Saturday, April 17, 2010
2010 Oberlin Earth Day 5k and Kids Fun Run pics posted
First, second, third place. Photo: Ben Bickel
Check out the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook fan page (photo albums) for photos of today’s Oberlin Earth Day 5k and Kids Fun run. Labels: 2010, 5k Earth Day race, events, Oberlin, run
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Active spring events begin another great outdoor season
The weather this spring has been more like summer and cyclists have been out in droves! Businesses along the route are buzzing, wineries are busy and eateries are starting to serve outdoors again. Here are a few upcoming 5k runs, walks, competitions and other outdoor active events around north central Ohio. Earth Day 5k Run/Walk and Children’s Fun RunSaturday, April 17, 201010am (Children’s fun run at 9:15am)The Oberlin Earth Day 5k Run is celebrating it’s 37th year. Please bring a non-perishable food and/or household item to donate to Oberlin Community Services.
Spring into Action 5K Race for Haiti
Saturday, April 17, 2010
9am at the Lorain County Metro Parks Bridgeway Trail-Days Dam
E 31st St. and East River Rd., Lorain, OH
The Course will begin and end at Days Dam. All proceeds will go directly to Habitat for Humanity International.5th Annual Sandy Ridge Half Marathon & 10k
Sunday, April 18 7am registration, 8am race
Lorain County Community College
1005 Abbe Rd. North
Elyria, OHThis is a fast, flat looping course in and around the Sandy Ridge wetlands area, a spectacular birding hotspot. NHA Walk/Run for the Homeless
May 8, 2010
Registration begins at 7am
Lorain County Community College5k run, 1 mile walk to benefit homeless families. Each registration fee will cover the actual cost to feed and shelter one person for one night at the Haven Center. Lorain County Heart Walk
May 15, 2010, 8:30–11am
Avon Commons1-3 mile walk to benefit the American Heart AssociationKayaking Symposium
May 22, Lakeview Park, Lorain
9am–2pmLorain County Metro Parks is teaming up with the Backpackers Shop to provide a chance to test out a variety of kayaks (weather permitting). Other outdoor recreation related demos and info will be available throughout the event.Labels: 2010, 5k Earth Day race, events
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Spring is almost here-get ready!
Sunny days are now becoming the norm and the snow is melting. Are you ready? Here are a few upcoming semi-competitive fun events that are perfect for an early spring kick-start to another great season of biking, swimming, running and kayaking! We’ll be adding more as dates are set.
Saturday, March 27, 8:30am
Schwartz Road Park
34741 Schwartz Road
Avon, OH
Sunday, March 28
This annual race is appropriate for novice to expert racers. Families and small groups are encouraged to participate.
Sunday, April 11th at 8am Splash Zone, W. Hamilton Rd., Oberlin
Individuals and Relay teams do 30 minutes each of swimming, cycling (spin) and running. All levels welcomed and encouraged to participate! Registration fee of $20 goes to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. $10 for t-shirt.
Register in person at the Splash Zone or call 440.774.5059.
25th Annual Lorain Wheelmen Bicycle Club AFROST ride.
Sunday, April 11th
Registration: 8–9:30am, beginning at Shupe School in Amherst
A flat, early season tour to kick of the season and test your fitness. Routes visit many historic towns and villages in Lorain County. 25/50/64 mile courses.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
10am (Children’s fun run at 9:15am)
The Oberlin Earth Day 5k Run is celebrating it’s 37th year. Please bring a non-perishable food and/or household item to donate to Oberlin Community Services.
Spring into Action 5K Race for Haiti
Saturday, April 17, 2010
9am at the Lorain County Metro Parks Bridgeway Trail-Days Dam
E 31st St. and East River Rd., Lorain, OH
The Course will begin and end at Days Dam. All proceeds will go directly to Habitat for Humanity International.
Sunday, April 18 7am registration, 8am race
Lorain County Community College
1005 Abbe Rd. North
Elyria, OH
This is a fast, flat looping course in and around the Sandy Ridge wetlands area, a spectacular birding hotspot.
