Sunday, November 1, 2009
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. Labels: 2009, biking, cycling, events, fall, marathon, Red Flannel
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Group training ride on BRaB
Come on out to get in some fast miles with triathlete Adam Kuncel on the Back Roads and Beaches route, this Thursday beginning at 6pm from the Oberlin Recreation Complex on Hamilton St. (right next to Splash Zone). This is a new group ride and will take in much of the course that will be used for the Vermilion Harbor Triathlon. Free! And, we will have giveaways for riders! All rider levels welcome. Labels: 2009, back roads and beaches, biking, cycling, training ride, triathlon
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
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Two new wineries make six on Back Roads and Beaches route
The great thing about the Back Roads and Beaches bike and multi-sport route is there is something for everyone—bike tourists, hammer heads, kayakers, runners and a mix of all. BRaB now has a total of six wineries on and just nearby the route. Paper Moon Winery is a delightful new winery that opened its doors a couple weeks ago. The best way to reach Paper Moon from BRaB is to take Darrow Rd. west, off the main BRaB route. When you reach SR 60, turn right. Remember that SR 60 is a state route and can be busy, even on this small stretch. Vermilion Valley Vineyards is a soon-to-be-open winery that is located on Gore Orphanage Rd. in the Henrietta Township area of the Route, just south of SR 113. Click here to follow their progress toward opening.
These two wineries are an addition to four great 
wineries already on the Back Roads and Beaches route. Just off the western portion of the route is Matus Winery on Gore Orphanage Rd., just south of SR 20. In the middle of the route, you'll find Single Tree Winery on Baumhart Rt., about a half mile south of Garfield. And in the eastern portion of the route, just off SR 6 in Avon Lake you'll find our Klingshirn and Christ Wineries. For more information on other activities including history, architecture, kayaking, running trails, mountain biking and healthy, organic meal stops, click here. Labels: 2009, back roads and beaches, biking, cycling, wineries
Friday, October 10, 2008
Glorious Autumn Ohio Cycling this Weekend!
This weekend’s summer-like temps combined with the colorful autumn landscape make it a spectacular weekend to pedal through North Central Ohio. Click here for this weekend’s events. Labels: 2008, autumn, biking, cycling, events, fall, fall folaige
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
150th Anniversary of the Wellington-Oberlin Slave Rescue Celebration
Wellington-Oberlin fugitive slave rescuers at the jail
This weekend marks the 150th anniversary of the Wellington-Oberlin Slave Rescue that was said to have raised consciousness nationwide regarding the anti-slavery movement and earning Oberlin the recent title , “The town that started the Civil War.”
In 1858, John Price, a fugitive slave living in Oberlin, was tricked into the hands of four slave catchers. He was secretly driven down a country road, toward Wellington, a small town south of Oberlin where the slave catchers intended to put Price on a train headed back to Kentucky. However, halfway there they were spotted by two Oberlin men.
American House Hotel, Wellington (courtesy: Oberlin College Archives)
Among the group were freed slaves, fugitive slaves, students, townspeople, farmers and businessmen. It was a group that ignored their differences and untied in the cause for freedom. Differences that separated so many in the south. Their legacy of freedom and pride lives on today as Lorain County enjoys and maintains the cultural diversity it is so famous for.
The Back Roads and Beaches Route gets many Underground Railroad Cyclists that pass through Wellington and Oberlin. This is a great weekend to be here to celebrate and reflect on the Underground Railroad. Click here for more information on cycling and the Underground Railroad around BRaB. Click here for a list of this weekend’s anniversary events in Oberlin. Click here for more detail and photos of the rescue from the Oberlin Heritage Center. Labels: "Wellington-Oberlin Slave Rescue", 2008, biking, cycling, events, History, Oberlin, Underground Railroad, Wellington
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Findley Lake Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon photos
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. 
Go girl! Women’s 1st overall—Julia Lorraine Rossi
Labels: biking, cycling, events, Findley, run, swim, triathlon, Wellington
Friday, August 29, 2008
Another Beautiful Labor Day Weekend in Store
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.Labels: 2008, arts, biking, cycling, events, Findley, kayaking, mountain bike, multi-sport, Thorn Mountain Bike Trail, triathlon
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
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
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
SIGNS of Spring
The grass is greening up and soon the trees will be lush and green as well. But, although there is still a shortage of leaves, there is no shortage of sunshine these days and temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Bikers were out in full force on the Lorain County Metro Parks Inland Trail this evening, enjoying a beautiful sunset. The Back Roads and Beaches Route follows a portion of this great trail. It is the one spot on the route where there is no motorized traffic. The Lorain County Metro Parks will be opening another great trail next month. Stay tuned!
That's not all that's greening up! The Lorain County Engineer's office is currently installing point of interest signage along the Back Roads and Beaches route. This way, great attractions that are along the way—but not directly on the route—aren't missed.
