Get your legs pumping at Findley State Park!

With the warm weather in full force, our anxious legs can’t wait to hop on a bike and ride off into the sunshine! So what better place to get those legs pumping than at Findley State Park on Route 58 in Wellington? I recently took my first ever venture out to Findley, and learned that the breathtaking 838 acres holds something for everyone.

I have always heard the rumors of the beautiful camping sites, beach, and stunning views of Findley, but did you know that it is also home to a renowned mountain bike trail? Off one of the many hiking trails, the sun pokes through the trees and illuminates a lush green forest with a small trail, marked by a friendly sign reading “Thorn Mountain Bike Trail”. But don’t let the tweeting birds and surrounding wildflowers fool you, the Thorn is one wild ride.

A twisting 9 miles of single loop track through heavy woods, the Thorn offers terrain that is both challenging and exciting.  Climb steep hills, round 180* turns, and face obstacles like log rides and even teeter-totters! Sounds fun, right? You’ll also be looping around their lake, and taking in all the beauty that the state park has to offer.

Feeling like taking a more relaxing route first? Not a problem. With 7 other bike trails, and amenities like Frisbee golf, canoeing, and fishing, Findley’s got you covered. You can even pick a day to engage one of the naturalist programs that they offer, including fishing, crafts and even archery!

Every day is a great day to visit Findley State Park, but the one I picked was extra special. The Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was visiting on the same day, and announced his future efforts with Findley to work on some of the campsites and amenities there. Get a whiff of fresh air, and keep an eye out for the improvements at Findley State Park!

~Madalynne

It's about time to spring to your feet!

Oberlin Earth Day 5K

I think it is safe to say that after such a bitter cold winter all will be sprinting into spring and summer, even the non-runners!

Here is a list of spring/summer Lorain County races to get you motivated for the season ahead...

Saturday, April 19  Oberlin Earth Day 5K

Location: Tappan Square, Oberlin

Time: 10:00 A.M.

Distance: 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, April 26th  Home Run for the Homeless

Location: All Pro Freight Stadium, Avon

Time: 9:00 A.M.

Distance: 5K Run/1 Mile Walk

Sunday, May 4 Children Services Half Marathon & 5K

Location: 226 Middle Avenue, Elyria, OH

Time: 9:00 A.M.

Distance: Half Marathon - 13.1 miles or 5K 

Saturday, May 17 Run for the Red

Location: Bur Oak Pavilion in the Black River Reservation, Elyria

Time: 9:00 A.M.

Distance: 5K Run/Walk

Saturday, June 14  Run@ the Ridge 5K

Location: Pioneer Ridge by Del Webb, North Ridgeville

Time: 8:00 A.M.

Distance: 5K Run/Walk

Sunday, June 15 11th Annual Park 2 Park Half Marathon& 5K  

Location: French Creek Reservation, Sheffield, OH

Time: 7:00 A.M.

Distance: Half Marathon - 13.1 milesor 5K

Sunday, June 29 9th Annual Columbia Station Half MarathonRun & Inline Skate  

Location: Copopa Elementary School, 14168 W. River Rd., Columbia Station, OH

Time: 8:00 A.M.

Distance: 13.1 Miles (for both races) 

Saturday, July 12 5th Annual James KerstetterMemorial  5K Run

Location: Elyria Police Station – Kerstetter Way

Time 8:00 A.M.

Distance: 5k & 1 Mile

Sunday, July 13 28th Annual Summer Sprint Triathlon /Duathlon  

Location: Lakeview Park, Lorain, OH

Time: 8:00 A.M.

Distance: Triathlon - 1/4-Mile Swim, 14.3-Mile Bike, 5K Run   Duathlon - 5K Run, 14.3-Mile Bike, 5K Run

Saturday, July 19 Gary Jordan “Wellington Cheese HeritageFestival 5K & 10K Run”

Location: Wellington Athletic Field, Wellington

Time: 8:30 A.M.

Distance: 5K & 10K 

Sunday, August 3 Journal Jog

Location: Black River Landing, Lorain

Time: 9:00 A.M.

Distance: 5K Run & 3K Walk

Sunday, August 17 Vermilion Harbour Triathlon /Duathlon  

Location: Linwood Park, Vermilion

Time: 7:00 A.M.

