Update from Nab: Right now, the trail is very ride-able. There are some soft spots but with some more riding, they’ll be packed down. Back section is closed with some problem mud but Nab is working on it. Come on out before the next batch of rain!
The ice race scheduled for this weekend has been canceled. All the snow we’re getting has prevented Findley Lake from freezing sufficiently. We’ll keep you posted on a rescheduled date. And don’t forget, there is plenty of snow for snow-shoeing and cross country skiing!
First Findley State Park Ice Race of 2010 Scheduled
Photo courtesy of Tenant Nabakowski
Ice is beginning to form on Findley Lake. That and a cold forecast are enough for Nab and the North Coast Mountain Bikers to schedule the first ice race for January 10. The race will begin around noon. Come earlier for practice. Races will take place on a figure 8 and a Cross Country course. Classes include studded and non studded tires. Click here for more information and pictures.
Cost will be $15 and includes any and all events, prizes, campfire and brats. $10 for members of the North Coast Mountain Bikers. This is a great group of guys and gals who welcome everyone of all skill levels. Any questions, call Nab at 216.215.5445. Check out the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook page for ice condition confirmation by Jan. 8. Click here for a map to Findley State Park.
New half-mile section added to Thorn Mountain Bike Trail
The Thorn Mountain Bike Trail is in great shape to ride for this weekend. And with a forecast of sunny and 60s it’s definitely time to hit the trail! North Coast MTB Club leader Nab has been out and has blown the entire trail clear of leaves and added a half mile section. Now making the trail a full 9 miles! Check out this YouTube video of the trail:
An update from Nab just in time for the weekend—The Thorn Trail is wet with leaves but ride-able and fun. Nab will be out there this weekend with his leaf blower to clear the entire 9+ mile trail. (note from blog editors: we think his arms might get sore so lend ’im a hand if you've got the time)
Here are some photos from last weekend on the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park. The trail was in great shape with lots of maintenance and cool new updates (bridges etc) courtesy of the North Coast Mountain Bikers.
And sent to us from the NCMB’rs, some shots from Saturday’s night ride:
Trail conditions at Findley State Park Mountain Bike Trail
Today’s report from Nab says that the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park has dried out enough that there is no mud, just some soft spots. Temps are supposed to be in the 90s so a ride in the cool woods might be mighty nice!
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.
Scenes from last night’s MTB time trials at Findley State Park
Riders were having a blast last night at the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail time trials, hosted by the North Coast Mountain Bikers. What a cool group of people—all ages and skill levels just hanging out, eating brats and riding with perfect conditions! Join them again next Tuesday evening at 5:30pm.
Linda Miranda rides the course. Linda had best time-women’s for the second week in a row.
Don Haradem is too fast to get a clear photo.
Don Haradem and Linda Miranda posted the best times and received Back Roads and Beaches gear for their efforts.
Another Tuesday, another time trial at the Thorn MTB trail
Come on out for the Thorn Mountain Bike trail, North Coast Mountain Bikers weekly time trials, Tuesday, July 20, 5:30–7:30pm. According to Nab, last week Chip Meek beat his record of 38.41 and Linda Miranda had the fastest time for women at 53.05. We hear all levels of riders, men, women and families are showing up and it’s no wonder. The Thorn trail keeps getting better and bigger each year. It’s a blast! We’ll be out there as well to get some photos to post up on our Facebook page and here on the blog.
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.
The Thorn Trail didn't get as much rain as predicted so it's good to go, according to Nab. There is now a shorter loop so riders have a 6.5 mile option. It bypasses the back section and is also a great alternative when the back is muddy. Currently the back IS muddy in some spots but rideable for most.
Watch for the new banner that greets you in the parking lot!
Trail info from the Thorn Mountain Biking Trail at Findley State Park from Tenant Nabakowski:
With this warm sunny weather coming our way I'm hoping by Sunday our trail should finally be in riding shape. Perhaps later in the day Saturday too. It will no doubt still have some soft spots but that's not a problem for mountain bikers.I've spent the past few weeks filling in trouble areas with a stone/dirt mix and have finally cleared all the fallen trees. So I'm ready to ride this weekend. Saturday me and some of the guys are hoping to finish a 24-foot bridge. It's at the bottom of the downhill in the coaster section. My intention is instead of taking a slight left then right turn at the bottom. The bridge will able the crazies to blast straight down and carry their speed across the bridge then up the other side. Should be fun!
It’s snowing today but we are ignoring it, opting instead to think about the great riding, kayaking and mountain biking that lie just ahead. Since Nab sent along some photos from an ice race at Findley, we thought we’d post them as a fitting farewell to winter. Thanks Nab!
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.
Neil Baker and Jim Stedman from Wadsworth, Ohio traveled to Findley State Park in Wellington today to ride the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail. The weather and trail conditions are ideal for mountain biking. Fall colors still have a few weeks yet to peak.
Turtle vs. Hare Mountain Bike Challenge - September 9, 2007atFindley 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!
The Back Roads and Beaches Bike and Multisport Route is located in north central Ohio, about 35 miles west of Cleveland. The route features miles of rolling, rural roads with scenery ranging from farmland and forest to the nautical flavor of the Lake Erie shoreline.
The route was developed by Lorain County Heritage and Visit Lorain County. It appeals to all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts, touring cyclists, fitness junkies, kayakers, mountain bikers and more.
Photo courtesy of Tenant Nabakowski
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.
Linda Miranda rides the course.
Don Haradem is too fast to get a clear photo.
Don Haradem and Linda Miranda posted the best times and received Back Roads and Beaches gear for their efforts.
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.
