Thorn Mountain Bike Trail-Condition report for Nov. 12, 2010

The Thorn Mountain Bike trail is clear, fast and dry. The North Coast Mountain Bikers have even cleared the entire trail of leaves. Come on out and enjoy!


View Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park in a larger map

Red Flannel Bike Ride set for Sunday, November 7, 2010

The 35th annual Red Flannel Metric Century (67 mi) and half-metric (33 mi) will depart this Sunday from the Oberlin Community Service Center (map) at 9am. The ride is presented by the Lorain Wheelmen. For many, this ride is the traditional end-of-season ride before cleaning up and storing the bike for the winter. For others, it's only the beginning of the fall/winter riding season.

The ride usually brings out hundreds of riders of all levels to ride the scenic course and enjoy the great homemade foods. Cost is $20 and can be paid at the start of the ride. The first 350 riders get a commemorative bottle. You'll find hearty food along the way like black bean soup and chili. Sag wagon and repair service will be available for the ride. Click here for a list of local accommodations. Make a weekend out of it and attend a local performance or art gallery. There will be plenty going on. And don’t forget all the great local cuisine that’s available to hungry participants after the ride! Check out the ride website for more info. The Lorain Wheelmen are a great group of people and are contributors to the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route!

Meet Mountain Bike Racer Lindsey Prososki

photo courtesy of Lindsey Prososki

Meet Lindsey Prososki, Back Roads and Beaches’ sponsored mountain biking phenom. Now a 16 year old junior at North Ridgeville High School, Lindsey has been racing for 11 years, starting in the competitive sport of mountain biking at the ripe age of 5. By the age of 12, she was a full time mountain biker taking over racing circuits across the country. She is currently ranked number 1 in the country by USA Cycling for junior women cross country and has taken many impressive first place finishes in races including the prestigious Kenda Cup Series.

According to Lindsey, her dad was instrumental in her early start as a mountain biker. She grew up watching her father race mountain bikes competitively, but according to Lindsey’s mom “Now he can’t keep up”. With Lindsey’s talent, it’s understandable. In addition to her first place ranking in the country, Lindsey was also previously named the novice women’s state champion in the Ohio Mountain Bike Championship (OMBC) series. This class is designed for women aged 25 and up, and at the time of her win, Lindsey was merely 13 years old. This major feat sums up the drive and talent that Lindsey possesses. She also won the Iceman Cometh Challenge which is believed to be the largest single day mountain bike race in the world which boasts more than 5,000 racers.

Thorn Mountain Bike Trail update 8/19/2010

The Thorn Mountain Bike trail at Findley State Park is in the best shape all summer. New records have been set at the weekly time trials held by the North Coast Mountain Bikers. Come on out and ride!


View Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park in a larger map

Snapshot of 2010 Vermilion Harbor Triathlon

Swim start at the Vermilion Harbor Triathlon. More photos can be found here.

Back Roads and Beaches relay team runner Joanna Johnson finishes strong in the olympic relay.

Despite the threat of rain in today's forecast, it turned out to be a beautiful day in Vermilion for the annual HFP Vermilion Harbor Triathlon. Results from the triathlon will be posted here.

Congratulations to first place olympic relay team, Back Roads and Beaches. Team members include swimmer, Jim Janasko of Amherst; cyclist, Todd Westley of Elyria, and runner Joanna Johnson who is part of the Oberlin College Cross Country team.  Much of the cycling course utilizes the Back Roads and Beaches route. Congratulations to all the athletes that came out to enjoy the great weather, challenging course and formidable competition. To see a full album of today's race and the participants, check out the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook page.

Vermilion Harbor Triathlon this weekend

Swim start at the annual HFP Racing, Vermilion Harbour Triathlon

The Back Roads and Beaches olympic relay team is ready for this weekend’s Vermilion Harbor Triathlon and Duathlon. BRaB consists of Jim Janasko (swim), Todd Westley (bike) and Joanna Johnson (run). Jim Galloway will also be competing in the olympic distance for Back Roads and Beaches.

The Vermilion Harbor Triathlon is part HFP Racing’s Wheelie Fun Triathlon and Duathlon series. It takes place, Sunday, August 15 beginning at 8am. Saturday, August 14 will be "Girls Tri Too." An all-women’s tri consisting of a 250-yard swim, followed by a 7-mile bike and a 2-mile run. Click here to sign up for “Girls Tri Too.”