Distance: Mini: 250y Swim (2mi Run) — 7mi Bike — 2mi Run

Sprint: 750m Swim (5k Run) — 20k Bike — 5k Run

Olympic: 1500m Swim (5k Run) — 40k Bike — 10k Run

Vermilion Harbour Triathlon

If you are in need of lodging or a good meal recommendation give us a call at 800.334.1673 or browse our site at www.visitloraincounty.com

Who said we need warm weather for adventure?

Some might say that it's a bummer when it gets this cold and the snow piles up here in North Central Ohio, but we know better! If anything the new obstacles only help us reach our target heart rate faster. It's also a great opportunity for some winter specific adventures to be had beyond just adding a lower temperature to the riding and hiking you can do year round on and near the BRaB.

Cycling the Back Roads and Beachse route

A great way to get those legs pumping is by snow-shoeing! If you've never tried it, the Lorain County Metro Parks are a great resource, and even if you're an old pro you can rent a set and head out of your own!

Keep in mind you can find plenty of great cross country skiing in this part of Ohio too. Parks like the Black River Reservation and the North Coast Inland Trail allow you to ski right here in Lorain County. Grab a pair of skis and head out at your own pace for a great afternoon!

And of course you can never go wrong with strapping on a pair of ice skates to get your blood pumping. North Park Ice Arena is waiting for you!

Vermilion Valley Vineyards

After your beat from your workout and need to warm up, head inside one of the great wineries just off the BRaB route, then crash here for the night at a hotel or B&B and try the next thing on your winter to do list in the morning!

New dining options along the BRaB route

As BRaB fans already know there are plenty of great dining options along the route. Here's a new one to add to the list: Treehugger's Cafe in downtown Oberlin. All the food is made fresh to order. Almost every item on the menu is organic. The menu features crepes, salads, wraps, soups and delicious desserts! Yum!

You'll find Treehugger's in the East College St. Building where Sprouts used to be. We're sad to see Sprouts go, but happy that such a great option has stepped in to fill the space!

Patchwork Trails along the Back Roads and Beaches Route

As if the beautiful scenery, low-traffic roads, wineries, restaurants and galleries aren't enough to punctuate a great ride, now you'll start finding more great art along the route! Thanks to the Community Foundation of Lorain County, throughout the end of 2013— and into 2014 — quilt barn squares will start appearing throughout the route. Here is the first one. See if you can find it... hint: Pitts Rd.

Paddle Boarding, anyone?

Yes, I do realize there is only one full day left of summer. But there are many beautiful days still ahead of us in north central Ohio. And as I stood on the beach at Lakeview Park in Lorain this week and watched a paddleboarder in front of the picturesque view of the Lorain lighthouse I knew there was still plenty of time to try something new. Ironically the Lake Erie Paddler himself was there as I went to leave that evening with boards in tow. Disappointingly, I did not jump on a board right then and there and give it a go, but it did prompt me to pull this from our summer archives. Please read on as our intern, Melody, shares her first experience on a paddleboard...


I was recently given the chance to try the latest and, in my opinion, greatest water sport to hit Lake Erie--stand up paddling (SUP)! I was absolutely amazed at how much fun I had and the endless potential for killer work out while just paddling around the cove. Keeping my balance engaged all of my muscles and the morning after, my arm muscles definitely reminded me that I had done something new.

After I was back on land, I got to chatting with Jim Lawhead, founder of Lake Erie Paddler, about the physical benefits of this sport. He told me about a Hawaiian man he met when he was first discovering SUP who lost 30 pounds just paddling a few miles every day.

If you're more of a thrill seeker, maybe stand up paddling will be a stepping stone before mastering paddle board surfing. Once you get the hang of it, there are huge benefits over regular surfing--the most obvious being that you can spot the waves faster when you're standing up and get a better chance to catch the wave.

Another really cool aspect of these boards is the new fitness trend SUP yoga. Not only does SUP yoga provide all the benefits of traditional yoga, it also has the added components of balancing on your board and being in the tranquil state of mind that only being surrounded by water can induce. The class begins by paddling out onto the water, then you move into your poses while the current brings you in, and then paddle back out, this time focusing on your paddle technique to get the most physical benefit.

I would highly recommend a day on these boards to anyone, young and old. You can craft the experience to whatever suits you best, whether it's an adventurous excursion on the black river or a blissful morning doing yoga on the water.

