Shopping local, shopping active

 So, yes, the weather outside (at the moment) is a bit frightful. But for active folks who would rather be out logging in miles on the road, this is a great time to check off some items from holiday shopping lists. If you're like me, not crazy about the mall...you can spend some time shopping locally and staying true to a love of cycling and all things active. I mean... shopping can be a marathon of sorts right? Here are a few places around the Back Roads and Beaches route to shop for active and truly unique gifts and have a great afternoon doing it. I've tried to outline a few local shopping itineraries that include some other stops that make shopping fun and create a fun, festive afternoon or evening.

Near Avon Lake:

Las Cazuelas--Yum!

Marty's Cycle Center,  located at 453 Avon Belden Rd. in Avon Lake has lots of great cycling gifts. How about a gift certificate for a precision bike fitting? Look for the lighted bike out front. And located right around the corner from Marty's you can get your Mexican food fix at Las Cazuelas Mexican Restaurant.

When you're finished there, right down the way are John Christ and Klingshirn Wineries. Pick up some local vino for gifts while you sip some of the local varieties.

Strip Steakhouse, photo by Holly Miller

Not far from here you can also check out Old Avon Village which is decorated and reminiscent of a more old fashioned holiday. Old Avon Village features various boutiques and a bakery. There are also several great gourmet eateries here. Strip Steakhouse will be having a happy hour buffet from 3–6pm daily through Dec. 17. Check out the map below which includes some other possible stops for an Avon/Avon Lake itinerary:

Near Oberlin

Downtown Oberlin

 If you're an art lover or shopping for one, you won't leave Oberlin empty-handed. There are many galleries and gallery shops that have all sorts of unique and unusual items.

Uncommon Object

Uncommon Objects, Ginko Gallery and Riverdog are just a few. You can also find unique jewelry, home furnishings, imported African items and more. Don't forget Inspired. We featured them a few months ago in the blog. Another great opportunity to check-off gifts for hard-to-buy-for people on your list. If you're interested in local history and the Underground Railroad you can learn about them at the Oberlin Heritage Center. And when you're finished with your tour, stop in at the gift shop and pick up a book or two to share. While you are in the area, check out the progress of the Oberlin Gasholder Building Restoration. The Gasholder Building is the future home of the Oberlin Underground Railroad Center and park and ride facility. It will be a wonderful service to visiting cyclists.

Future home of the Oberlin Underground
Railroad Center

If you're looking for active gifts or gear, try Swerve Bike Shop or Molnar Outdoor. Both locally owned shops have friendly staff willing to answer all your questions. 

When you're ready for a break and something to nibble on, I'd recommend the Oberlin Inn for a fancy, festive sit down meal, The Feve for a burger (beef or vegan) and a beer or Quick and Delicious for some down-home comfort food.

I've put together a map to make it easier to formulate your itinerary:



These are just a few suggestions in keeping with our active spirit and local theme. Hopefully you'll find exploring these local businesses and organizations as exciting and fun as we do. You'll find many other maps and suggestions by visiting the Visit Lorain County website.

Red Flannel 2011

It's that time of year again...time to start planning for the annual Red Flannel ride! This year will mark the 36th time the Lorain Wheelmen welcome hundreds of cyclists from all over. Some consider this their end-of-the-season swan-song. For others, it's just a chance to get out all their cold weather gear. Although many times the weather is so good, you may not need to bundle up!

The Red Flannel will take place Sunday, November 6, 2011. The ride departs from the Oberlin Community Service Center in Oberlin at 9am. The Center will also be the finishing area for the ride. Riders can complete their choice of the 33 mile or 67 mile routes. Advance registration is $15 and will be accepted until October 29. After that, the cost will be $20. This fee includes map and three snack stops.

To register, or for more information, check the event web page. This is a great ride for all levels of riders! Hope to see you out there!

