Thursday, July 2, 2009
The much anticipated, 27-mile waterway was finally dedicated on July 1st. The
Water Trail, if you hadn’t heard already, extends from Vermilion downstream to Lake Erie, along the shoreline, and up the Black River to Elyria. These waters have always been open to public access for kayaks and canoes, but an official state Water Trail designation means signage, boat ramps, increased parking, maps, points of interest, the ever-important hazard warnings, and launch docks.
For fans of adventure sports in Lorain County, this is great news. Never before have the county’s waterways been so easy to utilize. And because the different segments of the Water-Trail are so diversified (it’s the only state designated water trail to combine rivers and open water) the fun is open to all different ages and experience levels. And it’s the perfect complement for the
Back Roads and Beaches Bike and Multi-Sport Route. With little planning or effort, that day-long bike trip you’ve been planning can turn into weekend-long multi-sport adventure.
At the trail’s dedication, state and local officials talked about the unique value of a designated water route in a county like Lorain. Sean Logan, Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, calls the Water Trail a gateway between the civilized and natural realms, a place where individuals can enjoy all the beauty and excitement that nature has to offer in a safe and fun environment. Chief Pat Dillon of the State’s Division of Watercraft, reported that Lorain’s on the cutting edge of a statewide movement—kayak and canoe use in Ohio’s lakes and rivers has increased by 34% since 2003, and kayaks and canoes represent 20% of all registered watercraft.
Chief Pat Dillon, State Division of Watercraft
But all this aside, what’s the best thing about the Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail?
It’s still free. Only now, with the added help of the Metro Parks and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, enjoying the waterways and surrounding wildlife of Lorain County has never been easier.
For interested beginners, the Metro Parks are currently offering kayaking classes at Splash Zone in Oberlin.
Kayak rental is available on the Black River through Great Lakes Kayaking, and plans are pending for a similar service on the Vermilion River.Labels: Black River, kayaking, Lorain County Metro Parks, Vermilion
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
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, March 16, 2009
Time to plan for 2009 North Central Ohio Adventure
Kayaking on the Vermilion River. Photo courtesy of Shawn Newsome. Shawn is the owner of a new campground along the river—Vermilion River Cliffs Marina. (website coming soon)
Kayaking:
Sunday, March 29 will be the annual Keel-haulers Vermilion River Race. Check out the website for information including rules, maps and start times. The Keel-haulers is an organization headquartered in Northeast Ohio with 400 families that share an interest in outdoors and all kinds of boating including whitewater, sea kayaking, canoeing, rafting and racing.
Run
Oberlin’s 5K Earth Day run will start and finish on Tappan Square on Saturday, April 18 at 10am. Entry fee is $10 per person and the first 75 registrants will receive a t-shirt. For more information, contact the Oberlin Recreation Dept. at 440.775.7254.
Cycling
Seems like it hasn’t been that long since the Lorain Wheelmen’s traditional end of season ride-the Red Flannel that capped off a great 2008 cycling season. Now, it’s time for the Wheelmen’s annual tradition to begin the cycling season-Afrost. The ride will be Sunday, April 19 and begin at 9am. For details check out the Wheelmen’s Afrost Page. The weather this week looks to be great for an early spring ride. Updated Back Roads and Beaches maps are available and can be obtained here and online maps here. See you out there! Labels: 2009, 5k Earth Day race, Afrost, back roads and beaches, cycling, Earth Day, events, kayaking, Lorain Wheelmen, multi-sport, Oberlin, run, Vermilion
Friday, August 22, 2008
Beginning this evening, every corner of the Back Roads and Beaches route will be hoppin’ with events from art openings to county fair excitement.
This evening in Vermilion is the gala opening of Water, Light and Land: Reflections on Inland Seas. Experience the spectacular views of inland seascapes, masterfully rendered in clay by nationally recognized Oberlin potter Chris Breuer at the Inland Seas Maritime Museum in Vermilion. The opening is from 6:30–8:30pm. Artist talk will be at 6pm. The show will run through September 25.
Also in Vermilion this weekend will be the Vermilion Local Market where you can purchase local produce, flowers, herbs, pasture-fed beef, and more. The market is held Saturday afternoons 2–6pm in Victory Park in Vermilion and will run through August 30.
The Lorain County Fair continues to run through this Sunday, August 24.
Carnegie Library, Oberlin College, Tappan Square
While in Oberlin, check out the new exhibit at the FAVA Gallery, Views: Three Landscape Artists featuring the work of John Benton, Amy Casey and Glenn Ratusnik. The show runs through September 6.
For more events taking place around the Back Roads and Beaches Route as well as all throughout Lorain County, click here.Labels: architecture, arts, events, History, Lorain County Fair, Lorain County Visitors Bureau, Museums, Oberlin, ohio, Vermilion, Wellington
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
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Today was a beautiful sunny Saturday along the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route! It was great fun finding so many enthusiastic cyclists, tourists and athletes in Lorain County today. The usually quiet route was busy with lots of activity: charity rides, winery rides and triathletes preparing for their big race.
Below: The MS-150 Pedal to the Point came through Lorain County today along the Back Roads and Beaches Route. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the ride and the great weather. Click here to see more photos of Pedal to the Point riders in Lorain County.
