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

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!

Calling all swimmers, cyclists, runners!

Back Roads and Beaches is currently forming triathlon teams to promote the route again this year. This is a great chance to participate with and meet other athletes, compete in your sport and get a free t-shirt!

We are currently working to assemble teams of like-abilities so no need to worry about being incompatible with teammates. We've had teams that are in it to win as well as those that are just there to have fun and compete. There is no cost to team members, we just ask that you wear the logo (we will provide tshirts/ temporary tattoos) show up and have fun! Below is a list of triathlons at which BRaB is working to compile teams. Please email visitors@visitloraincounty.com or call 440-984-5282 for more information.

Sunday, July 11 8am
Summer Sprint Triathlon
Lakeview Park, Lorain, OH
need: Swimmer (1/4 mile) Cyclist (14-mile bike) Runner (5k)

Saturday, August 7 8am
Findley Lake Triathlon
Findley State Park, Wellington, OH
need: swimmer (1/4 mile)  cyclist (14-mile bike) trail runner (5k)

Sunday, August 15 8am
Vermilion Harbor Triathlon
Downtown Vermilion
need: swimmer (1500m) cyclist (40k) runner (10k)

Sunday, August 22 8am
Lorain Sprint/International Triathlon
Lakeview Park, Lorain
Need
Sprint: Swimmer (1/4 mile) Cyclist (14-mile bike) Runner (5k)
International: Swimmer (1.5k) Bike (22.8-mile) Run (10k)

New video highlights of Back Roads and Beaches

New video from ONN TV’s Discover Ohio series containing highlights from the Back Roads and Beaches Multi-sport route.

2009 Vermilion Harbour Triathlon recap

It was a hot but otherwise beautiful day for the 2nd Vermilion Harbour Triathlon today. About 500 people showed up to compete in Sprint Triathlon, Olympic Triathlon, Duathlon and Aquabike. Overall winner for the Olympic Tri was Ross Hartley with a time of 2:02:25. Overall female was Andrea Myers with a time of 2:23:57. Complete results can be found at the HFP Website here. Adam Kuncel, wearing the Back Roads and Beaches logo, came in 12th overall with the impressive time of 2:19:30. Congratulations to all the athletes who participated in today’s race, including the 1st place Olympic distance team Back Roads and Beaches that consisted of Eileen Bringman (swim time 24:10), Don Haradem (bike time 1:11:25) and Graham Wellman (run time 39:40). Thanks also to Jim Galloway who represented BRaB and placed first in the 50–54 category.

Below are some scenes from today’s race. For more photos click here to Visit Lorain County’s Photostream

From left: Jim Galloway (placed first in the 50–54 category Olympic distance tri), Team BRaB: Don Haradem (bike), Eileen Bringman (swim), Graham Wellman (run)-first place Olympic team.

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.

Huntington Triathlon pics

Here are a few shots from the Huntington Triathlon yesterday. It was a well-organized event with great turnout and weather.

Women’s swim start.

There’s our logo on Jim’s shoulder - thanks Jim!


We spotted Lorain County triathlete Stori Miller rounding the bend to the finish. Congratulations Stori!

Thanks to the riders who came out on last night’s group ride. It turned out to be a fast group of both roadies and triathletes. All agreed it was a great ride and want to ride regularly. Get your heart rate going and join them again next Thursday, July 23rd at 6pm. All are welcome—no pressure to hammer with these guys above. Ride meets at the Oberlin Recreation complex parking lot on Hamilton St., next to Splash Zone. (In front of the soccer fields). Click here for directions. The great part is, once you’re done with a great ride, you can grab a great burger (or vegan burger!) and beer afterward at the Feve.

Congratulations to rider Don Haradem, first rider to arrive and receive an awesome Back Roads and Beaches messenger bag. You never know what we might be giving away! For more information about the ride, call 440.984.5282.

Group training ride on BRaB

Come on out to get in some fast miles with triathlete Adam Kuncel on the Back Roads and Beaches route, this Thursday beginning at 6pm from the Oberlin Recreation Complex on Hamilton St. (right next to Splash Zone). This is a new group ride and will take in much of the course that will be used for the Vermilion Harbor Triathlon. Free! And, we will have giveaways for riders! All rider levels welcome.

Weekend full of events around Back Roads and Beaches

Big Parade, Oberlin 2008. Before you hop on your own, check out the groovy bikes
that always show up at the Big Parade in Oberlin!

This is a great weekend to add some flavor to your workout. Take the whole weekend, enjoy some great riding and multi-sport activity and experience some unique events along the way. Here are just a few options that include a healthy dose of the arts, great cuisine, events and history. The following events are right on or just by the Back Roads and Beaches Route.

