Friday, November 2, 2012

Sandy is Gone-Sun Returns for Weekend Events

Just in time for the weekend....we are all set for the sun to resurface and stick around awhile! Now that Sandy has rumbled out of here, it looks like a great weather weekend is in store.



Which is great news for everyone planning to ride the Red Flannel or run the North Coast Inland Trail Marathon. Two annual events that bring hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts each year. The Red Flannel offers a 37-mile and 67-mile option for riders and is hosted each year by the Lorain Wheelmen Bicycle Club. The ride will begin and end at the Oberlin Community Services Center beginning at 9am. Registration is $20 and includes snack stops, maps and sag service. The ride has become a statewide favorite. Some riders look at it as their last ride of the year while others view it as the start of a new season and a good way to get their cold-weather gear out. Any way you look at it, it’s a blast!

The 7th Annual Inland Trail Marathon/Half Marathon and 5k is a USAT-certified Boston qualifier. The race benefits the Murray Ridge Center. 43 degrees and sunny looks like some pretty good running weather!

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, there are plenty of events, exhibits, performances and winery activities going on. Not to mention dozens of great restaurants offering up plenty of delicious fuel for your adventure! Click here to plan the rest of your weekend and optimize all the great weather in store. If you are in need of some warm gear when you get here, Swerve Bike Shop and Molnar Outdoor are both close to the starting line of both events.

Monday, October 8, 2012

Paddling the Black River


Kayakers are a common sight on the Black River near the Lorain Lighthouse. Yes, that's definitely a great trip as we've chronicled here before. For many, the Lorain Lighthouse is an obvious pull, along with the sometimes challenging open waters of Lake Erie at the mouth of the Black River.

Henderson Bridge, Lorain
This time we're going in the opposite direction. We needed a day to remind ourselves just how awesome the Black River gets, east of the Henderson Bridge in Lorain, Ohio. The spectacular scenery, top-notch birding and in this case, brilliant fall foliage. There is a launch right at the Black River Wharf just off 14th St. in Lorain. You can rent single or double kayaks there through November from Grumpy's Bait Bucket. Grumpy is actually not so grumpy. He's one of the nicest guys on the river! Make sure you visit with him before and after your trip. He and his dog Rudy love to sit and visit with paddlers, boaters and fishermen. At the time of this entry, Grumpy's website isn't working but you can reach them at 440.244.5370 or 440.787.8720. This is a great paddle for kids too. The calm waters and endless wildlife are a treat for kids. I took my 12 year old son along and he had a blast checking out the herons, turtles, deer and all the amazing natural formations along the shoreline.
Grumpy and Rudy

Once you push off, just paddle to the right and keep going! Views include a mixture of stunning natural views intermixed with and industrial landscape in some spots. Views not seen from the road! On the beautiful, sunny Saturday we went, we were almost the only ones on the river. We did encounter a group of men tooling along slowly in their motor boat, stopping to exclaim "Have you ever been back here?! It's amazing! We had NO idea!" "Yep" I thought.

As you paddle further along, you will see large expanses of wooded, undeveloped land. This is the proposed Riverbend development owned by the City of Lorain. The City and Port Authority have been working hard on a lower Black River Habitat Restoration Project that includes constructing fish habitat shelves, restoration of eroding river banks, invasive species removal and native plantings.





If you're biking the Back Roads and Beaches and want to add this trip to your itinerary, here are a few suggestions:



Cap the day off with a spectacular Lake Erie sunset-
this is the view from the Jackalope Lakeside Restaurant.

Friday, September 28, 2012

Autumn activity heats up in north central Ohio

Wellington Reservation in southern Lorain County
 September, October and November are great months to take in all the outdoor action Back Roads and Beaches has to offer. Early fall weather is perfect, cool and crisp. Days tend to be in the high 50s–through 60s. Late October and November are a bit more crisp of course, but rewards include crisp blue skies, migrating birds, and of course...more comfortable runs!

Fall is a great time to hit the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park.

Paddling the Black or Vermilion Rivers or Findley Lake will yield spectacular views of fall folaige and migrating birds!
When you're done riding, paddling, running and hitting the trail; spend the evening at one of several local wineries. There are always great events going on. Click here to see what's going on. Make it a long weekend. There are lots of friendly, bike friendly lodging facilities. Check out the map below:
 

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Beautiful weather weekend on tap for competitive events


This weekend's weather is going to be a refreshing break from the smokin' hot temps we've been having all summer. Not that we're complaining. The weather has been great and we've all been able to spend countless hours pounding the pavement and trails on two wheels and on foot. 

