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!

Along the Route-Fairview Meadow Farms

Fairview Meadow Farms lies quietly on the south side of the Back Roads and Beaches Bike/Multi Sport Route in Wellington. Home to truly free-range livestock Fairview Meadow Farms—owned and operated by the Joppeck family—prides themselves on raising high quality grass-fed meats and other naturally produced products. Named for their location just beyond the Lorain County Fairgrounds, Fairview Meadow’s 60-acre farm holds deep family roots as its traditions have been passed from one generation to the next. Fairview Meadow Farm is the perfect starting place for organic and healthy eating.

Fairview Meadow’s farm has been within the family for three generations, however their organic lifestyle is relatively new. According to owner and mother Louise Joppeck, the idea of producing organic products started with the desire to eat healthier. They felt the best way to eat better and give back to environment was to start with the resources nature provides. They researched the mechanics of operating a grass-fed farm but wanted to know more, that’s when they came in contact with Joel Salatin and Polyface Farms. Son Nathan spent a year learning under Joel and the Polyface farm apprenticeship program. Nathan returned home and started implementing his knowledge and innovation to enhance the fast growing Fairview Meadow Farm.


But what’s so special about organic products and healthier eating options? For many multi sport athletes its the desire to give your body back the proper nutrients it needs to excel physically. For the Joppeck’s it’s all the benefits that are now naturally provided through daily foods. The process of grass-feeding livestock works as a cycle with nature supporting the animals and with the animals giving back to the environment. The soil benefits from the natural fertilizers and maintenance from the livestock and the animal’s benefit from being fed only farm-grown grass and the freedom to move and grow in their natural herds. The value provided to the consumers is leaner, healthier meats with no added hormones, antibiotics, or product enhancers. Their products come enriched with vitamin E and omega-3, as well as a lower cholesterol level, the perfect stepping-stone to a healthy lifestyle.

Like every homegrown business, the Joppeck family faces daily challenges with operating a grass-fed farm. The farm has a constant threat from local predators therefore requiring the Joppeck’s to keep a persistent eye on their livestock. The farm’s right hand, Nathan, is looking to update their fencing equipment to better provide for the animals safety and happiness, and ease their burden.

Just as important as the welfare of their animals, the Joppeck’s have a great connection to local community. Being locally owned and operated, the Joppeck’s focus on selling to community friends and neighbors. Orders can be submitted by email or by joining one of their popular buying clubs. Fairview Meadow Farms is devoted producing quality products to be sold to local area residents.

Providing a variety of livestock including beef, pork, lamb, and chicken, as well as fresh produce, Fairview Meadow Farms is an appetizing way to go green. A refreshing alternative to everyday eating, Fairview Meadow Farms is another unique treasure along the Back Roads and Beaches route, the perfect food for thought along your ride!

Sure signs of spring!

All the rain we’ve had lately has really served to green things up. Spring is here and our weather is steadily getting warmer. This will kick-start a healthy and active season:

Run

Saturday, April 23, 2011: Oberlin Earth Day 5k Run. Celebrating the 38th year! Run start is 10am at the Memorial Arch, Professor St (on Tappan Square). First 100 registrants get a free tshirt. For information, contact the City of Oberlin Recreation Department at 440.775.7254 or email recreation@cityofoberlin.com

Bike
The Lorain Wheelmen have a full calendar of rides scheduled. For more information and to join the club, click here.
 
Eat

Friday, April 29, 2011: Optimal Health on Raw Foods. Dr. John Felder from Australia to speak. Light snacks will be provided.  6:30pm at the Wayside Wellness at Our Lady of the Wayside, 38135 Colorado Ave., Avon, OH. For more information, contact John MacDonald at 440.458.5551


Sunday, May 1, 2011: The Path to Raw Food. 2–4pm. Guest speaker Joseph Maiville will talk about his health walk at the Raw Living Foods Potluck. Oberlin Public Library Community Room, 65 S. Main St., Oberlin. Bring plant-based raw living foods. Bring your own plates, cups, eating utensils, and serving utensil. Don't forget to stop by Yesterdays Ice Cream Shop for your raw, vegan desserts and snacks while you’re in town. 

