Friday, May 1, 2009
Weekend full of events around Back Roads and Beaches
Big Parade, Oberlin 2008. Before you hop on your own, check out the groovy bikes
that always show up at the Big Parade in Oberlin!
This is a great weekend to add some flavor to your workout. Take the whole weekend, enjoy some great riding and multi-sport activity and experience some unique events along the way. Here are just a few options that include a healthy dose of the arts, great cuisine, events and history. The following events are right on or just by the Back Roads and Beaches Route.
May 1–2, Freedom’s Light: A Stop on the Underground Railroad, an original play about the Underground Railroad. French Creek Nature Center, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, 7:30pm. $10
May 1-2, Oberlin Dance Company, Premiere of new works by contemporary choreographers. Hall Auditorium, Oberlin College. 8pm.
May 2, The Big Parade and Festival, Tappan Square in Oberlin. The parade will be followed by festivities in Tappan Square. 11 am–4pm
May 2, Oberlin Farmer’s Market opens. Next to the Oberlin City Hall. Fresh produce, grass fed meats, baked goods, honey and more. Organics and locally grown. 9am–1pm
May 2, (Cinco) Dos de Mayo. Celebrating Cinco de Mayo a few days early with the folks at Matus Winery. 15674 Gore Orphanage Rd., Wakeman. 5:30pm (Matus Winery is a short spur off the Back Roads and Beaches route). Check the southwest portion of the map for specific directions.
May 2, Live music from 4–7 and Kentucky Derby Day at Paper Moon Vineyards. Open 12–10pm. (Paper Moon Vineyards is located a short spur off the Back Roads and Beaches Route. Check the northwest portion of map for specific directions)
May 2, Art Exhibit and Auction presented by Common Ground-The Cindy Nord Center for Renewal. Rose Café at Lakeview Park in Lorain. 7pm. Tickets $10.
May 2-3, Breuer Pottery spring open house. One of a kind pottery, wine, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. 47361 West Hamilton St., Oberlin. Breuer Pottery is just west, around the bend from the entrance to the North Coast Inland Trail in Oberlin. You can see their backyard from the bike path. Noon-5pm.
May 3, Cinco de Mayo celebration at Lakeview Park, Lorain. Crafts, games, music. Food vendors. 4–6pm
To find accommodations, dining and other points of interest along the route, click here.
Labels: back roads and beaches, events, Lake Erie, Lakeview Park, Lorain, Lorain County Metro Parks
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Brisk but enthusiastic start to kayaking season
Some views from this morning’s Keel-Haulers kayak/canoe race. The race was moved downstream where water levels were higher.
Ready, set, goLabels: 2009, kayaking, Lake Erie, race, Vermilion
Monday, August 25, 2008
Lorain International Triathlon 2008 Pics and Recap
Yesterday was the annual Lorain International Triathlon at beautiful Lakeview Park. Although it was a very hot day, the skies were just cloudy enough to keep participants cool in the early morning hours. 
Women take off for swim leg of sprint distance triathlon.
Sprint distance swimmers exit the water at Lakeview Park.
International distance men and women head into Lake Erie for their 1.5k swim.
Patty Banks, womens overall sprint distance winner charges to the finish line for the final leg of the triathlon.
First three international swimmers out of the water. From left: Dave Garrett (finished 1st place overall international distance), Josh Brown (finished 3rd place overall international distance), Denise Vanek (finished 2nd place women's international distance)
Jodi Thomson, women's overall international 1st place winner finishes her bike and heads into the transition area to begin the run portion of the triathlon.
Click
here for complete results of the 2008 Lorain International/Sprint Triathlon.