Labels: 2010, 5k Earth Day race, events, Oberlin, run, triathlon
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
Friday, October 23, 2009
2009 Red Flannel Ride set for November 1
For many, the Lorain Wheelmen’s annual Red Flannel ride marks the end of the riding season—or just the beginning of the fall/winter cycling season. Set for November 1st, the ride typically brings out hundreds of cyclists to enjoy a scenic fall ride. The start-finish and registration is in Oberlin. Distances are 67 miles and 33 miles. Riders can depart beginning at 9am. There will be food served at stops along the way. Click here for more details and registration information. Labels: 2009, events, Lorain Wheelmen, Red Flannel
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Upcoming weekend full of cycling, arts, farmers markets and autumn delights
Activity around the Back Roads and Beaches route this weekend will be sure to please cyclists and tourists interested in arts, locally grown foods, architecture, performance, and entertainment for just about anyone. Fall colors are appearing in all their glory to form a gorgeous backdrop for a weekend of cycling, entertainment, great food and wine. There is a lot going on so make your plans now to stay for the weekend to catch it all! Here are a list of activities moving south to north around the route and assuming you’ll be starting your tour at Findley State Park in Wellington:
Findley State Park Fall Campout: Celebrate fall and create some great family memories. The park will have a craft show, games, trick or treating, hayrides and much more. Regular camping fees apply. Call 440-647-5749 for more information. Don’t forget your mountain bike to catch the Thorn Trail at Findley. It’s 10 miles of awesome single-track!
Thorn Trail in Autumn
Wellington Reservation in early autumn
Other activities in Oberlin this weekend include:
The FAVA Gallery presents Claudia Berlinski & Sherry Bradshaw Searching for the Underground Sea, a collection of works on paper, in conjunction with Sherry Bradshaw’s Digging Beneath the Surface, an installation piece. The gallery is open this weekend, Saturday from 11am–5pm and Sunday 1–5pm.
Saturday, October 3 is also Oberlin Community Day and a great opportunity to explore the many organizations and businesses that make Oberlin such a special place. The historic Apollo Theater will be reopening after an exciting phase I renovation. The opening will be celebrated with a free showing of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at 10am on Saturday. Other Community Day activities include:
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11:45am: Don Pease Bike Path dedication with music by the Oberlin High School Band. The bike path will be dedicated in honor of Congressman Don Pease at the Oberlin Depot, where the bike path meets Main St. (SR 58)
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1–3pm: Explore Oberlin Bike Tour, win prizes for visiting Oberlin lites! Register at the flagpole at the corner of Tappan Square
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1:30pm: OCircus Performance, Tappan Square
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2–3pm: Free ice cream on Tappan Square
3–3:15pm: Bike tour prize drawing for tourists who visit a majority of sites and organizations.
The Oberlin Heritage Center will also be offering a day of free family-friendly events such as guided tours, historic games and school house events.
Moving along through BRaB, outside of Oberlin... Matus Winery will be celebrating Octoberfest with a gourmet German meal on Saturday evening beginning at 5:30pm. Live entertainment will begin at 8pm. Or you can just stop out anything throughout the afternoon. Matus Winery loves cyclists!
Paper Moon Winery will be featuring a Jazz Quintet on Saturday from 4–7pm.
There are several great wineries all throughout the Back Roads and Beaches Route. All are quite bike-friendly. Click here for a full list.
Between Oberlin and Vermilion, just off the BRaB route, you’ll find a delightful, whimsical gallery open-house at Riverdog Gallery on Gore Orphanage Road. They are hosting their open house in tandem with Breuer Potter this Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
Riverdog Gallery
Moving north toward Vermilion, you will notice Miller's Apple Hill is in full "pick your own apples" mode. This is a great time to pull over and experience fresh, just picked produce and cider, get a wagon ride and pick up some trail mix.
There are plenty of orchards and farmer’s markets along the route to stop and pick up some “natural energy”
These are only a few special events along the route this weekend. Make sure to check the website for lodging, dining and bike services along the route. See you out there!
Labels: 2009, autumn, events, fall folaige, family activities, Findley, Oberlin, Thorn Mountain Bike Trail, wineries
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Monday, August 3, 2009
This week’s events around Back Roads and Beaches
Mountain bikers: Join the Tuesday evening time trials at Findley State Park sponsored by the North Coast Mountain Bikers. Time trials are from 5:30-7:30pm beginning at Findley's beach. All levels and ages of riders welcome! Directions to Findley State Park can be found here. Photos of the trail can be found here and map of the trail here.
