The 19th Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure
Saturday, June 16, through Saturday, June 23, 2007

Celina - Van Wert - Wapakoneta - Troy - Versailles - Celina

Nostalgia strikes everybody, at least once in awhile. And we're looking back over an amazing 18 years of bike tours, of course, with many of you along for the ride. Lucky for us, some of those best memories are about to resurface, as we get ready to revisit some of GOBA's favorite towns on the upcoming GOBA-19. So, as we happily look forward to that week in June when we can reunite, think about bringing that friend, who's been saying for years that they want to "do GOBA". Bob Evans Farms is even getting into the act to help you be more persuasive (see "Gift Card Program" below).

Join us this year for our trip down memory lanes. With beautiful landscapes, fascinating attractions, and towns who just can't wait for you to get there, new memories await. Now, read on, sign on, and ride on.....GOBA-19!

Highlights

• 5 days of cycling 45-60 miles from town to town and 2 days of optional loops
• Terrain: from flat to gently rolling...much flatter than 2006
• Mileage for the week: minimum: 265...maximum: 425
• Primitive tent camping at fairgrounds, schools, and parks
• The traditional Song Contest

Saturday, June 16: Celina

• Shade-filled campgrounds and the aromas of home-cooked meals are featured at the Mercer County Fairgrounds in Celina.
• Take a dip or a dunk at scenic Grand Lake St. Marys.
• Afternoon activities will get you in the mood for the bike parade and costume contest, and the not-to-be-missed GOBA opening ceremonies.

Sunday, June 17: Celina to Van Wert

• If you planned this right, today you're cycling with your father.
• Keep your eyes peeled for the Ohio welcome sign...that's right, we just sneaked you into Indiana and back.
• Now in Van Wert County, former Indian hunting grounds, you can look forward to Ohio City, where the first car called Lambert was invented in 1891.
• Van Wert, the town, is home to Wassenberg Art Center, the Historical Society complex, the Central Fire Museum, and many favorite spots for bird-watching.
• Van Wert Fairgrounds will be your home for the night.

Monday, June 18: Van Wert to Wapakoneta

• From your first pancake to your last barbecued chicken, you're going to love the tasty experiences.
• Linger in Delphos for a visit to the Canal Museum.
• Out of town, bike beside the "Deep Cut" and the remnants of the Miami-Erie Canal and imagine the olden days.
• When your biking day is done, turn into Wapakoneta High School and stake your tent for a 2-night stay.

Tuesday, June 19: Wapakoneta (layover day)

• While in Wapakoneta, don't miss the Neil Armstrong Air & Space Museum, the antique and specialty shops in the midst of the historic downtown, and the neoclassical County Court House with stained glass skylights.
• If you must bicycle, enjoy the 52-mile loop which takes you to the beach at Indian Lake State Park at the half-way point.

Wednesday, June 20: Wapakoneta to Troy

• Wave to Wapakoneta and get on the road.
• Today you can't miss the spectacular Bicycle Museum of America, an amazing collection of old bikes — and real old bikes. You may see one that you rode when young, or even one your grandma rode!
• Save time for New Bremen's other charms, and for Lockington Locks and the Johnston Farm, just down the road.
• Settle in for two nights in Troy's Community Park.

Thursday, June 21: Troy (layover day)

• While in Troy, celebrate the 200th birthday of Miami County, take a biplane ride at WACO field, try ice skating (yes!), and dive into the renovated pool.
• Or you can climb back on the bike for the 50- or 105-mile loops, and visit a covered bridge, Kiser Lake, or even Ohio Caverns and Cedar Bog, if you're up to it.

Friday, June 22: Troy to Versailles

• As the Troy skyline fades behind you, look ahead to visiting quaint Covington, where you can get rattlesnake steak at Buffalo Jack's.
• Keep on going...Bears Mill is around the corner and worth a stop.
• Now, you're in Annie Oakley country, so check out the sights in Greenville, especially the Garst Museum.
• You'll sleep well tonight under a blanket of stars at Versailles High School.

Saturday, June 23: Versailles to Celina

• Versailles hospitality will stay in your mind as you pedal onward.
• Capping the week's adventure, you'll traverse the Land of the Cross-Tipped Churches, featuring the Maria Stein Museum and Shrine of Holy Relics.
• Then, navigate the Coldwater bike path and you're back in Celina...the circle is complete!

This is just a sampling of the experiences being cooked up for you. So, join us in June!

GIFT CARD PROGRAM: Bob Evans Farms, Inc. and GOBA announce a special program to encourage you, the returning GOBA-ite, to bring a friend who is new to GOBA. Sign yourself up for the 2007 tour, have the new rider sign up, indicate each other's names on the registration form, and Bob Evans will send you, the returning rider, a $20 gift card, one per household, good in any Bob Evans restaurant. The offer applies only if both the returning and the new riders are paying participants, age 16 or over. You might want to use it at one of the Bob Evans Restaurants on GOBA week. So, thank you for introducing a new rider to the excitement that is GOBA and look for your gift card in the mail in early June.

GOBA Fees

• COP Members (16 years & up) - $160
• Non-Members (16 years & up) - $170
• Children (6-15 years, must be accompanied by responsible adult) - $85

GOBA registration includes primitive tent camping. Expect additional costs for food, other lodging, optional side trips, and some activities. More fun stuff, sign-up forms, and prices will appear in the GOBA March and May Newsletters. Route details and mileages are approximate and are subject to change.

Registration Deadline - May 16, 2007

Additional Information:

• www.goba.com or 614-273-0811
• Brochures will also be available in the spring in Ohio Bob Evans Restaurants and selected bicycle shops.

Don't miss out...sign up now and experience the Adventure.

COP Bicycling Page  --  COP Home Page