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.