Monday, July 18, 2011

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

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

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!

Monday, July 11, 2011

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.