Labels: back roads and beaches, biking, Lorain County Metro Parks, Splash Zone
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Are you riding GOBA for 2008?
If so you can find travel information at www.visitloraincounty.com
For Lorain County cycling photos you can visit the Back Roads and Beaches Flickr site.
Less than seven months to go!
Labels: back roads and beaches, biking, GOBA, Wellington
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure to come to town in 2008
2006 Goba photos by FetchyThe 20th Annual Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) 2008 tour, June 14-21, will feature the northern section of Ohio. The expected 3,000 riders will start gathering for the tour on Saturday, June 14, at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington. They will begin cycling on Sunday, June 15th, covering an average of 50 miles per day, and will overnight in Galion on Sunday, Mt. Vernon on Monday and Tuesday, Coshocton on Wednesday and Thursday, and Orrville on Friday, and will return to Wellington on Saturday. Some of the many attractions featured on this tour include Roscoe Village; Monticello Canal Boat; world-class bike trails; Amish areas; Historic Woodward Opera House; Lake Shore Railway; Orrville Toy & Hobby Museum; Johnson-Humrick House Museum; Orrville Railroad Heritage Museum; Brownella Cottage; Simply Smuckers; and other historic sites, covered bridges, and nature areas. The fun-filled week will include the traditional bicycle parade and the gala opening ceremonies in downtown Wellington, two layover days with bicycling options of 50- or 100-mile loops leading to Zoar Village and quaint Sugarcreek, family-oriented entertainment each night, options for bus excursions, watching professional bike races, and the ever-popular GOBA Song Contest. "To celebrate our 20th Adventure, the towns of northern Ohio are spreading out the welcome mat and are working to make the 2008 tour an experience that will be long remembered,” Van Winkle stated. This will be the twentieth year for GOBA. The tour is owned and operated by Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, a non-profit organization, for the benefit of bicycle-related projects in Ohio. GOBA's long time sponsor is Bob Evans Restaurants. In 2007, 2,400 people from 38 states, England, Japan, the Virgin Islands, and Canada took part in the tour. Included in this number were many families: typically, nearly 20% of the participants are children traveling with their parents, making GOBA the largest family-oriented bicycle tour in the world. Over the past nineteen years GOBA has been instrumental in generating more than $9 million in tourism revenues in the towns along the route, as well as in providing access to Ohio's rural treasures to people from all over the country. "GOBA riders are constantly surprised at what a wonderful state Ohio is for bicycling. Our wonderful back roads, charming communities, and great parks and historical sites make it perfect for bicycle touring,” Van Winkle stated. Those interested in receiving registration information and tour details can request a brochure by calling 614-273-0811 or by visiting the website at www.goba.com. Brochures will also be available in the spring in Ohio Bob Evans Restaurants and many bicycle shops. Application deadline is May 14, 2008. Labels: biking, events, GOBA, Wellington
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Beautiful, crisp, autumn day greets riders and runners
This morning found Oberlin to be packed with cyclists, marathon runners and well-wishers. Hundreds of cyclists came to ride the Red Flannel, the annual fall invitational sponsored by the Lorain Wheelmen and run the Inland Trail Marathon/Half Marathon & 5k Run/Walk. Red Flannel riders chose from either a 33 mile or 67 mile course. Part of the course was along the Back Roads and Beaches route, then headed west to Milan and Wakeman. Riders stopped at Mill Hollow, a Lorain County Metro Park and BRaB sponsor. Everyone seemed to be having a great time making the most of the awesome fall colors and cool weather. Below are some scenes from today's activity. Click here for more Red Flannel and marathon shots.
At left: Lorain Wheelmen register over 300 riders and pass out Lorain County Visitors Bureau bags, Back Roads and Beaches info and water bottles. Below: Riders wait to take off, scenes from the route, marathon runners and cyclists share the path. Click here for more photos of today's events. 
Labels: autumn, back roads and beaches, biking, events, fall folaige, Lorain County, Lorain Wheelmen, marathon, Oberlin, Red Flannel
Friday, October 26, 2007
Upcoming fall rides, races, walks, events
Sunday, November 4, the Inland Trail Marathon/Half Marathon & 5k Run/Walk will take place starting at Murray Ridge School, 9750 Murray Ridge Rd., in Elyria. Proceeds from this race will benefit the Murray Ridge Levy Committee.
Also on November 4th, the Lorain Wheelmen will be hosting their annual Red Flannel Bike Ride (see below).
Labels: biking, events, Lorain Wheelmen, marathon, Red Flannel
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Back Roads and Beaches Bike route spectacular autumn weekend
Not only is there a weekend full of art, architecture and bikes (see post below) but we've learned that there will also be a firewalk this Saturday evening, October 6th, at Common Ground: The Cindy Nord Center for Renewal. Common Ground is located on Baird Rd. in the northwest part of the route.
