Sunday, April 24, 2011

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!

Thursday, April 21, 2011

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. 

Thursday, February 17, 2011

New businesses along BRaB cater to cyclists

 The weather here in north central Ohio has been unseasonably warm and sunny. The sun is shining in my window as I type this and the temp outside is 55 degrees. This means all around the Back Roads and Beaches route, you'll see enthusiastic cyclists and runners out getting ready for another great season! And local businesses are gearing up for them.

Oberlin worker installs Back Roads and
Beaches spur route signage
The city of Oberlin has its own dedicated Back Roads and Beaches spur route that leads riders from the main route easily into the downtown business district and back. This winter, several new businesses have cropped up that will excite and entertain cyclists wanting to spend some time getting some great food and/or bike gear.

We hope to report on a new bike shop, cheese shop and pizza restaurant very soon, as they open. Currently, there are two new restaurants open within the city of Oberlin. Both feature healthy, fresh menu items.

The door is open at Café Sprouts!
Fresh juices at Café Sprouts
Café Sprouts recently opened on East College Street, within the newly established East College Street project. The eatery features a wide variety of fresh, natural foods including organics, vegan and vegetarian offerings. Their juices, smoothies and mylkshakes appear to be especially popular. Their shelves were stocked with delicious desserts, wraps, veggies, spreads, teas and soups. The offerings here are very diverse, it would seem anyone could find something tasty and filling! You might also think about stopping here before going out onto Back Roads and Beaches and picking up a wrap to go. I can easily envision their sunny little corner filled with cyclists!

Aladdin’s Tabouli
Dining Room at Aladdin’s
Contractors put the finishing touches
on the canopy.
Right smack in the center of town, on the corner of College and Main Sts., is a shiny, brand-new Aladdin's Eatery. If you aren't familiar with Aladdin's, here is your chance to give them a try! Aladdin's mission is “to provide our customers with unique, natural foods and at the same time, cater to their increased awareness and concern regarding health and nutrition.” The huge menu features many, many Lebanese/American food, vegetarian options, soups, pita pitzas, salad pockets, juices and much more. Everything is fresh and free of preservatives. The spacious dining room is spotless, bright and inviting as is the staff who warmly welcome all their customers. And of course, there are bike racks right out front!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Adventure Weekend—Mountain Bike Ice Racing and More



No such thing as “post-holiday blues” this weekend. Embrace the winter and embark on an adventure weekend!

A truly original winter blast!
The North Coast Mountain Bikers have developed a cross country, mountain bike, ice course on Findley Lake at Findley State Park in Wellington, OH. (check out map below for directions) Racing will be Saturday evening, beginning at 6:30pm. Course will be lit by lantern—very magical and cool! According to the NCMTB club, these are the only ice races in Ohio. Details: Two classes-studded and non studded tires. (Nab says studded is much more fun, btw). There will be a bonfire and hot chocolate. $10 donation. This is a laid-back fun event with lots of friendly folks so come on out and join them.

Make it a winter weekend getaway by including snow shoeing and/or cross country skiing to the mix. Findley State Park is a great place to enjoy either. You can also combine a visit to some of our local wineries and great local restaurants. Several great lodging options are within a 20 minute drive of Findley State Park. The Oberlin Inn is currently offering a winter escape package which includes one night accommodations and breakfast for 2 for $110 (inclusive of all taxes and gratuity). The Hallauer House Bed and Breakfast is also just up the road a bit and offers a warm welcome to cyclists. A little further north, in the charming town of Amherst is 5 Corners Bed and Breakfast. Here you can book one of several packages that can include massage and/or a wine getaway. 5 Corners is also offering a special package for this Friday and Saturday nights only: $89 plus a complimentary bottle of champagne or sparkling juice. (sounds like a great way to top off an exciting evening of ice racing!) Just mention the keyword “bike” when booking.

Check out all the other great winter events taking place this weekend to round out your weekend. Indoors and out, you'll find a great adventure.


View Thorn Mountain Bike Trail at Findley State Park in a larger map