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.

Be Carefree On the BRAB

Summer is the height of the cycling season here in north central Ohio. The weather is great and so are the trails. Inspired by a favorite website...here are some ways to make your normal ride fun and carefree!

1. Sing, dance a bit, have fun loudly as you pass pedestrians, people in their yards, people shopping. You may just brighten their day with your voice or your silly antics.

2. Re-master that childhood wheelie. The Thorn Trail at Findley State Park is an excellent place to practice!






3. Fill a cooler with cured meats, beer or local wine, and other snacks. Stash it in the woods somewhere along the route of the the next ride. When the group reaches that spot, feign a mechanical problem, then unveil your surprise.

4. Plan out a local ride that’s half made-up of roads you’ve never been on. Lorain County is huge, explore every nook and cranny!


5. Get one new person to go on a ride every week this summer. This is a fun way to meet new people.

6. Ride up your favorite descent—and down your favorite climb. Try looking at your normal route differently!

Above all...get out there, have fun, be safe and ride to your heart's content this summer on the BRaB!!

~Kaitlin

Bicycling.com's How to Have More Fun was my inspiration...I adapted a bit from their list...how much more fun can you add to your summer?

Races With a Twist (and not just in the route)

Back Roads and Beaches Run, Wine and Dine

It's that time of year again! The weather is warmer, the days are longer, and local races are popping up left and right. Have you ran the same local 5k every year for as long as you can remember? Looking for a way to spice things up while still getting your competition fix? Here’s a sampling of unique events happening this summer that might be just what you're looking for.

Triathlons/Duathlons 

What changes things up more than a race where you bike, swim, and run all in the same event?

June 9th Support the Games Triathlon

Findley State Park, Wellington Ohio

This particular event of the Ohio Police and Fire Games has been opened to the public so anyone is welcome to participate in this race. If you're a first responder and are interested in the other games, click here.

July 7 27th Annual NCN Summer Triathlon/Duathlon
Lakeview Park, Lorain Ohio
Held at beautiful Lakeview Park in Lorain, this is an annual tradition for many athletes. You can't beat Lake Erie for a great triathlon venue. Which brings us to....

August 17th and 18th Vermilion Harbour Triathlon/Duathlon and Kidz Triathlon and Duathlon

Linwood Park, Vermilion Ohio

Is racing a family event in your house? Do you want it to be? Bring your kids, siblings, nieces, nephews, or even little cousins to the Kids Tri and Du and start grooming a new training partner! Cheer them on to the finish Saturday, then stick around and trade places on Sunday for the Vermilion Harbour Tri and Du. You can register for either or both events here. 

Unique Races

These runs have some really fun and different aspects to them. All the benefits of a standard 5k with a little something special. 

June 30th Columbia Station Half Marathon and Inline Skate

Copopa Elementary School, Columbia Station Ohio

You read that correctly! In this race you can choose to run or skate your way to the finish line. This will definitely be a one of a kind experience!

August 17th Back Roads and Beaches 5k/10k Run Wine and Dine

Oberlin Inn, Oberlin Ohio

What's the most unique thing about this event? The 5 pm start time, or maybe the glass of post-race beer, wine, or soda included in registration? Don't forget to stick around after the race for the live music! This is sure to be a great time for you and the cheering section you bring along!

Cycling 

Don't worry cyclists- we didn't forget you!

July 21st The Thorn Trail Time Trial

Findley State Park, Wellington Ohio

This single track mountain bike race is all about the ride! Get training for The Thorn Trail Time Trial and see how well you can navigate this challenging path compared to fellow cyclists. 

"Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead" inspires - Places to pick up fresh produce

Roadside stands can be found throughout summer along
the route. 

After watching the documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead, we were inspired by Joe Cross and the way he traveled around with his juicer to share his health epiphany with others. (Watch the documentary for free on Hulu here).There are many places around the Back Roads and Beaches Route to find fresh, local produce to put into your juicer. Soon, there will be an abundance of produce in-season at our stands and markets. In addition to those listed below, you will find random produce stands all around the Back Roads and Beaches Route. Here are some details:

Permanent sources of fresh produce:

Fitch’s Farm Market (4413 Center Rd., Avon OH 440.934.6125) Open mid-April to mid-November. Market and pick your own produce. Click here to see what’s in season.

Fligner’s Market (1854 Broadway Ave., Lorain OH 440.244.5173) Fresh fruits and top quality veggies. Extensive selection of produce.

Grobe Fruit Farm (43875 Telegraph Rd., Elyria OH 440.322.8312)  Fresh seasonal fruits, vegetables, and pastuerized cider. Farm market open from July through April offering fresh vegetables grown on their farm. Summer brings sweet corn, tomatoes and other vegetables, while fall brings apples and apple cider, with pumpkins and fall decorations coming the 1st of October.

Jamies Flea Market (46388 Telegraph Rd., Amherst OH, 440.986.4402) usually has between 3–6 produce vendors every Wed and Sat during the summer months.

Miller’s Apple Hill (50549 SR 113, Henrietta Twp OH, 440.965.7077) Pick your own apples and a variety of bulk foods.

Spiegelberg Orchards (6161 Middle Ridge Rd., Amherst, OH 440.233.6083) Family run farm market offering fresh produce including apples, peaches and pears grown in their own local orchard. Fresh cider available all year long.

Weekly vendor set-up type markets:

Oberlin Farmers Market: From May 4th–October 26, 2013 the market will be open on Saturdays from 9am–1pm. The market sets up in downtown Oberlin in front of the Oberlin Public Library. Produce vendors, grass fed beef and chicken, fresh eggs, baked goods, jams and jellies and more.

Village of Grafton Farmers Market (Old Town Hall), every Sat, July–Oct. 9am–1pm.

Wellington Farmers Market (corner of North Main & Taylor St). From June 15–October 25 the marketing will be open Fridays from 5–7pm.

So, there you go...whether you just want to pick up some fresh produce to add into a great recipe or you want to juice it up, you can barely throw a rock around here and not hit something fresh! Enjoy!