Friday, April 25, 2008
Upcoming Events along Back Roads and Beaches
April 26–27: Herb Fair, Vermilion River Reservation, 10am–4pm. Herb growers and gardening tips. 440.967.7310. Lorain County Metroparks website
May 3–4: Breuer Pottery Spring Open House and Sale, 47361 West Hamilton Road, Oberlin, 12pm–5pm. Fine one-of-a-kind pottery, wine, hors d'oeuvres and desserts. Breuer Pottery is located directly off the Lorain County Metroparks North Coast Inland Trail. You can find them just beyond the entrance of the trail on Hamilton Avenue in Oberlin. Click here to find out how to get there on the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route.
May 3, Oberlin’s Big Parade: Oberlin, 11am. Celebrate art, spring, the community, and fun with Oberlin College students. 440.774.6262 | www.oberlin.org
May 3, Oberlin Farmer’s Market, located next to Oberlin City Hall, Oberlin. 9am–1pm. Locally grown, organic and prepared foods opens for the season once again! 440.775.2423
May 6–June 29th: Paul B. Arnold “Homages: Tributes to the Masters” Color Woodcuts, FAVA Gallery, 39 South Main St., Oberlin.
Labels: arts, events, Lorain County Metro Parks, Oberlin
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Afrost-Won't be so frosty!
Don't forget: Sunday, April 20, 2008, 9am: Afrost. Sponsored by the Lorain Wheelmen. The ride will depart the Nordson Depot, Franklin St., in Amherst. There will be routes of 25, 50 and 64 miles. Registration will be from 8–9:30am. What a great way to get inspired and get an early kick-start to the season if you haven't already!
Labels: Afrost, events, Lorain Wheelmen
Earth Day in Oberlin
Today is Earth Day in Oberlin and what a perfect day for it.
Temps in the 70s and all the trees in bloom.
There's nothing like the smell of magnolias in bloom on Tappan Square!
Cyclists and runners are out and about.
This morning was also the annual Earth Day 5k run in Oberlin.
Labels: 5k Earth Day race, back roads and beaches, Earth Day, events, Oberlin
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Spring: Rebirth, Ritual and ReCreation
Of course, taking in a bike ride is a great way to kick-off the spring season. All along the Back Roads and Beaches route, art galleries, museums and performance spaces are alive with activity that reflects the current season. The Beth K. Stocker Art Gallery at Lorain County Community College is host to the exhibit, “Spring: Rebirth, Ritual and ReCreation.” Although the gallery isn't right on the Back Roads and Beaches Route, many of the surrounding activities are. On Saturday, May 24, 1–5pm, Common Ground will be hosting an Environmental Art Day. There will be a presentation on the work of Andy Goldsworthy. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own art using only objects found in nature. Common Ground is right along the BRaB route so biking to this great event is a great way to heighten the natural experience.
Common Ground: Cindy Nord Center for Renewal
Here are some other great events coming up along the route:
- April 5, Art Auction and Wine Tasting, FAVA Gallery, Oberlin, 7–10pm
- April 8, Oberlin Orchestra, Finney Chapel, Oberlin College, 8pm.
- April 10, Artist Recital Series, Finney Chapel, Oberlin College, 8pm. Grammy award winning violinist, Hilary Hahn and Oberlin alumnus, Josh Ritter collaborate in a broad range of original and traditional music.
- April 11, Nat Brandt Program and Book Signing, Oberlin Public Library, 4pm. Author of The Town that Started the Civil War will present a program about his newest book.
- April 13, Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra Concert, Apollo Theater, Oberlin 3:30pm.
- April 13, Sing for Spring, Avon Lake United Church of Christ, 7:30pm
- April 17–20, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Hall Auditorium, Oberlin College, 8pm, Sun 2pm. Set in a recording studio in 1927, this two-act drama tells the story of blues legend Ma Rainey.
- April 20, Pasta Paradise, Jackalope Restaurant, Lorain. Pasta buffet benefits the Black River Historical Society.
