A Historic Holiday Weekend in Oberlin

Traditions are great especially when it comes to holidays. Why not step outside the backyard cookout and start a new tradition with a ride into Oberlin, one of BRaB's most eclectic towns. Old and new always seem to be meeting in Oberlin, especially with new graduates and alumni descending on the town making it even more of a holiday weekend with commencement and reunions.

This is great whether or not your involved with the college because it means loads of special events including extended hours at the Allen Memorial Art Museum on North Main St. from 10am–7pm this Saturday and 10am–5pm Sunday. Even if you are familiar with the museum it's still a great time to go and take a tour led by graduating Oberlin College students to gain new insights and see student art.Catch a tour at 11am or 3pm on Saturday.

Artist as Quiltmaker 2012, FAVA

There is also an on-going quilt exhibit at FAVA. Experience the unique collection Saturday 11am–5pm or Sunday 1pm–5pm. This 15th edition of The Artist as Quiltmaker exhibit only happens every other year and will run until July 29th so don't miss out!

Another opportunity to step out of the heat on Saturday would be dropping by the beautiful Weltzheimer-Johnson (Frank Lloyd Wright) House. Special tours of this 1948 Usonian home will start on the hour from 10am– 4pm and admission is $5 for adults but free with an Oberlin College ID.

It's a big weekend for Underground Railroad historic sights like the soon-to-be Oberlin Underground Railroad Center on South Main Street. They'll be letting you sneak a peek at the historic Gasholder building currently undergoing restoration from 10:30 am–2pm and again from 2:30pm–5pm Saturday. The building will house Underground Railroad artifacts and information as well as serve as a park and ride facility.

Oberlin Heritage Center's "Freedom's Friends" walking tours begin
at First Church in Oberlin.

Take a full tour of one of the Oberlin Heritage Center's three historic buildings at 10:30am and 1pm on Saturday. Admission to these tours is $6 for adults and there will be a variety of history walks Saturday and Sunday as well, so check the Heritage Center's site for full schedule and details.

If you are in town and don't have your bike in tow, no worries...stop by Swerve Bike Shop in Oberlin and rent a ride.  Be sure you don't miss out on all the great events offered through Oberlin College - check the full commencement weekend schedule.

Don't forget to take time out of all this activity to fuel up throughout the weekend starting with brunch at The Feve from 9:30am–2:30pm Saturday and Sunday. Or a great meal at the Oberlin Inn's Garden Restaurant or Brewsters. Quick and Delicious Restaurant (immediately south of the Gasholder Building) serves up a great cup of coffee, pancakes and other great local fare.

It'll be a toasty weekend but still a good time to make an adventure of it by taking the North Coast Inland Trail into Oberlin. You can surely cool down with a scoop of artisan ice cream from Cowhaus Creamery. So get yourself a taste of history, culture, food, friends and fun this weekend in Oberlin! Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.

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.

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! 

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.

New Bike Shop, Swerve in Oberlin Now Open

Downtown Oberlin now plays host to a shiny, new bike shop called “Swerve.” Cyclists who are visiting Oberlin in droves can now buy gear, supplies and get repairs at the locally owned and operated shop. Owners Chris Robinson and Jason Adelman can also point cyclists to great local places to ride, on and off-road. Jason is also the owner of “The Feve” restaurant right across the street, a popular local bicycle-friendly pub with great food.

Swerve Bike Shop in Oberlin is now open for business

Swerve Bike Shop will be open 10–2pm on Sundays, Tues–Sat 10am–7pm, (closed Mon. until Memorial Day. After Memorial Day, open Mon 10am–7pm). Their phone number is 440-774-7978. Swerve is located on Main St in Oberlin, just south of the Main/College St. intersection. They are a couple doors from the Ginko Gallery.

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.

Oberlin Earth Day Run 2011

Lisa Shomo (257) and Oberlin City Council President Ken Sloane (263) happily cross the finish line at the Oberlin Earth Day Run. Usually Lisa and Ken are on their bikes.