May 1–2, Freedom’s Light: A Stop on the Underground Railroad, an original play about the Underground Railroad. French Creek Nature Center, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, 7:30pm. $10

May 1-2, Oberlin Dance Company, Premiere of new works by contemporary choreographers. Hall Auditorium, Oberlin College. 8pm.

May 2, The Big Parade and Festival, Tappan Square in Oberlin. The parade will be followed by festivities in Tappan Square. 11 am–4pm

May 2, Oberlin Farmer’s Market opens. Next to the Oberlin City Hall. Fresh produce, grass fed meats, baked goods, honey and more. Organics and locally grown. 9am–1pm

May 2, (Cinco) Dos de Mayo. Celebrating Cinco de Mayo a few days early with the folks at Matus Winery. 15674 Gore Orphanage Rd., Wakeman. 5:30pm (Matus Winery is a short spur off the Back Roads and Beaches route). Check the southwest portion of the map for specific directions.

May 2, Live music from 4–7 and Kentucky Derby Day at Paper Moon Vineyards. Open 12–10pm. (Paper Moon Vineyards is located a short spur off the Back Roads and Beaches Route. Check the northwest portion of map for specific directions)

May 2, Art Exhibit and Auction presented by Common Ground-The Cindy Nord Center for Renewal. Rose Café at Lakeview Park in Lorain. 7pm. Tickets $10.

May 2-3, Breuer Pottery spring open house. One of a kind pottery, wine, hors d’oeuvres and desserts. 47361 West Hamilton St., Oberlin. Breuer Pottery is just west, around the bend from the entrance to the North Coast Inland Trail in Oberlin. You can see their backyard from the bike path. Noon-5pm.

May 3, Cinco de Mayo celebration at Lakeview Park, Lorain. Crafts, games, music. Food vendors. 4–6pm

To find accommodations, dining and other points of interest along the route, click here.

Two new wineries make six on Back Roads and Beaches route

The great thing about the Back Roads and Beaches bike and multi-sport route is there is something for everyone—bike tourists, hammer heads, kayakers, runners and a mix of all. BRaB now has a total of six wineries on and just nearby the route. Paper Moon Winery is a delightful new winery that opened its doors a couple weeks ago. The best way to reach Paper Moon from BRaB is to take Darrow Rd. west, off the main BRaB route. When you reach SR 60, turn right. Remember that SR 60 is a state route and can be busy, even on this small stretch. Vermilion Valley Vineyards is a soon-to-be-open winery that is located on Gore Orphanage Rd. in the Henrietta Township area of the Route, just south of SR 113. Click here to follow their progress toward opening.

These two wineries are an addition to four great wineries already on the Back Roads and Beaches route. Just off the western portion of the route is Matus Winery on Gore Orphanage Rd., just south of SR 20. In the middle of the route, you'll find Single Tree Winery on Baumhart Rt., about a half mile south of Garfield. And in the eastern portion of the route, just off SR 6 in Avon Lake you'll find our Klingshirn and Christ Wineries. For more information on other activities including history, architecture, kayaking, running trails, mountain biking and healthy, organic meal stops, click here.

Time to plan for 2009 North Central Ohio Adventure

Kayaking on the Vermilion River. Photo courtesy of Shawn Newsome. Shawn is the owner of a new campground along the river—Vermilion River Cliffs Marina. (website coming soon)

It's that time of year again. Spring! We're starting to see cyclists and kayakers out and about on our rivers and back roads. Now that the weather is more cooperative we want to give you some tools to plan your visit. First off, a few upcoming events around Back Roads and Beaches:

Kayaking:
Sunday, March 29 will be the annual Keel-haulers Vermilion River Race. Check out the website for information including rules, maps and start times. The Keel-haulers is an organization headquartered in Northeast Ohio with 400 families that share an interest in outdoors and all kinds of boating including whitewater, sea kayaking, canoeing, rafting and racing.

Run
Oberlin’s 5K Earth Day run will start and finish on Tappan Square on Saturday, April 18 at 10am. Entry fee is $10 per person and the first 75 registrants will receive a t-shirt. For more information, contact the Oberlin Recreation Dept. at 440.775.7254.

Cycling
Seems like it hasn’t been that long since the Lorain Wheelmen’s traditional end of season ride-the Red Flannel that capped off a great 2008 cycling season. Now, it’s time for the Wheelmen’s annual tradition to begin the cycling season-Afrost. The ride will be Sunday, April 19 and begin at 9am. For details check out the Wheelmen’s Afrost Page. The weather this week looks to be great for an early spring ride. Updated Back Roads and Beaches maps are available and can be obtained here and online maps here. See you out there!