If you’re planning to stay overnight, check out the Visit Lorain County website for some great lodging options. In addition to hotels, you’ll also find some great places to visit locally as well including great restaurants, outdoor recreation options, museums, galleries and more. The route of the Vermilion Harbor Triathlon encompasses part of the Back Roads and Beaches route so if you have some extra time, make sure to check out the whole route while you’re in town.

Saturday was gorgeous at Findley State Park in Wellington where the annual NCN Racing Sprint Tri was held. Results for the triathlon can be found at the NCN Racing site here. Photos can be found at the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook page.

Adventure Cycling Underground Railroad Riders Visit

A group of approximately 20 cyclists visited Findley State Park, Wellington and Oberlin today on their final day of riding the Underground Railroad in Ohio with Adventure Cycling. The group finished up and ate lunch next to the Oberlin Gasholder building which is the future home of the Oberlin Underground Railroad Center.

Upcoming Multi-Sport events in north central Ohio

Red Flannel Bike Ride

Bike Rides 
August 1
Roast Your Buns
Hosted by the Lorain Wheelmen
Beginning in Oberlin
30 and 70 mile routes through scenic landscape

November 7
Red Flannel
Hosted by the Lorain Wheelmen
Traditional end-of-the-season ride. 33 mile and 67 mile rides beginning and ending in Oberlin

Vermilion Harbor Triathlon

Triathlons/Duathlons
Saturday, August 7 8am
Findley Lake Triathlon
Findley State Park, Wellington, OH

Saturday, August 14 8am
Girls Tri Too
Women only triathlon- 250 yard swim, 7 mile bike, 2 mile run
Great for the first timer or those wanting a non competitive environment.

Sunday, August 15 8am
Vermilion Harbour Triathlon and Duathlon
Downtown Vermilion

Sunday, August 22 8am
Lorain Sprint/International Triathlon/Duathlon
Lakeview Park, Lorain

Thorn Mountain Bike Trail

Mountain Biking
Thorn MTB Time Trials
Every Tuesday evening between 5:30–7:30 through August 15, for $5 you can be timed for two individual laps. Best four total times out of a possible seven. Prizes for series winners. For questions on the series, call Nab at 216.214.5445

Run/Walk
August 8, 9am
Morning Journal Jog
Black River Landing
421 Black River Lane, Lorain
5k run, 3k walk

Saturday, August 14
North Ridgeville Lions Club 10k, 5k and 1 mile fun run
The Wilcox School
34580 Bainbridge Rd.
North Ridgeville, 44039 Ohio

October 24, 8am
6th Annual Inland Trail Marathon/Half Marathon/5k
Murray Ridge School, Elyria

For information on north central Ohio lodging and other recreation while in the area, check the Visit Lorain County website. And check out the travel deals section for bargains and specials.

NEO Power Series - Thorn MTB Race Recap 2010

More photos here

Over 100 racers visited Findley State Park Sunday for the first NEO Power Series MTB Race  sponsored by 331 Racing. This was stage one of a five stage series. Posted results report overall winner was Jeff Pendlebury with a time of 39:34:45, second overall Steve Twining with a time of 39:50:48, third overall Chip Meek with a time of 40:36:90. First overall female was Nancy Desmond with a time of 48:42:62, second was Emily Benson with a time of 52:06:64. These are preliminary results. Final results can be viewed here at the 331 Racing Site. More photos from Sunday's race can be viewed here.

Thorn Mountain Bike Trail Events and Conditions

Conditions are good at Findley State Park’s Thorn Mountain Bike Trail. Some soft spots. But the folks from the North Coast Mountain Bikers club have been volunteering their time to keep the trail in great shape. (Thanks Nab!)

The Tuesday evening time trials are back! Every Tuesday evening between 5:30–7:30 through August 15, for five dollars you can be timed for two individual laps. Best four total times out of a possible seven. Prizes for series winners. For questions on the series, call Nab at 216.214.5445.

Stage one of the NEO Power Series will take place next Saturday, July 18th. Registration begins at 9:45 at Findley State Park. Check the link for details.

2010 NCN Lorain Lakeview Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon recap

Almost 200 participants enjoyed near perfect weather for yesterday’s Lorain Lakeview Sprint Triathlon/ Duathlon hosted by NCN Racing. Posted results indicated the overall winner for the sprint triathlon was Jeff Wilson whose overall time was 1:01:31. Second place overall was Brooks Butler with an overall time of 1:02:23. First place, women’s division was Joanne Collins with an overall time of 1:12:20. Second place women's overall went to Angela Ridgel with a time of 1:15:05. First place duathlon men’s division went to Michael Larimer, second to Mark Wladecki. First place duathlon women’s went to Julie Visconsi, second place to Anja Jankowsky. Final results are posted here and more photos from yesterday’s race can be seen in an album at the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook page.

