While last month's newsletter was our annual volunteer issue, I feel that any time I can praise Columbus Outdoor Pursuits volunteers I would like to do so. Without the willingness of our volunteers we would not be able to continue our daily rides and tours. This fine group of ride leaders and helpers is always in need of additional help. Contact your ride leader or myself if you feel you can help.

According to your input, the Tuesday Canal Winchester ride is still very popular. COP member Rich Holt comments, "This is a great weekly ride organized by two outstanding leaders… Donna Bush and Steve Hewitt. Just look at the number of people that show up for this ride!" To keep up interest, Donna and Steve attempt to vary the route weekly and to always provide a sweep to check on potentially slower riders. Thanks Donna and Steve for your efforts.

In July I completed my second XOBA. Week long camping tours such as XOBA and GOBA have become one of my favorite summertime activities. This year's tour from Lake Erie to the Ohio River introduced me to a wide variety of riding. We started the week riding flat lakesides and farmland and ended the week with two days of Southern Ohio hills. Along the way I was introduce to many communities and learned much about Ohio history. For me, these tours have been both entertaining and educational. One of my favorite daily activities was riding out for an hour or two each morning before stopping at a small town café for breakfast. I have met some very interesting people in that manner. Stopping in Elmore for breakfast, I talked with locals that were glad to hear that we on XOBA were associated with COP and GOBA. They would like to see COP back for more overnight stays in the future.

I feel that XOBA has been built into a national-class ride over its eight years. This year's tour included riders from twenty states. We have volunteer Tour Director Randy Bennett to thank for evolving XOBA to it current popularity. Unfortunately, this was Randy's last year as director. Randy has moved to New York and must resign as our leader.

But there is good news; Randy has picked Walter Williams to be his successor. Walt is a long time COP member, an avid biker and has assisted Randy with XOBA activities. Walt is an Extension Educator with Ohio State University working as an Extension Agent in Economic Development. He has the organizational skills, the communications skills and personality to continue the XOBA tradition. Plans for next years XOBA are well under way.

Jack Hornsby is the Bicycling Activity Chair. Email him at bicycling (AT) outdoor-pursuits or call 614/877-3085 with your comments or suggestions.