~Melody

I hope you were able to get out and try something new this summer. If not, there's still time! Go to www.backroadsandbeaches.com where more inspiration and adventure await.

For paddleboard rentals try Lake Erie Paddler and West River Kayak & Canoe

BYOE for BRAB Music Lovers!

Now I know what you're thinking--BYOE (Bring Your Own Everything)...on the Back Roads and Beaches Route? While we don't doubt your ability to lug a picnic, wine, lawn chairs, and more on your bike or in your backpack, "everything" you need for a day on BRAB followed by an evening at Riverdog Retreat's inaugural Music at Riverdog concert is right at your fingertips!

On September 8, Riverdog's gorgeous 20 acres provide the perfect scenery for "American roots" music, like the Kidney Brothers and Bill Watson, performers for Sunday's concert. While a suggested donation is encouraged to support the musicians, so is Riverdog's BYOE philosophy--no food, drinks, or place settings will be provided--so plan to bring your own. Lucky for you, the venue has kindly offered to let BRAB riders park on site for the day. Leave your concert supplies in your vehicle and spend the day on BRAB before returning for the evening's show. Guests are welcome beginning at 5pm with live music at 7pm.

Come early to wander Riverdog Reteat's 1.5 miles of walking trails

Riverdog's beautiful, historic barn will serve as the concert hall during warm weather months and house tables and chairs for those wanting to picnic indoors. Pack a blanket for outdoor seating or bring your favorite lawn chair. Music at Riverdog will continue throughout the year with Adrian Legg performing on Sunday, October 6. Winter shows will take place in Riverdog Retreat's gallery.

Plan your BRAB route to include a quick detour five miles east to bike-friendly downtown Oberlin to pick up your dinner at Aladdin's, The Feve, or one of the many other cafés in the area. Or, call Dostall Fams in advance to inquire about picking up hamburger patties on your way to the show. Riverdog's grill will be fired up at 5pm for guests to use.

There's no doubt you'll enjoy a relaxing evening of music and good company at Riverdog Retreat after a day on the BRAB!


If you're in the mood for a two-day excursion, rent some kayaks and hit the lakes and rivers of BRAB Saturday to see and do more in Lorain County! For lodging information, click here.

Be Carefree On the BRAB

Summer is the height of the cycling season here in north central Ohio. The weather is great and so are the trails. Inspired by a favorite website...here are some ways to make your normal ride fun and carefree!

1. Sing, dance a bit, have fun loudly as you pass pedestrians, people in their yards, people shopping. You may just brighten their day with your voice or your silly antics.

2. Re-master that childhood wheelie. The Thorn Trail at Findley State Park is an excellent place to practice!






3. Fill a cooler with cured meats, beer or local wine, and other snacks. Stash it in the woods somewhere along the route of the the next ride. When the group reaches that spot, feign a mechanical problem, then unveil your surprise.

4. Plan out a local ride that’s half made-up of roads you’ve never been on. Lorain County is huge, explore every nook and cranny!


5. Get one new person to go on a ride every week this summer. This is a fun way to meet new people.

6. Ride up your favorite descent—and down your favorite climb. Try looking at your normal route differently!

Above all...get out there, have fun, be safe and ride to your heart's content this summer on the BRaB!!

~Kaitlin

Bicycling.com's How to Have More Fun was my inspiration...I adapted a bit from their list...how much more fun can you add to your summer?

Races With a Twist (and not just in the route)

Back Roads and Beaches Run, Wine and Dine

It's that time of year again! The weather is warmer, the days are longer, and local races are popping up left and right. Have you ran the same local 5k every year for as long as you can remember? Looking for a way to spice things up while still getting your competition fix? Here’s a sampling of unique events happening this summer that might be just what you're looking for.

Triathlons/Duathlons 

What changes things up more than a race where you bike, swim, and run all in the same event?

June 9th Support the Games Triathlon

Findley State Park, Wellington Ohio

This particular event of the Ohio Police and Fire Games has been opened to the public so anyone is welcome to participate in this race. If you're a first responder and are interested in the other games, click here.

July 7 27th Annual NCN Summer Triathlon/Duathlon
Lakeview Park, Lorain Ohio
Held at beautiful Lakeview Park in Lorain, this is an annual tradition for many athletes. You can't beat Lake Erie for a great triathlon venue. Which brings us to....

