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So, it's snowing and chilly here in North Central Ohio today. Not the best weather for cycling. But that doesn't mean foregoing the outdoors. For the time being, best to put away the bike and grab the cross country skis or snow shoes and explore our scenic winter wonderland.
Here are some great spots for cross country skiing along the Back Roads and Beaches Multi sport route.
Findley State Park. Great scenic trails through the forest and around Findley Lake.
Lorain County Metro Parks. Lorain County's system of parks has many spots great for cross country skiing or snow shoeing. And don't forget the sledding hill at Vermilion River reservation . The new Lakeview Park bath house facility in Lorain offers spectacular views of Lake Erie's winter landscape.
Winter is a great time to get breathtaking views of Lake Erie. So bundle up and get out there! There's so much to see and do! And when you're done outside, warm up inside at one of our local wineries, shops or art galleries.
2006 Goba photos by FetchyThe 20th Annual Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) 2008 tour, June 14-21, will feature the northern section of Ohio. The expected 3,000 riders will start gathering for the tour on Saturday, June 14, at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington. They will begin cycling on Sunday, June 15th, covering an average of 50 miles per day, and will overnight in Galion on Sunday, Mt. Vernon on Monday and Tuesday, Coshocton on Wednesday and Thursday, and Orrville on Friday, and will return to Wellington on Saturday. Some of the many attractions featured on this tour include Roscoe Village; Monticello Canal Boat; world-class bike trails; Amish areas; Historic Woodward Opera House; Lake Shore Railway; Orrville Toy & Hobby Museum; Johnson-Humrick House Museum; Orrville Railroad Heritage Museum; Brownella Cottage; Simply Smuckers; and other historic sites, covered bridges, and nature areas. The fun-filled week will include the traditional bicycle parade and the gala opening ceremonies in downtown Wellington, two layover days with bicycling options of 50- or 100-mile loops leading to Zoar Village and quaint Sugarcreek, family-oriented entertainment each night, options for bus excursions, watching professional bike races, and the ever-popular GOBA Song Contest. "To celebrate our 20th Adventure, the towns of northern Ohio are spreading out the welcome mat and are working to make the 2008 tour an experience that will be long remembered,” Van Winkle stated. This will be the twentieth year for GOBA. The tour is owned and operated by Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, a non-profit organization, for the benefit of bicycle-related projects in Ohio. GOBA's long time sponsor is Bob Evans Restaurants. In 2007, 2,400 people from 38 states, England, Japan, the Virgin Islands, and Canada took part in the tour. Included in this number were many families: typically, nearly 20% of the participants are children traveling with their parents, making GOBA the largest family-oriented bicycle tour in the world. Over the past nineteen years GOBA has been instrumental in generating more than $9 million in tourism revenues in the towns along the route, as well as in providing access to Ohio's rural treasures to people from all over the country. "GOBA riders are constantly surprised at what a wonderful state Ohio is for bicycling. Our wonderful back roads, charming communities, and great parks and historical sites make it perfect for bicycle touring,” Van Winkle stated. Those interested in receiving registration information and tour details can request a brochure by calling 614-273-0811 or by visiting the website at www.goba.com. Brochures will also be available in the spring in Ohio Bob Evans Restaurants and many bicycle shops. Application deadline is May 14, 2008.
Although the weather is getting colder, there is still lots of activity along the Back Roads and Beaches of North Central Ohio. There is still a lot to do to keep active!
The Lorain County Metro Parks always has a full calendar of outdoor activities throughout the year. This weekend there will be a brisk walk into the wilds of the Copper Hollow Loop Trail at the Vermilion River Reservation.
For swimming and working out, check out the Splash Zone at the Lorain County Metro Parks. The facility is located in Oberlin, right along the Back Roads and Beaches Route.
Oberlin Opera Theater will be presenting A Midsummer Night's Dream in the Hall Auditorium, Friday and Saturday, November 16th and 17th at 8pm, and Sunday, November 18th at 2pm.
Saturday evening, November 17, Single Tree Winery will be having a steak fry from 5–8 pm. Cost is $20 per person. There will be live music from 7–11pm. (Single Tree photo by Mark Teleha)
The Weltzheimer-Johnson House, will be open Sunday from 12–5pm. The Weltzheimer Johnson house is a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian House several blocks from Oberlin College campus.
