Afrost-Won't be so frosty!

Don't forget: Sunday, April 20, 2008, 9am: Afrost. Sponsored by the Lorain Wheelmen. The ride will depart the Nordson Depot, Franklin St., in Amherst. There will be routes of 25, 50 and 64 miles. Registration will be from 8–9:30am. What a great way to get inspired and get an early kick-start to the season if you haven't already!

Earth Day in Oberlin

Today is Earth Day in Oberlin and what a perfect day for it.
Temps in the 70s and all the trees in bloom.
There's nothing like the smell of magnolias in bloom on Tappan Square!

Cyclists and runners are out and about.
This morning was also the annual Earth Day 5k run in Oberlin.

Here, the first runner across the finish line accepts his award.

Allen Memorial Art Museum

Oberlin College Finney Chapel, Oberlin College Campus

Earth Day vendors and participants enjoy the spring weather.

Oberlin is a great place to hang out, take a break from the bike
while you get a bite to eat along the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route.
You never know what you'll see!

SIGNS of Spring

The grass is greening up and soon the trees will be lush and green as well. But, although there is still a shortage of leaves, there is no shortage of sunshine these days and temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Bikers were out in full force on the Lorain County Metro Parks Inland Trail this evening, enjoying a beautiful sunset. The Back Roads and Beaches Route follows a portion of this great trail. It is the one spot on the route where there is no motorized traffic. The Lorain County Metro Parks will be opening another great trail next month. Stay tuned!

That's not all that's greening up! The Lorain County Engineer's office is currently installing point of interest signage along the Back Roads and Beaches route. This way, great attractions that are along the way—but not directly on the route—aren't missed.

Spring: Rebirth, Ritual and ReCreation

Of course, taking in a bike ride is a great way to kick-off the spring season. All along the Back Roads and Beaches route, art galleries, museums and performance spaces are alive with activity that reflects the current season. The Beth K. Stocker Art Gallery at Lorain County Community College is host to the exhibit, “Spring: Rebirth, Ritual and ReCreation.” Although the gallery isn't right on the Back Roads and Beaches Route, many of the surrounding activities are. On Saturday, May 24, 1–5pm, Common Ground will be hosting an Environmental Art Day. There will be a presentation on the work of Andy Goldsworthy. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own art using only objects found in nature. Common Ground is right along the BRaB route so biking to this great event is a great way to heighten the natural experience.
























Common Ground: Cindy Nord Center for Renewal

Here are some other great events coming up along the route:

• April 5, Art Auction and Wine Tasting, FAVA Gallery, Oberlin, 7–10pm
• April 8, Oberlin Orchestra, Finney Chapel, Oberlin College, 8pm.
• April 10, Artist Recital Series, Finney Chapel, Oberlin College, 8pm. Grammy award winning violinist, Hilary Hahn and Oberlin alumnus, Josh Ritter collaborate in a broad range of original and traditional music.
• April 11, Nat Brandt Program and Book Signing, Oberlin Public Library, 4pm. Author of The Town that Started the Civil War will present a program about his newest book.
• April 13, Northern Ohio Youth Orchestra Concert, Apollo Theater, Oberlin 3:30pm.
• April 13, Sing for Spring, Avon Lake United Church of Christ, 7:30pm
• April 17–20, Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, Hall Auditorium, Oberlin College, 8pm, Sun 2pm. Set in a recording studio in 1927, this two-act drama tells the story of blues legend Ma Rainey.
• April 20, Pasta Paradise, Jackalope Restaurant, Lorain. Pasta buffet benefits the Black River Historical Society.