August 17th and 18th Vermilion Harbour Triathlon/Duathlon and Kidz Triathlon and Duathlon

Linwood Park, Vermilion Ohio

Is racing a family event in your house? Do you want it to be? Bring your kids, siblings, nieces, nephews, or even little cousins to the Kids Tri and Du and start grooming a new training partner! Cheer them on to the finish Saturday, then stick around and trade places on Sunday for the Vermilion Harbour Tri and Du. You can register for either or both events here. 

Unique Races

These runs have some really fun and different aspects to them. All the benefits of a standard 5k with a little something special. 

June 30th Columbia Station Half Marathon and Inline Skate

Copopa Elementary School, Columbia Station Ohio

You read that correctly! In this race you can choose to run or skate your way to the finish line. This will definitely be a one of a kind experience!

August 17th Back Roads and Beaches 5k/10k Run Wine and Dine

Oberlin Inn, Oberlin Ohio

What's the most unique thing about this event? The 5 pm start time, or maybe the glass of post-race beer, wine, or soda included in registration? Don't forget to stick around after the race for the live music! This is sure to be a great time for you and the cheering section you bring along!

Cycling 

Don't worry cyclists- we didn't forget you!

July 21st The Thorn Trail Time Trial

Findley State Park, Wellington Ohio

This single track mountain bike race is all about the ride! Get training for The Thorn Trail Time Trial and see how well you can navigate this challenging path compared to fellow cyclists. 

"Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" inspires - Places to pick up fresh produce

Roadside stands can be found throughout summer along
the route. 

After watching the documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, we were inspired by Joe Cross and the way he traveled around with his juicer to share his health epiphany with others. (Watch the documentary for free on Hulu here).There are many places around the Back Roads and Beaches Route to find fresh, local produce to put into your juicer. Soon, there will be an abundance of produce in-season at our stands and markets. In addition to those listed below, you will find random produce stands all around the Back Roads and Beaches Route. Here are some details:

Permanent sources of fresh produce:

Fitch’s Farm Market (4413 Center Rd., Avon OH 440.934.6125) Open mid-April to mid-November. Market and pick your own produce. Click here to see what’s in season.

Fligner’s Market (1854 Broadway Ave., Lorain OH 440.244.5173) Fresh fruits and top quality veggies. Extensive selection of produce.

Grobe Fruit Farm (43875 Telegraph Rd., Elyria OH 440.322.8312)  Fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, and pastuerized cider. Farm market open from July through April offering fresh vegetables grown on their farm. Summer brings sweet corn, tomatoes and other vegetables, while fall brings apples and apple cider, with pumpkins and fall decorations coming the 1st of October.

Jamies Flea Market (46388 Telegraph Rd., Amherst OH, 440.986.4402) usually has between 3–6 produce vendors every Wed and Sat during the summer months.

Miller’s Apple Hill (50549 SR 113, Henrietta Twp OH, 440.965.7077) Pick your own apples and a variety of bulk foods.

Spiegelberg Orchards (6161 Middle Ridge Rd., Amherst, OH 440.233.6083) Family run farm market offering fresh produce including apples, peaches and pears grown in their own local orchard. Fresh cider available all year long.

Weekly vendor set-up type markets:

Oberlin Farmers Market: From May 4th–October 26, 2013 the market will be open on Saturdays from 9am–1pm. The market sets up in downtown Oberlin in front of the Oberlin Public Library. Produce vendors, grass fed beef and chicken, fresh eggs, baked goods, jams and jellies and more.

Village of Grafton Farmers Market (Old Town Hall), every Sat, July–Oct. 9am–1pm.

Wellington Farmers Market (corner of North Main & Taylor St). From June 15–October 25 the marketing will be open Fridays from 5–7pm.

So, there you go...whether you just want to pick up some fresh produce to add into a great recipe or you want to juice it up, you can barely throw a rock around here and not hit something fresh! Enjoy!

Ready to run!

Spring has sprung, well it sure is trying to anyway. Have you dusted off those running shoes? Hope so, because we have a handful of spring runs and walks to recommend to get you moving!

Tappan Square, Oberlin in bloom

April 20th Earthday 5k Run/Walk
Tappan Square, Oberlin
The mission of the Earthday 5K is to endorse and primote the celebration of the enviroment, good health and service to our community.