This weekend, the FAVA gallery opens its Holiday Show with an opening reception, Sunday, November 18th from 2–4pm. This show presents works of the FAVA members. Silk painter, Susan Socotch will be demonstrating during this event.
Neil Baker and Jim Stedman from Wadsworth, Ohio traveled to Findley State Park in Wellington today to ride the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail. The weather and trail conditions are ideal for mountain biking. Fall colors still have a few weeks yet to peak.
While out checking for fall photo ops on the route, I came across a group of Lorain Wheelmen on one of their weekly rides. Ron Cicerchi (left), Arthur Petro (center) and Pete Paslawski (right) were out getting in a quick 25-miler before sunset. The Lorain Wheelmen are getting ready for their biggest invitational ride of the year, the Red Flannel. Typically hundreds of cyclists ride what has become the traditional end of season ride for many. This year's ride will be held on November 4. The ride can be done as either a metric century (67 miles) or half century (33 miles). The start and ending point will be the Oberlin Community Center.
Locals looking for people to ride with might want to check out the Lorain Wheelmen. Members are of all ages and riding ability and the Wheelmen's calendar features a variety of rides, locally and all over Ohio.
Have you ridden the Red Flannel? Please post your comments and experiences here.
Lorain Wheelmen tackle the hills along the Back Roads and Beaches Route.
Here's a familiar face along Back Roads and Beaches. Avid cyclist Charlie Young, from Elyria, has ridden 11,683 Ohio miles so far for 2007. (This doesn't count all the miles he does on his indoor trainer when the weather isn't suitable to go out) So it's a good chance you'll spot him out on the route.
Charlie is closing in on his last year's total of over 15,000 miles. He does it just for a sheer love of cycling. Great job! I wonder how many tires he goes through in a year?!
Not only is there a weekend full of art, architecture and bikes (see post below) but we've learned that there will also be a firewalk this Saturday evening, October 6th, at Common Ground: The Cindy Nord Center for Renewal. Common Ground is located on Baird Rd. in the northwest part of the route.
The weather report is predicting temps to be in the 80s this weekend, and with the leaves continuing to turn brilliant reds and golds, this is the perfect time to bring your bike for a visit and a trip into rich art, culture, history and transformational experience.
Make plans to spend the weekend here, pedaling the route and visiting the gallery open houses and architecture tours. You can find bicycle-friendly lodging information here. If you'd like a map based guide of where to stay, click here. As you mouse over the icons, information on lodging and services will pop up.
photo: Cyclist on Baird Rd. in front of Common Ground.
Until about November 15, riders along the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Tour will need to make a slight adjustment in the southern portion of the route. Jones Rd. is closed between Quarry and Pitts Rd. This is in the south portion of the route in the Findley State Park area. So, if you're beginning the route at Griggs Rd by Findley State Park, instead begin by taking SR 58 north to Jones Rd, turn left at Jones and right onto Pitts Rd. to avoid the closed road. If you're coming from the north, at the junction of Pitts Rd and Jones, turn left instead of right. Then make a right at SR 58. This will take you down to Findley State Park.
Occasionally you will find portions of the Back Roads and Beaches route will have been "chip and sealed". Although this is a temporary situation, you may have to adjust your route by taking a parallel road. This usually isn't hard to do along Lorain County's rural roads.
Click here to download a Back Roads and Beaches map with posted detour.
Top Left: Millers Orchards on Vermilion Rd., right: Findley State Park begins to show its colors
The colors of autumn are just starting to appear along the rural roads of the Back Roads and Beaches Route. The great thing about this time of the year is that riders can enjoy the beauty of the season while temps are still very pleasant. In fact, this weekend's weather promises to be absolutely beautiful with sunny highs in the mid 70s.
This time of year is also great for spectacular sunsets along the Lake Erie shoreline. The photo at left is the view from the Jackalope Restaurant.
On Sunday, September 23, the Lighthouse 2 Lighthouse Half Marathon will be taking place begins in Vermilion and heads to Lakeview Park in Lorain. Racers who feel they can't complete the entire 13 miles can enter with four friends and compete as a five person relay team.