Triathletes: This Saturday, August 8 is the 4th Annual Findley Lake Triathlon/Duathlon. Click here to pre-register. Here are some photos from last year's sprint triathlon at Findley.
Touring cyclists: There are many, many great events going on around the route this weekend including farmer's markets, winery events and more. On Saturday, Matus Winery will be having their first Corn Roast/Backyard Games with Corn Hole Tournament. Click here for more info and directions. Also on Saturday, Paper Moon Vineyards will be having live music from 4-7pm. Both wineries are just off the BRaB route and welcome cyclists.
Outdoor enthusiasts: The Lorain County Metro Parks has a large events calendar with many hiking, biking and kayaking events for all ages and levels. This Friday, "Bike for your health" at 9pm. Leave from the Splash Zone in Oberlin and ride the bike trail at night along with a Lorain County Metro Parks ranger from the bike patrol unit. For more events check out their webpage listings.
Labels: 2009, events, Findley, Lorain County Metro Parks, mountain bike, multi-sport, triathlon
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Bicycle-friendly Oberlin all set for big weekend of cyclists
This coming weekend, Oberlin will be abuzz with activity including touring cyclists, groups, events and travel writers, not to mention the Oberlin Family Fun Fair will be going on at the same time. We often laud Oberlin for being such a bicycle friendly city. Here are a few scenes so you can see the spirit touring cyclists will encounter upon pedaling into this funky, eclectic college town. And don't forget, Saturday night bike-in movies on Tappan Square! This Sat. features Pee Wee's Big Adventure at dark!
Oberlin parks worker, Mike Ives installs new Back Roads and Beaches signage. The signs are designed to assist touring cyclists to get into Oberlin from the Back Roads and Beaches Route as well as from Adventure Cycling's Underground Railroad Route, passing significant Underground Railroad places of interest such as Westwood Cemetery and the Underground Railroad sculpture. The spur route will also take cyclists by the Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian House (Weltzheimer Johnson House), the Oberlin Heritage Center and into the center of town for dining, shopping, art galleries and performances. Download a printable Underground Railroad guide here.
Underground Railroad cyclists should also check out this blog entry about a local farm you will pass riding into town. Important note: cyclists that ride into town on SR 58 instead of following the Back Roads and Beaches into town will miss out on much of the most significant Underground Railroad history AND the most scenic, lightly traveled roads. You won't find avid local cyclists riding SR 58. A few more Oberlin scenes:
Oberlin has several eateries that feature delicious local, organic, vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Of course, you won't have trouble finding a great burger and beer here either!
Yes, these are some of the many bike racks you'll find around Oberlin, courtesy of the City of Oberlin.
Is this "sculpture" the work of the Oberlin Bike Coop?
Where else can you get a salad, berries, candy and some hemp shoes all in one spot? Gibsons of course!
Cyclists following the Back Roads and Beaches spur signs will pedal by the Westwood Cemetery where there are gravesites of many former slaves, abolitionists and civil rights activists. This is also the spot for the Underground Railroad Monument dedicated to all the fugitive slaves who passed through Oberlin on their journey to freedom. There are many other events and performances going on in Oberlin and around Back Roads and Beaches this weekend. Check out Main Street Oberlin's blog or the Visit Lorain County Calendar of Events for details.Labels: Adventure Cycling, back roads and beaches, events, Oberlin, Underground Railroad
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
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Findley State Park mountain biking time trials
Every Tuesday, July 7 through August 17 mountain bikers can come out to the Thorn Trail between 5:30–7:30pm at Findley State Park for "time trails." For $5 riders can see how they stack up against some of the fastest racers in Ohio or just against their riding buddies. $5 covers two individual laps. Classes will include expert, sport, beginner and women. Records will be kept throughout the weeks. Prizes will be awarded to class winners based on best four times out of possible seven. Helmets are required. For more information, call Nab at 216.214.5445.Directions to Findley State Park can be found here. Photos of the trail can be found here and map of the trail here.