April 20th Tree Trotter Half Marathon and 3.5 Mile Run
Wellington Reservation, Wellington
You can also participate in a 1.8 mile Fun Walk. All proceeds benefit the Citizens Committee for Lorain County Metro Parks.

April 27th  Home Run for the Homeless 5K Run/1 Mile Walk
All Pro Freight Stadium, Avon
Event to educate about Neighborhood Alliance's programs and services. 100% of all money raised will benefit the Haven Center, Lorain County's year round homeless shelter.

May 11th Lorain County Heart Walk 
Avon Commons, Avon
This 1 and 3 mile walk supports the American Heart Association.

Celebrating winter!

This little arctic blast may take you off two wheels for a few days, but it definitely doesn't take you off the Back Roads and Beaches Multi-Sport Route. Discover something exciting along the BRaB this winter.

Winter Days Festival photo by Mark Teleha

With our temps in the twenties this weekend, it’s fitting for the Lorain County Metro Parks annual Winter Days festival to be held Saturday (Jan 26th) from 10 to 4 at the Vermilion River Reservation. We don’t sit back and endure winter in north central Ohio, we celebrate it! And why not? It’s one of our four most beautiful seasons! So bundle up and enjoy the crisp winter air while taking in dog sled presentations, ice carving demonstrations, sleigh (carriage) rides, live music, a chili cook-off and be sure to BYOS – “bring your own sled” to cruise down their great sledding hill! You can warm up throughout the day in the Carriage Barn and purchase refreshments before you head back out for more.

Not seeing a big thaw in our future, we gear up for another cool event…the 5^th Annual Ice-A-Fair to Remember on Saturday February 2^nd from 11 to 4 in Downtown Vermilion. Cycle down Liberty and Main Streets, stroll or catch Lolly the Trolley and marvel at the sight of over 50 ice carvings, some carved on site!! Stop in the quaint shops and restaurants downtown to warm up and grab a bite to eat.

Excitement along the BRaB is waiting for you...don't forget your camera!

For dining, shopping and lodging listings go to www.visitloraincounty.com or call us at 800.334.1673

Snow Sports

Snow doesn't always mean putting the bike away!

The cold and snowy winter season is thoroughly upon us Ohioans, and with that comes the opportunity for winter sports! Of course, snow is by no means needed for all winter sports. Any day this winter you can head out for a hike somewhere like the Vermillion River Reservation, Findley State Park (check out their annual winter hike in February), or Indian Hollow Reservation. And you can always hit the North Park Ice Arena for an afternoon of skating.

Hiking in the Lorain County Metro Parks

For now, we do have plenty of snow so take the opportunity to go snowshoeing at one of the Lorain County Metro Parks. You'll have the choice at becoming part of a program, or just renting the shoes on an hourly basis. People of any age can get energized by heading out on a snowshoeing adventure. And what a unique twist on your usual day of hiking!

Keep in mind you can find plenty of great cross country skiing. Parks like the Black River Reservation and the North Cost Inland Trail allow you to ski right here in Lorain County. Grab  pair of skis and head out at your own pace for a great afternoon.

Sandy is Gone-Sun Returns for Weekend Events

Just in time for the weekend....we are all set for the sun to resurface and stick around awhile! Now that Sandy has rumbled out of here, it looks like a great weather weekend is in store.

Which is great news for everyone planning to ride the Red Flannel or run the North Coast Inland Trail Marathon. Two annual events that bring hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts each year. The Red Flannel offers a 37-mile and 67-mile option for riders and is hosted each year by the Lorain Wheelmen Bicycle Club. The ride will begin and end at the Oberlin Community Services Center beginning at 9am. Registration is $20 and includes snack stops, maps and sag service. The ride has become a statewide favorite. Some riders look at it as their last ride of the year while others view it as the start of a new season and a good way to get their cold-weather gear out. Any way you look at it, it’s a blast!

The 7th Annual Inland Trail Marathon/Half Marathon and 5k is a USAT-certified Boston qualifier. The race benefits the Murray Ridge Center. 43 degrees and sunny looks like some pretty good running weather!

If you’re planning to make a weekend of it, there are plenty of events, exhibits, performances and winery activities going on. Not to mention dozens of great restaurants offering up plenty of delicious fuel for your adventure! Click here to plan the rest of your weekend and optimize all the great weather in store. If you are in need of some warm gear when you get here, Swerve Bike Shop and Molnar Outdoor are both close to the starting line of both events.

