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. 

Competition heats up at Findley State Park this week. (Thorn MTB Trail Conditions included)

Because of late-summer's drier weather, this is always the best time of the year for the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park in Wellington, Ohio. The trail is in the best shape all year, trees have been cleared and events are heating up. Tuesday night, August 2, the North Coast Mountain Bikers weekly time trials continue. Trials start at the beach parking lot. Start anytime between 5:30–7pm. Cost is a donation of $6. Proceeds go to the NCMTB club to maintain the Thorn Trail. The trials have seen great success this year so join in the fun with lots of fellow competitors.

2010 NEO Power Series Findley Race

The Thorn MTB trail will also serve as the venue for stage three of the NEO Power Series held by 331 Promotions this Sunday, August 7, 2011. Registration/sign in from 9:45–11:15am. Race start is at 11:30. This is a single track time trial. Online registration closes on Thurs. After that, registration will be on-site. Check out photos from last year's race here.

NCN Findley Lake Triathlon this Saturday

This Saturday, August 6 at Findley State Park, NCN Racing will host the 6th Annual Findley Lake Triathlon/ Duathlon beginning at 8am. Pre-register here or register on site. The Tri features a swim in Findley Lake, bike around the rural roads of southern Lorain County and a run through Findley's forested trails. Check out photos from last year's tri here.

If you are competing at Findley this week, you can stay right on site at the Findley campgrounds (but reserve early because Findley is very popular!) or check out the Oberlin Inn nearby. There are several bed and breakfasts in the Wellington and Oberlin area as well. Check those out here. Combine your multisport competitive weekend with other great winery, arts and historical events here and you'll be busy all weekend!

2011 Lorain Lakeview Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon Recap

Check out the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook Page for a full catalog of Tri/Du photos from Sunday’s race.

Sunday was the perfect morning for a triathlon/duathlon on Lake Erie. Although it was hot, it was in the 70s and the Lake was calm for the 25th annual Lakeview Tri/Du Sprint. Well over 200 people participated.

Early results read as follows (final results can be found at the NCN Racing website here):

Top three triathlon (overall) finishers:
1. Brooks Butler
2. Ian Sly
3. Scott Mazon

Brooks Butler

Top three women (overall) finishers:
1. Kristen Kovach
2. Hallie Sly
3. Sheri Branum

Jim Galloway

Congratulations and a big thank you to Back Roads and Beaches Tri racer, Jim Galloway who placed 17th overall and 2nd in his age category!







Top three duathlon finishers:

1. Mark Waldecki
2. Chris Latkovich
3. Mike Zizan

Top womens duathlon finishers:
1. Nancy Desmond
2. Joanna Brell
3. Laurie Perduyn

Check out the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook Page for a full catalog of Tri/Du photos from Sunday’s race. Didn’t win a medal? Here’s your chance to win! “Like” the page, find a photo of yourself, competing and tag it. First person to tag themselves will win a free entry to the Back Roads and Beaches 5K Run, Wine and Dine on August 20. Next two,  $10 gift certificates to the Moosehead Grill in Amherst and the following three after that will win Back Roads and Beaches t-shirts.

Multisport Competition is Gearing Up

Summer is in full swing and with it, a calendar of north central Ohio multisport events. Many with the scenic backdrop of Lake Erie. Kick-start your summer with some friendly competition. Read on for event details.

Triathlon Information

NCN Racing is continuing the Rat Race Series starting this weekend. The Rat Race Series started in March and continues thru November.  It features running, cycling, and swimming events in eleven races. June 19, NCN Racing will be hosting the 8^th Annual Park 2 Park Half Marathon and 5K, it will be held at the French Creek Reservation in Sheffield. For event registration and information click here.  On July 10th the 25th Annual Summer Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon will be held at Lakeview Park in Lorain. The Triathlon will include a 1/4 mile swim in Lake Erie followed by a 14.3 mile bike and 5K run. For event registration click here. Following in August will be the 6th Annual Findley Lake Triathlon and Duathlon. Starting at 8am on August 6th, the course will feature a 1/4 mile swim in Findley Lake, a 16 mile bike course, and a 5K run through Findley State Park. Click here for Findley Lake Tri registration. End August with the 9th Annual Lorain Sprint/International Triathlon taking place on the 21st at 8am. The event will be held at Lakeview Park with a rewarding view of Lake Erie during the course. Click here for event registration.

