Friday, June 6, 2014

Get your legs pumping at Findley State Park!

With the warm weather in full force, our anxious legs can’t wait to hop on a bike and ride off into the sunshine! So what better place to get those legs pumping than at Findley State Park on Route 58 in Wellington? I recently took my first ever venture out to Findley, and learned that the breathtaking 838 acres holds something for everyone.

I have always heard the rumors of the beautiful camping sites, beach, and stunning views of Findley, but did you know that it is also home to a renowned mountain bike trail? Off one of the many hiking trails, the sun pokes through the trees and illuminates a lush green forest with a small trail, marked by a friendly sign reading “Thorn Mountain Bike Trail”. But don’t let the tweeting birds and surrounding wildflowers fool you, the Thorn is one wild ride.

A twisting 9 miles of single loop track through heavy woods, the Thorn offers terrain that is both challenging and exciting.  Climb steep hills, round 180* turns, and face obstacles like log rides and even teeter-totters! Sounds fun, right? You’ll also be looping around their lake, and taking in all the beauty that the state park has to offer.

Feeling like taking a more relaxing route first? Not a problem. With 7 other bike trails, and amenities like Frisbee golf, canoeing, and fishing, Findley’s got you covered. You can even pick a day to engage one of the naturalist programs that they offer, including fishing, crafts and even archery!

Every day is a great day to visit Findley State Park, but the one I picked was extra special. The Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was visiting on the same day, and announced his future efforts with Findley to work on some of the campsites and amenities there. Get a whiff of fresh air, and keep an eye out for the improvements at Findley State Park!

~Madalynne

Thursday, March 6, 2014

It's about time to spring to your feet!

Oberlin Earth Day 5K
I think it is safe to say that after such a bitter cold winter all will be sprinting into spring and summer, even the non-runners!






Here is a list of spring/summer Lorain County races to get you motivated for the season ahead...


Saturday, April 19  Oberlin Earth Day 5K
Location: Tappan Square, Oberlin
Time: 10:00 A.M.
Distance: 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, April 26th  Home Run for the Homeless
Location: All Pro Freight Stadium, Avon
Time: 9:00 A.M.
Distance: 5K Run/1 Mile Walk

Location: 226 Middle Avenue, Elyria, OH
Time: 9:00 A.M.
Distance: Half Marathon - 13.1 miles or 5K 

Saturday, May 17 Run for the Red
Location: Bur Oak Pavilion in the Black River Reservation, Elyria
Time: 9:00 A.M.
Distance: 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, June 14  Run@ the Ridge 5K
Location: Pioneer Ridge by Del Webb, North Ridgeville
Time: 8:00 A.M.
Distance: 5K Run/Walk

Location: French Creek Reservation, Sheffield, OH
Time: 7:00 A.M.
Distance: Half Marathon - 13.1 milesor 5K

Location: Copopa Elementary School, 14168 W. River Rd., Columbia Station, OH
Time: 8:00 A.M.
Distance: 13.1 Miles (for both races) 

Location: Elyria Police Station – Kerstetter Way
Time 8:00 A.M.
Distance: 5k & 1 Mile

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

Location: Wellington Athletic Field, Wellington
Time: 8:30 A.M.
Distance: 5K & 10K 

Sunday, August 3 Journal Jog
Location: Black River Landing, Lorain
Time: 9:00 A.M.
Distance: 5K Run & 3K Walk

Location: Linwood Park, Vermilion
Time: 7:00 A.M.
Distance: Mini: 250y Swim (2mi Run) — 7mi Bike — 2mi Run
Sprint: 750m Swim (5k Run) — 20k Bike — 5k Run
Olympic: 1500m Swim (5k Run) — 40k Bike — 10k Run
Vermilion Harbour Triathlon

If you are in need of lodging or a good meal recommendation give us a call at 800.334.1673 or browse our site at www.visitloraincounty.com