Labels: arts, events, Jackalope Restaurant, Underground Railroad
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Winter's not so bad
Yes, it's February and you're probably itchin' to get out there and get moving. It's been COLD here in north central Ohio! BUT, the good part is, there is still a lot to do outside. Take a hike in one of Lorain County's fine Metro Parks or Findley State Park. Findley is a great place to cross country ski, snowshoe or take a winter hike.
Or, attend one of the Lorain County Metro Parks great winter events. The French Creek Nature Center will be the site of a distance learning program, "Meet the Musher," on February 27, from 2–3pm. A real-life musher will describe what it's like to be part of a sled dog race and how to get the dogs ready for a race. For information, call 440.949.5200.
Got a long holiday weekend? Combine your outdoor experience with one of the following things to do along the Back Roads and Beaches Route:
Lorain
Lakeview Park Photo: ©Mark Teleha
Lakeview Beach: Lake Erie's beautiful winter landscape from here can be stunning. Frozen views of the Lorain Lighthouse are spectacular. The new Rose Cafe is now open. From here you can enjoy a meal or Sunday brunch from the warmth of this cozy new hot spot.
Jackalope Restaurant: Another great spot to get in out of the cold and warm up with awesome views of Lake Erie and the Lorain Lighthouse.
Oberlin
Back Roads and Beaches is all about combining outdoor adventure with the arts, history and culture. This weekend is an especially good time to experience all these in Oberlin.
February 5–March 23: Carroll Dunham Prints
Oberlin College Allen Art Museum, Ripin Gallery.
Carroll Dunham (b. 1949) is one of the most prolific printmakers of his generation. This survey exhibition of Dunham's graphic work is drawn entirely from the holdings at the Addison Gallery of American Art and documents the artist's engagement with printmaking from the mid-1980s to the present. A prolific and inventive draftsman and painter, Dunham combines abstraction, biomorphism, and cartooning in a lively and playful way to explore a wide range of images that he adapts to the special demands of the printmaking medium. Dunham's graphic vocabulary is broad and the present exhibition includes lithographs, etchings, wood engravings, screenprints and recent monotypes. Dunham will be on campus during February to lecture and work with Oberlin College students.
Saturday, February 16, 8pm: Evening of Song, Oberlin College. Mezzo-soprano Keri Alkema will present a program of songs by Mozart, Rossini, Turina, Ravel and others. Warner Concert Hall, 77 W. College St., Oberlin. Tickets are $5 and available by calling Oberlin's Ticket Service at 440.775.8169
February 17–March 28: Six-State Photography show. This Sunday, join the staff of FAVA at the opening reception at the FAVA Gallery. For more information call, 440.774.7158
Sunday, Feb 17, 12pm–5pm: Conversational Tour of the Weltzheimer-Johnson House (Morgan St., Oberlin). The Weltzheimer/Johnson House at Oberlin College is a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian House that sits on a 3 acre lot several blocks from campus. Designed in 1948 and completed in 1950, it is the first Usonian house in Ohio and one of the few in the nation open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.oberlin.edu/amam/flwright.html
Check out the following wineries which have a variety of special events such as Lenten fish frys, live entertainment and Valentine dinners:Matus Winery,Single Tree Winery
While in town, check out fine galleries, shops and restaurants.
If that's still not enough to keep you moving this month, keep in mind, in a few short months, you'll want to be in great shape for the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure in June and the Vermilion Harbor Triathlon in August. Both will be utilizing portions of the Back Road and Beaches Route. So keep checking back for more information and updates. As the weather warms up, so too will the activity along BRaB!