Arts, wine and events make great fall cycling itinerary in north central Ohio

Porch at Riverdog

We're back to our typical, beautiful October weather! The leaves are changing, the sun is shining (and promises to do so at LEAST through the weekend) and there are lots of great events for cyclists to take in. I would suggest grabbing some reservations for this weekend and plan a great cycling, arts, wine and cuisine-filled adventure around the Back Roads and Beaches Route. First off....lodging reservations.. Here are some great suggestions:

Riverdog Retreat. I took my first extensive visit to this property the other day with artists/owners T.P. Speer and Deborah Banyas. This property is spectacular! You might not want to leave the pristine, beautiful property to ride your bike! Terry and Deborah tell me they still have openings for this weekend if you act quickly. Riverdog is a hard property to describe. It has a high-end, artistic feel while still maintaining an ease and comfort that can only be found in nature. T.P. and Deborah have skillfully blended their artwork into the renovated buildings throughout the property. The entire property, wooded trails, art gallery and lodging facilities located throughout hold many, many whimsical, cheerful surprises around every corner. Their dogs are an absolute delight. Riverdog is located on Gore Orphanage Rd., right between Vermilion Valley Vineyards and Matus Winery on the west side of Lorain County. From here you can jump right onto the BRaB route. Here are a few more images from my visit:

Riverdog Gallery

Riverdog is full of little surprises around
every corner.

Rooms are spacious and have many personal
touches from the artist-owners

Down every hallway...
more whimsy and delight

Area for guests to relax

Other great options on and around the route include the Hallauer House Bed and Breakfast and The Oberlin Inn. The Oberlin Inn is right in the center of Oberlin. You can enjoy a fabulous meal there, or walk to many fine restaurants and shops steps from the hotel. The Hallauer House is a great choice for history buffs and those cycling Underground Railroad history. The owners have painstakingly developed beautiful gardens and an interior full of Civil War era history. I visited with them the other day as well and got some images from this charming property as well:

When you're not enjoying your lodging facilities, check out the many things there are to do this weekend at our wineries, art galleries, museums, shops and restaurants:

Right now at the FAVA Gallery in Oberlin: Untangling Threads: Women Artisands in Morocco's Rug Weaving Industry. This exhibit offers the viewer a glimpse into rural Moroccan life as it documents the life, culture and craft of female weavers. It specifically focuses on artisans from rural weaving communities in the Middle and High Atlas mountains. Anna Beeke and Alia Kate collaborated on this current exhibit. 

Untangling Threads at the FAVA Gallery, Oberlin

After you're finished at the exhibit, stop in at FAVA's gallery shop, Uncommon Objects, which is located just across the hall. This is the perfect place to find treasures for hard-to-please gift recipients. The shop has an assortment of paintings, prints, jewelry, pottery, glass, clothing etc. All from local artists. Walking through town, you'll find many more of these quaint, artistic shops as well. Ginko Gallery, Inspired, Ade's Place and Bead Paradise are just a few.

The Allen Art Museum in Oberlin is now open and better than ever, following a year and half renovation effort. The Allen (and all the other mentioned businesses) are very friendly and welcoming to cyclists! 

Wine

Don't forget about our wineries located on the route! Several have live entertainment and events this weekend. Starting south and moving north, on the west loop of the route:

Matus Winery: 

Friday: Relax and enjoy Rotuno's BBQ dinner at 5:30 followed by entertainment with Scott Stiert at 8pm. 

Saturday: Entertainment by The Killer Kings beginning at 8pm

Vermilion Valley Vineyards:

Friday: Enjoy wine and food with entertainment by Dann and Lilly

Saturday: Enjoy wine and food with entertainment by Ally & Co- folk, rock and country music. 

Paper Moon Vineyards:

Saturday: Paper Moon Octoberfest! German food and entertainment. Bratwurst, smoked sausage with sauerkraut, cabbage and noodles, German potato salad, red beets and strudel. Dinner from 5–8pm and live music by Bob Lawitske. Check the link for more details.

Multi-Sport

Kayaking from Lakeview Beach in Lorain, OH 

The temps are supposed to be in the 80s with sunny weather around BRaB. Still time to kayak the Vermilion-Lorain water trail. If you don't want to bring your own kayak you can rent at either West River Kayak (Vermilion River) or Great Lakes Kayaking on the Black River. 

If you also enjoy mountain biking, the Thorn Trail at Findley State Park is now in great shape! The rains have passed, the trail has dried so come on out and ride! The North Coast Mountain Bikers even blow the leaves off the trail to help you find your way!

These are only a few suggestions for a great October cycling weekend! Check out www.visitloraincounty.com for more planning tools, calendar of events, dining options and more. You can also call 800.334.1673 for personalized assistance to help you develop a customized itinerary. See you on the route! 

Pedal into Fall

We're pedaling into fall, not just out of summer. There are plenty of activities & outdoor fun to be enjoyed on the BRaB in any season! Autumn happens to be one of the most beautiful on the route.

