This past weekend, Back Roads and Beaches staff were on hand distributing information at the Tour de Grandview. Although it proved to be a very windy and occasionally stormy weekend, the racing went on. Click here for race results. Below are some views from the weekend.

This weekend’s suggested multi-sport itinerary: bring your own bike + kilt

Photos by Rona Proudfoot

Starting from the southern portion of the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route, cyclists can experience culture, food, sports and entertainment from all around the globe. Beginning in Wellington at the Lorain County Fairgrounds, the Scottish Games will be taking place on Saturday, June 28. Not only can cyclists enjoy the variety of food and entertainment, but can experience a true cultural multi-sport experience and enter to run the kilted mile. (must wear kilt!)



Jumping back onto the bike and moving north along BRaB will provide an even more expanding cultural experience. Once on SR 6 along the shores of Lake Erie, biking into Lorain will take you to the Lorain International Festival. The International Festival takes place at scenic Black River Landing in Lorain. Rent a kayak and paddle up to the festival and further up to the Lorain Lighthouse for a twist on this great festival. Just make sure you tie off and reload up on some delicious ethnic carbs before you depart.

Moving further east along SR 6, you can wind down a bit with a visit to Avon Lake’s Arts Fest 2008 at Miller Rd. Park along the Lake Erie shoreline. If you don’t feel like turning around and making your way back to Wellington (where you’ve presumably left your vehicle at Findley State Park), visit one of Avon Lake’s wineries or stay the night at the Fairfield Inn. You can make your way back Sunday and get more great eats at the International Festival on your way back!

Back Roads & Beaches at Tour de Grandview

Staff representing the Back Roads and Beaches Bike and Multisport Route will be on hand with route information at this weekend’s Tour De Grandview in Columbus. Stop by the BRaB booth for a route map, travel guide and information.

This evening on BRaB-Underground Railroad Ties

Riding the BRaB route this evening near Oberlin, we found the setting sun was casting a warm glow on this old barn.

Turns out, after talking to the current owner, it is so much more than just an old barn. It happens to be the former farmstead of Hiram Pease, who, according to Oberlin College’s website was the brother of Peter Pindar Pease. Hiram was a colorful and interesting historical Oberlin figure who owned a carraige shop in Oberlin.


Hiram and Lydia Pease paintings: Oberlin College


But what will be of special interest—especially to cyclists following Adventure Cycling’s Underground Railroad Tour who will pass by this property—is that the property was eventually sold to the Copeland family whose father was a freed slave that came to Oberlin because of its anti-slavery resolve and whose son, John Copeland Jr. was hanged for his participation in the raid on Harper’s Ferry.

From Lorain County Visitors Bureau Trail to Freedom brochure

Click here for a fascinating look into the history of this property and it’s ties to some of Oberlin’s most notable Underground Railroad figures. The property is located just beyond the corner of W. Hamilton and Pyle Road right outside Oberlin. It is privately owned.

Combining Art and Nature: Collaborations with Silkworms

When riding through Oberlin, check out this unique exhibit at Ginko Gallery until June 30th, Collaborations with Silkworms, Tue-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4pm. Combining art and science through a live exhibition of silkworms growing, eating, spinning cocoons, then emerging as silk moths.

Cyclists Rally for World Record Attempt

Although the 1023 cyclists who turned out for GOBA’s attempt to beat the world record for the largest bicycle parade came up a bit short, there was no shortage of enthusiasm and creativity in Wellington today. Parade participants were comprised of both GOBA riders and local cyclists and it appeared a good time was had by all. The Lorain County Fairgrounds has turned into a GOBA tent city filled with food, gear and cyclists of all shapes and sizes. WELCOME! Click here for more photos of today's world record attempt as well as other activities around Back Roads and Beaches.

Parade participants really showed their spirit with colorful costumes and train-themed props to highlight this years “Last train to Gobaville” theme.

The line of riders seemed to stretch forever through the Lorain County Fairgrounds

Spirit of ’76 crew in front of Wellington Town Hall.

GOBA riders (and cyclists!) have a sense of humor!

Century Cycles was a welcome sight to GOBA cyclists looking for last minute purchases, clothing and equipment for their journey.

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

Riding like girls!

Over 30 women from WomanTours pulled into Oberlin today following a 80+ mile day of cycling the Underground Railroad. The group are making their way to Canada while exploring Underground Railroad history. We caught up with a few today on their way...

Group leader and chef Michelle along with Mary and Holly at the end of
the day’s ride, pull into the Oberlin Inn.

Lois Schneider, from Sarasota rode almost 100 miles today!

They will remain in Oberlin until Monday, giving them a day of r&r while exploring the area’s rich history and other sites. We welcome these remarkable women to North Central Ohio!

World Record Attempt for Largest Parade of Bicycles in Wellington

From GOBA Press Release:

Join the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA), a world-class bicycle tour, in
celebrating its 20th annual event by attempting to break the Guinness World
Record™ for the Largest Parade of Bicycles. On Saturday evening, June 14, 2008,
the inaugural event of this year's week-long tour will be the GOBA traditional bicycle
parade, held in Wellington, Ohio, in Lorain County. The current world record stands at
1,901 bicycles and was set by Volvic in Taiwan, July 21, 2007.

Riding in the parade is open to the general public as well as to all GOBA riders. All
parade participants must ride a 2-wheeled bicycle, must be able to ride 2 to 3 miles,
and must wear helmets. Sign-in is required and will be open from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm.
Participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their application.
Registration fee is $1.00 per rider. A drawing for prizes exclusively for those
participants from the general public will be held at the Opening Ceremonies, at the
conclusion of the parade. Parking for the parade and the sign-in station will be at the
Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington. Enter through the Main Gate from State
Route 18, west of Downtown Wellington. The parade will leave at 6:00 pm from the
Fairgrounds and, with the assistance of the Wellington police, will follow a route
through town to the Village Hall, where the Opening Ceremonies will take place and
preliminary results of the World Record Attempt will be announced. Musical
entertainment and food for sale in Wellington, both before and after the parade.
Riders may bicycle back to the Fairgrounds at any time before dark.

The 20th Annual Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure will feature the northern section of
Ohio on its tour, June 14-21, 2008. 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 return to Wellington on Saturday.

For details of the world records, visit www.Guinnessworldrecords.com, search:
"Largest Parade of Bicycles". For more information on joining in the parade for the
World Record Attempt, contact: GOBA, 614-273-0811, www.goba.com/parade; or
Main Street Wellington, 440-647-3987, info@mainstreetwellington.com.

Summer Fun!

Lakeview Beach photo by Holly Miller-McGuire

The weather is really heating up in North Central Ohio. Cyclists are out on the BRaB route and we’re starting to see many groups coming through to explore the Underground Railroad, the arts and local culture while enjoying the scenic cycling route. Here are a few great upcoming events along the route this week:

Saturday, June 7: Lakeview Park, Lorain, 12–4pm. Food, games, crafts and a steel drum band concert. 440.458.5121 www.loraincountymetroparks.com

Saturday, June 7: Oberlin’s Farmers Market, located next to City Hall, Oberlin, 9am–1pm. Locally grown and prepared foods. 440-775-2423 | www.oberlin.org

See below for more ongoing events, exhibits and gallery events.