XOBA visits

For the second year in a row Lorain County was thrilled to have the XOBA (Across Ohio Bicycle Adventure) visit. The 300+ riders were exploring Ohio’s Underground Railroad history and visited several of Lorain County’s historical sites. They spent the night in Oberlin where they wrapped up their evening enjoying the entertainment on Tappan Square and exploring the downtown shopping district. They wrapped up their evening by presenting awards to riders for most flat tires, most miles ridden etc. Riders camped out on the campus of Oberlin College.

Riders from Delware, Ohio and Missouri enjoy their tour of Oberlin and ham it up at the railroad sculpture.

Riders roll into town after a long day of riding.

Kicking back

Wrapping up the evening with drumming on the Oberlin College campus

Congratulations to all the XOBA riders and organizers for a great week of riding!

Relay for Life

From the Lorain Port Authority Website:

The American Cancer Society Lorain Relay for Life
July 26, 2008 - Black River Landing

The American Cancer Society Lorain Relay for Life will be held Saturday July 26, 2008 beginning at noon and ending on Sunday July 27, 2008 at 9:00 AM at the Black River Landing in Lorain. Relay for Life is the signature event of the American Cancer Society. The theme this year is Carnival. There will be food, music, games and much, much more!

Schedule of Events on Saturday, July 26, 2008:

Noon - Survivor Registration
2:00PM Survivor Ceremony & Lap to Kick off the Event
4:30PM - 6:00PM Survivor Dinner
6:00PM Celebration Ceremony, featuring Team Banner Lap, led by Survivors
9:00PM Luminary Ceremony

The Relay for Life is open to the Public. Please attend and show your support for the fight against cancer.

For more informaiton on this event, please contact our Relay Chair, Mary Ann Campana @ 440.320.6414 or Suzi Piskur, American Cancer Society @ 888.227.6446 x1212

Welcome XOBA

XOBA (Across Ohio Bicycle Adventure) rolls into Lorain County today and we would like to welcome the 300 riders who are exploring the Underground Railroad. The riders will be exploring Lorain, Elyria and Oberlin and will head to Sandusky tomorrow.

Thursday evening at the races

Photos from Thursday evening race excitement.
Come out and join the fun! (see details here)

Calling all racers! Thursday evening track racing

(Pista Elite photo)

USA Pista Elite Cycling Team has brought bicycle track racing to the Lorain County Motor Speedway. Every Thursday until September 18, there will be a minimum of at least three races for everyone. All categories and ages are welcome. Warm-up and registration begin at 5:30pm and racing begins promptly at 6:30pm. To get to the races from the Back Roads and Beaches route, near Oberlin, take Pyle South Amherst Road north to Russia Rd. Ride Russia Rd east to SR 58. Take SR 58 north for approximately two miles. The speedway will be on the right. Come out to race or watch. Click here for more information.

A kayaking trip up the Black River in Lorain

Here are some scenes from a Saturday kayaking trip up the Black River in Lorain. Later this summer the Lorain County Metro Parks will officially dedicate a new 27-mile boat/kayak trail from the Vermilion River Reservation to the Black River Reservation.

Bird-watching on the Black River is spectacular. Click here for more information.

Black River Landing in Lorain is also known for being station 100 of the Underground Railroad. Last year a monument was placed here at Black River Landing, paying homage to the abolitionists who risked their lives by helping slaves escape to Canada.

The Charles Berry Bridge in Lorain is the second largest bascule bridge in the world.

Sailboats head out for an afternoon of racing

View of the Jackalope Restaurant in Lorain.

A great place to tie off and have a bite to eat.

Appledore V, a 65' schooner takes Lorain Port Fest attendees on a public sail. Click here for today’s schedule. Click here for more info on kayaking along the Back Roads and Beaches route.

Day of Drumming with Jim Donovan of Rusted Root

Drumming is an ancient musical tradition that many cultures around the world use to energize, build unity, focus attention, relax and heighten creativity. Enjoy a full day of drumming workshops for drummers of all experience levels. No musical experience required!

Location: Common Ground: Cindy Nord Center for Renewal. (Right on the Back Roads and Beaches Route, west of Oberlin.

Saturday, July 19 ~ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

• Internationally acclaimed facilitators including Jim Donovan (founding member, Rusted Root), and Elie Kihonia
• Instruction for all levels of experience - beginners are welcome - no musical background necessary
• Four engaging, interactive and fun workshops
• Sample holistic health services and vendors
• Renew, recharge, rejuvenate!

Register on-line by clicking here ~ $49 per person ~ Appropriate for ages 13 and up

Box lunches will be available

*Registrants received 50% discount on Drum the Ecstatic International Concert - include your concert ticket request (1 per registrant) with your Retreat Registration - Discounted tickets are NOT available through the Stocker Arts Center Box Office.

All Others - Purchase concert tickets only through Stocker Arts Center box office at www.lorainccc.edu

Don’t forget: Community Drum Circle is on the third Wednesday of each month from 6:30pm – 8:30pm.

You’re not from around here are you?

The Lorain County Engineer’s office has now made it easier for Back Roads and Beaches riders to find their way to specific destinations on the route. At one particular point, the route turns into a loop and might have confused those not familiar with the area.


Now, thanks to the signs, riders can see where they might be headed. Click here for a downloadable map of the route.

Lorain Summer Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon

It was a beautiful morning for a triathlon at Lakeview Park in Lorain. Here are a few scenes from this morning’s race. Click here for more photos. Click here for complete race results.

Lifeguards oversee the swim portion of the race.

First place overall, James Lamastra with a smokin’ time of 58:26

Dave Garrett [left] runs to a 2nd place overall and [right] accepts his trophy. Dave’s time: 1:04:08

First place, women’s, Liz Ferro with a time of 1:10:37

A winning team: Will Stevans and Sebastian Vittardi

Summer scenery along BRaB

Here are a few scenes we found along the BRaB today.

Along Garfield Road.

Shoepfle Gardens, Lorain County Metro Parks