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
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.
New half-mile section added to Thorn Mountain Bike Trail
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:
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)
Upcoming weekend full of cycling, arts, farmers markets and autumn delights
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
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!
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:
Trail conditions at Findley State Park Mountain Bike Trail
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!
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.
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.
Scenes from last night’s MTB time trials at Findley State Park
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
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.
Every Tuesday, July 7 through August 17 mountain bikers can come out to the Thorn Trail between 5:30–7:30pm at Findley State Park for "time trails." For $5 riders can see how they stack up against some of the fastest racers in Ohio or just against their riding buddies. $5 covers two individual laps. Classes will include expert, sport, beginner and women. Records will be kept throughout the weeks. Prizes will be awarded to class winners based on best four times out of possible seven. Helmets are required. For more information, call Nab at 216.214.5445.
Directions to Findley State Park can be found here. Photos of the trail can be found here and map of the trail here.
Update on current Thorn Trail Conditions: June 25, 2009 Back portion still wet. Use short loop to avoid the back if you don't like mud.
The Thorn Trail didn't get as much rain as predicted so it's good to go, according to Nab. There is now a shorter loop so riders have a 6.5 mile option. It bypasses the back section and is also a great alternative when the back is muddy. Currently the back IS muddy in some spots but rideable for most.
Watch for the new banner that greets you in the parking lot!
Memorial Day weekend is always a great time to plan a trip around north central Ohio. There are so many great events going on, especially around the Back Roads and Beaches Route. Here are some suggested activities based on your riding style. All of the below suggestions can be found on or just around (within a mile or two) of the route. They can be found on the BRaB map)
Commencement weekend at Oberlin College
Hammer heads-“I'm just here to soak up the good weather and put in some extra training hours.”
Begin at Findley State Park, ride north and do the loop in a counter-clockwise direction. This will give you optimal hill climbing options, especially in the Dean Rd./Sperry Rd. area. Dean Rd. gets to 21%. Really want a challenge? Do some repeats. Once back at Findley State Park, you will have 60 miles in. For an added challenge, bring along your mountain bike and do a loop or two of the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail. If you’re out early Saturday morning you’re sure to see others out training on the route.
Views of the Lorain Lighthouse from the Jackalope Restaurant
“I want to pedal at my own pace while stopping to see great art, architecture and historical sites. And while I'm at it, I'd like to sample some great local wine and cuisine” Fortunately for you, there are so many great exhibits, historical events and events going on, the worst part will be deciding what to do.
History: The Oberlin Heritage Center has an entire weekend of events including architecture walks, Underground Railroad walks, history programming and more. Click here for a full list.
Bacon House Museum Tours, Vermilion River Reservation, Sunday 1-4pm. Art/Architecture: Right now at FAVA in Oberlin: facets: 14 artists working in glass. Don't miss this exquisite exhibit. You can also see Woodblock/Linoleum Prints by J.K. Mateer through May 26th at the FAVA South Gallery.
facets exhibit at FAVA Gallery, Oberlin
Also in Oberlin right now is Holding, an environmental art exhibit that features live silkworms spinning and weaving their way through sculpture. This exhibit has become a favorite each year with all ages at the Ginko Gallery.
Tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Weltzheimer/Johnson House will be given throughout the Oberlin College commencement weekend. Click here for times. Performance Since it’s commencement weekend at Oberlin College, there are many performances and events. Click here for a full list.
Wine and Dine Round out a long touring day in the saddle with great food and wine at these spots that are on or just off the BRaB route. Live Music on the Docks Memorial Day Weekend at The Lube: May 23 - Vermilion's new Quaker Steak & Lube. Catch some live entertainment with C.R.B. (Classic Rock Band) on Saturday from 5–9 pm with great views of the Vermilion River. (This used to be Red Clay Restaurant)
Matus Winery Celebration Cook-Out, Saturday, May 23 5:30 pm Single Tree Winery: Friday, May 22 Live music with Utah Witherspoon and Greg Moore 7-11pm Saturday, May 23 Steak Fry $20 5- 7 pm Includes Steak, baked potato, salad, roll and a glass of wine. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
We’ve brought the kids for a little adventure, fun and a healthy challenge for the whole family—what’s there to do for us? For those of you towing little ones (or accompanying your little ones on their own bikes), this is a great weekend for kids. Here are a few must do’s. (from a cyclists with three kids..these are kid tested) Beginning from the southern portion of the trail in
Trail info from the Thorn Mountain Biking Trail at Findley State Park from Tenant Nabakowski:
With this warm sunny weather coming our way I'm hoping by Sunday our trail should finally be in riding shape. Perhaps later in the day Saturday too. It will no doubt still have some soft spots but that's not a problem for mountain bikers.I've spent the past few weeks filling in trouble areas with a stone/dirt mix and have finally cleared all the fallen trees. So I'm ready to ride this weekend. Saturday me and some of the guys are hoping to finish a 24-foot bridge. It's at the bottom of the downhill in the coaster section. My intention is instead of taking a slight left then right turn at the bottom. The bridge will able the crazies to blast straight down and carry their speed across the bridge then up the other side. Should be fun!
It’s snowing today but we are ignoring it, opting instead to think about the great riding, kayaking and mountain biking that lie just ahead. Since Nab sent along some photos from an ice race at Findley, we thought we’d post them as a fitting farewell to winter. Thanks Nab!
