Spin Through Underground Railroad History with Adventure Cycling Association

The cycling-friendly city of Oberlin has the pleasure of hosting Jim Sayer, executive director of Adventure Cycling Association, the largest membership cycling organization in North America, for a media event on Saturday, February 25th, 11–12:30 at Swerve Bike Shop (23 S. Main St., Oberlin). Jim will be in Oberlin to promote the organizations new cycling route, the Underground Railroad Detroit Alternate. Cycling enthusiasts are encouraged to attend this free event. Interested cyclists and supporters can RSVP by emailing info@adventurecycling.org.

(the following info provided by our friends at Adventure Cycling Association)

The new 518-mile Detroit Alternate will guide touring cyclists through important communities and landmarks in the Underground Railroad’s history from Oberlin, Ohio, to Owen Sound, Ontario. The original route — a 2,000-mile route between Mobile, Alabama, and Owen Sound — was developed under a partnership between Adventure Cycling and the Center for Minority Health at the University of Pittsburgh.

Some Lorain County points of interest highlighted in the route:

• Back Roads and Beaches Multisport Route: 100-plus miles of low-traffic, scenic cycling routes through the heart of Underground Railroad history. The route includes options for riders of all levels and ages and BRAB provides information on bike rentals dining, parking, sample itineraries and local history and culture to make the trip enjoyable. Included are the Westwood Cemetery on Morgan St — a NPS Network to Freedom member — and Martin Luther King Jr. Park, where monuments stand to the Oberlin-Wellington Rescue and the Oberlin residents who participated in John Brown's raid

• Oberlin Heritage Center -- Showcases the abolitionist and Underground Railroad history of the community. Guided and self-guided walking and biking tours available. Includes tours of the Monroe House, Jewett House and Little Red Schoolhouse which tell the story of this community from 1833-1930.

• Downtown Oberlin -- A historic district full of beautifully-preserved homes and businesses, many with direct links to the Underground Railroad.

• First Church in Oberlin -- Built in 1842, this church served as the meeting place for the Oberlin Anit-Slavery Society and was the site of the memorial service for John Copeland and Sheilds Green who were hanged for their pariticpatio in John Brown's raid on Harper's Ferry. Call 440-721-9790 for tour.

• Oberlin College was the first college in the United States to regularly admit African American students (1835) and is also the oldest continuously operating coeducational institution. Learn the history of this college dedicated to equality in education based upon Christian values.

Who is ready to take a spin through history with Adventure Cycling on the UGRR Detroit Alternate?

Be sure to come to Swerve Bike Shop on Feb 25th to support cycling and the history of the Underground Railroad!

Shopping local, shopping active

 So, yes, the weather outside (at the moment) is a bit frightful. But for active folks who would rather be out logging in miles on the road, this is a great time to check off some items from holiday shopping lists. If you're like me, not crazy about the mall...you can spend some time shopping locally and staying true to a love of cycling and all things active. I mean... shopping can be a marathon of sorts right? Here are a few places around the Back Roads and Beaches route to shop for active and truly unique gifts and have a great afternoon doing it. I've tried to outline a few local shopping itineraries that include some other stops that make shopping fun and create a fun, festive afternoon or evening.

Near Avon Lake:

Las Cazuelas--Yum!

Marty's Cycle Center,  located at 453 Avon Belden Rd. in Avon Lake has lots of great cycling gifts. How about a gift certificate for a precision bike fitting? Look for the lighted bike out front. And located right around the corner from Marty's you can get your Mexican food fix at Las Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant.

When you're finished there, right down the way are John Christ and Klingshirn Wineries. Pick up some local vino for gifts while you sip some of the local varieties.

Strip Steakhouse, photo by Holly Miller

Not far from here you can also check out Old Avon Village which is decorated and reminiscent of a more old fashioned holiday. Old Avon Village features various boutiques and a bakery. There are also several great gourmet eateries here. Strip Steakhouse will be having a happy hour buffet from 3–6pm daily through Dec. 17. Check out the map below which includes some other possible stops for an Avon/Avon Lake itinerary:

Near Oberlin

Downtown Oberlin

 If you're an art lover or shopping for one, you won't leave Oberlin empty-handed. There are many galleries and gallery shops that have all sorts of unique and unusual items.

Uncommon Object

Uncommon Objects, Ginko Gallery and Riverdog are just a few. You can also find unique jewelry, home furnishings, imported African items and more. Don't forget Inspired. We featured them a few months ago in the blog. Another great opportunity to check-off gifts for hard-to-buy-for people on your list. If you're interested in local history and the Underground Railroad you can learn about them at the Oberlin Heritage Center. And when you're finished with your tour, stop in at the gift shop and pick up a book or two to share. While you are in the area, check out the progress of the Oberlin Gasholder Building Restoration. The Gasholder Building is the future home of the Oberlin Underground Railroad Center and park and ride facility. It will be a wonderful service to visiting cyclists.

Future home of the Oberlin Underground
Railroad Center

If you're looking for active gifts or gear, try Swerve Bike Shop or Molnar Outdoor. Both locally owned shops have friendly staff willing to answer all your questions. 

When you're ready for a break and something to nibble on, I'd recommend the Oberlin Inn for a fancy, festive sit down meal, The Feve for a burger (beef or vegan) and a beer or Quick and Delicious for some down-home comfort food.

I've put together a map to make it easier to formulate your itinerary:



These are just a few suggestions in keeping with our active spirit and local theme. Hopefully you'll find exploring these local businesses and organizations as exciting and fun as we do. You'll find many other maps and suggestions by visiting the Visit Lorain County website.

