Sunday, July 12, 2009
Scenes from the Lakeview Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon
It was another gorgeous day in north central Ohio and perfect weather for the annual Lorain Sprint Tri/Duo. Here are a few scenes from today’s race at beautiful Lakeview Park and Beach in Lorain. First place overall men’s: Mark Durno with a time of 1:05:16, women’s Joanne Collins with a time of 1:14:56. Click here for complete final results. 
Swim
Men’s swim start
Women’s swim start
Bike
Run
Brooks Butler, 2nd place overall finisher approaches the finish line.
Joanne Collins, women’s overall winner
Kimberly Vick and Jessica Steuk tackle the final hill and close in on the finish. 
And a great massage to round out the day! Congratulations to all the dedicated athletes who made it out and completed an outstanding feat before most people are out of bed on a Sunday morning!
Labels: 2009, biking, Lakeview Park, Lorain, Lorain Triathlon, multi-sport, run, swim, triathlon
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Another beautiful day paddling on the Black River
With blue skies, abundant sunshine and the Lorain International Festival along Lake Erie today, I thought it would be a great day to rent kayaks and take my ten-year old daughter kayaking on the Black River from Lorain, OH. Here are a few scenes from the (rented from Great Lakes Kayaking) kayak. 
Note to cyclists who were diverted over the Henderson Bridge last year: YES this is the Berry Bridge and YES it is OPEN! Cyclists riding along SR6 portion of the Back Roads and Beaches Route.
I just can’t take enough pictures of these herons although to really take a good picture of these elusive and camera-shy birds, you have to have a really good lens, good camera and a lot of photography skills. Click here for a better example of a great blue heron on the Black River. There are so many birds on the Black River that I never see anywhere else, and they always thrill me when I see them.
Labels: 2009, birding, Black River, events, kayaking, Lorain
Friday, May 29, 2009
Triathlon and competitive events calendar
Here is a partial list of triathlons and other events that will take place in Lorain County, north central Ohio this summer. We’ll be out and about at some of these events to get some photos so check back for updates on events and results.
Sunday, June 21
6th Annual Park 2 Park Half Marathon & 5K
Location: French Creek Reservation, Sheffield, OH
Time: 7:00 A.M.
Half Marathon 13.1 miles or 5K Pre-Register Here
Sunday, June 28
4th Annual Columbia Station Half Marathon Run & Inline Skate
Location: Copopa Elementary School
14168 W. River Rd., Columbia Station, OH
Time: 8:00 A.M.
Distance: 13.1 Miles (for both races) Pre-Register Here
Sunday, July 12
23rd Annual Summer Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon
Location: Lakeview Park, Lorain, OH
Time: 8:00 A.M.
Distance: Triathlon 1/4-Mile Swim, 14.3-Mile Bike, 5K Run
Duathlon - 5K Run, 14.3-Mile Bike, 5K Run Pre-Register Here
Saturday, August 8
4th Annual Findley Lake Triathlon/Duathlon
Location: Findley State Park, 25381 State Route 58, Wellington, OH
Time: 8:00 A.M.- 1/4-Mile Swim, 14.3-Mile Bike, 5K Trail Run
Duathlon - 5K Trail Run, 14-Mile Bike, 5K Trail Run Pre-Register Here
Vermilion Harbour Triathlon, Sunday, August 16
Sunday, August 23 7th Annual Lorain Sprint / International Triathlon
Location: Lakeview Park, Lorain, OH
Time: 8:00 A.M.
Distance: Sprint - 1/4-Mile Swim, 14.3-Mile Bike, 5K Run
International - 1.5K Swim, 22.8-Mile Bike, 10K Run Pre-Register Here
Saturday, September 19 2nd Annual Lorain County AIDS Task Force 10K Run/5K Walk
Location: Lorain County Community College
1005 Abbe Road North, Elyria, OH
10K Start Time: 9:00 A.M., 5K Start Time: 10:00 A.M.
Distance: 10K Run or 5K Walk Pre-Register Here
Sunday, October 4 2nd Annual Step Forward 5-Mile or 10-Mile Run or 5K Run/Walk
Location: Bur Oak Park, 1350 Ford Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035
Time: 9:00 A.M.
Distance: 5-Mile or 10-Mile Run or 5K Run/Walk Pre-Register Here
Sunday, November 1 6th Annual Inland Trail Marathon / Half Marathon & 5K
Location: Murray Ridge School, Elyria, OH
Distance: Marathon - 26.2 Miles Half Marathon - 13.1 Miles
Pre-Register Here
Labels: "Vermilion Harbor Triathlon", 2009, events, Lorain, multi-sport, triathlon, Vermilion
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
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
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
Welcome XOBA
XOBA (Across Ohio Bicycle Adventure) rolls into Lorain County today and we would like to welcome the 300 riders who are exploring the Underground Railroad. The riders will be exploring Lorain, Elyria and Oberlin and will head to Sandusky tomorrow.Labels: Lorain, Oberlin, Underground Railroad, XOBA
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
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
Kimberly Vick and Jessica Steuk tackle the final hill and close in on the finish. 