Labels: arts, cross country skiing, events, Findley, GOBA, Jackalope Restaurant, Lakeview Park, Lorain, Lorain County Metro Parks, Oberlin, triathlon, wineries, winter
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 10, 2007
Lorain Wheelmen love Ohio cycling
While out checking for fall photo ops on the route, I came across a group of Lorain Wheelmen on one of their weekly rides. Ron Cicerchi (left), Arthur Petro (center) and Pete Paslawski (right) were out getting in a quick 25-miler before sunset. The Lorain Wheelmen are getting ready for their biggest invitational ride of the year, the Red Flannel. Typically hundreds of cyclists ride what has become the traditional end of season ride for many. This year's ride will be held on November 4. The ride can be done as either a metric century (67 miles) or half century (33 miles). The start and ending point will be the Oberlin Community Center.
Locals looking for people to ride with might want to check out the Lorain Wheelmen. Members are of all ages and riding ability and the Wheelmen's calendar features a variety of rides, locally and all over Ohio.
Have you ridden the Red Flannel? Please post your comments and experiences here.
Lorain Wheelmen tackle the hills along the Back Roads and Beaches Route.
Labels: events, Lorain Wheelmen, 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
Friday, September 21, 2007
Fall Splendor along the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route
The colors of autumn are just starting to appear along the rural roads of the Back Roads and Beaches Route. The great thing about this time of the year is that riders can enjoy the beauty of the season while temps are still very pleasant. In fact, this weekend's weather promises to be absolutely beautiful with sunny highs in the mid 70s.
This time of year is also great for spectacular sunsets along the Lake Erie shoreline. The photo at left is the view from the Jackalope Restaurant.
On Sunday, September 23, the Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Half Marathon will be taking place begins in Vermilion and heads to Lakeview Park in Lorain. Racers who feel they can't complete the entire 13 miles can enter with four friends and compete as a five person relay team.
Labels: back roads and beaches, dining, events, Jackalope Restaurant, Lakeview Park, Lorain, Lorain County
Friday, September 7, 2007
Art, Architecture and Bikes
Next month, riders along Back Roads and Beaches have the opportunity to take in some of the areas finest arts and architecture events while pedaling the scenic, autumn route. The weekend of October 6+7 is an especially good time to visit for arts lovers. There are several, great Oberlin events taking place this weekend. Spend the weekend riding, visiting wineries, and attending these wonderful events. Click here for information on lodging along the route. October is a great time to bike the Back Roads and Beaches route since the brilliant foliage, combined with roadside stands and active gallery open houses and exhibits make it a perfect weekend for biking and sightseeing. Combine these with a visit to two wineries Matus and Single Tree, located in the same vicinity. And don't forget to stop in at the Allen Memorial Art Museum on the Oberlin College Campus to check out all the new exhibits. The following are events taking place October 6:
Oberlin Area Studio/Gallery Open Houses Saturday, October 6th and Sunday, October 7th, Noon to 5:00
BREUER POTTERY
Chris Breuer and Paula Aghajanian
47361 West Hamilton Street, Oberlin, OH 44074
440.775.2340
Fine one-of-a-kind pottery vessels, bowls, teapots, sculpture and tiles beautifully presented in the artist’s studio/gallery. Enjoy the gardens, wine, hor d’oeuvres and desserts.
RIVERDOG 
Deborah Banyas & T.P. Speer
13818 Gore Orphanage Road, Henrietta Township, OH 44889440.965.8309
Unusual whimsical sculpture and paintings on display in a lovely country setting with complimentary wine tasting. Refreshments and hiking trails.
riverdog@centurytel.net
Both galleries are located in scenic areas of the route. Breuer Pottery is located right at the edge of the North Coast Inland Trail in Oberlin. Riverdog is a bit off — but in close proximity to — the route.
Click here for a link to the Back Roads and Beaches bike map. To find Breuer Potter, just scroll to the bottom of the map and click the Oberlin inset to expand. Roll over the icons to check out the local businesses.
Maps will be available at both studios.
