Who said we need warm weather for adventure?

Some might say that it's a bummer when it gets this cold and the snow piles up here in North Central Ohio, but we know better! If anything the new obstacles only help us reach our target heart rate faster. It's also a great opportunity for some winter specific adventures to be had beyond just adding a lower temperature to the riding and hiking you can do year round on and near the BRaB.

Cycling the Back Roads and Beachse route

A great way to get those legs pumping is by snow-shoeing! If you've never tried it, the Lorain County Metro Parks are a great resource, and even if you're an old pro you can rent a set and head out of your own!

Keep in mind you can find plenty of great cross country skiing in this part of Ohio too. Parks like the Black River Reservation and the North Coast Inland Trail allow you to ski right here in Lorain County. Grab a pair of skis and head out at your own pace for a great afternoon!

And of course you can never go wrong with strapping on a pair of ice skates to get your blood pumping. North Park Ice Arena is waiting for you!

Vermilion Valley Vineyards

After your beat from your workout and need to warm up, head inside one of the great wineries just off the BRaB route, then crash here for the night at a hotel or B&B and try the next thing on your winter to do list in the morning!

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