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.

Findley State Park MTB Ice Race Update

The ice race scheduled for this weekend has been canceled. All the snow we’re getting has prevented Findley Lake from freezing sufficiently. We’ll keep you posted on a rescheduled date. And don’t forget, there is plenty of snow for snow-shoeing and cross country skiing!

First Findley State Park Ice Race of 2010 Scheduled

Photo courtesy of Tenant Nabakowski

Ice is beginning to form on Findley Lake. That and a cold forecast are enough for Nab and the North Coast Mountain Bikers to schedule the first ice race for January 10. The race will begin around noon. Come earlier for practice. Races will take place on a figure 8 and a Cross Country course. Classes include studded and non studded tires. Click here for more information and pictures.

Cost will be $15 and includes any and all events, prizes, campfire and brats. $10 for members of the North Coast Mountain Bikers. This is a great group of guys and gals who welcome everyone of all skill levels. Any questions, call Nab at 216.215.5445. Check out the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook page for ice condition confirmation by Jan. 8. Click here for a map to Findley State Park.

Holiday Season on the Back Roads and Beaches Multi-sport route

Photo: courtesy of the Oberlin Inn

Seasons Greetings!
Wishing you a New Year filled with tailwinds, smooth roads and
miles of great cycling, swimming and running!