Next month, riders along Back Roads and Beaches have the opportunity to take in some of the areas finest arts and architecture events while pedaling the scenic, autumn route. The weekend of October 6+7 is an especially good time to visit for arts lovers. There are several, great Oberlin events taking place this weekend. Spend the weekend riding, visiting wineries, and attending these wonderful events. Click here for information on lodging along the route. October is a great time to bike the Back Roads and Beaches route since the brilliant foliage, combined with roadside stands and active gallery open houses and exhibits make it a perfect weekend for biking and sightseeing. Combine these with a visit to two wineries Matus and Single Tree, located in the same vicinity. And don't forget to stop in at the Allen Memorial Art Museum on the Oberlin College Campus to check out all the new exhibits. The following are events taking place October 6:
Oberlin Area Studio/Gallery Open Houses Saturday, October 6th and Sunday, October 7th, Noon to 5:00
BREUER POTTERY
Chris Breuer and Paula Aghajanian
47361 West Hamilton Street, Oberlin, OH 44074
440.775.2340
Fine one-of-a-kind pottery vessels, bowls, teapots, sculpture and tiles beautifully presented in the artist’s studio/gallery. Enjoy the gardens, wine, hor d’oeuvres and desserts.
RIVERDOG 
Deborah Banyas & T.P. Speer
13818 Gore Orphanage Road, Henrietta Township, OH 44889440.965.8309
Unusual whimsical sculpture and paintings on display in a lovely country setting with complimentary wine tasting. Refreshments and hiking trails.
riverdog@centurytel.net
Both galleries are located in scenic areas of the route. Breuer Pottery is located right at the edge of the North Coast Inland Trail in Oberlin. Riverdog is a bit off — but in close proximity to — the route.
Click here for a link to the Back Roads and Beaches bike map. To find Breuer Potter, just scroll to the bottom of the map and click the Oberlin inset to expand. Roll over the icons to check out the local businesses.
Maps will be available at both studios.
About a mile or two from Breuer Pottery is the Oberlin Heritage Center. Plan to make a reservation soon for
"A Tour of Oberlin's History through its Architecture around Tappan Square" — the Oberlin Heritage Center's new 1 hour and 15 minute guided walking tour accompanied by a wonderful selection of historic photographs. The tour will be offered three times this fall by Oberlin Heritage Center staff member Prue Richards, including Friday, September 14 at 10 a.m., Saturday, October 6 at 1 p.m., and Friday, October 12 at 1 p.m.
Tour fee is $6 per person ($4 for Oberlin Heritage Center members). The tour begins at the Oberlin Heritage Center's Monroe House at 73 1/2 South Professor Street. Reservations are required and may be made by calling (440) 774-1700 or by sending an e-mail to tourinfo@oberlinheritage.org. The tour will be canceled and refunds will be made if it is raining at start time.
Know of any other great events for the October 6-7 weekend? Feel free to leave a comment...
This morning we found the BRaB route abuzz with activity. While taking pictures, we came across a charming couple, Shirley Batton and Rick Guseman. Rick is from California, Shirley, from Marion, Ohio. They were enjoying their multi-sport adventure at Findley State Park, on their bikes and kayaks. Following their trip through Lorain County, their travels will take them to Mohican State Park, then on to Las Vegas, Moab, Utah and Havasu. Rick is a river guide in the Western U.S. and was enjoying scenic, serene Findley Lake. When they were finished at Findley, they were headed over to Wellington Reservation to try their kayaks there. (photos by Barb Bickel)
While watching Rick and Shirley launch their kayaks, a Findley State Park ranger pulled up with a truck-load of fishing gear. The kids looked like they were having a blast learning how to fish! We almost wanted to join in the fun except the sun was getting high in the sky and it was time to head across the park to see what the mountain bikers were up to...
Over at the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail, developed by the North Coast Mountain Bikers, the trail was dry and fast and it looked as if bikers were taking full advantage of the optimal conditions before the big race next Sunday. Findley's mountain biking is great for both novices and experts. Among the twists, turns and jumps, there are options for experts that the novices can easily avoid. We saw all levels of mountain bikers out on the trail and everyone looked happy. It's going to be a big race week at Findley next week because along with Sunday's mountain bike race, NCN will be holding a sprint triathlon and duathlon on Saturday.
