New dining options along the BRaB route

As BRaB fans already know there are plenty of great dining options along the route. Here's a new one to add to the list: Treehugger's Cafe in downtown Oberlin. All the food is made fresh to order. Almost every item on the menu is organic. The menu features crepes, salads, wraps, soups and delicious desserts! Yum!

You'll find Treehugger's in the East College St. Building where Sprouts used to be. We're sad to see Sprouts go, but happy that such a great option has stepped in to fill the space!

Patchwork Trails along the Back Roads and Beaches Route

As if the beautiful scenery, low-traffic roads, wineries, restaurants and galleries aren't enough to punctuate a great ride, now you'll start finding more great art along the route! Thanks to the Community Foundation of Lorain County, throughout the end of 2013— and into 2014 — quilt barn squares will start appearing throughout the route. Here is the first one. See if you can find it... hint: Pitts Rd.

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

BYOE for BRAB Music Lovers!

Now I know what you're thinking--BYOE (Bring Your Own Everything)...on the Back Roads and Beaches Route? While we don't doubt your ability to lug a picnic, wine, lawn chairs, and more on your bike or in your backpack, "everything" you need for a day on BRAB followed by an evening at Riverdog Retreat's inaugural Music at Riverdog concert is right at your fingertips!

On September 8, Riverdog's gorgeous 20 acres provide the perfect scenery for "American roots" music, like the Kidney Brothers and Bill Watson, performers for Sunday's concert. While a suggested donation is encouraged to support the musicians, so is Riverdog's BYOE philosophy--no food, drinks, or place settings will be provided--so plan to bring your own. Lucky for you, the venue has kindly offered to let BRAB riders park on site for the day. Leave your concert supplies in your vehicle and spend the day on BRAB before returning for the evening's show. Guests are welcome beginning at 5pm with live music at 7pm.

Come early to wander Riverdog Reteat's 1.5 miles of walking trails

Riverdog's beautiful, historic barn will serve as the concert hall during warm weather months and house tables and chairs for those wanting to picnic indoors. Pack a blanket for outdoor seating or bring your favorite lawn chair. Music at Riverdog will continue throughout the year with Adrian Legg performing on Sunday, October 6. Winter shows will take place in Riverdog Retreat's gallery.

Plan your BRAB route to include a quick detour five miles east to bike-friendly downtown Oberlin to pick up your dinner at Aladdin's, The Feve, or one of the many other cafés in the area. Or, call Dostall Fams in advance to inquire about picking up hamburger patties on your way to the show. Riverdog's grill will be fired up at 5pm for guests to use.

There's no doubt you'll enjoy a relaxing evening of music and good company at Riverdog Retreat after a day on the BRAB!


If you're in the mood for a two-day excursion, rent some kayaks and hit the lakes and rivers of BRAB Saturday to see and do more in Lorain County! For lodging information, click here.