Click here for more photos of yesterday's exciting race. Labels: 2008, biking, cycling, events, Lake Erie, Lakeview Park, Lorain, Lorain Triathlon, multi-sport, ohio, run, swim, triathlon, visitors
Friday, August 22, 2008
Annual Lorain Sprint/International Triathlon this Sunday
Lakeview Park Photo by Rona Proudfoot
Triathletes will again get great views of Lake Erie this Sunday, August 24, 2008, only this time the race will be in Lorain, Ohio. Racers will begin at Lorain’s beautiful Lakeview Park with a swim in Lake Erie followed by bike and run through parts of Lorain and along Lake Erie. Racing begins at 8am. Click here for more information including registration information. For more information on area lodging, check out the Lorain County Visitors Bureau website here.Labels: 2008, cycling, Lake Erie, Lakeview Park, Lorain, Lorain County Metro Parks, Lorain Triathlon, multi-sport, run, swim, triathlon
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Vermilion Harbor Triathlon recap
The beautiful weather held again today for the first Vermilion Harbor Triathlon held at Linwood Park. HFP Racing brought the triathlon to Vermilion and selected an exciting and challenging course. Much of the bike course was hilly and scenic and utilized much of the Back Roads and Beaches route.
Winners included, overall Women's Olympic Distance triathlon: Lauren Goldstein-Kral, with a time of 2:11:40. Men's overall Olympic Distance triathlon winner-Ryan Bates with a time of 1:59:38. Men’s Sprint Distance overall winner was Jack St. Marie with a time of 57:51 and Women’s Sprint Distance winner, Kerry Flynn with a time of 1:07:10.
Click here for more results.
Below are some photos from today’s event. For additional photos, click here.
Overall Olympic Distance Female Winner, Lauren Goldstein-Kral runs to the finish line with a time of 2:11:40
Too fast for a photo-finish...RYAN-tastic! left: second place overall Olympic Distance Men’s, Scott Myers right: first place overall Olympic Distance Men’s, Ryan Bates
Adam Kuncel runs to finish 5th place overall men's, first place in Men’s Olympic Distance age 25–29. Time: 2:10:28
Ready…set…GO! Men’s Olympic swim start.
Runners arriving near the finish get a beautiful scenic run right next to Linwood and Lake Erie.
Labels: "Vermilion Harbor Triathlon", 2008, back roads and beaches, cycling, events, Lake Erie, multi-sport, run, swim, triathlon, Vermilion
Friday, August 15, 2008
Welcome Vermilion Harbor Triathlon Athletes!
Vermilion is ready to welcome athletes and spectators for the first Vermilion Harbor Triathlon to be held on Sunday, August 17. And we are excited that much of the bike route follows Back Roads and Beaches. 
There is still time to register tomorrow at the Red Clay in Vermilion. Registration will be held from 12–6.
The triathlon swim will begin at scenic Linwood Park.
Staff from the Lorain County Visitors Bureau will be on hand to distribute information on the bike route and other area information. If you are still in need of lodging for the event, click here. Welcome!
Labels: back roads and beaches, events, Lake Erie, Lorain County Visitors Bureau, multi-sport, triathlon, Vermilion
Friday, July 25, 2008
Relay for Life
From the Lorain Port Authority Website:
The American Cancer Society Lorain Relay for Life
July 26, 2008 - Black River Landing
The American Cancer Society Lorain Relay for Life will be held Saturday July 26, 2008 beginning at noon and ending on Sunday July 27, 2008 at 9:00 AM at the Black River Landing in Lorain. Relay for Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society. The theme this year is Carnival. There will be food, music, games and much, much more!
Schedule of Events on Saturday, July 26, 2008:
Noon - Survivor Registration
2:00PM Survivor Ceremony & Lap to Kick off the Event
4:30PM - 6:00PM Survivor Dinner
6:00PM Celebration Ceremony, featuring Team Banner Lap, led by Survivors
9:00PM Luminary Ceremony
The Relay for Life is open to the Public. Please attend and show your support for the fight against cancer.
For more informaiton on this event, please contact our Relay Chair, Mary Ann Campana @ 440.320.6414 or Suzi Piskur, American Cancer Society @ 888.227.6446 x1212
Labels: events, Lake Erie, Lorain, run
Sunday, July 20, 2008
A kayaking trip up the Black River in Lorain
Bird-watching on the Black River is spectacular. Click here for more information. Black River Landing in Lorain is also known for being station 100 of the Underground Railroad. Last year a monument was placed here at Black River Landing, paying homage to the abolitionists who risked their lives by helping slaves escape to Canada.
The Charles Berry Bridge in Lorain is the second largest bascule bridge in the world.
Sailboats head out for an afternoon of racingA great place to tie off and have a bite to eat.