Let’s ride into the weekend BRaB style! This weekend we'll visit some old favorites, see some new sites and make some new friends in and around the Oberlin area.
 

Matus Winery


  

Our glasses are always half full at Matus Winery and Vermilion Valley Vineyards. Both wineries, situated on different legs of Gore Orphanage Road, have fantastic wine offerings with their own unique services.

Matus has live entertainment beginning at 8pm Friday and Saturday nights and Janice's Cafe Stuffed Pork Chops served for dinner at 5:30pm on Friday, Sept. 30. A different restaurant's entree featured each Friday.



Vermilion Valley Vineyards 



Vermilion Valley also has live entertainment this Friday and Saturday beginning at 7pm. Their dinner menu is offered from 5-10pm. I recommend their homemade hummus served with the Trio Spread!

 

    

Riverdog Retreat

A must visit along the BRaB is Riverdog Retreat. It is truly that – a retreat. Discover its artful landscaping this Saturday and Sunday at their Open House. Explore the Retreat at your leisure and enjoy a complementary wine tasting featuring wines from the Vermilion Valley and elsewhere presented by Peter Badal, wine consultant at Heinen's. The property is also the home of Riverdog Studio/Gallery and is owned by artists Deborah Banyas and T.P. Speer who are also your hosts for Riverdog Retreat.

The leaves may be turning amber, but you can stay green on the Oberlin Green Energy Ohio Guided Tour. The tour begins this Saturday at 10am and showcases innovative uses of solar, energy efficiency, and other green energy technologies.

 Oberlin Green Energy Tour Sites:   

                                                

Burgess Residence, 47810 US Highway 20, 10-10:45am          

Oberlin Fire Department, 430 S. Main St., 11-11:55am

Oberlin Municipal Light & Power System, 289 S. Professor St.,
12-12:55pm

Adam Joseph Lewis Center for Environmental Studies, 122 Elm St., 1-1:55pm

Frantz Residence, 53 King St., 2-2:55pm

Trail Magic, 493 E College St, 3-4pm

 

Cowhaus Creamery - photo courtesy of Main Street Oberlin



New, on East College Street in Oberlin, we welcome Cowhaus Creamery to the BRaB! Stop by this weekend and welcome them to the route. Ice creams in the 'haus this weekend: Red Cedar Coffee which is an organic fair trade Columbian - specifically roasted for Cowhaus.

“Our ice creams are, pure and clean. We only use cream and milk from happy pasture-grazed cows and when available, we use 100% organic cream. Our ice creams are fresh. From the pasture, to our creamery in Elyria, to our dipping cabinets in Oberlin... and finally to your cone usually takes about 4 days. To keep it in perspective, most of the ice cream in grocery stores can be anywhere from at least 6 months to a year old.” – Cowhaus Creamery Facebook

Weltzheimer/Johnson House

Don’t miss the Frank Lloyd Tours on Sunday at the The Weltzheimer/Johnson House on Morgan Street, the First Usonian Home in Ohio. Hours are 12pm until 5pm. Guided tours begin on the hour until 4pm.

  

Hope this helped get your wheels spinning for the weekend ahead!

For more to see and do be sure to check the website for complete listings.



Tough Mudder coming to South Amherst Quarries

Tough Mudder, an event that “tests toughness, fitness, strength, stamina, and mental grit all in one place and all in one day” will be coming here to north central Ohio on the weekend of April 14 and 15, 2012. The venue will be the South Amherst Quarries which is just off the Back Roads and Beaches route.

The 12-mile course will feature 27 obstacles all throughout. Tough Mudder is generally considered to be a stiff challenge for even the most fit athlete. And if you are familiar with north central Ohio in April, you know the weather could be 80 degrees and sunny OR we might have a half a foot of snow on the ground! All the better to add to the challenge, according to Tough Mudder officials.

The Quarries
The South Amherst Quarries is a privately held piece of spectacular and unique property of over 1000 acres. It has a history that runs deep in Lorain County and the fact that it will be open to participants and spectators during the April 14 and 15 weekend will be a rare treat for north central Ohioans who haven't experienced it firsthand. Amherst, Ohio is known as the “Sandstone Center of the World” due in part to this particular piece of land. More on the history of this property here, or check out this great 7 minute video that shows different views as well as the history of the property:



Lodging and area information for visitors and participants
If you’re coming to participate or watch Tough Mudder, you can find area information at the Visit Lorain County website, including a map that shows local lodging in relation to the venue and parking sites.