Update on current Thorn Trail Conditions: June 25, 2009
Back portion still wet. Use short loop to avoid the back if you don't like mud.
Labels: 2009, events, Findley, mountain bike, Thorn Mountain Bike Trail, Wellington
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
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Memorial Day weekend is always a great time to plan a trip around north central Ohio. There are so many great events going on, especially around the Back Roads and Beaches Route. Here are some suggested activities based on your riding style. All of the below suggestions can be found on or just around (within a mile or two) of the route. They can be found on the BRaB map)
Commencement weekend at Oberlin College
Hammer heads-“I'm just here to soak up the good weather and put in some extra training hours.”
Begin at Findley State Park, ride north and do the loop in a counter-clockwise direction. This will give you optimal hill climbing options, especially in the Dean Rd./Sperry Rd. area. Dean Rd. gets to 21%. Really want a challenge? Do some repeats. Once back at Findley State Park, you will have 60 miles in. For an added challenge, bring along your mountain bike and do a loop or two of the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail. If you’re out early Saturday morning you’re sure to see others out training on the route.
Dean Road historical bridge
Day two: Combine your training ride with a great upper body workout by hopping in a kayak at the Port Authority launch off Broadway in Lorain and paddle up the Black River to the Lighthouse. Kayaks can be rented here through Great Lakes Kayaking. Turn off into the Lakeside Marina, tie off and have a bite to eat while enjoying great views of the marina and lighthouse at the Jackalope Restaurant.
Views of the Lorain Lighthouse from the Jackalope Restaurant
“I want to pedal at my own pace while stopping to see great art, architecture and historical sites. And while I'm at it, I'd like to sample some great local wine and cuisine”
Fortunately for you, there are so many great exhibits, historical events and events going on, the worst part will be deciding what to do.
History:The Oberlin Heritage Center has an entire weekend of events including architecture walks, Underground Railroad walks, history programming and more. Click here for a full list.
Bacon House Museum Tours, Vermilion River Reservation, Sunday 1-4pm.
Art/Architecture:
Right now at FAVA in Oberlin: facets: 14 artists working in glass. Don't miss this exquisite exhibit. You can also see Woodblock/Linoleum Prints by J.K. Mateer through May 26th at the FAVA South Gallery.
facets exhibit at FAVA Gallery, Oberlin
Also in Oberlin right now is Holding, an environmental art exhibit that features live silkworms spinning and weaving their way through sculpture. This exhibit has become a favorite each year with all ages at the Ginko Gallery.
Tours of the Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian Weltzheimer/Johnson House will be given throughout the Oberlin College commencement weekend. Click here for times.
Performance
Since it’s commencement weekend at Oberlin College, there are many performances and events. Click here for a full list.
Wine and Dine
Round out a long touring day in the saddle with great food and wine at these spots that are on or just off the BRaB route.Live Music on the Docks Memorial Day Weekend at The Lube: May 23 - Vermilion's new Quaker Steak & Lube. Catch some live entertainment with C.R.B. (Classic Rock Band) on Saturday from 5–9 pm with great views of the Vermilion River. (This used to be Red Clay Restaurant)
Live Music at Paper Moon Vineyards, Saturday, May 23 4pm-7pm
Matus Winery Celebration Cook-Out, Saturday, May 23 5:30 pm
Single Tree Winery:
Friday, May 22 Live music with Utah Witherspoon and Greg Moore 7-11pmSaturday, May 23 Steak Fry $20 5- 7 pm Includes Steak, baked potato, salad, roll and a glass of wine. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
We’ve brought the kids for a little adventure, fun and a healthy challenge for the whole family—what’s there to do for us?For those of you towing little ones (or accompanying your little ones on their own bikes), this is a great weekend for kids. Here are a few must do’s. (from a cyclists with three kids..these are kid tested) Beginning from the southern portion of the trail in
Wellington:
Canoeing or kayaking at Findley State Park; free paddle boats at the Wellington Reservation
Oberlin:
Vegan pancakes at Black River Cafe; Silkworm Exhibit at Ginko Gallery; Swim at the Splash Zone; Explore Underground Railroad history and hear the story of the rescue of escaped slave John Price; Sunday night illumination on Tappan Square with pie and ice cream; pizza on Lorenzo's outdoor patio.
