Winter Wonderland

So, it's snowing and chilly here in North Central Ohio today. Not the best weather for cycling. But that doesn't mean foregoing the outdoors. For the time being, best to put away the bike and grab the cross country skis or snow shoes and explore our scenic winter wonderland.

Here are some great spots for cross country skiing along the Back Roads and Beaches Multi sport route.

Findley State Park. Great scenic trails through the forest and around Findley Lake.

Lorain County Metro Parks. Lorain County's system of parks has many spots great for cross country skiing or snow shoeing. And don't forget the sledding hill at Vermilion River reservation . The new Lakeview Park bath house facility in Lorain offers spectacular views of Lake Erie's winter landscape.

Winter is a great time to get breathtaking views of Lake Erie. So bundle up and get out there! There's so much to see and do! And when you're done outside, warm up inside at one of our local wineries, shops or art galleries.

Are you riding GOBA for 2008?

If so you can find travel information at www.visitloraincounty.com
For Lorain County cycling photos you can visit the Back Roads and Beaches Flickr site.

Less than seven months to go!

Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure to come to town in 2008

2006 Goba photos by Fetchy

The 20th Annual Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) 2008 tour, June 14-21, will feature the northern section of Ohio. The expected 3,000 riders will start gathering for the tour on Saturday, June 14, at the Lorain County Fairgrounds in Wellington. They will begin cycling on Sunday, June 15th, covering an average of 50 miles per day, and will overnight in Galion on Sunday, Mt. Vernon on Monday and Tuesday, Coshocton on Wednesday and Thursday, and Orrville on Friday, and will return to Wellington on Saturday. Some of the many attractions featured on this tour include Roscoe Village; Monticello Canal Boat; world-class bike trails; Amish areas; Historic Woodward Opera House; Lake Shore Railway; Orrville Toy & Hobby Museum; Johnson-Humrick House Museum; Orrville Railroad Heritage Museum; Brownella Cottage; Simply Smuckers; and other historic sites, covered bridges, and nature areas. The fun-filled week will include the traditional bicycle parade and the gala opening ceremonies in downtown Wellington, two layover days with bicycling options of 50- or 100-mile loops leading to Zoar Village and quaint Sugarcreek, family-oriented entertainment each night, options for bus excursions, watching professional bike races, and the ever-popular GOBA Song Contest. "To celebrate our 20th Adventure, the towns of northern Ohio are spreading out the welcome mat and are working to make the 2008 tour an experience that will be long remembered,” Van Winkle stated. This will be the twentieth year for GOBA. The tour is owned and operated by Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, a non-profit organization, for the benefit of bicycle-related projects in Ohio. GOBA's long time sponsor is Bob Evans Restaurants. In 2007, 2,400 people from 38 states, England, Japan, the Virgin Islands, and Canada took part in the tour. Included in this number were many families: typically, nearly 20% of the participants are children traveling with their parents, making GOBA the largest family-oriented bicycle tour in the world. Over the past nineteen years GOBA has been instrumental in generating more than $9 million in tourism revenues in the towns along the route, as well as in providing access to Ohio's rural treasures to people from all over the country. "GOBA riders are constantly surprised at what a wonderful state Ohio is for bicycling. Our wonderful back roads, charming communities, and great parks and historical sites make it perfect for bicycle touring,” Van Winkle stated. Those interested in receiving registration information and tour details can request a brochure by calling 614-273-0811 or by visiting the website at www.goba.com. Brochures will also be available in the spring in Ohio Bob Evans Restaurants and many bicycle shops. Application deadline is May 14, 2008.

This weekend around the Back Roads and Beaches route

Although the weather is getting colder, there is still lots of activity along the Back Roads and Beaches of North Central Ohio. There is still a lot to do to keep active!

The Lorain County Metro Parks always has a full calendar of outdoor activities throughout the year. This weekend there will be a brisk walk into the wilds of the Copper Hollow Loop Trail at the Vermilion River Reservation.

For swimming and working out, check out the Splash Zone at the Lorain County Metro Parks. The facility is located in Oberlin, right along the Back Roads and Beaches Route.

Oberlin Opera Theater will be presenting A Midsummer Night's Dream in the Hall Auditorium, Friday and Saturday, November 16th and 17th at 8pm, and Sunday, November 18th at 2pm.

Saturday evening, November 17, Single Tree Winery will be having a steak fry from 5–8 pm. Cost is $20 per person. There will be live music from 7–11pm. (Single Tree photo by Mark Teleha)

The Weltzheimer-Johnson House, will be open Sunday from 12–5pm. The Weltzheimer Johnson house is a Frank Lloyd Wright Usonian House several blocks from Oberlin College campus.

This weekend, the FAVA gallery opens its Holiday Show with an opening reception, Sunday, November 18th from 2–4pm. This show presents works of the FAVA members. Silk painter, Susan Socotch will be demonstrating during this event.