 It turned out to be a beautiful day for the 2011 Oberlin Earth Day 5k Run. And it was a record turnout, according to race organizers. Check out our Facebook page for an album of photos of the day. Did you run? Don’t forget to tag yourself!

Cultural REcyclists roll into Oberlin

A group of cyclists called the Cultural REcyclists rolled into Oberlin today to spread their message of community building and sustainability. Check out their website and blog to track their progress and read about their message. They’re a great bunch of college students who began in Delaware and will finish in San Francisco at the end of their journey. If you see them on the road, stop and say hi!

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

2010 Oberlin Earth Day 5k and Kids Fun Run pics posted

First, second, third place. Photo: Ben Bickel

Check out the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook fan page (photo albums) for photos of today’s Oberlin Earth Day 5k and Kids Fun run.

Spring is almost here-get ready!

Sunny days are now becoming the norm and the snow is melting. Are you ready? Here are a few upcoming semi-competitive fun events that are perfect for an early spring kick-start to another great season of biking, swimming, running and kayaking! We’ll be adding more as dates are set.

1st Annual Sole to Sole 5k

Saturday, March 27, 8:30am

Schwartz Road Park

34741 Schwartz Road

Avon, OH

Keel-haulers 2010 Vermilion River Race

Sunday, March 28

This annual race is appropriate for novice to expert racers. Families and small groups are encouraged to participate.

Indoor Triathlon

Sunday, April 11th at 8am

Splash Zone, W. Hamilton Rd., Oberlin

Individuals and Relay teams do 30 minutes each of swimming, cycling (spin) and running. All levels welcomed and encouraged to participate! Registration fee of $20 goes to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. $10 for t-shirt.

Register in person at the Splash Zone or call 440.774.5059.

25th Annual Lorain Wheelmen Bicycle Club AFROST ride.
Sunday, April 11th
Registration: 8–9:30am, beginning at Shupe School in Amherst
A flat, early season tour to kick of the season and test your fitness. Routes visit many historic towns and villages in Lorain County. 25/50/64 mile courses.

Earth Day 5k Run/Walk and Children’s Fun Run

Saturday, April 17, 2010

10am (Children’s fun run at 9:15am)

The Oberlin Earth Day 5k Run is celebrating it’s 37th year. Please bring a non-perishable food and/or household item to donate to Oberlin Community Services.

Spring into Action 5K Race for Haiti
Saturday, April 17, 2010
9am at the Lorain County Metro Parks Bridgeway Trail-Days Dam
E 31st St. and East River Rd., Lorain, OH
The Course will begin and end at Days Dam. All proceeds will go directly to Habitat for Humanity International.

5th Annual Sandy Ridge Half Marathon & 10k

Sunday, April 18 7am registration, 8am race

Lorain County Community College

1005 Abbe Rd. North

Elyria, OH

This is a fast, flat looping course in and around the Sandy Ridge wetlands area, a spectacular birding hotspot.

Upcoming weekend full of cycling, arts, farmers markets and autumn delights

Activity around the Back Roads and Beaches route this weekend will be sure to please cyclists and tourists interested in arts, locally grown foods, architecture, performance, and entertainment for just about anyone. Fall colors are appearing in all their glory to form a gorgeous backdrop for a weekend of cycling, entertainment, great food and wine. There is a lot going on so make your plans now to stay for the weekend to catch it all! Here are a list of activities moving south to north around the route and assuming you’ll be starting your tour at Findley State Park in Wellington:

Findley State Park Fall Campout: Celebrate fall and create some great family memories. The park will have a craft show, games, trick or treating, hayrides and much more. Regular camping fees apply. Call 440-647-5749 for more information. Don’t forget your mountain bike to catch the Thorn Trail at Findley. It’s 10 miles of awesome single-track!

Thorn Trail in Autumn

When you pedal your way north on Back Roads and Beaches, make sure to stop at the Wellington Reservation and rent a paddle boat for free. This facility has spectacular fall color and the cleanest restrooms around!

