You might have seen recently where seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong rode for one and a half days on RAGBRAI. RAGBRAI (the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) attracts a limit of 10,000 riders. Lance has stated he will be back for the entire 2007 edition. This illustrates the popularity of type of bicycle touring Columbus Outdoor Pursuits does with many of our major rides. TOSRV, GOBA, XOBA, CFC and the new Delaware Double Feature provide for riding during the day with camping and socialization during the evenings. COP provides luggage transport from campsite to campsite so you enjoy the ride from town to town. Many loyal riders of GOBA and XOBA schedule their vacations around these weeklong tours.

I was very much impressed with XOBA this year. New ride Director Walter Williams presented a covered bridge themed ride from Ashtabula on Lake Erie to Pomeroy on the Ohio River. The terrain and scenery were well planned and provided something of almost everything Ohio has to offer. This year's ride included 211 riders from 34 states and the UK. Over one half of XOBA riders are returning from prior years. Riding conditions and accommodations throughout the week were exceptional. While I had very little bike time between GOBA and XOBA I adapted quickly. Early on the first day I was into my routine of riding and photographing the tour. This year, for the first time, we offered a photo CD of the tour for $10. To date we have sold 60 CDs. Next years XOBA is expected to have a lighthouses of Ohio theme.

Part of this year's XOBA was an economic study of the impact on Ohio towns brought about by our visits. XOBA Director Walt Williams who is an economic development advisor from Ohio State University based out of Twinsburg, Ohio implemented this study. This will give us a good base of information to present to future prospective overnight and pass through towns.

Construction in the Hoover Dam area has caused a move of the Tuesday Westerville ride's starting point for the duration. The ride will leave from the East parking lot at Hoover Dam near Cubbage Road until further notice.

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