Thank you and congratulations to first place relay team - Back Roads and Beaches!

Cultural REcyclists roll into Oberlin

A group of cyclists called the Cultural REcyclists rolled into Oberlin today to spread their message of community building and sustainability. Check out their website and blog to track their progress and read about their message. They’re a great bunch of college students who began in Delaware and will finish in San Francisco at the end of their journey. If you see them on the road, stop and say hi!

Calling all swimmers, cyclists, runners!

Back Roads and Beaches is currently forming triathlon teams to promote the route again this year. This is a great chance to participate with and meet other athletes, compete in your sport and get a free t-shirt!

We are currently working to assemble teams of like-abilities so no need to worry about being incompatible with teammates. We've had teams that are in it to win as well as those that are just there to have fun and compete. There is no cost to team members, we just ask that you wear the logo (we will provide tshirts/ temporary tattoos) show up and have fun! Below is a list of triathlons at which BRaB is working to compile teams. Please email visitors@visitloraincounty.com or call 440-984-5282 for more information.

Sunday, July 11 8am
Summer Sprint Triathlon
Lakeview Park, Lorain, OH
need: Swimmer (1/4 mile) Cyclist (14-mile bike) Runner (5k)

Saturday, August 7 8am
Findley Lake Triathlon
Findley State Park, Wellington, OH
need: swimmer (1/4 mile)  cyclist (14-mile bike) trail runner (5k)

Sunday, August 15 8am
Vermilion Harbor Triathlon
Downtown Vermilion
need: swimmer (1500m) cyclist (40k) runner (10k)

Sunday, August 22 8am
Lorain Sprint/International Triathlon
Lakeview Park, Lorain
Need
Sprint: Swimmer (1/4 mile) Cyclist (14-mile bike) Runner (5k)
International: Swimmer (1.5k) Bike (22.8-mile) Run (10k)

Thorn Mountain Bike Trail Conditions-Memorial Day Weekend 2010

Come on out and ride! Nab’s been working on the trail all week, cleared a couple downed trees and says it’s ready to ride!

Helping people get back up on two wheels

After acquiring his dream sports car— Bryce Rapp took a look at his life and decided he was finished living life accumulating possessions and wealth. He and his wife decided to give away their money, literally throw open the doors of his self-described suburban “McMansion” and freely distribute their belongings to anyone in need. No questions asked. He compared his complicated and extravagant life of five years ago to the simple life he lives now, “you wouldn’t believe the difference,” he remarked.

Charting his family’s course, Bryce depended solely on his faith and will to serve other people in need. Inspired by an initial donation of a handful of bikes to a homeless shelter, Bryce quickly realized he would now spend his time serving others through bikes. The family of seven moved from their pricey mansion into a rented farmhouse just outside Oberlin on SR 511. I found Bryce after being curious about a hand-made sign in front of the house that reads “Free bike tuneUps while U wait.” I wondered why someone would want  tune up stranger’s bikes for free. Turns out, Bryce wants any needy person (whether needy because of a lack of financial resources or by unfortunate mechanical breakdown while in the area) to have a means to get them back up on two wheels.

After calling Bryce to get the story I made arrangements to come out and see his operation. His story is actually very simple. He doesn’t ask for anything. He just wants anyone who cannot afford a bike to have one. So he collects bikes and pieces of bikes that are either donated or thrown into the trash, fixes them up and gives them away. He trusts that people will not use him as a way to circumvent the costs of a bike shop. In fact, he stresses that his purpose is not to be a bike shop or take business from shop owners.

Bryce’s bike operation can be found just off the Back Roads and Beaches route about a half-mile west of Pyle Rd on SR 511. He is very friendly and welcoming to those who are curious about his mission and his infectious enthusiasm is quite inspiring. He and his wife are also triathletes and enjoy cycling. Traveling cyclists can stop by, borrow some tools or fill a water bottle. I’m sure, as I did, you’ll leave with a smile on your face.