About a mile or two from Breuer Pottery is the Oberlin Heritage Center. Plan to make a reservation soon for
"A Tour of Oberlin's History through its Architecture around Tappan Square" — the Oberlin Heritage Center's new 1 hour and 15 minute guided walking tour accompanied by a wonderful selection of historic photographs. The tour will be offered three times this fall by Oberlin Heritage Center staff member Prue Richards, including Friday, September 14 at 10 a.m., Saturday, October 6 at 1 p.m., and Friday, October 12 at 1 p.m.
Tour fee is $6 per person ($4 for Oberlin Heritage Center members). The tour begins at the Oberlin Heritage Center's Monroe House at 73 1/2 South Professor Street. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (440) 774-1700 or by sending an e-mail to tourinfo@oberlinheritage.org. The tour will be canceled and refunds will be made if it is raining at start time.
Know of any other great events for the October 6-7 weekend? Feel free to leave a comment...
Labels: architecture, arts, back roads and beaches, events, Oberlin, wineries
Friday, August 31, 2007
Labor Day Weekend Sun Shines on BRaB
The forecast on the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route is sunny skies and mid 70s-low 80s all Labor Day weekend. Perfect for a weekend bike tour of North Central Ohio! While you're on the route, check out the Farmers Market at Black River Landing in Lorain.
Black River Landing Photo ©Rona Proudfoot
Black River Landing is located in the city of Lorain, on the shores of Lake Erie. Traveling further east on SR6, along the Back Roads and Beaches route, you'll find True North Cultural Arts Center. They will be open Saturday, 10am-4pm.
The Back Roads and Beaches bike route highlights and links nature and parks, culture and the arts, history and healthy food options together in an easy to follow route. So it's worth mentioning the new collaboration between True North and the Lorain County Metro Parks. Another great partnership that utilizes all the best the area has to offer!
While riding the BRaB route, you'll find arts opportunities all throughout. Check out the website for many opportunities to combine your biking tour with culture and the arts. Galleries and museums listed on the website all welcome touring cyclists in cycling attire.
Labels: arts, Avon Lake, back roads and beaches, events, Lorain, Museums
Monday, August 27, 2007
Lorain Triathlon
NCN Racing's Lorain Triathlon at Lakeview Park in Lorain started out stormy but quickly turned into another beautiful day on Lake Erie in Lorain. By the time sprint and international runners started, the sun was shining brightly again for a photo finish. Participants came from all over Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Indiana. Scenes from the Lorain Triathlon, Sunday, August 26.
Adam Kuncel, overall International winner crosses finish line results
Sprint swimmers start while storm looms
(Pam Horvath photo)
Jim Janasko catches his breath (in the pouring rain) after being the first
international swimmer out of the water at Lakeview Park. And-he's on the LCVB team!
Do we smell a "ringer?" Nah--he's our insurance agent!
photo by Pam Horvath.
LCVB sprint team runner, Zach Collins just after crossing the finish line.
Zach finished the run in around 19 minutes! Good job Zach!
We get by with a little help from our friends!
LCVB team members Rona Proudfoot, Mark Kernohan, Jim Janasko,Jim Galloway and Zach Collins (Barb Bickel not pictured). See more of the Lorain Triathlon and Rona's great photos here. Not only can she run, but she's quickly gaining well-deserved notice for her awesome photos, especially of Lorain. Both LCVB teams won first in their team classes!
Labels: events, Lakeview Park, Lorain Triathlon, multi-sport, triathlon
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Triathlon Weekend
This Sunday, August 26, Lorain's Lakeview Park will be the site of the 5th Annual Lorain Sprint/International Triathlon. Starting times begin at 8am. In the spirit of "practicing what we preach," (and just having a great time!) The Lorain County Visitors Bureau will have two teams in the triathlon. A sprint team, consisting of Mark Kernohan (swim), Barb Bickel (bike) and Zach Collins (run). And an International team, Jim Janasko (swim), Jim Galloway (bike) and Rona Proudfoot (run). Hope to see you there! To preregister, click here.
Participants coming into town for the Lorain Triathlon can click here for lodging information. This weekend is also the weekend of the Black River Bicentennial. Check out the schedule of events for info.
