Bike the Vote

Seen in Oberlin this evening. Looks like a ride tomorrow morning, Nov. 1, 9am beginning at the Oberlin Bike Co-Op. 25-miler to early voting location.

It’s that Red Flannel Time of Year Again!

2007 Red Flannel

No matter what the weather, the annual Lorain Wheelmen Red Flannel bike ride ends up being great. It’s a harbinger of things to come. Hardy cycling die-hards see it as a chance to get out their winter gear for the next few months of brisk winter cycling. Others look at it as a ceremonial, last-ride-of-the-year, afterward, carefully cleaning up and storing their bikes until spring. Either way you look at it, it brings out a ton of cyclists from all over the region to either celebrate waning good weather or to soldier through — and later brag about — sometimes unpredictable fall weather. The weekend is looking good weather-wise, but it’s still a bit early to tell. But, whatever it may be don’t let the weather stop you! It’s all part of the fun and adventure!

One cyclist who wont be putting his bike away is Charlie Young of Elyria. We’ve noted Charlie here before. We hear rumors that he is hovering around the 12,000 mile mark for 2008! And it’s a good bet you’ll see him at the Red Flannel.

The ride is this Sunday, November 2nd, beginning at the Oberlin Community Center. And it’s also time to turn your clocks BACK, so don’t sweat the early hour! Come on out! And when you’re done, spend some time hanging out in Oberlin. You’ll see many downtown businesses with green stickers in their windows that read “We Love Cyclists” so, show them some love too!


(above) Charlie Young keeps pedaling.

Michael Pollan to Speak at Oberlin College

Healthy choices are a big part of what Back Roads and Beaches is all about. Not only do many of the restaurants serve healthy, fresh, locally grown foods but occasionally an event springs up that captures this same spirit. This is why we want BRaB readers to know about a great event this week.

Tomorrow night, Tuesday, October 28th, 2008; Michael Pollan, author of In Defense of Food: an Eater's Manifesto and The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals will be speaking at Finney Chapel as part of the Oberlin College Convocation Series. Pollan will begin at 8pm. Tickets are not required.

Hit the Trail!!!

Thorn Mountain Biking Trail at Findley State Park, that is...

We’re told the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail is in better shape than it’s ever been. And now with leaves peaking, it’s a great time to hit the trail!

Glorious Autumn Ohio Cycling this Weekend!

This weekend’s summer-like temps combined with the colorful autumn landscape make it a spectacular weekend to pedal through North Central Ohio. Click here for this weekend’s events.

175 years of Oberlin History

This weekend, Oberlin and Oberlin College celebrate 175 years of history. How many of those years do you think this tree has seen? And is that why it needs a little help with crutches? Hmm.....