Thorn Mountain Bike Trail-Findley State Park Conditions 6/15/11

The Thorn Trail is in good shape. Come on out tonight and ride!


View Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park in a larger map

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!

Thorn Mountain Bike Trail-Findley State Park Conditions

June 3, 2011

Ride on Thorn MTBrs! According to Nab, the back section is too wet to ride yet, but there are at least 7 miles of good riding there. Nab's been out working on the trail and he says there are some soft spots but nothing major to hinder your ride. See you out there!

Back Roads and Beaches Picks up the Paddle

Lake Erie kayaking off Lorain

Kayakers searching for fresh water and a scenic view will find Lake Erie a perfect stop on their path to fun this summer. The season for kayaking has begun here in north central Ohio. Nestled in the north central shoreline of Ohio, Lorain County is home to some of the most scenic areas surrounding Lake Erie. Starting in Vermilion and heading across the Erie Coast in Lorain to the Elyria Black River Reservation, the waterways provide a great outdoor adventure. With summer almost here, check out the following information to get your paddle going!

The Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail starts in the quaint historic downtown of Vermilion. But you can put-in at any of the public access points along the way. The trail is 27 miles long and offers both river and open water travel along the Lake Erie shore. The trail starts beside the shale cliffs of the Vermilion River at the Vermilion River Reservation in Brownhelm Township. It continues its path along the river and exits into Lake Erie in Vermilion. You can then follow the Erie shore line east to the mouth of the Black River, close to downtown Lorain, to conclude your journey.  Along with a lively waterway, the trail also includes hiking and biking opportunities within the Lorain County Metro Parks. You can also make a stop at historical and cultural landmarks the course offers including the Lakeview Rose Garden, Black River Historical Society, and the Lorain Lighthouse.

Birding along the Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail and at
Findley State Park is spectacular.

Need help along the way? The Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail offers many different service locations for kayakers in need.  Rentals, shuttles, and information can be found at almost all of our listed locations.

Kayak Rental

Grumpy’s Riverside located on 14^th and Broadway in Lorain is getting their kayaks ready with pricing starting at $15 an hour for a single and $25 an hour for a double. Grumpy’s will provide shuttling upon a call in advance request. They will shuttle personal and rental kayaks, prices vary based on need.  Grumpy’s Riverside is open Monday thru Sunday 8am to 6pm. You can contact them at 440-244-5370.

West River Kayak and Canoe is a new addition to our list of kayaking headquarters. Located at Captain's Corner Marina on the corner of Liberty Avenue and West River Road in Vermilion, West
River provides rentals of kayaks, canoes, and bikes. Kayak prices start at $12 an hour and $35 for all day use. Their location at 655 West River Road is open for operation Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10am to 6pm. 

Findley State Park

Another great scenic trip which serves as an alternative to Lake Erie is Findley State Park in Wellington.  Offering a 93-acre lake and 2-man kayak, canoes, and rowboat rentals, Findley makes a great addition to your summer to-do list. For rental rates and operating times contact Findley State Park at 440-647-2870.

Get out and start summer this Memorial Day weekend with a scenic paddle on Lake Erie. And don’t forget to mark your calendar for the Black River Kayak-A-Thon happening July 3!  For information on public access to Lake Erie, check out the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Public Access Guide. You can get a copy of the guide at Visit Lorain County’s Visitor Information Center when you are here in this area.