Click here to register for the South Amherst Tough Mudder (Tough Mudder Michigan/Ohio) event.

Along the Route — Inspired

Inspired has cycling tshirts too!

Another great stop for cyclists along the Back Roads and Beaches Route! Located right in front of the Oberlin Public Library, you'll find Inspired. This great new Fair Trade, Eco friendly store offers a variety of unique and useful items and gifts. You'll find fashion for the whole family as well as toys, purses, bags and jewelry. Inspired has coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolates and other goodies. Inspired is located at 57 South Main St. in Oberlin. Their hours are Mon–Sat 10am–7pm and Sun noon–5pm. You can reach owner Debbie Bush at 440-774-1565.

Back Roads and Beaches 5K Run, Wine and Dine August 20

The Run!
The Back Roads and Beaches 5k Run, Wine and Dine is all set for Saturday, August 20 at 5pm. The race will begin and end at the Oberlin Inn which is located on the corner of Main and College Sts. right in the center of Oberlin. The course will run through the streets of Oberlin on much of the BRaB spur route.

The Party
Following the race participants, friends and the general public can enjoy live music by Kent-based band, The Speedbumps; great wine from Klingshirn Winery, Vermilion Valley Vineyards, Matus Winery and Paper Moon Vineyards. Delicious outdoor barbecue of local foods including burgers, veggie burgers, beef rib, avocado sandwiches, veggie shooters, roasted corn on the cob, desserts and more. Check out The Speedbumps here:



Click here to pre-register until August 19th. Cost is $20. Day-of registration begins at 3:30 pm and costs $25. Registration includes a tshirt (while supplies last) and one glass of wine, beer or soda at the after-party.

Check out the Visit Lorain County website for lodging options and make it a multi-sport weekend! Bring your bike and/or kayak. 

Sponsors of the BRaB 5K include Barnes Wendling CPAs, Wellington Implement, Fauver, Keyse-Waler & Donovan, Klingshirn Winery, LCCC Dining Services, Firelands Association for the Visual Arts (FAVA), Oberlin Underground Railroad Center, 5 Corners Bed and Breakfast and Vermilion Valley Vineyards.

Vermilion Harbor Triathlon this weekend

Team Back Roads and Beaches runner, Joanna Johnson completed last year's 10k run with a blazing time of 39.01. Team BRaB took first place in the Olympic Tri Team Relay

 This is the weekend for the Fourth Annual Vermilion Harbour Triathlon, taking place Saturday, August 13th and Sunday, August 14th. The Tri/Du is part of HFP Racing's Wheelie Fun series. For those familiar with the annual triathlon, please note that the bike course is slightly altered a bit this year due to construction on West River Rd. in Vermilion. For those of you who haven't

The main triathlon/duathlon will again take place on Sunday. Registration and packet pickup will take place Saturday in Linwood Park from 12 noon – 5pm. There will be no race-day registration.

Planning to stay the weekend? Make it a multi-sport weekend. Rent a kayak and paddle the Vermilion–Lorain Water Trail, mountain bike the Thorn Trail at Findley State Park or bike the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route through Vermilion, Oberlin, Wellington and Lorain. There are so many events going on this weekend at local wineries, sunset cruises, lighthouse tours, and live music/outdoor concerts—you will certainly not be at a loss for something to do! Check out local lodging for some great rates.

NEO Power Series-Findley State Park MTB Photos and Results

Weather for yesterday’s Thorn Trail MTB race was great. Check out photos from the event on the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook page and results at the 331 Racing Site. Congratulations to all the day’s winners.

Competition heats up at Findley State Park this week. (Thorn MTB Trail Conditions included)

Because of late-summer's drier weather, this is always the best time of the year for the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park in Wellington, Ohio. The trail is in the best shape all year, trees have been cleared and events are heating up. Tuesday night, August 2, the North Coast Mountain Bikers weekly time trials continue. Trials start at the beach parking lot. Start anytime between 5:30–7pm. Cost is a donation of $6. Proceeds go to the NCMTB club to maintain the Thorn Trail. The trials have seen great success this year so join in the fun with lots of fellow competitors.

2010 NEO Power Series Findley Race

The Thorn MTB trail will also serve as the venue for stage three of the NEO Power Series held by 331 Promotions this Sunday, August 7, 2011. Registration/sign in from 9:45–11:15am. Race start is at 11:30. This is a single track time trial. Online registration closes on Thurs. After that, registration will be on-site. Check out photos from last year's race here.

