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. 

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.

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!

Back Roads and Beaches 5K Run, Wine and Dine Registration Open

The Back Roads and Beaches, 5K registration is now open. The run is to be held Saturday, August 20, 2011. Start/Finish is at the Oberlin Inn, 7 North Main St., Oberlin, OH. Start time is 5pm (registration opens at 3:30pm). 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.

Bring your bike and/or kayak and make it a multi-sport weekend. Stay at the Oberlin Inn and bike the Back Roads and Beaches Route, mountain bike the Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park or kayak the Vermilion to Lorain water trail.

Following the race, there will be local food and wine and entertainment outside the Oberlin Inn. Click here for details and link to online registration.