HFP Racing is bringing their Wheelie Fun Triathlon and Duathlon Series to the beautiful harbor town of Vermilion. The Vermilion Harbour Triathlon will be held on Sunday August 14th at 7am. The course features a near shore Lake Erie swim, hilly bike ride along the Back Roads and Beaches route and run through the charming downtown Vermilion area. Finish along its breathtaking shoreline of Lake Erie. For registration and additional information click here.

331 Racing is adding adrenaline to the mix of events with the NEO Power Series starting this June. This cross country cycling race series is a test of true dedication and passion. Composed of six stages and featuring many different levels of competition, 331 Racing is looking for all ages to participate. On August 7^th, stage three moves to the north central Ohio area for the Thorn Time Trail. Taking place at Findley State Park just South of Wellington, the course is a nine mile loop traveling through mature wooded areas and past Findley Lake. The course features technical climbs, winding flats, and a unique coaster section all focused on pushing boundaries. For all NEO Power Series details click here. For Thorn Time Trail registration click here.

Don’t forget, the Back Roads and Beaches 5K Wine and Dine registration is now open. The run is set for Saturday, August 20, 2011, 5pm start. Registration will be open at 3:30pm. Start/Finish is at the Oberlin Inn, 7 North Main St., Oberlin, OH. The course runs through the funky little City of Oberlin, home to Oberlin College. Oberlin is unique in its ties to the Underground Railroad. This is a bicycle-friendly community that loves visitors. Enjoy Oberlin and this unique course followed by taste from local vineyards, local foods and live entertainment on the patio of the Oberlin Inn.

Paddle

Feel like adding a paddle to your multisport weekend?  Click here for Lorain County kayaking locations, times, rentals, and other information, or plan for the Black River Kayak-A-Thon on July 3^rd. 

Combine your multisport event with great lodging, wining and dining and make it a weekend. Check local lodging and dining listings and information.

Good luck hope to see you out competing around Back Roads and Beaches!

Snapshot of 2010 Vermilion Harbor Triathlon

Swim start at the Vermilion Harbor Triathlon. More photos can be found here.

Back Roads and Beaches relay team runner Joanna Johnson finishes strong in the olympic relay.

Despite the threat of rain in today's forecast, it turned out to be a beautiful day in Vermilion for the annual HFP Vermilion Harbor Triathlon. Results from the triathlon will be posted here.

Congratulations to first place olympic relay team, Back Roads and Beaches. Team members include swimmer, Jim Janasko of Amherst; cyclist, Todd Westley of Elyria, and runner Joanna Johnson who is part of the Oberlin College Cross Country team.  Much of the cycling course utilizes the Back Roads and Beaches route. Congratulations to all the athletes that came out to enjoy the great weather, challenging course and formidable competition. To see a full album of today's race and the participants, check out the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook page.

Vermilion Harbor Triathlon this weekend

Swim start at the annual HFP Racing, Vermilion Harbour Triathlon

The Back Roads and Beaches olympic relay team is ready for this weekend’s Vermilion Harbor Triathlon and Duathlon. BRaB consists of Jim Janasko (swim), Todd Westley (bike) and Joanna Johnson (run). Jim Galloway will also be competing in the olympic distance for Back Roads and Beaches.

The Vermilion Harbor Triathlon is part HFP Racing’s Wheelie Fun Triathlon and Duathlon series. It takes place, Sunday, August 15 beginning at 8am. Saturday, August 14 will be "Girls Tri Too." An all-women’s tri consisting of a 250-yard swim, followed by a 7-mile bike and a 2-mile run. Click here to sign up for “Girls Tri Too.”

If you’re planning to stay overnight, check out the Visit Lorain County website for some great lodging options. In addition to hotels, you’ll also find some great places to visit locally as well including great restaurants, outdoor recreation options, museums, galleries and more. The route of the Vermilion Harbor Triathlon encompasses part of the Back Roads and Beaches route so if you have some extra time, make sure to check out the whole route while you’re in town.

Saturday was gorgeous at Findley State Park in Wellington where the annual NCN Racing Sprint Tri was held. Results for the triathlon can be found at the NCN Racing site here. Photos can be found at the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook page.

Upcoming Multi-Sport events in north central Ohio

Red Flannel Bike Ride

Bike Rides 
August 1
Roast Your Buns
Hosted by the Lorain Wheelmen
Beginning in Oberlin
30 and 70 mile routes through scenic landscape

November 7
Red Flannel
Hosted by the Lorain Wheelmen
Traditional end-of-the-season ride. 33 mile and 67 mile rides beginning and ending in Oberlin

Vermilion Harbor Triathlon

Triathlons/Duathlons
Saturday, August 7 8am
Findley Lake Triathlon
Findley State Park, Wellington, OH

Saturday, August 14 8am
Girls Tri Too
Women only triathlon- 250 yard swim, 7 mile bike, 2 mile run
Great for the first timer or those wanting a non competitive environment.