Red Flannel 2011

It's that time of year again...time to start planning for the annual Red Flannel ride! This year will mark the 36th time the Lorain Wheelmen welcome hundreds of cyclists from all over. Some consider this their end-of-the-season swan-song. For others, it's just a chance to get out all their cold weather gear. Although many times the weather is so good, you may not need to bundle up!

The Red Flannel will take place Sunday, November 6, 2011. The ride departs from the Oberlin Community Service Center in Oberlin at 9am. The Center will also be the finishing area for the ride. Riders can complete their choice of the 33 mile or 67 mile routes. Advance registration is $15 and will be accepted until October 29. After that, the cost will be $20. This fee includes map and three snack stops.

To register, or for more information, check the event web page. This is a great ride for all levels of riders! Hope to see you out there!

Arts, wine and events make great fall cycling itinerary in north central Ohio

Porch at Riverdog

We're back to our typical, beautiful October weather! The leaves are changing, the sun is shining (and promises to do so at LEAST through the weekend) and there are lots of great events for cyclists to take in. I would suggest grabbing some reservations for this weekend and plan a great cycling, arts, wine and cuisine-filled adventure around the Back Roads and Beaches Route. First off....lodging reservations.. Here are some great suggestions:

Riverdog Retreat. I took my first extensive visit to this property the other day with artists/owners T.P. Speer and Deborah Banyas. This property is spectacular! You might not want to leave the pristine, beautiful property to ride your bike! Terry and Deborah tell me they still have openings for this weekend if you act quickly. Riverdog is a hard property to describe. It has a high-end, artistic feel while still maintaining an ease and comfort that can only be found in nature. T.P. and Deborah have skillfully blended their artwork into the renovated buildings throughout the property. The entire property, wooded trails, art gallery and lodging facilities located throughout hold many, many whimsical, cheerful surprises around every corner. Their dogs are an absolute delight. Riverdog is located on Gore Orphanage Rd., right between Vermilion Valley Vineyards and Matus Winery on the west side of Lorain County. From here you can jump right onto the BRaB route. Here are a few more images from my visit:

Riverdog Gallery

Riverdog is full of little surprises around
every corner.

Rooms are spacious and have many personal
touches from the artist-owners

Down every hallway...
more whimsy and delight

Area for guests to relax

Other great options on and around the route include the Hallauer House Bed and Breakfast and The Oberlin Inn. The Oberlin Inn is right in the center of Oberlin. You can enjoy a fabulous meal there, or walk to many fine restaurants and shops steps from the hotel. The Hallauer House is a great choice for history buffs and those cycling Underground Railroad history. The owners have painstakingly developed beautiful gardens and an interior full of Civil War era history. I visited with them the other day as well and got some images from this charming property as well:

When you're not enjoying your lodging facilities, check out the many things there are to do this weekend at our wineries, art galleries, museums, shops and restaurants:

Right now at the FAVA Gallery in Oberlin: Untangling Threads: Women Artisands in Morocco's Rug Weaving Industry. This exhibit offers the viewer a glimpse into rural Moroccan life as it documents the life, culture and craft of female weavers. It specifically focuses on artisans from rural weaving communities in the Middle and High Atlas mountains. Anna Beeke and Alia Kate collaborated on this current exhibit. 

Untangling Threads at the FAVA Gallery, Oberlin

After you're finished at the exhibit, stop in at FAVA's gallery shop, Uncommon Objects, which is located just across the hall. This is the perfect place to find treasures for hard-to-please gift recipients. The shop has an assortment of paintings, prints, jewelry, pottery, glass, clothing etc. All from local artists. Walking through town, you'll find many more of these quaint, artistic shops as well. Ginko Gallery, Inspired, Ade's Place and Bead Paradise are just a few.

The Allen Art Museum in Oberlin is now open and better than ever, following a year and half renovation effort. The Allen (and all the other mentioned businesses) are very friendly and welcoming to cyclists! 

Wine

Don't forget about our wineries located on the route! Several have live entertainment and events this weekend. Starting south and moving north, on the west loop of the route:

Matus Winery: 

Friday: Relax and enjoy Rotuno's BBQ dinner at 5:30 followed by entertainment with Scott Stiert at 8pm. 

Saturday: Entertainment by The Killer Kings beginning at 8pm

Vermilion Valley Vineyards:

Friday: Enjoy wine and food with entertainment by Dann and Lilly

Saturday: Enjoy wine and food with entertainment by Ally & Co- folk, rock and country music. 

Paper Moon Vineyards:

Saturday: Paper Moon Octoberfest! German food and entertainment. Bratwurst, smoked sausage with sauerkraut, cabbage and noodles, German potato salad, red beets and strudel. Dinner from 5–8pm and live music by Bob Lawitske. Check the link for more details.

Multi-Sport

Kayaking from Lakeview Beach in Lorain, OH 

The temps are supposed to be in the 80s with sunny weather around BRaB. Still time to kayak the Vermilion-Lorain water trail. If you don't want to bring your own kayak you can rent at either West River Kayak (Vermilion River) or Great Lakes Kayaking on the Black River. 

If you also enjoy mountain biking, the Thorn Trail at Findley State Park is now in great shape! The rains have passed, the trail has dried so come on out and ride! The North Coast Mountain Bikers even blow the leaves off the trail to help you find your way!

These are only a few suggestions for a great October cycling weekend! Check out www.visitloraincounty.com for more planning tools, calendar of events, dining options and more. You can also call 800.334.1673 for personalized assistance to help you develop a customized itinerary. See you on the route!