Vermilion:
Lunch or dinner along the Vermilion River at Quaker Steak and Lube; ice cream and putt-putt at Romps Dairy Dock; watch the boats from Main St. beach; River cruise on Mystic Belle out of Don Parsons Marina
Kayaking in Lorain with children
Lorain:
Lakeview Park, it’s the most awesome beach on Lake Erie-’nuff said; burgers on the patio of Jackelope Restaurant with great views of Lake Erie; rent a two-person kayak at Lorain Port Authority boat launch and check out many different bird species, the Lorain Lighthouse along with many other fascinating views along the way; charter (or pier) fishing for perch and walleye.
These are only a few options for a full weekend of fun and adventure. Plan your lodging and more complete list at the Visit Lorain County website.
Labels: 2009, architecture, arts, events, family activities, Findley, Jackalope Restaurant, Splash Zone
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
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Here's one for healthy foodies
From the Oberlin Public Library:
Join us for a Raw Vegan Potluck on Friday, April 24th, 2009 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Oberlin Public Library. It is a wonderful opportunity to gather with like-minded people to socialize and eat a raw plant-based meal. Learn about the Living Foods Lifestyle from Raw Vegan chef Che Gonzalez and guests, Leeza Ramsey, Laura Paxton, and Jim Lawhead. Please bring a prepared dish of raw, organic (preferably), and vegan ingredients (no animal products!) soups, crackers, salads, dressings and sauces, entrees, desserts, and snacks.
Provide a detailed list of the ingredients. If it's your first time and you don't know what to bring, but are interested in coming, just bring an organic salad with dressing on the side. Please bring your own plates and silverware.
Sign-up at the reference desk or email Che at oberlinpubliclibrary@yahoo.com.
Labels: 2009, dining, events, food, Oberlin
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
Monday, January 12, 2009
Snow!
Multi sport enthusiasts who’ve been waiting for snow now have more than enough to enjoy a winter hike, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, ice skating, sledding etc. And more appears to be on the way! Findley State Park, Lorain County Metro Parks, Cascade Park and our many other parks offer miles of trails and other winter amenities.But don’t stop at traditional winter sports, be
creative and try some real adventure! Bottom line is, getting out in the snow along BRaB is a blast! And when you’re done, explore one of our great
galleries or museums, and warm up in one of
four wineries along the route. Make it a weekend and stay at one of several local
lodging facilities that welcome our multi sport visitors.
Winter Days Festival photo by Mark Teleha
Labels: 2009, cross country skiing, events, Findley, Lorain County Metro Parks, winter
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Oberlin’s Alternative Gift Fair and Market
from the Oberlin Heritage Center:
The second annual Oberlin Alternative Gift Fair and Market is presently underway: Monday through Friday, December 8-12, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., in the Bent Corridor of the Oberlin College Science Center, and Saturday, December 13 from 1-5:00 p.m. at the Oberlin Public Library (65 South Main Street). The Alternative Gift Fair offers holiday gift-buyers an alternative to buying “things” for those folks on their gift lists who don’t really need anything. Instead, these Alternative Gift Fair purchases give many times over – providing good feelings for both recipient and gift-giver, and a big help to local nonprofits working hard to stretch limited resources to serve the needs of others. Gift items for sale at the Market include fair trade coffee, tea and chocolates, handmade textiles from Guatemala and Morocco, crafts from India and Oberlin, and much more.
The Oberlin Heritage Center is participating with a booth that features the Oberlin Heritage Trail Buy-a-Brick project, Historic Playing Cards to benefit the Endowment Fund for History Education, and many items from the Museum Store, including an incredible array of hand-crafted jewelry by Oberlin Heritage Center trustee, Jean Simon. Overheard from a woman buying holiday jewelry for her daughters, “I love jewelry and wear many different styles and designs, yet I ALWAYS receive compliments whenever I wear Jean’s jewelry.” Jean Simon’s jewelry is one-of-a-kind, beautifully crafted, elegant and fun at the same time. Plan to stop by the Alternative Gift Fair and Market sometime this week, browse, buy, and most importantly contribute to some very worthy Oberlin organizations this holiday season. The Alternative Gift Fair is sponsored by the Office of the President of Oberlin College. Out-of-towners may do mail-order holiday shopping through December 15 by e-mailing members@oberlinheritage.org and requesting a copy of the Alternative Gift Fair Catalog.Labels: arts, events, Oberlin, shopping
Friday, November 7, 2008
Oberlin Local Foods Festival
Saturday, November 8th
9am–4pm
Tappan Square
Rainspace: First Church in Oberlin
Facepainting
Pumpkin Painting
Recycled Crafts
Sack Race
Live Music
Cook-off featuring Oberlin College’s Co-ops (free lunch to follow)
Free apple cider
Come out and meet our local farmers!