Links to other coverage of Bryce’s Bike Point Ministries:
Bike Point Ministries helping others one bike at a time
Man’s bike stolen twice in less than a year

Don't miss events along the Back Roads and Beaches

Event season is upon us again and as is typical along the Back Roads and Beaches, a full calendar awaits athletes, wine enthusiasts, families and bike tourists. Check it out:

Events to Compete/Participate/Ride

Oberlin Splash-n-Dash Triathlon
Philips Gym, Oberlin College
Saturday, May 15
500 yard swim, 20k bike, 5k run
Registration forms available at the front desk of Philips Gym. Cost is $20 per person, $45 for a team of three

Oberlin Midnight Bike Ride & Pancake Breakfast
Friday, May 14, 2010
Tappan Square 11:59pm
Helmets and lights highly recommended!
Midnight ride is a leisurely bike ride through the streets of Oberlin. The ride starts on Tappan Square and ends at the Oberlin Inn with a free pancake breakfast to all participants.

Culinary/Wine

Wine Tasting and Scoring/Live music
May 8, 2010, 4pm
Vermilion Valley Vineyards
11005 Gore Orphanage Rd.
Henrietta Township, OH 44889
Wine tasting and scoring with Professor and winemaker David Benzing. Six wines will be sampled and scored using a 20-point scale with each criteria fully explained beforehand. All the scored wines will be white varieties made from grapes grown the the Vermilion Valley experiental vineyard located less than half a mile from the winery. Cost is $10. Beginning at 6pm: enjoy live music by Around Acoustic Trio. Open Sat 10am–10pm.

Second Saturday Supper
May 8, 5pm–8pm
Paper Moon Vineyards
2008 SR 60
Vermilion, OH 44089
Texas-style barbeque dinner by Rotuno's of Elyria. Meal includes 1/2 barbeque chicken, cheesy potatoes, close slaw and corn bread. $12.99. Tickets can be purchased by phone at (440) 967-2500 or online here.

Live music at Vermilion Valley Vineyards
Vermilion Valley Vineyards
11005 Gore Orphanage Rd., Henrietta Township, OH 44889
Friday, May 14
Live music by The Croonerz beginning at 6pm.

Lorenzo’s Rigatoni Dinner at Matus Winery
Friday, May 14, 5:30pm


Pancake Breakfast along the Lake
Sunday, May 16, 2010
103rd O.V.I. Museum
5501 East Lake Rd, Sheffield Lake, OH 44054
All you can eat pancake breakfast and free tours of Civil War Museum.


Festivals/Family

The Big Parade & Festival
Oberlin, Saturday May 8, 2010
Tappan Square
Created and organized by Oberlin College students as a way to celebrate art, springtime, the community and fun! The parade is followed by festivities in Tappan Square. You never know what kind of floats will appear at The Big Parade!


Arts/History/Underground Railroad

Freedom’s Friends History Walk
May 15, 2010, 11am–12:15pm
Oberlin Heritage Center
73 1/2 S. Professor St., Oberlin, OH 44074
Oberlin is perhaps the most important station along the whole line of the Underground Railway. It has rendered the most important services to Freedom. It is second only to Canada as an asylum for the hunted fugitive. Hear stories about Oberlin's most famous freedom seekers and people known to have helped them make their way to freedom. This tour is most likely to be enjoyed by adults and children 9 years of age and up.

Advance registration is not required for this tour, although it is appreciated. Tickets are available online and at the Museum Store in the Monroe House up until tour time. Tickets will not be available at the tour start location. This history walk will be canceled if it is raining at start time and registrants may request refunds or transfers.

This tour begins near the front steps of First Church, U.C.C. at the northwest corner of Main Street (SR 58) and Lorain Street (SR 511). 440.774.1700

A spring weekend at Findley State Park

We popped over to Findley State Park this weekend to see what was going on and found lots of outdoor activity and a high level of enthusiasm for the start of another great season! Take a look:

North Coast Mountain Bike Club members were camping out and preparing to do night rides on the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail. 

Riders from Oberlin College arrived as part of a “4000 More Bikes” campout at Findley.

Disc golfers enjoying Findley State Park’s disc golf course

 

Camping class from Cuyahoga Community College were enjoying their campfire.

Thorn Mountain Bike Trail Conditions April 2010

Update from Nab: Right now, the trail is very ride-able. There are some soft spots but with some more riding, they’ll be packed down. Back section is closed with some problem mud but Nab is working on it. Come on out before the next batch of rain!