Wellington Reservation in early autumn

Heading north toward Oberlin-take the new BRaB Oberlin spur route and you just might end up spending an entire day exploring here! But before you head into town, check out the Breuer Pottery Open House. The event is both Saturday and Sunday from noon–5pm. Enjoy wine, hors d'oeuvres and desserts in this rustic, artsy setting located immediately to the left of the bike path leading into Oberlin. Once you leave Breuer Potter, follow the BRaB signs until you see the new BRaB spur route signs and follow those into town. Once you turn onto Morgan St., don't miss the Weltzheimer Johnson House on the left. You can tour this Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian house from 12–5pm this Sunday, October 4)

Other activities in Oberlin this weekend include:


The FAVA Gallery presents Claudia Berlinski & Sherry Bradshaw Searching for the Underground Sea, a collection of works on paper, in conjunction with Sherry Bradshaw’s Digging Beneath the Surface, an installation piece. The gallery is open this weekend, Saturday from 11am–5pm and Sunday 1–5pm.


Saturday, October 3 is also Oberlin Community Day and a great opportunity to explore the many organizations and businesses that make Oberlin such a special place. The historic Apollo Theater will be reopening after an exciting phase I renovation. The opening will be celebrated with a free showing of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince at 10am on Saturday. Other Community Day activities include:

• 11:45am: Don Pease Bike Path dedication with music by the Oberlin High School Band. The bike path will be dedicated in honor of Congressman Don Pease at the Oberlin Depot, where the bike path meets Main St. (SR 58)

• 1–3pm: Explore Oberlin Bike Tour, win prizes for visiting Oberlin lites! Register at the flagpole at the corner of Tappan Square

• 1:30pm: OCircus Performance, Tappan Square

• 2–3pm: Free ice cream on Tappan Square

• 3–3:15pm: Bike tour prize drawing for tourists who visit a majority of sites and organizations.

• The Oberlin Heritage Center will also be offering a day of free family-friendly events such as guided tours, historic games and school house events.

Moving along through BRaB, outside of Oberlin... Matus Winery will be celebrating Octoberfest with a gourmet German meal on Saturday evening beginning at 5:30pm. Live entertainment will begin at 8pm. Or you can just stop out anything throughout the afternoon. Matus Winery loves cyclists!

Paper Moon Winery will be featuring a Jazz Quintet on Saturday from 4–7pm.

There are several great wineries all throughout the Back Roads and Beaches Route. All are quite bike-friendly. Click here for a full list.

Between Oberlin and Vermilion, just off the BRaB route, you’ll find a delightful, whimsical gallery open-house at Riverdog Gallery on Gore Orphanage Road. They are hosting their open house in tandem with Breuer Potter this Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

Riverdog Gallery

Moving north toward Vermilion, you will notice Miller's Apple Hill is in full "pick your own apples" mode. This is a great time to pull over and experience fresh, just picked produce and cider, get a wagon ride and pick up some trail mix.

There are plenty of orchards and farmer’s markets along the route to stop and pick up some “natural energy”


These are only a few special events along the route this weekend. Make sure to check the website for lodging, dining and bike services along the route. See you out there!

Bicycle-friendly Oberlin all set for big weekend of cyclists

This coming weekend, Oberlin will be abuzz with activity including touring cyclists, groups, events and travel writers, not to mention the Oberlin Family Fun Fair will be going on at the same time. We often laud Oberlin for being such a bicycle friendly city. Here are a few scenes so you can see the spirit touring cyclists will encounter upon pedaling into this funky, eclectic college town. And don't forget, Saturday night bike-in movies on Tappan Square! This Sat. features Pee Wee's Big Adventure at dark!

Oberlin parks worker, Mike Ives installs new Back Roads and Beaches signage. The signs are designed to assist touring cyclists to get into Oberlin from the Back Roads and Beaches Route as well as from Adventure Cycling's Underground Railroad Route, passing significant Underground Railroad places of interest such as Westwood Cemetery and the Underground Railroad sculpture. The spur route will also take cyclists by the Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian House (Weltzheimer Johnson House), the Oberlin Heritage Center and into the center of town for dining, shopping, art galleries and performances. Download a printable Underground Railroad guide here.

