The 2005 Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (June 18-25) enjoyed its beginning in Findlay with a 4-mile long bicycle parade through downtown, with the local high-wheelers club leading the way.

In the opening ceremonies at the Fairgrounds, GOBA was warmly welcomed by several local dignitaries. Then, we were off to enjoy overnights to Tiffin (2 nights), Port Clinton (2 nights), Elmore, and Upper Sandusky, before returning to Findlay.

Terrain was flat to occasionally gently rolling and the weather was wonderful. Daily highs were mostly in the 70's with a couple days up to about 80, and one day with a high in the low 90's. Rainfall was scattered.

The week started with 3,002 registrants. 1,709 of our riders were male; 2,339 were from Ohio; 358 were COP members; 43 states were represented as well as Canada; 375 riders were age 15 or under; 45 have ridden all 17 tours.

Some of the special activities this year included: a "mini" loop of 40 miles on the Monday optional day; tours of Seneca Caverns; 2 layover towns for the 3rd year (Tiffin & Upper Sandusky); Port Clinton Mayor Tom Brown presenting the key to the city to GOBA; canoeing with Ridgway Canoes in Tiffin; the Survivor & Newlywed games in Tiffin; Schedel Arboretum; lunch and tours at the Fremont Hayes Presidential Center; boat rides on the Portage River in Port Clinton; the professional bike races followed by the Doors' tribute band in Upper Sandusky; lunch in Fostoria at a Nursing Home, complete with a calliope for entertainment; a visit to Marblehead lighthouse on an optional loop; the Golden GOBA dinner for 10-, 15-, and All-Year veterans, hosted by Bob Evans; the grand finale, the Song Contest on Friday night; and we threw in the headwinds for free! The billions of mayflies that had just hatched in Port Clinton added to our evening "fun" there.

Once again, I've enjoyed working with the best volunteer crew, a combination of veterans and newcomers, who worked hard and worked hard together to make this the best GOBA ever!