Let your training pay off this weekend. On tap for this Saturday is our own Back Roads and Beaches 5K/10K Run, Wine and Dine. The race begins and finishes behind the Oberlin Inn. Both courses travel through some of the most interesting places in Oberlin: downtown, the North Coast Inland Trail, Westwood Cemetery, Oberlin College Campus and by the newly restored Gasholder Building—soon to be the Underground Railroad Center. The race begins at 5pm, registration begins at 3:30pm. Following the race, enjoy a barbecue on the Oberlin Inn patio along with live music by "Men of Steele" and wine from several local wineries. Click here to pre-register for the race and save $5 from on-site registration. All proceeds benefit the advancement of the Back Roads and Beaches Bike and Multi Sport Route. 

The annual Vermilion Harbour Triathlon will be Sunday, August 19th in Vermilion. This event brings hundreds of sprint and olympic triathletes to beautiful Linwood Beach each year. Much of the bike courses are on the Back Roads and Beaches route. Coming to race? Smile! We will be on the course to get your pics. Check the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook page to find and tag your photo. 

No matter what event you're doing (or if you're just coming to run, paddle or bike on your own), make it a weekend. Check here for some great accommodations and other travel information. The Oberlin Inn is featuring a deal this weekend of $79 per night (plus tax). Just mention the BRaB 5/10k to get the rate. You can stop in our office at 8025 Leavitt Rd. in Amherst to pick up Back Roads and Beaches maps and local guides including our new Underground Railroad brochure. The information vestibule is open 24/7. 

Saturday, July 28, 2012

Kickin' things up with a Fresh challenge


It’s been really hot--and dry--lately. So, when planning your ride along BRaB, make note to stop and check out all the opportunities for fresh fruit and produce offered along the way, from orchards to wineries to farmer’s markets. Stop for a quick breather, do some shopping or tasting, and then hop back on the route. With this in mind, you could even shop for a dinner while on your ride.

If you don't mind carrying along some items —we've seen people on the route carrying everything from bottles of wine to kayak paddles!— challenge yourself to collect the ingredients for this Harvest Vegetable Baked Casserole, courtesy of About.com (or any other great local recipe you choose), while exploring the trail. Here's a list of ingredients you’ll need for it:
  • a rutabaga (1-1.5 lbs) 
  • 6 carrots 
  • some celery 
  • 4-6 medium sized potatoes 
  • 5 tablespoons butter 
  • 3 tablespoons flour 
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 
  • 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg 
  • 1.5 cups milk 
  • 1 cup mild Cheddar cheese 
  • 1 cup fresh bread crumbs 
You should be able to find most, if not all, of the ingredients locally. Depending on the day that you make the trip, you might pass the Wellington Farmer’s Market at Williard Square in Wellington (Fridays, 4-7pm) or the Oberlin Farmer’s Market near the Oberlin Public Library (Saturdays, 9am–1pm). Miller’s Apple Hill, at the intersection of Milan-Elyria Road and Vermilion Road, rounds out the three that are pretty much directly on the route.

Miller's Apple Hill
Vermilion Valley Vineyard
Four wineries are either right on the route or just a short distance off the route. You'll be able to not only quench your thirst, but grab a bottle or two to take home with you. This dish is likely to go well with a Chardonnay or Merlot, or some other full-flavored white or medium bodied red, so keep that in mind while you're tasting. Stop by Paper Moon Vineyards near the top of the trail, where Routes 2 and 60 intersect. Or you can try Vermilion Valley Vineyards, located at the intersection of Route 113 and Gore Orphanage Road and also just down the street from Miller’s Apple Hill. Even further south is Matus Winery, near where Route 20 and Gore Orphanage Road meet. If you’re exploring further east (such as near Fitch’s Farm Market), check out Klingshirn Winery on Webber Road in Avon Lake.

Klingshirn Winery, Avon Lake
While you take a break from riding and shopping, try some of the Chardonnays, Merlots, full flavored whites, or medium bodied reds. Don't be afraid to ask for opinions from the vintners on what wines they would suggest for a vegetable casserole. They know their wines!

If you would rather stop and pick up items after your ride, other local growers include the Grobe Fruit Farm a little ways east of where Bechtel and Route 113 meet (9am-6pm), the Donald A. Schuster Greenhouse at the corner of Murray Ridge Road and Leo Bullock Parkway (M-F: 9am-7pm, Saturday: 9am-5pm, Sunday: 10am-5pm), Spiegelberg Orchards at the corner of Cooper Foster Park Road and Middle Ridge Road, and Fitch’s Farm Market on Route 83, near Bob-O Link Golf Course (M-F: 9am-7pm, Saturday: 9am-5pm, Sunday: 10am-5pm).

 Many of these locations can be reached via the spur routes or the Lorain County Metro Parks bike paths. All of them are great for picking out fresh produce and local wine, and you’ll be supporting local businesses while eating healthy and cycling. Sounds like a win-win situation to me. Let us know in the comments how it works out for you!