Appledore V, a 65' schooner takes Lorain Port Fest attendees on a public sail. Click here for today’s schedule. Click here for more info on kayaking along the Back Roads and Beaches route. Labels: birding, Black River, events, Jackalope Restaurant, kayaking, Lake Erie, Lorain, multi-sport, sailing
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Lorain Summer Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon
It was a beautiful morning for a triathlon at Lakeview Park in Lorain. Here are a few scenes from this morning’s race. Click here for more photos. Click here for complete race results.
Lifeguards oversee the swim portion of the race.
First place overall, James Lamastra with a smokin’ time of 58:26
Dave Garrett [left] runs to a 2nd place overall and [right] accepts his trophy. Dave’s time: 1:04:08
First place, women’s, Liz Ferro with a time of 1:10:37
A winning team: Will Stevans and Sebastian Vittardi
Labels: Lake Erie, Lakeview Park, Lorain, Lorain County Metro Parks, Lorain Triathlon, triathlon
Thursday, June 26, 2008
This weekend’s suggested multi-sport itinerary: bring your own bike + kilt
Photos by Rona Proudfoot
Starting from the southern portion of the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route, cyclists can experience culture, food, sports and entertainment from all around the globe. Beginning in Wellington at the Lorain County Fairgrounds, the Scottish Games will be taking place on Saturday, June 28. Not only can cyclists enjoy the variety of food and entertainment, but can experience a true cultural multi-sport experience and enter to run the kilted mile. (must wear kilt!)
Jumping back onto the bike and moving north along BRaB will provide an even more expanding cultural experience. Once on SR 6 along the shores of Lake Erie, biking into Lorain will take you to the Lorain International Festival. The International Festival takes place at scenic Black River Landing in Lorain. Rent a kayak and paddle up to the festival and further up to the Lorain Lighthouse for a twist on this great festival. Just make sure you tie off and reload up on some delicious ethnic carbs before you depart.
Moving further east along SR 6, you can wind down a bit with a visit to Avon Lake’s Arts Fest 2008 at Miller Rd. Park along the Lake Erie shoreline. If you don’t feel like turning around and making your way back to Wellington (where you’ve presumably left your vehicle at Findley State Park), visit one of Avon Lake’s wineries or stay the night at the Fairfield Inn. You can make your way back Sunday and get more great eats at the International Festival on your way back!
Labels: arts, Avon Lake, events, Findley, kayaking, Lake Erie, Wellington, wineries
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Weekend Fun Rolls On
Riding the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route from Oberlin—Vermilion—Lorain, we found lots of activity, cyclists and great weather. Here are a few scenes from the route:
The town of Oberlin is buzzing with visitors and cyclists. This is one of the busiest of the year as Oberlin College prepares for commencement on Monday. The weekend is jam packed with tours, events, performances and programs all over town. Click here for a schedule.
We stopped by the Weltzheimer-Johnson House which was hosting tours. The house is known as the “Frank Lloyd Wright House” in Oberlin. It was designed in 1948 and is the first Usonian house in Ohio and one of the few open to the public. The house is open again today for tours.
We spotted these two way up, enjoying the day with a bird's eye view.
At the Oberlin Heritage Center's Little Red Schoolhouse. Oberlin Heritage Center is hosting great weekend events, walking tours and children's activities.
Along the Lorain County Metro Parks' North Coast Inland Trail, right by Breuer Pottery we saw a lot of cycling activity including the dreaded mechanical problem!
Near Kipton Community Park
Further north, we hit the town of Vermilion where we found beach lovers enjoying a beautiful sunset at the Inland Seas Maritime Museum.
And in Lorain as well, families, children and cyclists were enjoying the sunset at Lakeview Park and the Rose Cafe, which has awesome views of Lake Erie.
Sailboats are back at local marinas. We found lots of boaters enjoying the beautiful sunset to cap off their day of sailing.
The Lorain Lighthouse was the sight of exciting tours yesterday. More tours are scheduled throughout the summer.