Paddling the Black River

Kayakers are a common sight on the Black River near the Lorain Lighthouse. Yes, that's definitely a great trip as we've chronicled here before. For many, the Lorain Lighthouse is an obvious pull, along with the sometimes challenging open waters of Lake Erie at the mouth of the Black River.

Henderson Bridge, Lorain

This time we're going in the opposite direction. We needed a day to remind ourselves just how awesome the Black River gets, east of the Henderson Bridge in Lorain, Ohio. The spectacular scenery, top-notch birding and in this case, brilliant fall foliage. There is a launch right at the Black River Wharf just off 14th St. in Lorain. You can rent single or double kayaks there through November from Grumpy's Bait Bucket. Grumpy is actually not so grumpy. He's one of the nicest guys on the river! Make sure you visit with him before and after your trip. He and his dog Rudy love to sit and visit with paddlers, boaters and fishermen. At the time of this entry, Grumpy's website isn't working but you can reach them at 440.244.5370 or 440.787.8720. This is a great paddle for kids too. The calm waters and endless wildlife are a treat for kids. I took my 12 year old son along and he had a blast checking out the herons, turtles, deer and all the amazing natural formations along the shoreline.

Grumpy and Rudy

Once you push off, just paddle to the right and keep going! Views include a mixture of stunning natural views intermixed with and industrial landscape in some spots. Views not seen from the road! On the beautiful, sunny Saturday we went, we were almost the only ones on the river. We did encounter a group of men tooling along slowly in their motor boat, stopping to exclaim "Have you ever been back here?! It's amazing! We had NO idea!" "Yep" I thought.

As you paddle further along, you will see large expanses of wooded, undeveloped land. This is the proposed Riverbend development owned by the City of Lorain. The City and Port Authority have been working hard on a lower Black River Habitat Restoration Project that includes constructing fish habitat shelves, restoration of eroding river banks, invasive species removal and native plantings.

If you're biking the Back Roads and Beaches and want to add this trip to your itinerary, here are a few suggestions:

• Directions: From SR 6, turn south onto Broadway Ave. 14th St. is less than a mile. Turn left to the wharf. 
• Check out local lodging options and make a long weekend of it. Options closest to this trip are Arbor Lights Bed and Breakfast, Lake Breeze Inn and the Fairfield Inn and Suites. 
• Great dining options (with spectacular sunsets and Lake views) are the Rose Cafe at Lakeview Park and Jackalope Lakeside Restaurant. 

Cap the day off with a spectacular Lake Erie sunset-
this is the view from the Jackalope Lakeside Restaurant.

Autumn activity heats up in north central Ohio

Wellington Reservation in southern Lorain County

 September, October and November are great months to take in all the outdoor action Back Roads and Beaches has to offer. Early fall weather is perfect, cool and crisp. Days tend to be in the high 50s–through 60s. Late October and November are a bit more crisp of course, but rewards include crisp blue skies, migrating birds, and of course...more comfortable runs!

Fall is a great time to hit the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park.

Paddling the Black or Vermilion Rivers or Findley Lake will yield spectacular views of fall folaige and migrating birds!

When you're done riding, paddling, running and hitting the trail; spend the evening at one of several local wineries. There are always great events going on. Click here to see what's going on. Make it a long weekend. There are lots of friendly, bike friendly lodging facilities. Check out the map below:
 

Beautiful weather weekend on tap for competitive events

This weekend's weather is going to be a refreshing break from the smokin' hot temps we've been having all summer. Not that we're complaining. The weather has been great and we've all been able to spend countless hours pounding the pavement and trails on two wheels and on foot. 

Let your training pay off this weekend. On tap for this Saturday is our own Back Roads and Beaches 5K/10K Run, Wine and Dine. The race begins and finishes behind the Oberlin Inn. Both courses travel through some of the most interesting places in Oberlin: downtown, the North Coast Inland Trail, Westwood Cemetery, Oberlin College Campus and by the newly restored Gasholder Building—soon to be the Underground Railroad Center. The race begins at 5pm, registration begins at 3:30pm. Following the race, enjoy a barbecue on the Oberlin Inn patio along with live music by "Men of Steele" and wine from several local wineries. Click here to pre-register for the race and save $5 from on-site registration. All proceeds benefit the advancement of the Back Roads and Beaches Bike and Multi Sport Route. 