Labels: events, Lakeview Park, Lorain County Visitors Bureau, triathlon
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Cycling through Underground Railroad History in Lorain County
"If I am dying for Freedom, I could not die for a better cause, I had rather die than be a slave."
-John Copeland
Lorain County proudly served as one of the final stops along the Underground Railroad. Slaves traveling to Canada often passed through this area until about 1861, following Frederick Douglass's advice to follow the North Star to freedom in Canada. Lorain County provided a direct route to Lake Erie as northern Lorain County borders Lake Erie's central basin. Some found the area so safe, they lived out their lives here. Oberlin is also honored to be known as one of the nation's most pioneering communities in equality and integration. Oberlin has been called "the town that started the Civil War" due to it's role in the fight for civil rights. Oberlin and Wellington were the sites of a famous slave rescue in 1858 that was said to have raised consciousness nationwide regarding the anti-slavery movement.
Lorain County's Underground Railroad history can be explored along the Back Roads and Beaches tour. Much of the Back Roads and Beaches Tour is part of Adventure Cycling Association's Underground Railroad Cycling tour that travels from Alabama to Canada. Cyclists completing the Adventure Cycling tour might want to spend some extra time here and explore our historical and cultural offerings.
Points of interest beginning in the southern end of the tour, near Findley State Park:
25600 SR58 (Huntington) Rev. Ansel Clarke Home. Not open to the public. Former home of abolitionist and Congregational Minister Ansel Clarke. Home is thought to have harbored fugitive slaves.
Oberlin College (Oberlin) Students and faculty were especially active in the Oberlin Anti-Slavery Society, others took part in the rescue and harbor of fugitive slaves. In 1835 the College trustees agreed blacks should be admitted to the College. Oberlin College was the first college to admit black women. Mary Jane Patterson, the first black woman in the world to receive a college degree (in 1862) attended Oberlin College.
181 E. Lorain St. (Oberlin) Station #99. Bardwell House. Not open to the public. Former home of missionary and abolitionist Rev. John Bardwell. Fugitive slaves hid under the eaves of the house where sliding panels opened into dark passageways.
First Church in Oberlin: Corner of Main and Lorain Sts. Built in 1842. The First Church was the meeting site for the Oberlin Anti-Slavery society and the site of the funeral for Lee Howard Dobbins, the four-year old fugitive slave buried in Oberlin.
Westwood Cemetery (Oberlin) Morgan St. Here lie former slaves, famous abolitionists and many who have become known as Oberlin's faces of change. Walking tour maps can be obtained by contacting the Lorain County Visitors Bureau.
Oberlin Heritage Center (Oberlin) 73 1/2 South Professor St. Oberlin has a powerful and nationally significant history that visitors can experience through guided tours at the Oberlin Heritage Center. Visitors will hear stories and see buildings associated with the founding of Oberlin, African-American history, the Underground Railroad, women's history, scientific discovery, and missionary, temperance, and other reform movements. Visitors will tour the 1836 Little Red Schoolhouse, the 1866 Monroe House, and the 1884 Jewett House.
Station 100, (Lorain) Said to be the mouth of the Black River and shores of Lake Erie. Many slaves departed here to freedom in Canada. New monument to escaping slaves erected in 2007 at Black River Landing, Lorain.
Upcoming Historical Events along the Back Roads and Beaches Route
The Lorain Port Authority presents A Taste of History along with the fourth annual Antique Show on the River presented by Black River Historical Society, August 18, 2007 at the Black River Landing. An all day event featuring music, shopping, food, boat rides, wine-tasting, and tall ship tours!
Walking Tours of Oberlin!
