cool woods might be mighty nice!

Findley State Triathlon recap

2009-08-08T19:37:00.003-04:00

Scenes from today’s Findley State Park Triathlon, hosted by NCN racing. 1st overall was J. Hayes Calvert, 2nd, Jason Zangmeister. Click here for NCN’s race results, times and details.

Visit Lorain County Marketing and Communications Manager, Lynne Lisner and Findley State Park Director Brian Andrews were on hand to volunteer and assist NCN.

Triathlon News

2009-08-06T10:35:00.004-04:00

Congratulations to Adam Kuncel who placed 2nd in 25–29 category at the Cleveland Triathlon. Adam’s overall time was 2:15. Left, Adam transitions from swim to bike; below, Adam receives his award. This Saturday, BRaB will be getting photos at the Findley Triathlon. Good luck to all racers! (photos courtesy of Adam Kuncel)

This week’s events around Back Roads and Beaches

2009-08-03T16:34:00.004-04:00

Mountain bikers: Join the Tuesday evening time trials at Findley State Park sponsored by the North Coast Mountain Bikers. Time trials are from 5:30-7:30pm beginning at Findley's beach. All levels and ages of riders welcome! Directions to Findley State Park can be found here. Photos of the trail can be found here and map of the trail here.

Triathletes: This Saturday, August 8 is the 4th Annual Findley Lake Triathlon/Duathlon. Click here to pre-register. Here are some photos from last year's sprint triathlon at Findley.

Touring cyclists: There are many, many great events going on around the route this weekend including farmer's markets, winery events and more. On Saturday, Matus Winery will be having their first Corn Roast/Backyard Games with Corn Hole Tournament. Click here for more info and directions. Also on Saturday, Paper Moon Vineyards will be having live music from 4-7pm. Both wineries are just off the BRaB route and welcome cyclists.

Outdoor enthusiasts: The Lorain County Metro Parks has a large events calendar with many hiking, biking and kayaking events for all ages and levels. This Friday, "Bike for your health" at 9pm. Leave from the Splash Zone in Oberlin and ride the bike trail at night along with a Lorain County Metro Parks ranger from the bike patrol unit. For more events check out their webpage listings.

Bicycle-friendly Oberlin all set for big weekend of cyclists

2009-07-30T20:15:00.007-04:00

This coming weekend, Oberlin will be abuzz with activity including touring cyclists, groups, events and travel writers, not to mention the Oberlin Family Fun Fair will be going on at the same time. We often laud Oberlin for being such a bicycle friendly city. Here are a few scenes so you can see the spirit touring cyclists will encounter upon pedaling into this funky, eclectic college town. And don't forget, Saturday night bike-in movies on Tappan Square! This Sat. features Pee Wee's Big Adventure at dark!

Oberlin parks worker, Mike Ives installs new Back Roads and Beaches signage. The signs are designed to assist touring cyclists to get into Oberlin from the Back Roads and Beaches Route as well as from Adventure Cycling's Underground Railroad Route, passing significant Underground Railroad places of interest such as Westwood Cemetery and the Underground Railroad sculpture. The spur route will also take cyclists by the Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian House (Weltzheimer Johnson House), the Oberlin Heritage Center and into the center of town for dining, shopping, art galleries and performances. Download a printable Underground Railroad guide here.

Underground Railroad cyclists should also check out this blog entry about a local farm you will pass riding into town. Important note: cyclists that ride into town on SR 58 instead of following the Back Roads and Beaches into town will miss out on much of the most significant Underground Railroad history AND the most scenic, lightly traveled roads. You won't find avid local cyclists riding SR 58.

A few more Oberlin scenes:

Oberlin has several eateries that feature delicious local, organic, vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Of course, you won't have trouble finding a great burger and beer here either!

Yes, these are some of the many bike racks you'll find around Oberlin, courtesy of the City of Oberlin.

Is this "sculpture" the work of the Oberlin Bike Coop?

Where else can you get a salad, berries, candy and some hemp shoes all in one spot? Gibsons of course!

Cyclists following the Back Roads and Beaches spur signs will pedal by the Westwood Cemetery where there are gravesites of many former slaves, abolitionists and civil rights activists. This is also the spot for the Underground Railroad Monument dedicated to all the fugitive slaves who passed through Oberlin on their journey to freedom.

There are many other events and performances going on in Oberlin and around Back Roads and Beaches this weekend. Check out Main Street Oberlin's blog or the Visit Lorain County Calendar of Events for details.

Huntington Triathlon pics

2009-07-27T10:09:00.004-04:00

Here are a few shots from the Huntington Triathlon yesterday. It was a well-organized event with great turnout and weather.

Women’s swim start.

There’s our logo on Jim’s shoulder - thanks Jim!

We spotted Lorain County triathlete Stori Miller rounding the bend to the finish. Congratulations Stori!

Scenes from last night’s MTB time trials at Findley State Park

2009-07-22T14:56:00.002-04:00

Riders were having a blast last night at the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail time trials, hosted by the North Coast Mountain Bikers. What a cool group of people—all ages and skill levels just hanging out, eating brats and riding with perfect conditions! Join them again next Tuesday evening at 5:30pm.

Linda Miranda rides the course.
Linda had best time-women’s for the second week in a row.

Don Haradem is too fast to get a clear photo.

Don Haradem and Linda Miranda posted the best times and received Back Roads and Beaches gear for their efforts.

Another Tuesday, another time trial at the Thorn MTB trail

2009-07-20T21:31:00.003-04:00

Come on out for the Thorn Mountain Bike trail, North Coast Mountain Bikers weekly time trials, Tuesday, July 20, 5:30–7:30pm. According to Nab, last week Chip Meek beat his record of 38.41 and Linda Miranda had the fastest time for women at 53.05. We hear all levels of riders, men, women and families are showing up and it’s no wonder. The Thorn trail keeps getting better and bigger each year. It’s a blast! We’ll be out there as well to get some photos to post up on our Facebook page and here on the blog.