We found this guy looking for supper along the shores of Lake Erie in Lorain. What a beautiful day along the Back Roads and Beaches route! Today promises to be even better! Labels: back roads and beaches, birding, dining, events, Lake Erie, Lakeview Park, Lorain, Lorain County Metro Parks, Museums, Oberlin, Vermilion, walking tours
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Memorial Day weekend shaping up to be spectacular
Memorial Day weekend along the Back Roads and Beaches route is shaping up to be a spectacular weekend. Not only weather-wise but will be a real treat for cyclists looking for great arts events. Starting from south and moving north along the route these are a few things that will be going on.
In the Wellington area:
May 23 In Search of Nesting Birds, Wellington Reservation, Lorain County Metroparks, 9am–12pm. Assist with the Breeding Bird Atlas, research and walk the Wellington Reservation in search of nesting birds. Strenuous hike.
May 24–25 Farm Themed Student Art Festival, Bonnie Brae Elk Farm, Wellington, Sat 10am–4pm, Sun 11am–5pm. View art on display in our century old barn, sample venison, hand feed elk and visit our gift and venison shops. 440.647.3232 | www.bonniebraeelk.com
In the Oberlin Area:
Throughout the weekend, Sat 10am–6pm, Sun 12–4pm, Collaborations with Silkworms, Ginko Gallery & Studio, Oberlin, Combining art and science through a live exhibition of silkworms growing, eating, spinning cocoons, then emerging as silk moths. 440.774.3117 | www.ginkogallery.net
Saturday morning, Oberlin Farmer’s Market, located next to City Hall in Oberlin. Locally grown and prepared foods
Commencement & Memorial Day Celebration, Oberlin Heritage, This weekend is a wonderful time to explore the Oberlin Heritage Center free of charge, either on a guided tour or at your own pace. We will offer walk through at your own pace mini-tours, lawn games, and craft activities on Saturday, May 24 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday May 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. Or, if you prefer a more in-depth visit, enjoy a guided tour of the Oberlin Heritage Center at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. on Saturday or at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Weather permitting, we will also offer "A Walk Through Time: Tour the History of Oberlin Through the Landmarks Around Tappan Square" (guided walking tours) at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday and 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday. 
All of this weekend's events are free. Begin your visit or your tour at the Monroe House, 73 1/2 South Professor Street, at the back of the Conservatory of Music parking lot. There you can also visit our museum store for Oberlin-themed souvenirs, books, and much free visitor information. 440.774.1700 | www.oberlinheritage.org
Tue–Sat 11am–5pm, Sun 1–5pm, closed Mon. Artist as Quiltmaker, FAVA Gallery, Juried exhibition of more than 40 contemporary quilts selected from entries from textile artists in 27 states. 440.774.7158 | www.favagallery.org
Breuer Pottery Memorial Day Hours: Saturday & Sunday: 11 – 5. Breuer Pottery is located just beyond the entrance of the Lorain County Metro Parks’ North Coast Inland Trail, about 100 feet beyond the Back Roads and Beaches signs. www.breuerpottery.com
Sunday, 9pm, Oberlin College Campus Illumination. Beautiful lantern illumination of Oberlin College’s Tappan Square with live band music and desserts. Memorial Day is commencement weekend in Oberlin with dozens of activities throughout the weekend for children, families, alumni and students. Click here for a list.
May 24 - 25 Laser District 18 Championships
A premier sailing event held at Vermilion Boat Club. John Shockey, a Vermilion youth sail camp graduate, now sailing for Old Dominion University (John is ranked 36th in US) has invited VBC to host the Laser District 18 Championships. The Laser is a one person one design boat that is the worlds most popular one-design class. As well it is an Olympic Class.
Sun. May 25 1pm–4pm, Bacon House Tours, Vermilion River Reservation, Lorain County Metroparks, Visit the Bacons and look at life everyday of the week in the 19th century.
In the Lorain Area:
Saturday, May 24 11am–4pm, Lorain Lighthouse Tours, Boats leave every half hour from Riverside Park (east side of Black River). $20 per person, call 440-245-2563 for reservations
Check out www.visitloraincounty.com for more information on events going on around the Back Roads and Beaches route. And for more information on dining, lodging and an actual map guiding you through, check out www.backroadsandbeachesohio.com
Labels: arts, back roads and beaches, events, Lake Erie, Lorain, Lorain County Metro Parks, Oberlin, Vermilion, Wellington