Multi sport enthusiasts who’ve been waiting for snow now have more than enough to enjoy a winter hike, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice skating, sledding etc. And more appears to be on the way! Findley State Park, Lorain County Metro Parks, Cascade Park and our many other parks offer miles of trails and other winter amenities.
But don’t stop at traditional winter sports, be creative and try some real adventure! Bottom line is, getting out in the snow along BRaB is a blast! And when you’re done, explore one of our great galleries or museums, and warm up in one of four wineries along the route. Make it a weekend and stay at one of several local lodging facilities that welcome our multi sport visitors.
This weekend, Jan 17–18, 2009, the Lorain County Metro Parks will be hosting their annual Winter Days Festival at the Vermilion River Reservation. The festival will run Sat. from 10am–4pm and Sun. from 11am–4pm. Ice carving competitions will be the highlight on Saturday and demonstrations from professional ice carvers will take place Sunday. And don’t forget about the awesome sledding hill there!
The rain stopped right before the start of the 2008 Findley Lake Triathlon/Duathlon (results) today. With a wet but scenic course, participants enjoyed the calm lake and scenic trail run for a late summer race that serves as Lorain County’s final triathlon of the year. Although we still have some great running and biking events that will take us through November, this will do it for 2008 triathlons. So, without further ado, here are a few photos from today’s event...
2nd, 3rd and 4th out of the water
Women Swim Start
1st female out of the water—Julia Lorraine Rossi
First overall finisher We thought it fitting to post a photo of Dave Garrett’s backside for this last race of the Lorain County triathlon season. (not only because it’s the end of the season but this photo might be a training motivator for others during the cold winter months.) He is so fun to watch racing, we hope he comes back to Lorain County to wow us during the 2009 season.
While heading to Findley State Park, we found Fred Thomas of Cleveland pedaling out of Oberlin along the Underground Railroad. He was headed to a local market to pick up some fresh local produce. Fred will be riding Adventure Cycling’s Underground Railroad route to Buffalo.
Further on down the road, renting kayaks at Findley State Park in Wellington is a great way to get in a great workout while enjoying the beautiful southern Lorain County scenery. Two-person kayaks can be rented on weekends for $6 an hour. Click here for more details and contact information.
We saw this group learning the basics of kayaking.
Clearly, Summer isn’t ready to give in yet! This weekend looks to be another spectacular opportunity to get outdoors. Whether you want to spend the weekend training for next week’s Findley Lake Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon or you want to spend it touring on your bike or kayak, here’s your opportunity. With a host of great art exhibits and galleries , museums, events and farmer’s markets, you surely won’t be at a loss for stops.
We’ll be out this weekend with our cameras looking for Findley State Park mountain bikers, kayakers and the BRaB road riders so you might see us pointing a camera at you.
Sunday, August 3 34th Annual Findley Lake Sprint / International Triathlon Location: Findley State Park, 25381 State Route 58, Wellington, OH International - 1/2-Mile Swim, 28-Mile Bike, 10K Trail Run Pre-Register Here
Vermilion Harbor Triathlon & Duathlon Sunday, August 17, 20088am Linwood Park, Vermilion, OH The series heads north for stop number 5 in the beautiful harbor town of Vermilion, Ohio. Known best for its association with the largest one-day festival in Ohio – The Woollybear Festival, held every September. Multisport athletes will love the small town feel of this venue as they race through downtown Vermilion and tackle one of the most challenging courses in the series. Triathletes will be treated to a spectacular rectangle swim course (2-laps Olympic, 1-lap Sprint) off the private beach of Linwood Park. The Duathletes opening 5k run is out and back featuring a run through downtown Vermilion. The bike courses feature an out and back course for the sprint course and a demanding loop course for the Olympic distance course featuring two Vermilion River gorge crossings. The race finishes with an out and back run through downtown Vermilion with breathtaking shoreline views of Lake Erie for the entire course. This race is a perfect addition to the series and a must do for northern Ohio multisport athletes.
The Lorain County Engineer’s office has now made it easier for Back Roads and Beaches riders to find their way to specific destinations on the route. At one particular point, the route turns into a loop and might have confused those not familiar with the area.
Now, thanks to the signs, riders can see where they might be headed. Click here for a downloadable map of the route.
The Back Roads and Beaches Bike and Multisport Route is located in north central Ohio, about 35 miles west of Cleveland. The route features miles of rolling, rural roads with scenery ranging from farmland and forest to the nautical flavor of the Lake Erie shoreline.
The route was developed by Lorain County Heritage and Visit Lorain County. It appeals to all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts, touring cyclists, fitness junkies, kayakers, mountain bikers and more.
Photo courtesy of Tenant Nabakowski
Thorn Trail in Autumn
Riverdog Gallery 
Visit Lorain County Marketing and Communications Manager, Lynne Lisner and Findley State Park Director Brian Andrews were on hand to volunteer and assist NCN. 
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.
Linda Miranda rides the course.
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.
Commencement weekend at Oberlin College
Dean Road historical bridge
Views of the Lorain Lighthouse from the Jackalope Restaurant
facets exhibit at FAVA Gallery, Oberlin
Kayaking in Lorain with children
Winter Days Festival photo by Mark Teleha
2nd, 3rd and 4th out of the water
First overall finisher
Go girl! Women’s 1st overall—Julia Lorraine Rossi