The annual Vermilion Harbour Triathlon will be Sunday, August 19th in Vermilion. This event brings hundreds of sprint and olympic triathletes to beautiful Linwood Beach each year. Much of the bike courses are on the Back Roads and Beaches route. Coming to race? Smile! We will be on the course to get your pics. Check the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook page to find and tag your photo. 

No matter what event you're doing (or if you're just coming to run, paddle or bike on your own), make it a weekend. Check here for some great accommodations and other travel information. The Oberlin Inn is featuring a deal this weekend of $79 per night (plus tax). Just mention the BRaB 5/10k to get the rate. You can stop in our office at 8025 Leavitt Rd. in Amherst to pick up Back Roads and Beaches maps and local guides including our new Underground Railroad brochure. The information vestibule is open 24/7. 

Kickin' things up with a Fresh challenge

It’s been really hot--and dry--lately. So, when planning your ride along BRaB, make note to stop and check out all the opportunities for fresh fruit and produce offered along the way, from orchards to wineries to farmer’s markets. Stop for a quick breather, do some shopping or tasting, and then hop back on the route. With this in mind, you could even shop for a dinner while on your ride.

If you don't mind carrying along some items —we've seen people on the route carrying everything from bottles of wine to kayak paddles!— challenge yourself to collect the ingredients for this Harvest Vegetable Baked Casserole, courtesy of About.com (or any other great local recipe you choose), while exploring the trail. Here's a list of ingredients you’ll need for it:

• a rutabaga (1-1.5 lbs) 
• 6 carrots 
• some celery 
• 4-6 medium sized potatoes 
• 5 tablespoons butter 
• 3 tablespoons flour 
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 
• 1/8-1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg 
• 1.5 cups milk 
• 1 cup mild Cheddar cheese 
• 1 cup fresh bread crumbs 

You should be able to find most, if not all, of the ingredients locally. Depending on the day that you make the trip, you might pass the Wellington Farmer’s Market at Williard Square in Wellington (Fridays, 4-7pm) or the Oberlin Farmer’s Market near the Oberlin Public Library (Saturdays, 9am–1pm). Miller’s Apple Hill, at the intersection of Milan-Elyria Road and Vermilion Road, rounds out the three that are pretty much directly on the route.

Miller's Apple Hill

Vermilion Valley Vineyard

Four wineries are either right on the route or just a short distance off the route. You'll be able to not only quench your thirst, but grab a bottle or two to take home with you. This dish is likely to go well with a Chardonnay or Merlot, or some other full-flavored white or medium bodied red, so keep that in mind while you're tasting. Stop by Paper Moon Vineyards near the top of the trail, where Routes 2 and 60 intersect. Or you can try Vermilion Valley Vineyards, located at the intersection of Route 113 and Gore Orphanage Road and also just down the street from Miller’s Apple Hill. Even further south is Matus Winery, near where Route 20 and Gore Orphanage Road meet. If you’re exploring further east (such as near Fitch’s Farm Market), check out Klingshirn Winery on Webber Road in Avon Lake.

Klingshirn Winery, Avon Lake

While you take a break from riding and shopping, try some of the Chardonnays, Merlots, full flavored whites, or medium bodied reds. Don't be afraid to ask for opinions from the vintners on what wines they would suggest for a vegetable casserole. They know their wines!

If you would rather stop and pick up items after your ride, other local growers include the Grobe Fruit Farm a little ways east of where Bechtel and Route 113 meet (9am-6pm), the Donald A. Schuster Greenhouse at the corner of Murray Ridge Road and Leo Bullock Parkway (M-F: 9am-7pm, Saturday: 9am-5pm, Sunday: 10am-5pm), Spiegelberg Orchards at the corner of Cooper Foster Park Road and Middle Ridge Road, and Fitch’s Farm Market on Route 83, near Bob-O Link Golf Course (M-F: 9am-7pm, Saturday: 9am-5pm, Sunday: 10am-5pm).

 Many of these locations can be reached via the spur routes or the Lorain County Metro Parks bike paths. All of them are great for picking out fresh produce and local wine, and you’ll be supporting local businesses while eating healthy and cycling. Sounds like a win-win situation to me. Let us know in the comments how it works out for you!