Underground Railroad cyclists should also check out this blog entry about a local farm you will pass riding into town. Important note: cyclists that ride into town on SR 58 instead of following the Back Roads and Beaches into town will miss out on much of the most significant Underground Railroad history AND the most scenic, lightly traveled roads. You won't find avid local cyclists riding SR 58.

A few more Oberlin scenes:


Oberlin has several eateries that feature delicious local, organic, vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Of course, you won't have trouble finding a great burger and beer here either!


Yes, these are some of the many bike racks you'll find around Oberlin, courtesy of the City of Oberlin.


Is this "sculpture" the work of the Oberlin Bike Coop?


Where else can you get a salad, berries, candy and some hemp shoes all in one spot? Gibsons of course!


Cyclists following the Back Roads and Beaches spur signs will pedal by the Westwood Cemetery where there are gravesites of many former slaves, abolitionists and civil rights activists. This is also the spot for the Underground Railroad Monument dedicated to all the fugitive slaves who passed through Oberlin on their journey to freedom.

There are many other events and performances going on in Oberlin and around Back Roads and Beaches this weekend. Check out Main Street Oberlin's blog or the Visit Lorain County Calendar of Events for details.

Oberlin Bike Co-op

The Oberlin Bike Co-op is a cooperatively owned bicycle repair, rental, and education center located in Oberlin, OH. Students and community members volunteer their time and bicycle expertise to ensure that Oberlin maintains its reputation as one of the most bike-friendly communities around. The Co-op is situated in the back of the college's Keep Cottage on Main St. just across from the Oberlin Middle School.


The real value of the Co-op is the service it provides to its own community. When students leave Oberlin for the summer, a large number of bikes are inevitably left behind all over campus. Instead of throwing them out, or sending them off to be melted down and recycled, the Co-op effectively "reCycles" the bikes back into the community by renting refurbished bikes and helping others build their own with used parts.

The Co-op is staffed by knowledgable individuals ready to answer your questions or just talk shop, but the Co-op is so much more than a repair center. Those interested can join the Co-op, learn about bike maintenance, give back to the community, and build their very own bike! No experience necessary.

The Co-op is not-for-profit. Its only goals are to get as many bikes out into the community as possible, and to help educate the community about the personal rewards of biking and bike maintenence.

As a reader of the Back Roads and Beaches Bike and Multi-Sport route blog probably knows, bikes are an awesome tool for teaching self-sufficiency, sustainability, and personal empowerment to kids. Anyone at all familiar with the Co-op knows that it's really just as much about community outreach as it is about bikes. Aside from the regular repair and education services, the co-op is featuring some special events this summer:

Ride on out to Tappan Square after sundown (10 PM) for Saturday's Bike-In-Movie. Kid-friendly movies are projected on a big screen every week. Last Week: Empire Records.

Sign the kids up for the Co-op's week-long Bikes & Kids Camp. Learn about biking and bike maintenance and, of course, have a ton of fun doing it. Camp will be the last week in July (27th-31st). Be sure to call soon and let them know you're interested.

For more information on these events, call the Co-op at (440) 775-5351.

Check out this video tour:
Summer Hours
1 PM to 4 PM, Sun thru Fri
5 PM to 8 PM, Mon thru Thurs
7 PM to 10 PM, Sun
So remember, if you're out on the Back Roads and Beaches route and you pop a tire, need a quick brake adjustment, or just feel like talking bikes with some friendly, like-minded folks, stop on by. And if you happen to be an avid cyclist with some spare parts lying around, put them to great use by donating to the Co-op (if they aren't open, just leave them in the concrete pit).
Location: Behind Keep Cottage (large brick house across from Oberlin Middle School), 154 Main St., Oberlin, OH 44074 Mailing Address: Wilder Hall Box 25, 135 W. Lorain St., Oberlin, OH 44074 bikecoop@oberlin.edu