Further north, in downtown Oberlin, we found the Saturday morning farmer's market to be brimming with produce and handmade goods. Lot's of cyclists as well! The Oberlin College students are streaming back to town from summer break, once again filling the town with activity (and bikes!)
The forecast on the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route is sunny skies and mid 70s-low 80s all Labor Day weekend. Perfect for a weekend bike tour of North Central Ohio! While you're on the route, check out the Farmers Market at Black River Landing in Lorain.
Black River Landing Photo ©Rona Proudfoot
Black River Landing is located in the city of Lorain, on the shores of Lake Erie. Traveling further east on SR6, along the Back Roads and Beaches route, you'll find True North Cultural Arts Center. They will be open Saturday, 10am-4pm.
The Back Roads and Beaches bike route highlights and links nature and parks, culture and the arts, history and healthy food options together in an easy to follow route. So it's worth mentioning the new collaboration between True North and the Lorain County Metro Parks. Another great partnership that utilizes all the best the area has to offer!
While riding the BRaB route, you'll find arts opportunities all throughout. Check out the website for many opportunities to combine your biking tour with culture and the arts. Galleries and museums listed on the website all welcome touring cyclists in cycling attire.
NCN Racing's Lorain Triathlon at Lakeview Park in Lorain started out stormy but quickly turned into another beautiful day on Lake Erie in Lorain. By the time sprint and international runners started, the sun was shining brightly again for a photo finish. Participants came from all over Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and Indiana. Scenes from the Lorain Triathlon, Sunday, August 26.
Adam Kuncel, overall International winner crosses finish line results
Sprint swimmers start while storm looms
(Pam Horvath photo)
Jim Janasko catches his breath (in the pouring rain) after being the first
international swimmer out of the water at Lakeview Park. And-he's on the LCVB team!
Do we smell a "ringer?" Nah--he's our insurance agent!
photo by Pam Horvath.
LCVB sprint team runner, Zach Collins just after crossing the finish line.
Zach finished the run in around 19 minutes! Good job Zach!
We get by with a little help from our friends!
LCVB team members Rona Proudfoot, Mark Kernohan, Jim Janasko,Jim Galloway and Zach Collins (Barb Bickel not pictured). See more of the Lorain Triathlon and Rona's great photos here. Not only can she run, but she's quickly gaining well-deserved notice for her awesome photos, especially of Lorain. Both LCVB teams won first in their team classes!
This Sunday, August 26, Lorain's Lakeview Park will be the site of the 5th Annual Lorain Sprint/International Triathlon. Starting times begin at 8am. In the spirit of "practicing what we preach," (and just having a great time!) The Lorain County Visitors Bureau will have two teams in the triathlon. A sprint team, consisting of Mark Kernohan (swim), Barb Bickel (bike) and Zach Collins (run). And an International team, Jim Janasko (swim), Jim Galloway (bike) and Rona Proudfoot (run). Hope to see you there! To preregister, click here.
Participants coming into town for the Lorain Triathlon can click here for lodging information. This weekend is also the weekend of the Black River Bicentennial. Check out the schedule of events for info.
"If I am dying for Freedom, I could not die for a better cause, I had rather die than be a slave."
-John Copeland
Lorain County proudly served as one of the final stops along the Underground Railroad. Slaves traveling to Canada often passed through this area until about 1861, following Frederick Douglass's advice to follow the North Star to freedom in Canada. Lorain County provided a direct route to Lake Erie as northern Lorain County borders Lake Erie's central basin. Some found the area so safe, they lived out their lives here. Oberlin is also honored to be known as one of the nation's most pioneering communities in equality and integration. Oberlin has been called "the town that started the Civil War" due to it's role in the fight for civil rights. Oberlin and Wellington were the sites of a famous slave rescue in 1858 that was said to have raised consciousness nationwide regarding the anti-slavery movement.
Lorain County's Underground Railroad history can be explored along the Back Roads and Beaches tour. Much of the Back Roads and Beaches Tour is part of Adventure Cycling Association's Underground Railroad Cycling tour that travels from Alabama to Canada. Cyclists completing the Adventure Cycling tour might want to spend some extra time here and explore our historical and cultural offerings.