Happy Holidays from Back Roads and Beaches

Lorain County Heritage wins national Adventure Cycling award for Back Roads and Beaches

The Adventure Cycling Association has awarded its 2008 Pacesetter Award to Lorain County Heritage. The award recognizes that, in forming Back Roads and Beaches, Lorain County Heritage has placed cycling at the forefront of the mission, and works aggressively to expand the message that cycling is important to the health, environment, and tourism of the state of Ohio.

According to the Adventure Cycling website, this national award recognizes individuals, groups, businesses, and organizations which have consistently demonstrated extraordinary commitment, dedication, and service to the advancement of Adventure Cycling’s mission of inspiring others to travel by bicycle.

The Award is named in honor of Charlie Pace from Columbus, Ohio, who has devoted over 40 years to creating and supporting bicycle travel opportunities. He was a key promoter and supporter for both the Tour of Scioto River Valley (TOSRV) and Adventure Cycling Association. He has devoted his life to creating opportunities for people to get on their bikes and have fun.

Adventure Cycling is a 44,500 member nonprofit organizations whose mission is to inspire people of all ages to travel by bicycle for fitness, fun and self-discovery. Adventure Cycling Route Network has one of the largest route networks in the world with more than 38,158 miles. The organization’s headquarters is in Missoula, Montana. Two Adventure Cycling Routes travel through Lorain County. The Underground Railroad Route and the Northern Tier.

Lorain County Heritage is the nonprofit arm of the Lorain County Visitors Bureau.

Vermilion Harbor Triathlon recap

The beautiful weather held again today for the first Vermilion Harbor Triathlon held at Linwood Park. HFP Racing brought the triathlon to Vermilion and selected an exciting and challenging course. Much of the bike course was hilly and scenic and utilized much of the Back Roads and Beaches route.

Winners included, overall Women's Olympic Distance triathlon: Lauren Goldstein-Kral, with a time of 2:11:40. Men's overall Olympic Distance triathlon winner-Ryan Bates with a time of 1:59:38. Men’s Sprint Distance overall winner was Jack St. Marie with a time of 57:51 and Women’s Sprint Distance winner, Kerry Flynn with a time of 1:07:10.

Click here for more results.
Below are some photos from today’s event. For additional photos, click here.

Overall Olympic Distance Female Winner, Lauren Goldstein-Kral runs to the finish line with a time of 2:11:40

Too fast for a photo-finish...RYAN-tastic! left: second place overall Olympic Distance Men’s, Scott Myers right: first place overall Olympic Distance Men’s, Ryan Bates

Adam Kuncel runs to finish 5th place overall men's, first place in Men’s Olympic Distance age 25–29. Time: 2:10:28

Ready…set…GO! Men’s Olympic swim start.

Runners arriving near the finish get a beautiful scenic run right next to Linwood and Lake Erie.

Welcome Vermilion Harbor Triathlon Athletes!

Vermilion is ready to welcome athletes and spectators for the first Vermilion Harbor Triathlon to be held on Sunday, August 17. And we are excited that much of the bike route follows Back Roads and Beaches.


There is still time to register tomorrow at the Red Clay in Vermilion. Registration will be held from 12–6.


The triathlon swim will begin at scenic Linwood Park.
Staff from the Lorain County Visitors Bureau will be on hand to distribute information on the bike route and other area information. If you are still in need of lodging for the event, click here. Welcome!

A sunny summer Sunday along BRaB

Lorain Wheelmen had their annual “Roast your Buns” ride today.

Above, participating riders arrive back to Oberlin.

Roller bladers enjoy the Lorain County Metroparks’ North Coast Inland Trail



Historic Marker at Kipton Community Park marks the site of the Great Kipton Train Wreck.


View from Baird Road along the Back Roads and Beaches Route.

Click here for more scenic photos along Back Roads and Beaches.

You’re not from around here are you?

The Lorain County Engineer’s office has now made it easier for Back Roads and Beaches riders to find their way to specific destinations on the route. At one particular point, the route turns into a loop and might have confused those not familiar with the area.


Now, thanks to the signs, riders can see where they might be headed. Click here for a downloadable map of the route.

This past weekend, Back Roads and Beaches staff were on hand distributing information at the Tour de Grandview. Although it proved to be a very windy and occasionally stormy weekend, the racing went on. Click here for race results. Below are some views from the weekend.