The Oberlin Heritage Center will be offering new guided walking tours of Oberlin, focusing on Oberlin's history through its architecture around Tappan Square. The tour will be offered three times this fall: Friday, September 14th at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 6th at 1:00 p.m., and Friday, October 12th, at 1:00 p.m. Enrollment is limited so reservations are required and may be made by calling (440) 774-1700 or by sending an email to tourinfo@oberlinheritage.org. There is a $6 per person fee ($4 for Oberlin Heritage Center members). The tours will be canceled and refunds will be made if it is raining at the start time. The tour starts at the Oberlin Heritage Center's Monroe House at 73 1/2 South Professor Street. The tour is also available by appointment for groups.
October 13 at Black River Historical Society, Valley Vagabonds are sponsoring a historical and beautiful architectural 10k or 5k walk. This walk will take you by interesting and scenic points in Lorain. The start is between 9 a.m. - 1p.m. finish by 4 p.m. In addition, the new President of the National Volkssport Association from Washington state will also be there to answer your questions on this international walking sport. Walk for free, credit, or award and credit. The award is a Linden leaf pin in our leaf series. The national website is www.ava.org and the club website is www.geocities.com/valleyvclv/. This walking sport is for the whole family since you do it at your own pace. If you have questions, please contact Deva Simon 440-572-1675.
Labels: Black River, events, History, Lorain County, Museums, Oberlin, Underground Railroad, walking tours
Thursday, August 9, 2007
A summer evening along the route
Now that we've gotten so much rain the past few days, the landscape has changed quite a bit. A short evening ride in the southern portion of the Back Roads and Beaches route found the landscape to be quite lush, with corn seeming to have grown a couple feet in a few days! Roadside stands brimming with produce are cropping up everywhere and recently sealed road surfaces are smoothed out.
These images are all from the Pitts Rd, Jones Rd area. Soon this area will be much busier with traffic from the Lorain County Fair. There is a fairgrounds entrance right from the Pitts Rd. portion of the route. The fair will run from August 20-26, 2007. Care should be taken on the Pitts/Hughes/Quarry Rd. portion of the route during this time. This normally quiet area will see a bit more traffic. If you're on the route, the Lorain County Fair makes a great stop! Or, if you'd prefer to see the sights from a quiet distance, you can do so from the Wellington upground reservoir. This reservoir is known for being a desirable birding site during spring and fall. Sitting at the reservoir and watching the fair from a distance is a unique experience.
Labels: birding, events, Lorain County Fair, Pitts Rd., Wellington Reservoir
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Turtle vs. Hare Mountain Bike Race
Turtle vs. Hare Mountain Bike Challenge - September 9, 2007 at Findley State Park- Sponsored by the North Coast Mountain Bikers, Dale's Bike Shop and Spin Cycle. Qualifying race begins at 11 a.m., and feature race with handicap starts at 2:30 p.m. Entry forms are available at Dale's Bike Shop 440-774-7433. The prizes are $500.00 cash or $600.00 gift card from Dale's, and $100.00 cash for 2 lucky racers.
Update: 9/7/2007: The Turtle vs. Hare Mountain Bike Challenge has been canceled. But don't let that stop you from coming out and enjoying Findley State Park's awesome mountain bike trail!
Labels: events, Findley, mountain bike
Sunday events
Although the weather didn't fully cooperate for scheduled events in Lorain County on Sunday, it didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the triathletes who came out to compete in NCN Racing's Findley Triathlon. Dave Garrett of Fairview Park won the overall men's International race with a time of 2:21:17.5. Barb Hunter of Chippewa Lake won the overall International women's with time of 2:48:48.3. Female sprint winner was Angela Ridgel of Lakewood, OH with a time of 1:34:00.9 and male sprint winner was Jim Phelan of Pickerinigton, OH at 1:24:53.5. Congratulations!
Top left: Women sprinters take off for the swim. Left: Dave Garrett takes a commanding lead in the swim portion of the International competition.
Labels: events, Findley, Lorain County, triathlon
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
May 3, Oberlin Farmer’s Market, located next to Oberlin City Hall, Oberlin. 9am–1pm. Locally grown, organic and prepared foods opens for the season once again! 440.775.2423
