My GOBA this year was somewhat different from previous years. Armed with a new Nikon digital camera
and lenses I was able to capture some 700 images of riders and staff during a very enjoyable week
on tour. From the parade in Findlay to the islands of Lake Erie and the Mayfly hatchings in Port
Clinton to the bike races in Upper Sandusky I spent the week riding and photographing all areas
of GOBA. Along the way I met many new friends and some old acquaintances from prior rides. If space
permits I will try to get a few shots in this publication.
The first day out I got a picture of a GreenSpeed tandem trike. The couple seemed familiar so I looked
them up later in camp. As I had suspected they turned out to be first time GOBA riders Paul Matthews
and Kay Dwyer of Albuquerque, New Mexico. I had ridden the Tour De Wyoming in 2003 with Paul & Kay
and had talked to them at that time also. They have completed a number of other state tours. Asked
for a comment on their GOBA experience Kay replied "Our first GOBA tour was great and beyond our
expectations. We were truly impressed and pleased with the smooth organization of feeding, sleeping
and biking 3000 riders."
My Ohio State jersey leads to many contacts including, on this tour, Mike & Bev Deford of Unionville,
Indiana. Mike & Bev were decked out in Indiana University jerseys and appeared in several shots
throughout the week. They were also first time riders and enjoyed their Ohio experience greatly.
I am always impressed with the large family groups I encounter on tour. Unfortunately I can't always
gather information on all those groups. I was happy to meet and talk with one three-generation family
group. While in Put-In-Bay I met Lynn Waid, his daughter Kim Starr and granddaughter Kayla Starr.
I believe I also talked with a four-generation family group.
I was also pleased to see a number of Outdoor Pursuits ride leaders and other volunteers on tour.
Our volunteer base permits us all to enjoy our tours as well as produce them.
E-mail me at bicycling (AT) outdoor-pursuits or call 614/877-3085 with your comments or suggestions.