Art Galleries and Farm Markets on the Back Roads and Beaches Route

Sure, with its charming rural roads and beautiful scenery, the Back Roads and Beaches Route is great all by itself. But what’s a real ride without a destination? Whether you're training hard on the big climbs or just out for a relaxing ride, everyone deserves a break. Here are just a few of the terrific attractions along the route:

Art Galleries

• The Firelands Assocation for the Visual Arts (FAVA) in Oberlin has just opened a brand new double exhibit. Claudia Berlinski presents Searching for the Underground Sea (works on paper) alongside Sherry Bradshaw’s Digging Beneath the Surface (installation). The exhibit runs through Oct. 4. FAVA is open Tuesday–Saturday, 11–5, and Sundays, 1-5.

The Work of Claudia Berlinski

The Work of Sherry Bradshaw

• And while in Oberlin, be sure to check out Ginko Gallery, the town’s combination art studio and gallery. Visitors can observe five resident artists in the creative process, as well as browse the gallery’s finished art. Ginko Gallery is open Tuesday-Saturday, 10-6, and Saturday, 12-4.

Farm Markets

• Miller’s Apple Hill: It might be a little early for apples, but Miller’s has a great Bulk Foods Store. Family-owned and -operated, Miller’s offers a large assortment of candies, snack mixes, meats, cheeses, flours, sugars, grains, and a whole lot more.

Miller's Apple Hill

• George Jones Farm and Nature Preserve: Owned by Oberlin College, this organic farm was founded as a community sustainable argiculture project. Browse the Farmer’s Market and learn more about this unique and innovative farm.
  
• Oberlin Market: This grocery/bakery/cafe serves Certified Organic and local, no spray foods. Stop in for a meal, or load up on fresh provisions for your ride.

Oberlin Market

• On any given Saturday, Farmer’s Markets can be found in Lorain (9 am to 1 pm), Wellington (9 am to 2 pm), Oberlin (9 am to 1 pm), and Vermilion (2 pm to 6 pm). Tons of fresh, local produce and other organic products.

There are many other sights and attractions along the route, including Lake Erie’s beaches, the Lorain County Metro Parks, multiple wineries, and exciting multi-sport adventures. For more information on these attractions, or anything else Back Roads and Beaches, check out the website, or become a fan of Back Roads and Beaches on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Here's one for healthy foodies

From the Oberlin Public Library:

Join us for a Raw Vegan Potluck on Friday, April 24th, 2009 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Oberlin Public Library. It is a wonderful opportunity to gather with like-minded people to socialize and eat a raw plant-based meal. Learn about the Living Foods Lifestyle from Raw Vegan chef Che Gonzalez and guests, Leeza Ramsey, Laura Paxton, and Jim Lawhead.

Please bring a prepared dish of raw, organic (preferably), and vegan ingredients (no animal products!) soups, crackers, salads, dressings and sauces, entrees, desserts, and snacks.

Provide a detailed list of the ingredients. If it's your first time and you don't know what to bring, but are interested in coming, just bring an organic salad with dressing on the side. Please bring your own plates and silverware.

Sign-up at the reference desk or email Che at oberlinpubliclibrary@yahoo.com.

Oberlin Local Foods Festival

Saturday, November 8th
9am–4pm
Tappan Square
Rainspace: First Church in Oberlin

Facepainting
Pumpkin Painting
Recycled Crafts
Sack Race
Live Music
Cook-off featuring Oberlin College’s Co-ops (free lunch to follow)
Free apple cider

Come out and meet our local farmers!

Michael Pollan to Speak at Oberlin College

Healthy choices are a big part of what Back Roads and Beaches is all about. Not only do many of the restaurants serve healthy, fresh, locally grown foods but occasionally an event springs up that captures this same spirit. This is why we want BRaB readers to know about a great event this week.

Tomorrow night, Tuesday, October 28th, 2008; Michael Pollan, author of In Defense of Food: an Eater's Manifesto and The Omnivore's Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals will be speaking at Finney Chapel as part of the Oberlin College Convocation Series. Pollan will begin at 8pm. Tickets are not required.