The 2006 Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (June 17-24) enjoyed its beginning in Xenia with a 3-mile long bicycle parade through downtown, with a grand array of officials: Gov. Bob Taft and his wife, Hope, Ohio Representative Arlene Setzer, Greene County Commissioner Rick Perales, Xenia Mayor Phyllis Pennewitt, and Robert Knisley, General Manager of the Xenia Bob Evans. In the opening ceremonies at the Fairgrounds, GOBA was treated to a welcome by the Governor, followed by a unique experience: the Governor signed House Bill 389 into law right in front of the GOBA audience. This bill clarifies and enhances the Ohio Motor Vehicle Code to favor bicycling. Then, we were off to enjoy overnights to Wilmington, Hillsboro (2 nights), Circleville (2 nights), and London, before returning to Xenia.

Terrain was flat to gently rolling to hilly. The weather was mixed: Most days were in the upper 70's to 80's; Thursday, an optional century day, was very humid and in the 90's; but nights were very comfortable. We also experienced an early evening squall with some minor wind damage and on another day, some serious lightning. Riders were able to take cover either in camp or on the route. Some even commented that their best GOBA experience was taking shelter on a a farmer's front porch and enjoying food, beverage, and the family's hospitality. Several days of gray skies and light rain kept the riding actually cooler than usual.

The week started with 2,442 registrants. 1,397 of our riders were male; 1,907 (78%) were from Ohio; 301 were COP members; 34 states were represented as well as Canada and England; 365 riders were age 15 or under; 44 have ridden all 18 tours.

Some of the special activities this year included:

"Father's Day on Main", street festival in Downtown Wilmington; Hillsboro Mayor's Proclamation; Namaddu African performers; bus tour to Serpent Mound and Seven Caves; the Grand Prix Bicycle Races; pumpkin burgers; Roundtown walking tours; the Hocking Hills; London's Strawberry Festival; Caesar Creek State Park; Lynchburg's Covered Bridge; the entertaining gymnasts and dancers in New Vienna; Tarlton Cross Mound; Logan Elm State Memorial; Green's Heritage Museum; Harrisburg street party; Clifton Mill; Wilberforce National Afro-American Museum; and the grand finale, the Song Contest on Friday night in London on the Courthouse steps.

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!