Labels: events, food, Oberlin
Friday, October 31, 2008
Bike the Vote
Seen in Oberlin this evening. Looks like a ride tomorrow morning, Nov. 1, 9am beginning at the Oberlin Bike Co-Op. 25-miler to early voting location. Labels: cycling, events, Oberlin
Monday, October 27, 2008
It’s that Red Flannel Time of Year Again!
2007 Red Flannel
One cyclist who wont be putting his bike away is Charlie Young of Elyria. We’ve noted Charlie here before. We hear rumors that he is hovering around the 12,000 mile mark for 2008! And it’s a good bet you’ll see him at the Red Flannel.
The ride is this Sunday, November 2nd, beginning at the Oberlin Community Center. And it’s also time to turn your clocks BACK, so don’t sweat the early hour! Come on out! And when you’re done, spend some time hanging out in Oberlin. You’ll see many downtown businesses with green stickers in their windows that read “We Love Cyclists” so, show them some love too!
(above) Charlie Young keeps pedaling.
Labels: Charlie, events, Lorain Wheelmen, Red Flannel
Michael Pollan to Speak at Oberlin College
Healthy choices are a big part of what Back Roads and Beaches is all about. Not only do many of the restaurants serve healthy, fresh, locally grown foods but occasionally an event springs up that captures this same spirit. This is why we want BRaB readers to know about a great event this week.
Tomorrow night, Tuesday, October 28th, 2008; Michael Pollan, author of In Defense of Food: an Eater's Manifesto and The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals will be speaking at Finney Chapel as part of the Oberlin College Convocation Series. Pollan will begin at 8pm. Tickets are not required. Labels: 2008, events, food, Oberlin
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
Monday, September 22, 2008
Gears, Galleries and Grapes!
A Weekend of Adventure and the Arts
Riverdog Gallery
Being that it is the first day of autumn, we find it fitting to start planning some fabulous fall rides. The BRaB route has spectacular fall scenery and on October 4–5 you can pedal between some great gallery open houses, architectural walks, events and wineries. Below is a list of places to hit. For lodging options, click here. For a downloadable Back Roads and Beaches map customized for the following events, click here.
Breuer Pottery Studio and Gallery Open House, Saturday and Sunday, October 4–5, noon–5pm. Enjoy wine, hors d’oeuvres and desserts in a relaxed country setting.
47361 West Hamilton Rd., Oberlin
Riverdog Studio/Gallery Open House, Saturday and Sunday, October 4–5, noon–5pm. 13818 Gore Orphanage Road, Wakeman
A Mild Obsession, Donna Drozda - Paintings and Lynne Lofton - Ceramics
FAVA Gallery, September 14 through October 24, 2008
Open Saturday 11am–5pm and Sunday 1–5pm
Modern and Contemporary Art
Allen Memorial Art Museum
Important American and European paintings, sculpture, and works on paper - ranging from Claude Monet's Wisteria to a newly acquired sculpture, The Fin Within, by the inventive and provocative sculptor Tim Hawkinson - will be on view in the Ellen Johnson Gallery during the 2008-09 academic year. Other highlights from the Allen Memorial Art Museum's strong modern and contemporary holdings include works by John Bock, Chakaia Booker, Sam Gilliam, Elizabeth Murray, Gerhard Ritcher, Cindy Sherman, and Richard Serra.The Museum is free and open to the public.
