With the first early snow storm out the way, and the looming promise of a winter potentially even more brutal than last year, you’re either gearing up for cold rides, or are settling in for a long winter off the route. Whatever your plans, you can always get your legs pumping in a different way- shopping!

If your family and friends love the Back Roads and Beaches Route as much as they love you, get them geared up with what they really want this year! These local fitness shops are your one-stop shop for everything they need. Shop accessories like headlights and handlebars, smart clothing or quality bikes! And for the cyclist who seems to have it all…give a gift-card so they can pick something out for themselves, or pay for a repair.

Bicycle Bill’s Fitness Center

Bicycle Bill’s Fitness Center : 5523 South Street, Vermilion

Swerve Bike Shop : 23 South Main Street, Oberlin

Molnar Outdoor : 9191 Leavitt Road, Elyria

For the down-right outdoorsy and adventurous, there are so many exciting things in Lorain County to plan for when ground thaws in the spring. But you may not even have to wait that long-the Common Ground Canopy Tours are planning on opening for the week between Christmas and New Years!

Winter on the Common Ground Canopy Tours Photo by Common Ground

Give a gift certificate or make a reservation for thrilling holiday gift options that give an experience to remember!

Common Ground Canopy Tours : 14240 Baird Road, Oberlin

West River Kayak & Canoe : 655 West River Road, Vermilion

Great Lakes Kayaking : 14th and Broadway, Lorain

Lake Erie Paddler : 485 California Avenue, Lorain

Visit our website for a full listing of  locations along the Back Roads and Beaches Route that make for great gifts this holiday season.

Remember, you don’t need to fight the crowds at the mall to find the perfect gifts for adventure. #ItsHere

Summer is in full swing and with it, a calendar of north central Ohio multisport events. Many with the scenic backdrop of Lake Erie. Kick-start your summer with some friendly competition. Read on for event details. Triathlon Information NCN Racing is continuing the Rat Race Series starting this weekend. The Rat Race Series started in […]

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 turned out to be a great day for the Inland Trail Marathon and the Red Flannel. The sun came out late morning and hung around all day! You can find lots of photos from both events at the Back Roads and Beaches Facebook page. Blog feed