GOBA 2002 By Julie Van Winkle
From June 15th through the 22nd, the 14th Annual Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure route around Columbus through central Ohio was a great success, with a variety of terrain, enthusiastic riders, and the blessing of decent weather. Overnight host towns were Delaware, Newark, Lancaster, Chillicothe, London, and Marysville.
Registrations (after accounting for cancellations) numbered 3,145 at the start of the week. On the route on Sunday the 16th, the counters counted 2,797 riders leaving Delaware; and on Saturday the 22nd, there were 2,475 counted leaving Marysville.
The weather for the first half of the week ranged from somewhat chilly to very pleasant, with daytime highs in the 70’s, mostly clear skies, and low humidity. Nights were comfortable for sleeping, in the mid-50’s. Midweek brought increasing heat and humidity, which ended with Friday and Saturday highs in the upper 80’s and low 90’s.
Many riders declared this year’s route to be the best ever. The route summary:
| Day | Route | Miles | Camp | |
| Saturday | Check-in / Bike Parade | 1.5 | Delaware Co Fairgrounds | |
| Sunday (tailwind) | Delaware to Newark | 52 | OSU-Newark / COTC | |
| Monday | Newark to Lancaster | 54 | Fairfield Co. Fairgrounds | |
| Tuesday | Lancaster to Chillicothe | 58 | Yoctangee Park | |
| Wednesday | option 1: option 2: |
loop to Laurelville & back loop to Logan & back |
58 105 |
Yoctangee Park |
| Thursday (tailwind) | Chillicothe to London | 68 | Madison Co Fairgrounds | |
| Friday | London to Marysville optional longer route |
56 extra 15 |
Eljer Park | |
| Saturday | Marysville to Delaware | 39 | Delaware Co Fairgrounds no overnight |
|
| Mileage total: | minimum: maximum: |
327 448.5 |
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The Wednesday optional loops out of Chillicothe offered 58 miles or 105 miles, skirting Scioto Trail State Park, plunging into the heart of Tar Hollow State Park, traveling valley roads and good rollers, with a few good hills thrown in for good measure.
The Wednesday optional field trips were operated by Ohio Travel Treasures and included two buses (55) for a combo-tour, including river rafting and hiking in the Hocking Hills. The other trip, "A Day on the Farm" was cancelled due to lack of interest.
Last, but not least, I want to thank all staff and volunteers for making my life worth living this past week. Everyone worked very hard so that others could play, and they always did so with a big smile.