Update on the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail

An update from Nab just in time for the weekend—The Thorn Trail is wet with leaves but ride-able and fun. Nab will be out there this weekend with his leaf blower to clear the entire 9+ mile trail. (note from blog editors: we think his arms might get sore so lend ’im a hand if you've got the time)

2009 Red Flannel Ride set for November 1

For many, the Lorain Wheelmen’s annual Red Flannel ride marks the end of the riding season—or just the beginning of the fall/winter cycling season. Set for November 1st, the ride typically brings out hundreds of cyclists to enjoy a scenic fall ride. The start-finish and registration is in Oberlin. Distances are 67 miles and 33 miles. Riders can depart beginning at 9am. There will be food served at stops along the way. Click here for more details and registration information.

New video highlights of Back Roads and Beaches

New video from ONN TV’s Discover Ohio series containing highlights from the Back Roads and Beaches Multi-sport route.

Upcoming weekend full of cycling, arts, farmers markets and autumn delights

Activity around the Back Roads and Beaches route this weekend will be sure to please cyclists and tourists interested in arts, locally grown foods, architecture, performance, and entertainment for just about anyone. Fall colors are appearing in all their glory to form a gorgeous backdrop for a weekend of cycling, entertainment, great food and wine. There is a lot going on so make your plans now to stay for the weekend to catch it all! Here are a list of activities moving south to north around the route and assuming you’ll be starting your tour at Findley State Park in Wellington:

Findley State Park Fall Campout: Celebrate fall and create some great family memories. The park will have a craft show, games, trick or treating, hayrides and much more. Regular camping fees apply. Call 440-647-5749 for more information. Don’t forget your mountain bike to catch the Thorn Trail at Findley. It’s 10 miles of awesome single-track!

Thorn Trail in Autumn

When you pedal your way north on Back Roads and Beaches, make sure to stop at the Wellington Reservation and rent a paddle boat for free. This facility has spectacular fall color and the cleanest restrooms around!

Wellington Reservation in early autumn

Heading north toward Oberlin-take the new BRaB Oberlin spur route and you just might end up spending an entire day exploring here! But before you head into town, check out the Breuer Pottery Open House. The event is both Saturday and Sunday from noon–5pm. Enjoy wine, hors d'oeuvres and desserts in this rustic, artsy setting located immediately to the left of the bike path leading into Oberlin. Once you leave Breuer Potter, follow the BRaB signs until you see the new BRaB spur route signs and follow those into town. Once you turn onto Morgan St., don't miss the Weltzheimer Johnson House on the left. You can tour this Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian house from 12–5pm this Sunday, October 4)

Other activities in Oberlin this weekend include:


The FAVA Gallery presents Claudia Berlinski & Sherry Bradshaw Searching for the Underground Sea, a collection of works on paper, in conjunction with Sherry Bradshaw’s Digging Beneath the Surface, an installation piece. The gallery is open this weekend, Saturday from 11am–5pm and Sunday 1–5pm.


Saturday, October 3 is also Oberlin Community Day and a great opportunity to explore the many organizations and businesses that make Oberlin such a special place. The historic Apollo Theater will be reopening after an exciting phase I renovation. The opening will be celebrated with a free showing of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at 10am on Saturday. Other Community Day activities include:

• 11:45am: Don Pease Bike Path dedication with music by the Oberlin High School Band. The bike path will be dedicated in honor of Congressman Don Pease at the Oberlin Depot, where the bike path meets Main St. (SR 58)

• 1–3pm: Explore Oberlin Bike Tour, win prizes for visiting Oberlin lites! Register at the flagpole at the corner of Tappan Square

• 1:30pm: OCircus Performance, Tappan Square

• 2–3pm: Free ice cream on Tappan Square

• 3–3:15pm: Bike tour prize drawing for tourists who visit a majority of sites and organizations.

• The Oberlin Heritage Center will also be offering a day of free family-friendly events such as guided tours, historic games and school house events.

Moving along through BRaB, outside of Oberlin... Matus Winery will be celebrating Octoberfest with a gourmet German meal on Saturday evening beginning at 5:30pm. Live entertainment will begin at 8pm. Or you can just stop out anything throughout the afternoon. Matus Winery loves cyclists!

Paper Moon Winery will be featuring a Jazz Quintet on Saturday from 4–7pm.

There are several great wineries all throughout the Back Roads and Beaches Route. All are quite bike-friendly. Click here for a full list.

Between Oberlin and Vermilion, just off the BRaB route, you’ll find a delightful, whimsical gallery open-house at Riverdog Gallery on Gore Orphanage Road. They are hosting their open house in tandem with Breuer Potter this Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Riverdog Gallery

Moving north toward Vermilion, you will notice Miller's Apple Hill is in full "pick your own apples" mode. This is a great time to pull over and experience fresh, just picked produce and cider, get a wagon ride and pick up some trail mix.

There are plenty of orchards and farmer’s markets along the route to stop and pick up some “natural energy”


These are only a few special events along the route this weekend. Make sure to check the website for lodging, dining and bike services along the route. See you out there!