The weather report is predicting temps to be in the 80s this weekend, and with the leaves continuing to turn brilliant reds and golds, this is the perfect time to bring your bike for a visit and a trip into rich art, culture, history and transformational experience.
Make plans to spend the weekend here, pedaling the route and visiting the gallery open houses and architecture tours. You can find bicycle-friendly lodging information here. If you'd like a map based guide of where to stay, click here. As you mouse over the icons, information on lodging and services will pop up.
photo: Cyclist on Baird Rd. in front of Common Ground.
Labels: architecture, arts, back roads and beaches, biking, events, fall
Monday, July 30, 2007
Roast Your Buns
Photo by Rona Proudfoot
August is a busy time for cyclists and athletes in Lorain County. The following are scheduled events:
August 5: Local cycling club, the Lorain Wheelmen will be hosting their annual "Roast Your Buns" invitational. The 70-mile ride is free and open to the public.
August 5: NCN Racing will be hosting the 2nd Annual Findley Lake Sprint/International Triathlon at Findley State Park. Events will be swimming, biking and trail running.
August 11: Local cycling club, the Silver Wheels will be hosting a Dog Days Wine Tour.
August 26: NCN Racing will host the 5th Annual Lorain Sprint/International Triathlon at Lakeview Park in Lorain.
If you have an event that involves cycling, running, kayaking or swimming in Lorain County, please feel free to add it here.
Labels: back roads and beaches, biking, events, Lorain County, Lorain Wheelmen, ohio
Come on out to get in some fast miles with triathlete Adam Kuncel on the Back Roads and Beaches route, this Thursday beginning at 6pm from the Oberlin Recreation Complex on Hamilton St. (right next to Splash Zone). This is a new group ride and will take in much of the course that will be used for the Vermilion Harbor Triathlon. Free! And, we will have giveaways for riders! All rider levels welcome. 
Kimberly Vick and Jessica Steuk tackle the final hill and close in on the finish. 
The great thing about the Back Roads and Beaches bike and multi-sport route is there is something for everyone—bike tourists, hammer heads, kayakers, runners and a mix of all. BRaB now has a total of six wineries on and just nearby the route. Paper Moon Winery is a delightful new winery that opened its doors a couple weeks ago. The best way to reach Paper Moon from BRaB is to take Darrow Rd. west, off the main BRaB route. When you reach SR 60, turn right. Remember that SR 60 is a state route and can be busy, even on this small stretch. Vermilion Valley Vineyards is a soon-to-be-open winery that is located on Gore Orphanage Rd. in the Henrietta Township area of the Route, just south of SR 113. Click here to follow their progress toward opening. 
wineries already on the Back Roads and Beaches route. Just off the western portion of the route is Matus Winery on Gore Orphanage Rd., just south of SR 20. In the middle of the route, you'll find Single Tree Winery on Baumhart Rt., about a half mile south of Garfield. And in the eastern portion of the route, just off SR 6 in Avon Lake you'll find our Klingshirn and Christ Wineries. For more information on other activities including history, architecture, kayaking, running trails, mountain biking and healthy, organic meal stops, click here. 
Wellington-Oberlin fugitive slave rescuers at the jail
The Back Roads and Beaches Route gets many Underground Railroad Cyclists that pass through Wellington and Oberlin. This is a great weekend to be here to celebrate and reflect on the Underground Railroad. Click here for more information on cycling and the Underground Railroad around BRaB. Click here for a list of this weekend’s anniversary events in Oberlin. Click here for more detail and photos of the rescue from the Oberlin Heritage Center. 
2nd, 3rd and 4th out of the water
First overall finisher
Go girl! Women’s 1st overall—Julia Lorraine Rossi
Women take off for swim leg of sprint distance triathlon.
Sprint distance swimmers exit the water at Lakeview Park.
Oberlin-Wellington Fugitive Slave Rescuers
That's not all that's greening up! The Lorain County Engineer's office is currently installing point of interest signage along the Back Roads and Beaches route. This way, great attractions that are along the way—but not directly on the route—aren't missed.
If so you can find travel information at www.visitloraincounty.com
At left: Lorain Wheelmen register over 300 riders and pass out Lorain County Visitors Bureau bags, Back Roads and Beaches info and water bottles. Below: Riders wait to take off, scenes from the route, marathon runners and cyclists share the path. Click here for more photos of today's events. 
Not only is there a weekend full of art, architecture and bikes (see post below) but we've learned that there will also be a firewalk this Saturday evening, October 6th, at Common Ground: The Cindy Nord Center for Renewal. Common Ground is located on Baird Rd. in the northwest part of the route.
Photo by Rona Proudfoot
