Art Galleries and Farm Markets on the Back Roads and Beaches Route

Sure, with its charming rural roads and beautiful scenery, the Back Roads and Beaches Route is great all by itself. But what’s a real ride without a destination? Whether you're training hard on the big climbs or just out for a relaxing ride, everyone deserves a break. Here are just a few of the terrific attractions along the route:

Art Galleries

• The Firelands Assocation for the Visual Arts (FAVA) in Oberlin has just opened a brand new double exhibit. Claudia Berlinski presents Searching for the Underground Sea (works on paper) alongside Sherry Bradshaw’s Digging Beneath the Surface (installation). The exhibit runs through Oct. 4. FAVA is open Tuesday–Saturday, 11–5, and Sundays, 1-5.

The Work of Claudia Berlinski

The Work of Sherry Bradshaw

• And while in Oberlin, be sure to check out Ginko Gallery, the town’s combination art studio and gallery. Visitors can observe five resident artists in the creative process, as well as browse the gallery’s finished art. Ginko Gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10-6, and Saturday, 12-4.

Farm Markets

• Miller’s Apple Hill: It might be a little early for apples, but Miller’s has a great Bulk Foods Store. Family-owned and -operated, Miller’s offers a large assortment of candies, snack mixes, meats, cheeses, flours, sugars, grains, and a whole lot more.

Miller's Apple Hill

• George Jones Farm and Nature Preserve: Owned by Oberlin College, this organic farm was founded as a community sustainable argiculture project. Browse the Farmer’s Market and learn more about this unique and innovative farm.
  
• Oberlin Market: This grocery/bakery/cafe serves Certified Organic and local, no spray foods. Stop in for a meal, or load up on fresh provisions for your ride.

Oberlin Market

• On any given Saturday, Farmer’s Markets can be found in Lorain (9 am to 1 pm), Wellington (9 am to 2 pm), Oberlin (9 am to 1 pm), and Vermilion (2 pm to 6 pm). Tons of fresh, local produce and other organic products.

There are many other sights and attractions along the route, including Lake Erie’s beaches, the Lorain County Metro Parks, multiple wineries, and exciting multi-sport adventures. For more information on these attractions, or anything else Back Roads and Beaches, check out the website, or become a fan of Back Roads and Beaches on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

2009 Vermilion Harbour Triathlon recap

It was a hot but otherwise beautiful day for the 2nd Vermilion Harbour Triathlon today. About 500 people showed up to compete in Sprint Triathlon, Olympic Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquabike. Overall winner for the Olympic Tri was Ross Hartley with a time of 2:02:25. Overall female was Andrea Myers with a time of 2:23:57. Complete results can be found at the HFP Website here. Adam Kuncel, wearing the Back Roads and Beaches logo, came in 12th overall with the impressive time of 2:19:30. Congratulations to all the athletes who participated in today’s race, including the 1st place Olympic distance team Back Roads and Beaches that consisted of Eileen Bringman (swim time 24:10), Don Haradem (bike time 1:11:25) and Graham Wellman (run time 39:40). Thanks also to Jim Galloway who represented BRaB and placed first in the 50–54 category.

Below are some scenes from today’s race. For more photos click here to Visit Lorain County’s Photostream

From left: Jim Galloway (placed first in the 50–54 category Olympic distance tri), Team BRaB: Don Haradem (bike), Eileen Bringman (swim), Graham Wellman (run)-first place Olympic team.

Trail conditions at Findley State Park Mountain Bike Trail

Today’s report from Nab says that the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park has dried out enough that there is no mud, just some soft spots. Temps are supposed to be in the 90s so a ride in the cool woods might be mighty nice!

Findley State Triathlon recap

Scenes from today’s Findley State Park Triathlon, hosted by NCN racing. 1st overall was J. Hayes Calvert, 2nd, Jason Zangmeister. Click here for NCN’s race results, times and details.

Visit Lorain County Marketing and Communications Manager, Lynne Lisner and Findley State Park Director Brian Andrews were on hand to volunteer and assist NCN.

Triathlon News

Congratulations to Adam Kuncel who placed 2nd in 25–29 category at the Cleveland Triathlon. Adam’s overall time was 2:15. Left, Adam transitions from swim to bike; below, Adam receives his award. This Saturday, BRaB will be getting photos at the Findley Triathlon. Good luck to all racers! (photos courtesy of Adam Kuncel)

This week’s events around Back Roads and Beaches

Mountain bikers: Join the Tuesday evening time trials at Findley State Park sponsored by the North Coast Mountain Bikers. Time trials are from 5:30-7:30pm beginning at Findley's beach. All levels and ages of riders welcome! Directions to Findley State Park can be found here. Photos of the trail can be found here and map of the trail here.

Triathletes: This Saturday, August 8 is the 4th Annual Findley Lake Triathlon/Duathlon. Click here to pre-register. Here are some photos from last year's sprint triathlon at Findley.

Touring cyclists: There are many, many great events going on around the route this weekend including farmer's markets, winery events and more. On Saturday, Matus Winery will be having their first Corn Roast/Backyard Games with Corn Hole Tournament. Click here for more info and directions. Also on Saturday, Paper Moon Vineyards will be having live music from 4-7pm. Both wineries are just off the BRaB route and welcome cyclists.

Outdoor enthusiasts: The Lorain County Metro Parks has a large events calendar with many hiking, biking and kayaking events for all ages and levels. This Friday, "Bike for your health" at 9pm. Leave from the Splash Zone in Oberlin and ride the bike trail at night along with a Lorain County Metro Parks ranger from the bike patrol unit. For more events check out their webpage listings.