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UPDATE 04/03/17: Most of this update will deal with hotel/camping arrangements.
Camping: The owner of Lake Erie Outfitters, Paul, has offered the large field adjacent to his kayak/stand up paddle board rental business for tent and RV camping. The facility does have a bathroom, shower and sink facility (nothing fabulous, but functional). Tent camping will be $25/night. Anybody who is bringing an RV please let me know the price Paul quotes you as he hadn't decided when I spoke with him. To book your camping site contact Paul via email at lake_erie_outfitters@yahoo.com or by phone at 814-323-0871
Hotel: Bel-Aire Hotel and Conference Center has extended us a room rate of $134.99/night with a minimum two night stay ($154.99 if staying only one night). They have a large parking lot to accommodate trailers, indoor swimming pool, and breakfast buffet for $5.99. The Bel-Aire is extremely close to the tent camping site and to the host bar (all within walking distance).
Beach update info: email from Department of Conservation and Natural Resources regarding Budny Beach.
We are still awaiting word from the US Army Corps of Engineers about if and how much sand we will be allocated this year. Beach 10 is currently in pretty bad shape, along with a handful of other beaches in the park. We had an extremely rough year in terms of sand movement from the beaches, as we had very little protection in terms of the lakeside being frozen and the creation of ice dunes.
We should know more as we get closer to May. If we do not get enough sand to supplement all of the beaches needed, we will have to close certain beaches due to their condition.
I'll be in Erie Easter weekend and will take a trip out to Budny Beach and provide current status pics of the beach.
Saturday night gathering will be at Oasis Pub Erie (walking distance from both camping site and host hotel). Oasis Pub has live music Friday's and Saturday's and cover charge will be waived for any freeride members who are wearing a wristband (we are in the process of ordering silicone wristbands now). Oasis has both indoor and outdoor bars, cornhole games, billiards and a full kitchen.
Freerides on Lake Erie have been few and far between the last few years. So after a bit of planning at Don Pepper's Mexican Grill & Cantina in Daytona (and a few margaritas) the decision has been made to hold the Presque Isle - Lake Erie Freeride Thursday, July 20th through Sunday, July 23rd. The freeride will be held at Budny Beach (immediately adjacent to Beach 10) on Presque Isle State Park.
I'm currently working with a host motel to get the best possible price, expect something in the $60/night range. Also working on camping options for those who prefer to bring an RV or tent camp (updates will be added to this initial post). Also working with sponsors for the event and will post updates as they are finalized.
Important note: Presque Isle is a state park which entails a few rules. Skis should have valid registration or you run the risk of being cited by park rangers. I have been in communication with the park manager and he's aware of the event and historically they have been fairly cool. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park, but that's what the host motel is for. Jetskis must remain at least 100 feet away from designated swimming areas. All visitors must be out of the park by dark.
Lastly, for those unfamiliar with Presque Isle or Budny Beach here are a few pics of the impromptu ride from this last Labor Day weekend. Unlike most beaches along Lake Erie, Budny beach is truly sand as opposed to rocks and gravel. It makes for really enjoyable ride area.
Camping: The owner of Lake Erie Outfitters, Paul, has offered the large field adjacent to his kayak/stand up paddle board rental business for tent and RV camping. The facility does have a bathroom, shower and sink facility (nothing fabulous, but functional). Tent camping will be $25/night. Anybody who is bringing an RV please let me know the price Paul quotes you as he hadn't decided when I spoke with him. To book your camping site contact Paul via email at lake_erie_outfitters@yahoo.com or by phone at 814-323-0871
Hotel: Bel-Aire Hotel and Conference Center has extended us a room rate of $134.99/night with a minimum two night stay ($154.99 if staying only one night). They have a large parking lot to accommodate trailers, indoor swimming pool, and breakfast buffet for $5.99. The Bel-Aire is extremely close to the tent camping site and to the host bar (all within walking distance).
Beach update info: email from Department of Conservation and Natural Resources regarding Budny Beach.
We are still awaiting word from the US Army Corps of Engineers about if and how much sand we will be allocated this year. Beach 10 is currently in pretty bad shape, along with a handful of other beaches in the park. We had an extremely rough year in terms of sand movement from the beaches, as we had very little protection in terms of the lakeside being frozen and the creation of ice dunes.
We should know more as we get closer to May. If we do not get enough sand to supplement all of the beaches needed, we will have to close certain beaches due to their condition.
I'll be in Erie Easter weekend and will take a trip out to Budny Beach and provide current status pics of the beach.
Saturday night gathering will be at Oasis Pub Erie (walking distance from both camping site and host hotel). Oasis Pub has live music Friday's and Saturday's and cover charge will be waived for any freeride members who are wearing a wristband (we are in the process of ordering silicone wristbands now). Oasis has both indoor and outdoor bars, cornhole games, billiards and a full kitchen.
Freerides on Lake Erie have been few and far between the last few years. So after a bit of planning at Don Pepper's Mexican Grill & Cantina in Daytona (and a few margaritas) the decision has been made to hold the Presque Isle - Lake Erie Freeride Thursday, July 20th through Sunday, July 23rd. The freeride will be held at Budny Beach (immediately adjacent to Beach 10) on Presque Isle State Park.
I'm currently working with a host motel to get the best possible price, expect something in the $60/night range. Also working on camping options for those who prefer to bring an RV or tent camp (updates will be added to this initial post). Also working with sponsors for the event and will post updates as they are finalized.
Important note: Presque Isle is a state park which entails a few rules. Skis should have valid registration or you run the risk of being cited by park rangers. I have been in communication with the park manager and he's aware of the event and historically they have been fairly cool. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted in the park, but that's what the host motel is for. Jetskis must remain at least 100 feet away from designated swimming areas. All visitors must be out of the park by dark.
Lastly, for those unfamiliar with Presque Isle or Budny Beach here are a few pics of the impromptu ride from this last Labor Day weekend. Unlike most beaches along Lake Erie, Budny beach is truly sand as opposed to rocks and gravel. It makes for really enjoyable ride area.
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