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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!)
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.
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