Sunday, August 15 8am
Vermilion Harbour Triathlon and Duathlon
Downtown Vermilion

Sunday, August 22 8am
Lorain Sprint/International Triathlon/Duathlon
Lakeview Park, Lorain

Thorn Mountain Bike Trail

Mountain Biking
Thorn MTB Time Trials
Every Tuesday evening between 5:30–7:30 through August 15, for $5 you can be timed for two individual laps. Best four total times out of a possible seven. Prizes for series winners. For questions on the series, call Nab at 216.214.5445

Run/Walk
August 8, 9am
Morning Journal Jog
Black River Landing
421 Black River Lane, Lorain
5k run, 3k walk

Saturday, August 14
North Ridgeville Lions Club 10k, 5k and 1 mile fun run
The Wilcox School
34580 Bainbridge Rd.
North Ridgeville, 44039 Ohio

October 24, 8am
6th Annual Inland Trail Marathon/Half Marathon/5k
Murray Ridge School, Elyria

For information on north central Ohio lodging and other recreation while in the area, check the Visit Lorain County website. And check out the travel deals section for bargains and specials.

2010 NCN Lorain Lakeview Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon recap

Almost 200 participants enjoyed near perfect weather for yesterday’s Lorain Lakeview Sprint Triathlon/ Duathlon hosted by NCN Racing. Posted results indicated the overall winner for the sprint triathlon was Jeff Wilson whose overall time was 1:01:31. Second place overall was Brooks Butler with an overall time of 1:02:23. First place, women’s division was Joanne Collins with an overall time of 1:12:20. Second place women's overall went to Angela Ridgel with a time of 1:15:05. First place duathlon men’s division went to Michael Larimer, second to Mark Wladecki. First place duathlon women’s went to Julie Visconsi, second place to Anja Jankowsky. Final results are posted here and more photos from yesterday’s race can be seen in an album at the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook page.

Thank you and congratulations to first place relay team - Back Roads and Beaches!

Calling all swimmers, cyclists, runners!

Back Roads and Beaches is currently forming triathlon teams to promote the route again this year. This is a great chance to participate with and meet other athletes, compete in your sport and get a free t-shirt!

We are currently working to assemble teams of like-abilities so no need to worry about being incompatible with teammates. We've had teams that are in it to win as well as those that are just there to have fun and compete. There is no cost to team members, we just ask that you wear the logo (we will provide tshirts/ temporary tattoos) show up and have fun! Below is a list of triathlons at which BRaB is working to compile teams. Please email visitors@visitloraincounty.com or call 440-984-5282 for more information.

Sunday, July 11 8am
Summer Sprint Triathlon
Lakeview Park, Lorain, OH
need: Swimmer (1/4 mile) Cyclist (14-mile bike) Runner (5k)

Saturday, August 7 8am
Findley Lake Triathlon
Findley State Park, Wellington, OH
need: swimmer (1/4 mile)  cyclist (14-mile bike) trail runner (5k)

Sunday, August 15 8am
Vermilion Harbor Triathlon
Downtown Vermilion
need: swimmer (1500m) cyclist (40k) runner (10k)

Sunday, August 22 8am
Lorain Sprint/International Triathlon
Lakeview Park, Lorain
Need
Sprint: Swimmer (1/4 mile) Cyclist (14-mile bike) Runner (5k)
International: Swimmer (1.5k) Bike (22.8-mile) Run (10k)

Spring is almost here-get ready!

Sunny days are now becoming the norm and the snow is melting. Are you ready? Here are a few upcoming semi-competitive fun events that are perfect for an early spring kick-start to another great season of biking, swimming, running and kayaking! We’ll be adding more as dates are set.

1st Annual Sole to Sole 5k

Saturday, March 27, 8:30am

Schwartz Road Park

34741 Schwartz Road

Avon, OH

Keel-haulers 2010 Vermilion River Race

Sunday, March 28

This annual race is appropriate for novice to expert racers. Families and small groups are encouraged to participate.

Indoor Triathlon

Sunday, April 11th at 8am

Splash Zone, W. Hamilton Rd., Oberlin

Individuals and Relay teams do 30 minutes each of swimming, cycling (spin) and running. All levels welcomed and encouraged to participate! Registration fee of $20 goes to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. $10 for t-shirt.

Register in person at the Splash Zone or call 440.774.5059.

