Spring!

OK, well... maybe it's still a couple days away but the snow is melting and I've seen a few hearty souls bundled up and pedaling like mad (or like a mad cyclist playing catch-up!) on Lorain County's roads. I actually saw two people in Oberlin riding in the midst of the snowstorm we had a couple weeks ago too. This time of year, it's obvious cyclists feel the call of spring because we start to see tuned-up bikes out once again, despite the dwindling snow piles that are melting on the sides of the road. And why not? After all, this year is a big year for cycling and cycling events in Lorain County. Got to get mind, body and bike in shape, despite the weather! Only one month until the unofficial “season opener” ride, Afrost. Sponsored by the Lorain Wheelmen, this year's Ohio Spring Tour will begin on Sunday, April 20, 2008 at 9am. 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!

We have some great state-wide events coming to Lorain County this year as well. As we've previously reported, GOBA (Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure) will be coming and utilizing part of the southern Back Roads and Beaches route. GOBA is still taking registrations and will begin in Wellington on June 14. One exciting development is that the GOBA planners are organizing what they hope to be the world record for the largest bicycle parade in the world. On, Saturday, June 14 there will be a traditional bicycle parade and costume contest that will begin at the Lorain County Fairgrounds. Even if you aren't participating in the week-long ride, you can participate in an awesome parade and maybe be part of the Guinness Book of World Records. A great way to get kids involved and interested in cycling!

XOBA, not to be confused with GOBA, will also be visiting this summer. Taking a cue from Adventure Cycling's Underground Railroad Cycling Tour that began last year, XOBA has chosen to explore part of the intense and riveting Underground Railroad Route. They will be exploring the Underground Railroad in one of the only ways to truly experience it in an outdoor-only fashion. Although no-one in this day and age can truly know what a fugitive slave experienced; traveling the Underground Railroad by bike does bring a rider closer to the experience by being outdoors and relying completely on muscles and resolve to reach the destination. XOBA will depart Maysville, Kentucky on July 19th and arrive in Oberlin, on July 25.

Even if you can't do a week-long tour, there are still many great events coming up. Keep checking this blog for info throughout spring and summer. We'll provide info on upcoming triathlons and events like the Dog Days Wine Tour on August 16 and the Vermilion Harbor Triathlon on August 17. These are just a sampling of upcoming outdoor events in Lorain County. We'll be reporting on the events and the great things going on in and around the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route!