Last month I wrote of house Bill 389, the Better Bicycling in Ohio bill. I'm happy to report that the bill has now been passed and signed. Governor Bob Taft attended the opening ceremonies for GOBA in Xenia and signed the bill at those festivities. It will take effect September 15, 2006. The bill clarifies, statewide, many bicycling laws, including allowing a rider to pedal while standing as opposed to having to be on his seat at all times. For a complete list of revisions see http://www.ohiobike.org/hb389.html.

For the first time Governor Bob Taft elected to ride the first full day of GOBA. I was honored when Governor Taft invited my riding buddy, State Representative Larry Wolpert, and myself to ride with him. GOBA director, Julie Van Winkle, presented the Governor with rider number 1. As you might imagine the number generated many questions along the route. The Governor is an experienced and avid bicyclist and our small group averaged over 12 MPH for the day.

My GOBA was unusual this year for a couple of reasons, hills and rain. I loved the hills on the two off day loops. I hated the rain on several other days. I think I was luckier than many others in that my gear was only mildly wet after the storms. I will certainly use more dry inner bags to pack everything in the future. I was even able to combine both issues on the Thursday Hocking Hills one hundred mile ride. I was one of about a hundred riders who elected to do this ride. It also happened that I was one of six riders around the 98-mile mark when the Sag crew was instructed to pick us all up due to impending severe weather. I then spent the next hour and a half in the Information Tent waiting out one of the worse storms I have seen in a while. Again my luck held out as I found my tent to be dry inside. Between TOSRV, XOBA and now GOBA I have learned to enjoy, or maybe the word is tolerate, riding in the rain. It does require a higher level of awareness and carefulness. One disadvantage is that the camera must stay in the dry bag, no picture on rainy days.

Remember to mark your calendars for October 14 and 15. This will be our first year for the Delaware Double Feature, our season close our tour. Join us for two days of casual riding thought fall foliage, indoor and outdoor camping and a celebration of Delaware.

E-mail me at bicycling (AT) outdoor-pursuits or call 614/877-3085 with your comments or suggestions.