25th Annual Lorain Wheelmen Bicycle Club AFROST ride.
Sunday, April 11th
Registration: 8–9:30am, beginning at Shupe School in Amherst
A flat, early season tour to kick of the season and test your fitness. Routes visit many historic towns and villages in Lorain County. 25/50/64 mile courses.

Earth Day 5k Run/Walk and Children’s Fun Run

Saturday, April 17, 2010

10am (Children’s fun run at 9:15am)

The Oberlin Earth Day 5k Run is celebrating it’s 37th year. Please bring a non-perishable food and/or household item to donate to Oberlin Community Services.

Spring into Action 5K Race for Haiti
Saturday, April 17, 2010
9am at the Lorain County Metro Parks Bridgeway Trail-Days Dam
E 31st St. and East River Rd., Lorain, OH
The Course will begin and end at Days Dam. All proceeds will go directly to Habitat for Humanity International.

5th Annual Sandy Ridge Half Marathon & 10k

Sunday, April 18 7am registration, 8am race

Lorain County Community College

1005 Abbe Rd. North

Elyria, OH

This is a fast, flat looping course in and around the Sandy Ridge wetlands area, a spectacular birding hotspot.

2009 Vermilion Harbour Triathlon recap

It was a hot but otherwise beautiful day for the 2nd Vermilion Harbour Triathlon today. About 500 people showed up to compete in Sprint Triathlon, Olympic Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquabike. Overall winner for the Olympic Tri was Ross Hartley with a time of 2:02:25. Overall female was Andrea Myers with a time of 2:23:57. Complete results can be found at the HFP Website here. Adam Kuncel, wearing the Back Roads and Beaches logo, came in 12th overall with the impressive time of 2:19:30. Congratulations to all the athletes who participated in today’s race, including the 1st place Olympic distance team Back Roads and Beaches that consisted of Eileen Bringman (swim time 24:10), Don Haradem (bike time 1:11:25) and Graham Wellman (run time 39:40). Thanks also to Jim Galloway who represented BRaB and placed first in the 50–54 category.

Below are some scenes from today’s race. For more photos click here to Visit Lorain County’s Photostream

From left: Jim Galloway (placed first in the 50–54 category Olympic distance tri), Team BRaB: Don Haradem (bike), Eileen Bringman (swim), Graham Wellman (run)-first place Olympic team.

Findley State Triathlon recap

Scenes from today’s Findley State Park Triathlon, hosted by NCN racing. 1st overall was J. Hayes Calvert, 2nd, Jason Zangmeister. Click here for NCN’s race results, times and details.

Visit Lorain County Marketing and Communications Manager, Lynne Lisner and Findley State Park Director Brian Andrews were on hand to volunteer and assist NCN.

Triathlon News

Congratulations to Adam Kuncel who placed 2nd in 25–29 category at the Cleveland Triathlon. Adam’s overall time was 2:15. Left, Adam transitions from swim to bike; below, Adam receives his award. This Saturday, BRaB will be getting photos at the Findley Triathlon. Good luck to all racers! (photos courtesy of Adam Kuncel)

This week’s events around Back Roads and Beaches

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.

Huntington Triathlon pics

Here are a few shots from the Huntington Triathlon yesterday. It was a well-organized event with great turnout and weather.

Women’s swim start.

There’s our logo on Jim’s shoulder - thanks Jim!


We spotted Lorain County triathlete Stori Miller rounding the bend to the finish. Congratulations Stori!

Group training ride on BRaB

Come on out to get in some fast miles with triathlete Adam Kuncel on the Back Roads and Beaches route, this Thursday beginning at 6pm from the Oberlin Recreation Complex on Hamilton St. (right next to Splash Zone). This is a new group ride and will take in much of the course that will be used for the Vermilion Harbor Triathlon. Free! And, we will have giveaways for riders! All rider levels welcome.

Scenes from the Lakeview Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon

It was another gorgeous day in north central Ohio and perfect weather for the annual Lorain Sprint Tri/Duo. Here are a few scenes from today’s race at beautiful Lakeview Park and Beach in Lorain. First place overall men’s: Mark Durno with a time of 1:05:16, women’s Joanne Collins with a time of 1:14:56. Click here for complete final results.

Swim

Men’s swim start

Women’s swim start


Bike


Run

Brooks Butler, 2nd place overall finisher approaches the finish line.

Joanne Collins, women’s overall winner

Kimberly Vick and Jessica Steuk tackle the final hill and close in on the finish.

And a great massage to round out the day! Congratulations to all the dedicated athletes who made it out and completed an outstanding feat before most people are out of bed on a Sunday morning!