2010 Oberlin Earth Day 5k and Kids Fun Run pics posted

First, second, third place. Photo: Ben Bickel

Check out the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook fan page (photo albums) for photos of today’s Oberlin Earth Day 5k and Kids Fun run.

Active spring events begin another great outdoor season

The weather this spring has been more like summer and cyclists have been out in droves! Businesses along the route are buzzing, wineries are busy and eateries are starting to serve outdoors again. Here are a few upcoming 5k runs, walks, competitions and other outdoor active events around north central Ohio.

Earth Day 5k Run/Walk and Children’s Fun Run
Saturday, April 17, 2010
10am (Children’s fun run at 9:15am)
The Oberlin Earth Day 5k Run is celebrating it’s 37th year. Please bring a non-perishable food and/or household item to donate to Oberlin Community Services.

Spring into Action 5K Race for Haiti
Saturday, April 17, 2010
9am at the Lorain County Metro Parks Bridgeway Trail-Days Dam
E 31st St. and East River Rd., Lorain, OH
The Course will begin and end at Days Dam. All proceeds will go directly to Habitat for Humanity International.

5th Annual Sandy Ridge Half Marathon & 10k
Sunday, April 18 7am registration, 8am race
Lorain County Community College
1005 Abbe Rd. North
Elyria, OH
This is a fast, flat looping course in and around the Sandy Ridge wetlands area, a spectacular birding hotspot.

NHA Walk/Run for the Homeless
May 8, 2010
Registration begins at 7am
Lorain County Community College
5k run, 1 mile walk to benefit homeless families. Each registration fee will cover the actual cost to feed and shelter one person for one night at the Haven Center.

Lorain County Heart Walk
May 15, 2010, 8:30–11am
Avon Commons
1-3 mile walk to benefit the American Heart Association

Kayaking Symposium
May 22, Lakeview Park, Lorain
9am–2pm
Lorain County Metro Parks is teaming up with the Backpackers Shop to provide a chance to test out a variety of kayaks (weather permitting). Other outdoor recreation related demos and info will be available throughout the event.

Spring is almost here-get ready!

Sunny days are now becoming the norm and the snow is melting. Are you ready? Here are a few upcoming semi-competitive fun events that are perfect for an early spring kick-start to another great season of biking, swimming, running and kayaking! We’ll be adding more as dates are set.

1st Annual Sole to Sole 5k

Saturday, March 27, 8:30am

Schwartz Road Park

34741 Schwartz Road

Avon, OH

Keel-haulers 2010 Vermilion River Race

Sunday, March 28

This annual race is appropriate for novice to expert racers. Families and small groups are encouraged to participate.

Indoor Triathlon

Sunday, April 11th at 8am

Splash Zone, W. Hamilton Rd., Oberlin

Individuals and Relay teams do 30 minutes each of swimming, cycling (spin) and running. All levels welcomed and encouraged to participate! Registration fee of $20 goes to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. $10 for t-shirt.

Register in person at the Splash Zone or call 440.774.5059.

25th Annual Lorain Wheelmen Bicycle Club AFROST ride.
Sunday, April 11th
Registration: 8–9:30am, beginning at Shupe School in Amherst
A flat, early season tour to kick of the season and test your fitness. Routes visit many historic towns and villages in Lorain County. 25/50/64 mile courses.

Earth Day 5k Run/Walk and Children’s Fun Run

Saturday, April 17, 2010

10am (Children’s fun run at 9:15am)

The Oberlin Earth Day 5k Run is celebrating it’s 37th year. Please bring a non-perishable food and/or household item to donate to Oberlin Community Services.

Spring into Action 5K Race for Haiti
Saturday, April 17, 2010
9am at the Lorain County Metro Parks Bridgeway Trail-Days Dam
E 31st St. and East River Rd., Lorain, OH
The Course will begin and end at Days Dam. All proceeds will go directly to Habitat for Humanity International.

5th Annual Sandy Ridge Half Marathon & 10k

Sunday, April 18 7am registration, 8am race

Lorain County Community College

1005 Abbe Rd. North

Elyria, OH

This is a fast, flat looping course in and around the Sandy Ridge wetlands area, a spectacular birding hotspot.

Findley State Park MTB Ice Race Update

The ice race scheduled for this weekend has been canceled. All the snow we’re getting has prevented Findley Lake from freezing sufficiently. We’ll keep you posted on a rescheduled date. And don’t forget, there is plenty of snow for snow-shoeing and cross country skiing!