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

Thorn Mountain Bike Trail-Condition report for Nov. 12, 2010

The Thorn Mountain Bike trail is clear, fast and dry. The North Coast Mountain Bikers have even cleared the entire trail of leaves. Come on out and enjoy!


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

Red Flannel Bike Ride set for Sunday, November 7, 2010

The 35th annual Red Flannel Metric Century (67 mi) and half-metric (33 mi) will depart this Sunday from the Oberlin Community Service Center (map) at 9am. The ride is presented by the Lorain Wheelmen. For many, this ride is the traditional end-of-season ride before cleaning up and storing the bike for the winter. For others, it's only the beginning of the fall/winter riding season.

The ride usually brings out hundreds of riders of all levels to ride the scenic course and enjoy the great homemade foods. Cost is $20 and can be paid at the start of the ride. The first 350 riders get a commemorative bottle. You'll find hearty food along the way like black bean soup and chili. Sag wagon and repair service will be available for the ride. Click here for a list of local accommodations. Make a weekend out of it and attend a local performance or art gallery. There will be plenty going on. And don’t forget all the great local cuisine that’s available to hungry participants after the ride! Check out the ride website for more info. The Lorain Wheelmen are a great group of people and are contributors to the Back Roads and Beaches Bike Route!

Meet Mountain Bike Racer Lindsey Prososki

photo courtesy of Lindsey Prososki

Meet Lindsey Prososki, Back Roads and Beaches’ sponsored mountain biking phenom. Now a 16 year old junior at North Ridgeville High School, Lindsey has been racing for 11 years, starting in the competitive sport of mountain biking at the ripe age of 5. By the age of 12, she was a full time mountain biker taking over racing circuits across the country. She is currently ranked number 1 in the country by USA Cycling for junior women cross country and has taken many impressive first place finishes in races including the prestigious Kenda Cup Series.

According to Lindsey, her dad was instrumental in her early start as a mountain biker. She grew up watching her father race mountain bikes competitively, but according to Lindsey’s mom “Now he can’t keep up”. With Lindsey’s talent, it’s understandable. In addition to her first place ranking in the country, Lindsey was also previously named the novice women’s state champion in the Ohio Mountain Bike Championship (OMBC) series. This class is designed for women aged 25 and up, and at the time of her win, Lindsey was merely 13 years old. This major feat sums up the drive and talent that Lindsey possesses. She also won the Iceman Cometh Challenge which is believed to be the largest single day mountain bike race in the world which boasts more than 5,000 racers.