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Arba and Dave bike to Seattle

Today I met up with two great guys Arba and Dave who are biking Adventure Cycling's Northern Tier Route all the way to Seattle. They were taking a break along the Back Roads and Beaches Route and enjoying Lorain's Lakeview Park, the beach, the Rose Garden and the Rose Cafe. You can check out their adventures here and here.

Friday, May 25, 2012

A Historic Holiday Weekend in Oberlin

Traditions are great especially when it comes to holidays. Why not step outside the backyard cookout and start a new tradition with a ride into Oberlin, one of BRaB's most eclectic towns. Old and new always seem to be meeting in Oberlin, especially with new graduates and alumni descending on the town making it even more of a holiday weekend with commencement and reunions.

This is great whether or not your involved with the college because it means loads of special events including extended hours at the Allen Memorial Art Museum on North Main St. from 10am–7pm this Saturday and 10am–5pm Sunday. Even if you are familiar with the museum it's still a great time to go and take a tour led by graduating Oberlin College students to gain new insights and see student art.Catch a tour at 11am or 3pm on Saturday.

Artist as Quiltmaker 2012, FAVA
There is also an on-going quilt exhibit at FAVA. Experience the unique collection Saturday 11am–5pm or Sunday 1pm–5pm. This 15th edition of The Artist as Quiltmaker exhibit only happens every other year and will run until July 29th so don't miss out!

Another opportunity to step out of the heat on Saturday would be dropping by the beautiful Weltzheimer-Johnson (Frank Lloyd Wright) House. Special tours of this 1948 Usonian home will start on the hour from 10am– 4pm and admission is $5 for adults but free with an Oberlin College ID.

It's a big weekend for Underground Railroad historic sights like the soon-to-be Oberlin Underground Railroad Center on South Main Street. They'll be letting you sneak a peek at the historic Gasholder building currently undergoing restoration from 10:30 am–2pm and again from 2:30pm–5pm Saturday. The building will house Underground Railroad artifacts and information as well as serve as a park and ride facility.

Oberlin Heritage Center's "Freedom's Friends" walking tours begin
at First Church in Oberlin.
Take a full tour of one of the Oberlin Heritage Center's three historic buildings at 10:30am and 1pm on Saturday. Admission to these tours is $6 for adults and there will be a variety of history walks Saturday and Sunday as well, so check the Heritage Center's site for full schedule and details.

If you are in town and don't have your bike in tow, no worries...stop by Swerve Bike Shop in Oberlin and rent a ride.  Be sure you don't miss out on all the great events offered through Oberlin College - check the full commencement weekend schedule.

Don't forget to take time out of all this activity to fuel up throughout the weekend starting with brunch at The Feve from 9:30am–2:30pm Saturday and Sunday. Or a great meal at the Oberlin Inn's Garden Restaurant or Brewsters. Quick and Delicious Restaurant (immediately south of the Gasholder Building) serves up a great cup of coffee, pancakes and other great local fare.

It'll be a toasty weekend but still a good time to make an adventure of it by taking the North Coast Inland Trail into Oberlin. You can surely cool down with a scoop of artisan ice cream from Cowhaus Creamery. So get yourself a taste of history, culture, food, friends and fun this weekend in Oberlin! Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

Thursday, May 17, 2012

3rd Annual Kayaking Symposium May 20, 2012

Kayaking Symposium at Lakeview
Looks like another beautiful weather weekend around BRaB! Saturday and Sunday's forecast calls for sunshine with temps in the 80s. Perfect! The Lorain County Metro Parks will again host their annual Kayaking Symposium at Lorain's Lakeview Park and Beach. Symposium will run from 10am–4pm. We will be there handing out our brand new Back Roads and Beaches Map. Stop by the Visit Lorain County table to see us. The Lorain Port Authority, Coast Guard Auxiliary, Swerve Bike Shop and the Division of Watercraft will also be on hand.

Ohio Division of Watercraft and Coast Guard Auxiliary will be
inspecting boats at the Kayaking Symposium
Demo Schedule:
10am – 2pm The Backpackers Shop will be hosting a “Kayaking Clinic”. Cost is $20. Pre-register by calling the shop at (440) 934-5345.

10am-4pm West River Kayak and Great Lakes Kayaking will be hosting free on-water kayaking demos. Open to ages 16 and up.

2-4pm Kayaks from the “Kayaking Clinic” will be open to the public to demo, ages 16 and up.

Program Schedule:
10:30-11:15am Division of Watercraft Safety Talk (behind Beach House)

11:30a-12:15pm Flares Program (on beach)
Learn more about types of flares and bring expired flares to test on beach.

12:30-1:15pm Packing a Kayak (behind Beach House)

1:30-2:15pm Backcountry Cooking (behind Beach House)

2:30-3:15pm Hull Design (behind Beach House)

3:15-4pm 10 Tips in 30 minutes (on beach)

Bring your boat to the event for a safety inspection by the Division of Watercraft and Coastguard Auxiliary. Receive a boat decal for passing the inspection!