Tuesday - Saturday 10-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Corner of Main and Lorain Sts., Oberlin
Aux Barricades! French Protest Posters from '68
Allen Memorial Art Museum
Art incited action when, in May 1968, student and worker uprisings calling for social and economic reform led to pitched street battles and caused a general strike that paralyzed France. Innovative posters with snappy slogans and stark layouts created by the demonstrators were put up around Paris and the provinces.
The Museum is free and open to the public.
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10-5:00 p.m., Sunday, 1-5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Corner of Main and Lorain Sts., Oberlin
October 5, 12–5pm. Tour Frank Lloyd Wright's first Usonian house in Ohio. Special focus tour available on last Saturday of each month. Admission: $5.00
Join the entire Oberlin community for a celebration of the 175th anniversary of the joint founding of the College and city. A range of family friendly events will take place on Friday, October 3 and Saturday, October 4 in the city and on the campus to signal, in part, a history of collaboration and shared interest in community building, education, service, and the arts.
Among the highlights of the two-day event is the 175th Anniversary Celebratory Concert featuring the Oberlin College Conservatory Orchestra. The free concert begins at 8 p.m., Friday, October 3, in Finney Chapel.
On Saturday, October 4, bring the family and join friends and neighbors from 10:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. in Tappan Square for a free catered community lunch. In addition, hear performances by the Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra (NOYO), the Community Music School, and the Oberlin Taiko Group. The program also will include presentations by students of Eastwood, Prospect, Langston, and the Oberlin High School. Activities for children will be provided by Oberlin Shansi and FAVA.
Other events throughout the day will include an Oberlin College football game, guided tours of historical landmarks in the city, activities at the Oberlin Heritage Center, and more.
Details: Contact Leah Gage '08, project manager, 440-775-8474 or send e-mail to gage.leah@gmail.com.
Oberlin Farmers Market, October 4, 9am–1pm. Locally grown and prepared foods, organic coffee and fair trade items.
The Cleveland Orchestra, October 5, Finney Chapel, 3pm
One of the world's greatest orchestras, the Cleveland Orchestra returns to Oberlin to open this year's season with a lively performance conducted by music director Franz Welser-Most. Continuing the longstanding tradition, this concert marks the 207th appearance of the Cleveland Orchestras on Oberlin's Artist Recital Series.
Events and live entertainment at
Matus Winery 15674 Gore Orphanage Road - Wakeman, OH and
Single Tree Winery, 12488 Baumhart Rd., Amherst, OH
Labels: 2008, arts, autumn, cycling, events, fall folaige, History, Oberlin, wineries
First, second, third place. Photo: Ben Bickel
Thorn Trail in Autumn
Riverdog Gallery 
Visit Lorain County Marketing and Communications Manager, Lynne Lisner and Findley State Park Director Brian Andrews were on hand to volunteer and assist NCN. 
Triathletes: This Saturday, August 8 is the 4th Annual Findley Lake Triathlon/Duathlon. Click here to pre-register. Here are some photos from last year's sprint triathlon at Findley.
Oberlin parks worker, Mike Ives installs new Back Roads and Beaches signage. The signs are designed to assist touring cyclists to get into Oberlin from the Back Roads and Beaches Route as well as from Adventure Cycling's Underground Railroad Route, passing significant Underground Railroad places of interest such as Westwood Cemetery and the Underground Railroad sculpture. The spur route will also take cyclists by the Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian House (Weltzheimer Johnson House), the Oberlin Heritage Center and into the center of town for dining, shopping, art galleries and performances. Download a printable Underground Railroad guide here.
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.
Paddling south toward Henderson Bridge.
There are ALWAYS people fishing for smallmouth bass along the Black River.
Commencement weekend at Oberlin College
Dean Road historical bridge
Views of the Lorain Lighthouse from the Jackalope Restaurant
facets exhibit at FAVA Gallery, Oberlin
Kayaking in Lorain with children
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)
Winter Days Festival photo by Mark Teleha
One cyclist who wont be putting his bike away is Charlie Young of Elyria. We’ve noted Charlie here before. We hear rumors that he is hovering around the 12,000 mile mark for 2008! And it’s a good bet you’ll see him at the Red Flannel.
A Mild Obsession, Donna Drozda - Paintings and Lynne Lofton - Ceramics