Today was also the day for the Silver Wheels’ Dog Days Wine Tour:
Above, cyclists are all geared up and spinning for the winery on the
Silver Wheels Dog Days Wine Tour
Dog Days riders looking like they are having a ball heading for the wineries.
Below: Racers register for the Vermilion Harbor Triathlon taking place tomorrow.
(Watch here for recap and photos)
Well—what can we say? Comfort IS a factor in triathlon racing.
Pam Horvath from the Lorain County Visitors Bureau cheerfully greets triathletes with
information on the area and Back Roads and Beaches. Labels: "Dog Days Wine Tour", "Pedal to the Point", "Vermilion Harbor Triathlon", 2008, cycling, Lorain County Visitors Bureau, multi-sport, Silver Wheels, 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, August 1, 2008
Upcoming Tri News
Event:
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, 2008 8am
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. Labels: events, Findley, multi-sport, triathlon, Vermilion
Monday, July 14, 2008
You’re not from around here are you?
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.
Labels: back roads and beaches, directions, Findley, Oberlin, Vermilion
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Weekend filled with events around Back Roads and Beaches
Thousands of cyclists will arrive in Lorain County this weekend for the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure. Join them in working toward setting a record for the worlds longest bike parade. There will be no shortage of activity this weekend around the route. Of special note to cyclists exploring Underground Railroad history is Oberlin’s Juneteenth Festival. This year’s event will mark the 150th anniversary of the Oberlin Wellington slave rescue.
In September of 1858, John Price, a fugitive slave living in Oberlin, was tricked by slave hunters and taken by force to the nearby town of Wellington to await a train that would transport him back to Kentucky and slavery. The news of his abduction spread rapidly, and local abolitionists sprung into action. Students from Oberlin College set out for Wellington on foot, only to be overtaken by black and white townspeople speeding past in carriages and on horseback. Vowing no slave would ever be taken from Oberlin, the mob surrounded the Wellington hotel where Price was being held by three slave catchers from Kentucky. The rescuers carried him out a window, shuttled him back to Oberlin and hid him in the basement of James Fairchild's house (Fairchild later became president of Oberlin College). Soon after, Price disappeared. It is assumed that he made it to Canada and freedom.
Oberlin-Wellington Fugitive Slave Rescuers
Thirty-seven rescuers were later indicted for their roles in the Wellington-Oberlin Slave Rescue, but only 20 served time in jail while awaiting trial. Eventually all 20 were acquitted and were welcomed back to Oberlin with a parade and rallies.
Starting in Wellington and moving north, throughout the route, here are a few events this week
Wellington
Jun 13–14 Village Wide Sidewalk & Yard Sales, Wellington, 9am–5pm. 440.647.3987
www.mainstreetwellington.com
Jun 14-21 Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure, Lorain County Fairgrounds, Wellington. A week-long bicycle adventure beginning and ending in Wellington. Participate in the world record attempt for largest bike parade on June 14, 4-6pm registration, 6pm parade. 614.273.0811 | www.goba.com
Jun 14 Youth Anglers Fishing Derby, Findley State Park, Wellington, Picnic Point Area, 10am-12pm. Prizes for ages 15 & under. Tips on bait, tackle, identification and fishing skills. 440.647.5749
www.findleystatepark.org
Oberlin
Concert, Warner Concert Hall, Oberlin College, 4pm. Featuring music inspired by the culture and poetry of Native Americans. 440.774.4079 www.ochoristers.org
Jun 13–Aug 8 Fridays, Summer Concert Series, Tappan Square, Oberlin, 7–9pm. 440.774.6262 www.oberlinchamber.org
Jun 13–14 Juneteenth Celebration, Tappan Square, Oberlin, Fri 11am–8:30pm, Sat 10am–6pm. Celebrate the date that the last slaves were freed and the 150th anniversary of the Oberlin-Wellington Slave Rescue. 440.935.0201
www.juneteenthoberlin.com
Jun 14–Aug16 Saturdays at the Schoolhouse, Oberlin Heritage Center, 12–2pm. Little Red Schoolhouse, experience historic school lessons, and play old-fashioned games. 440.774.1700 www.oberlinheritage.org
Jun 13 Summer Kick-Off Hog Roast, Matus Winery, Wakeman, 12–8pm. Wine and dinner by the famous Chubby’s BBQ from Put-in-Bay. 440.774.WINE
www.matuswinery.us
Vermilion
Jun 13–15 Festival of Fish, Victory Park, Vermilion, Fri–Sat 12–11pm, Sun 12–6pm. Entertainment, lighted boat parade, crazy craft race, sand castle building, and parade on Sunday. 440.967.4477
www.discoververmilion.com
Jun 14 Festival of Fish 5K Race & 1 Mile Dog Walk, 8am registration, 9am race. 440.967.4208
www.vermilionymca.com
Labels: back roads and beaches, biking, events, Findley, fishing, GOBA, History, multi-sport, Oberlin, Underground Railroad, Vermilion, Wellington
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
The much anticipated, 27-mile waterway was finally dedicated on July 1st. The Water Trail, if you hadn’t heard already, extends from Vermilion downstream to Lake Erie, along the shoreline, and up the Black River to Elyria. These waters have always been open to public access for kayaks and canoes, but an official state Water Trail designation means signage, boat ramps, increased parking, maps, points of interest, the ever-important hazard warnings, and launch docks.