Contact Jannah at (440) 967-7310 for more information.

Thursday, May 10, 2012

Vermilion River Kayaking Trip/Shuttle This Weekend

Vermilion River Reservation, Lorain County Metro Parks

We've seen cyclists along the Vermilion River shuttling themselves by bike between their parked cars and the end point of their paddle. Although this can be a lot of fun (for some--see photo), many paddlers are always looking for shuttle opportunities. Well, this weekend's weather looks like a stunner AND we have shuttle opportunities! West River Kayak will be leading a Vermilion River kayaking trip this Saturday, May 12, 2012. Meet at the carriage barn at the Vermilion River Reservation and take a shuttle to Schoepfle Garden where you can board and paddle back.

Pre-register by calling 440.670.4781. Make it a great weekend for Mother's Day. Lovely accommodations are available minutes away from the trip at Riverdog Retreat. A quick check of the Riverdog site shows they may still have availability for the weekend. Also located minutes away are Vermilion Valley Vineyards, Matus Winery and Paper Moon Vineyards. And of course, this is all on the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route so don't forget your bike, especially if you're making a weekend of it!

Monday, May 7, 2012

Thorn Mountain Bike trail already in great shape

Because of the terrain, the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park usually takes shape later in the season. This year is different however. The drier April and May have presented great conditions for happy riders. The North Coast Mountain Bike (NCMB) club has been working on the trail, cutting weeds and generally making sure it's at its best. NCMB leader, Nab has sent us this great video of trail highlights.


The Thorn Trail is located on SR 58 just south of downtown Wellington. If you find yourself with an empty stomach after riding, check out Bread and Brew in downtown Wellington for a hearty sandwich. Mark your calendars for Sunday, July 22. The 331 Power Series MTB race will return to Findley.

Sunday, April 15, 2012


Swerve Bike Shop in Oberlin will be hosting an Oberlin to Mohican bike ride April 21–22. Ride will begin at Swerve on April 21. Riders will travel to Mohican State Park where they will camp overnight and ride back April 22. This is a great way to introduce yourself to "bike overnights" or just enjoy a great weekend ride with like-minded people. For information contact Swerve Bike Shop at 440.774.7978 or email support@swervebikeshop.com.

Friday, February 17, 2012

Spin Through Underground Railroad History with Adventure Cycling Association

The cycling-friendly city of Oberlin has the pleasure of hosting Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association, the largest membership cycling organization in North America, for a media event on Saturday, February 25th, 11–12:30 at Swerve Bike Shop (23 S. Main St., Oberlin). Jim will be in Oberlin to promote the organizations new cycling route, the Underground Railroad Detroit Alternate. Cycling enthusiasts are encouraged to attend this free event. Interested cyclists and supporters can RSVP by emailing info@adventurecycling.org.

(the following info provided by our friends at Adventure Cycling Association)


The new 518-mile Detroit Alternate will guide touring cyclists through important communities and landmarks in the Underground Railroad’s history from Oberlin, Ohio, to Owen Sound, Ontario. The original route — a 2,000-mile route between Mobile, Alabama, and Owen Sound — was developed under a partnership between Adventure Cycling and the Center for Minority Health at the University of Pittsburgh.

Some Lorain County points of interest highlighted in the route:

Back Roads and Beaches Multisport Route: 100-plus miles of low-traffic, scenic cycling routes through the heart of Underground Railroad history. The route includes options for riders of all levels and ages and BRAB provides information on bike rentals dining, parking, sample itineraries and local history and culture to make the trip enjoyable. Included are the Westwood Cemetery on Morgan St — a NPS Network to Freedom member — and Martin Luther King Jr. Park, where monuments stand to the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue and the Oberlin residents who participated in John Brown's raid

Oberlin Heritage Center -- Showcases the abolitionist and Underground Railroad history of the community. Guided and self-guided walking and biking tours available. Includes tours of the Monroe House, Jewett House and Little Red Schoolhouse which tell the story of this community from 1833-1930.

Downtown Oberlin -- A historic district full of beautifully-preserved homes and businesses, many with direct links to the Underground Railroad.

• First Church in Oberlin -- Built in 1842, this church served as the meeting place for the Oberlin Anit-Slavery Society and was the site of the memorial service for John Copeland and Sheilds Green who were hanged for their pariticpatio in John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry. Call 440-721-9790 for tour.

Oberlin College was the first college in the United States to regularly admit African American students (1835) and is also the oldest continuously operating coeducational institution. Learn the history of this college dedicated to equality in education based upon Christian values.

Who is ready to take a spin through history with Adventure Cycling on the UGRR Detroit Alternate?

Be sure to come to Swerve Bike Shop on Feb 25th to support cycling and the history of the Underground Railroad!