NCN Findley Lake Triathlon this Saturday

This Saturday, August 6 at Findley State Park, NCN Racing will host the 6th Annual Findley Lake Triathlon/ Duathlon beginning at 8am. Pre-register here or register on site. The Tri features a swim in Findley Lake, bike around the rural roads of southern Lorain County and a run through Findley's forested trails. Check out photos from last year's tri here.

If you are competing at Findley this week, you can stay right on site at the Findley campgrounds (but reserve early because Findley is very popular!) or check out the Oberlin Inn nearby. There are several bed and breakfasts in the Wellington and Oberlin area as well. Check those out here. Combine your multisport competitive weekend with other great winery, arts and historical events here and you'll be busy all weekend!

Thorn Mountain Bike Trail, Findley State Park-Conditions and events

The Thorn Trail at Findley State Park is in great shape. The weather is hot and dry—always good for the wooded Thorn.

Starting this Tuesday, July 19, Thorn Mountain Bike Time Trials. Head to the beach parking lot and start anytime between 5:30–7pm. Seven event series. Cost is a donation of $6 which goes to the North Coast Mountain Bikers club to maintain the trail.


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

Along the Route-Fairview Meadow Farms

Fairview Meadow Farms lies quietly on the south side of the Back Roads and Beaches Bike/Multi Sport Route in Wellington. Home to truly free-range livestock Fairview Meadow Farms—owned and operated by the Joppeck family—prides themselves on raising high quality grass-fed meats and other naturally produced products. Named for their location just beyond the Lorain County Fairgrounds, Fairview Meadow’s 60-acre farm holds deep family roots as its traditions have been passed from one generation to the next. Fairview Meadow Farm is the perfect starting place for organic and healthy eating.

Fairview Meadow’s farm has been within the family for three generations, however their organic lifestyle is relatively new. According to owner and mother Louise Joppeck, the idea of producing organic products started with the desire to eat healthier. They felt the best way to eat better and give back to environment was to start with the resources nature provides. They researched the mechanics of operating a grass-fed farm but wanted to know more, that’s when they came in contact with Joel Salatin and Polyface Farms. Son Nathan spent a year learning under Joel and the Polyface farm apprenticeship program. Nathan returned home and started implementing his knowledge and innovation to enhance the fast growing Fairview Meadow Farm.


But what’s so special about organic products and healthier eating options? For many multi sport athletes its the desire to give your body back the proper nutrients it needs to excel physically. For the Joppeck’s it’s all the benefits that are now naturally provided through daily foods. The process of grass-feeding livestock works as a cycle with nature supporting the animals and with the animals giving back to the environment. The soil benefits from the natural fertilizers and maintenance from the livestock and the animal’s benefit from being fed only farm-grown grass and the freedom to move and grow in their natural herds. The value provided to the consumers is leaner, healthier meats with no added hormones, antibiotics, or product enhancers. Their products come enriched with vitamin E and omega-3, as well as a lower cholesterol level, the perfect stepping-stone to a healthy lifestyle.

Like every homegrown business, the Joppeck family faces daily challenges with operating a grass-fed farm. The farm has a constant threat from local predators therefore requiring the Joppeck’s to keep a persistent eye on their livestock. The farm’s right hand, Nathan, is looking to update their fencing equipment to better provide for the animals safety and happiness, and ease their burden.

Just as important as the welfare of their animals, the Joppeck’s have a great connection to local community. Being locally owned and operated, the Joppeck’s focus on selling to community friends and neighbors. Orders can be submitted by email or by joining one of their popular buying clubs. Fairview Meadow Farms is devoted producing quality products to be sold to local area residents.

Providing a variety of livestock including beef, pork, lamb, and chicken, as well as fresh produce, Fairview Meadow Farms is an appetizing way to go green. A refreshing alternative to everyday eating, Fairview Meadow Farms is another unique treasure along the Back Roads and Beaches route, the perfect food for thought along your ride!

2011 Lorain Lakeview Sprint Triathlon/Duathlon Recap

Check out the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook Page for a full catalog of Tri/Du photos from Sunday’s race.

Sunday was the perfect morning for a triathlon/duathlon on Lake Erie. Although it was hot, it was in the 70s and the Lake was calm for the 25th annual Lakeview Tri/Du Sprint. Well over 200 people participated.