Points of interest beginning in the southern end of the tour, near Findley State Park:
25600 SR58 (Huntington) Rev. Ansel Clarke Home. Not open to the public. Former home of abolitionist and Congregational Minister Ansel Clarke. Home is thought to have harbored fugitive slaves.
Oberlin College (Oberlin) Students and faculty were especially active in the Oberlin Anti-Slavery Society, others took part in the rescue and harbor of fugitive slaves. In 1835 the College trustees agreed blacks should be admitted to the College. Oberlin College was the first college to admit black women. Mary Jane Patterson, the first black woman in the world to receive a college degree (in 1862) attended Oberlin College.
181 E. Lorain St. (Oberlin) Station #99. Bardwell House. Not open to the public. Former home of missionary and abolitionist Rev. John Bardwell. Fugitive slaves hid under the eaves of the house where sliding panels opened into dark passageways.
First Church in Oberlin: Corner of Main and Lorain Sts. Built in 1842. The First Church was the meeting site for the Oberlin Anti-Slavery society and the site of the funeral for Lee Howard Dobbins, the four-year old fugitive slave buried in Oberlin.
Westwood Cemetery (Oberlin) Morgan St. Here lie former slaves, famous abolitionists and many who have become known as Oberlin's faces of change. Walking tour maps can be obtained by contacting the Lorain County Visitors Bureau.
Oberlin Heritage Center (Oberlin) 73 1/2 South Professor St. Oberlin has a powerful and nationally significant history that visitors can experience through guided tours at the Oberlin Heritage Center. Visitors will hear stories and see buildings associated with the founding of Oberlin, African-American history, the Underground Railroad, women's history, scientific discovery, and missionary, temperance, and other reform movements. Visitors will tour the 1836 Little Red Schoolhouse, the 1866 Monroe House, and the 1884 Jewett House.
Station 100, (Lorain) Said to be the mouth of the Black River and shores of Lake Erie. Many slaves departed here to freedom in Canada. New monument to escaping slaves erected in 2007 at Black River Landing, Lorain.
Upcoming Historical Events along the Back Roads and Beaches Route
The Lorain Port Authority presents A Taste of History along with the fourth annual Antique Show on the River presented by Black River Historical Society, August 18, 2007 at the Black River Landing. An all day event featuring music, shopping, food, boat rides, wine-tasting, and tall ship tours!
Walking Tours of Oberlin!
The Oberlin Heritage Center will be offering new guided walking tours of Oberlin, focusing on Oberlin's history through its architecture around Tappan Square. The tour will be offered three times this fall: Friday, September 14th at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, October 6th at 1:00 p.m., and Friday, October 12th, at 1:00 p.m. Enrollment is limited so reservations are required and may be made by calling (440) 774-1700 or by sending an email to tourinfo@oberlinheritage.org. There is a $6 per person fee ($4 for Oberlin Heritage Center members). The tours will be canceled and refunds will be made if it is raining at the start time. The tour starts at the Oberlin Heritage Center's Monroe House at 73 1/2 South Professor Street. The tour is also available by appointment for groups.
October 13 at Black River Historical Society, Valley Vagabonds are sponsoring a historical and beautiful architectural 10k or 5k walk. This walk will take you by interesting and scenic points in Lorain. The start is between 9 a.m. - 1p.m. finish by 4 p.m. In addition, the new President of the National Volkssport Association from Washington state will also be there to answer your questions on this international walking sport. Walk for free, credit, or award and credit. The award is a Linden leaf pin in our leaf series. The national website is www.ava.org and the club website is www.geocities.com/valleyvclv/. This walking sport is for the whole family since you do it at your own pace. If you have questions, please contact Deva Simon 440-572-1675.
So, it's snowing and chilly here in North Central Ohio today. Not the best weather for cycling. But that doesn't mean foregoing the outdoors. For the time being, best to put away the bike and grab the cross country skis or snow shoes and explore our scenic winter wonderland.
Winter is a great time to get breathtaking views of Lake Erie. So bundle up and get out there! There's so much to see and do! And when you're done outside, warm up inside at one of our local wineries, shops or art galleries. 
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