Back Roads and Beaches - Route Highlights

Multi-Sport Options along the Back Roads and Beaches Route

Triathletes and multi-sport enthusiasts can combine biking the Back Roads and Beaches route with any number of challenging, adventurous activities. Use these options to set up your own multi-sport adventure challenge or use as a guide for your group's ride/race. The Visit Lorain County staff is happy to assist you in planning your event. Please contact us for more information.

Mountain Biking

Findley State Park, Wellington
In the southern portion of the route, Findley State Park has approximately 9 miles of mountain biking trails. Thorn Mountain Bike Trail maps can be found at Findley State Park or downloaded here.

Kayaking/Canoeing

The Vermilion-Lorain Water Trail is a 27-mile trail offering both river and open water travel along the Lake Erie Shores. Kayaks and Canoes for Findley Lake can be rented at Findley State Park in Wellington at the southern end of the ride. At the northern end of the ride, kayaks for the Black River and Lake Erie can be rented at Great Lakes Kayaking in Lorain (Black River and Lake Erie locations) or at West River Kayak and Canoe in Vermilion on the Vermilion River.

Courtesy of: Holly Miller

Great Lakes Kayaking

1355 Black River Parkway
Lorain, OH 44052
440-396-5887
website
6:30am–dark (7 days a week)
Kayak rentals-hourly or by day
Birding sites
Bike rack and indoor storage
Public Restrooms
Food/Vending available
Picnic area with grills
Overnight parking

West River Kayak & Canoe

Capt's Corner Marina
655 W. River Rd.
Vermilion, OH 44089
440-967-5292
440-670-4781
website

Ropes Course

Common Ground: The Cindy Nord Center for Renewal has a challenging ropes course that interested groups can pre-arrange to experience.

Hiking

Forested trails can be found at Findley State Park for hiking or trail running. Hiking trails can also be found at MetroParks.cc.

Swimming

Indoor and Outdoor (seasonal) swimming can be found in Oberlin, right off the Metro Parks bike trail at the MetroParks.cc.

There are several sandy beaches along Lake Erie that are staffed with lifeguards and host yearly triathlons

Courtesy of: Dave Kelch

Fishing

Although fishing isn't traditionally a multi-sport activity associated with cycling, it's an interesting and entertaining way to take a break from the saddle and hop onto a fishing charter. There are many that leave from the lakeshore in Lorain County. Click here for more info on fishing

Bike Shops

Bicycle Bill's Fitness Center

5523 South St. (Rt. 60)
Vermilion, OH 44089
440-967-BIKE (2453)
www.bicyclebills.com
info@bicyclebills.com
Hours: Mon & Thurs 10am-7pm; Tues & Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 9:30am-5pm; Closed Wed & Sun
Family owned business since 1964, offering a full line of specialized, Giant, and Raliegh Bicycles and accessories. We are a complete bicycle shop offering sales and complete service department.
Riders can fill water bottles at this location.
Public restroom facilities available.
Special deals: 10% discount on regular parts and accessories only-not on bikes or labor.

Dale's Bike Shop

43239 Oberlin-Elyria Rd.
Oberlin, OH 44074
440-774-RIDE (7433)
www.dalesbikeshop.com
info@dalesbikeshop.com

Swerve Bike Shop

23 S. Main St.
Oberlin, OH 44074
440-774-7978

Hours: Sun 10am-2pm; Tues– Sat 10am-7pm; (Closed Mon until Memorial Day. After Memorial Day, open Mon 10am–7pm)
Description: Retail bicycle sales and service. Accessories, parts, clothing, service.

Marty's Cycle Center

453 Avon Beldon Rd. (Rt.83)
Avon Lake, OH 44012
440-933-4204
www.martyscycle.com
Hours: Mon & Thurs 10am-8pm; Tues & Fri 10am-6pm; Wed 12-8pm; Sat 10am-5pm; Closed Sun
Description: Retail bicycle sales and service. Accessories, parts, clothing, factory trained service on all makes and models.
Riders can fill water bottles at this location.
Public restroom facilities available.
Special deals: 10% discount on accessories and parts