Early results read as follows (final results can be found at the NCN Racing website here):

Top three triathlon (overall) finishers:
1. Brooks Butler
2. Ian Sly
3. Scott Mazon

Brooks Butler

Top three women (overall) finishers:
1. Kristen Kovach
2. Hallie Sly
3. Sheri Branum

Jim Galloway

Congratulations and a big thank you to Back Roads and Beaches Tri racer, Jim Galloway who placed 17th overall and 2nd in his age category!







Top three duathlon finishers:

1. Mark Waldecki
2. Chris Latkovich
3. Mike Zizan

Top womens duathlon finishers:
1. Nancy Desmond
2. Joanna Brell
3. Laurie Perduyn

Check out the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook Page for a full catalog of Tri/Du photos from Sunday’s race. Didn’t win a medal? Here’s your chance to win! “Like” the page, find a photo of yourself, competing and tag it. First person to tag themselves will win a free entry to the Back Roads and Beaches 5K Run, Wine and Dine on August 20. Next two,  $10 gift certificates to the Moosehead Grill in Amherst and the following three after that will win Back Roads and Beaches t-shirts.

Thorn Mountain Bike Trail-Findley State Park Conditions 6/15/11

The Thorn Trail is in good shape. Come on out tonight and ride!


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

Multisport Competition is Gearing Up

Summer is in full swing and with it, a calendar of north central Ohio multisport events. Many with the scenic backdrop of Lake Erie. Kick-start your summer with some friendly competition. Read on for event details.

Triathlon Information

NCN Racing is continuing the Rat Race Series starting this weekend. The Rat Race Series started in March and continues thru November.  It features running, cycling, and swimming events in eleven races. June 19, NCN Racing will be hosting the 8^th Annual Park 2 Park Half Marathon and 5K, it will be held at the French Creek Reservation in Sheffield. For event registration and information click here.  On July 10th the 25th Annual Summer Sprint Triathlon and Duathlon will be held at Lakeview Park in Lorain. The Triathlon will include a 1/4 mile swim in Lake Erie followed by a 14.3 mile bike and 5K run. For event registration click here. Following in August will be the 6th Annual Findley Lake Triathlon and Duathlon. Starting at 8am on August 6th, the course will feature a 1/4 mile swim in Findley Lake, a 16 mile bike course, and a 5K run through Findley State Park. Click here for Findley Lake Tri registration. End August with the 9th Annual Lorain Sprint/International Triathlon taking place on the 21st at 8am. The event will be held at Lakeview Park with a rewarding view of Lake Erie during the course. Click here for event registration.

HFP Racing is bringing their Wheelie Fun Triathlon and Duathlon Series to the beautiful harbor town of Vermilion. The Vermilion Harbour Triathlon will be held on Sunday August 14th at 7am. The course features a near shore Lake Erie swim, hilly bike ride along the Back Roads and Beaches route and run through the charming downtown Vermilion area. Finish along its breathtaking shoreline of Lake Erie. For registration and additional information click here.

331 Racing is adding adrenaline to the mix of events with the NEO Power Series starting this June. This cross country cycling race series is a test of true dedication and passion. Composed of six stages and featuring many different levels of competition, 331 Racing is looking for all ages to participate. On August 7^th, stage three moves to the north central Ohio area for the Thorn Time Trail. Taking place at Findley State Park just South of Wellington, the course is a nine mile loop traveling through mature wooded areas and past Findley Lake. The course features technical climbs, winding flats, and a unique coaster section all focused on pushing boundaries. For all NEO Power Series details click here. For Thorn Time Trail registration click here.

Don’t forget, the Back Roads and Beaches 5K Wine and Dine registration is now open. The run is set for Saturday, August 20, 2011, 5pm start. Registration will be open at 3:30pm. Start/Finish is at the Oberlin Inn, 7 North Main St., Oberlin, OH. The course runs through the funky little City of Oberlin, home to Oberlin College. Oberlin is unique in its ties to the Underground Railroad. This is a bicycle-friendly community that loves visitors. Enjoy Oberlin and this unique course followed by taste from local vineyards, local foods and live entertainment on the patio of the Oberlin Inn.

Paddle

Feel like adding a paddle to your multisport weekend?  Click here for Lorain County kayaking locations, times, rentals, and other information, or plan for the Black River Kayak-A-Thon on July 3^rd. 

Combine your multisport event with great lodging, wining and dining and make it a weekend. Check local lodging and dining listings and information.

Good luck hope to see you out competing around Back Roads and Beaches!