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