XOBA — Across Ohio Bicycle Adventure

Arrival & Tour Information

Parking & Check-In
Please park at Bridge Street Middle School,
19 Junior Ave, Wheeling, WV 26003.

Staff will be on-site beginning at 9:00 AM. Our shuttle bus departs promptly at 11:00 AM, and we recommend arriving no later than 10:30 AM to allow plenty of time to unload gear and load your bicycle. A boxed lunch will be provided on the bus. Shuttle transportation is included with your XOBA registration.

Meals
We begin and end the adventure with catered group dinners—the perfect opportunity to meet fellow riders and celebrate the week’s accomplishments. All other meals are on your own, giving you the flexibility to choose from the many local restaurants and markets along the route.

Ride Support
Unlike many traditional bicycle tours, XOBA does not have scheduled rest stops. Instead, our routes are designed to pass through communities with convenience stores, restaurants, and grocery options where you can stop whenever you choose. Our SAG vehicle will also be available throughout the day and carries cold water and light snacks for riders who need a refill or a little extra fuel.

Navigation
Daily routes are provided as GPS files and are also marked on the road. Printed paper maps will be available at check-in for riders who prefer a hard copy.

Lodging
Both indoor sleeping and tent camping options are available each night of the tour.

 Oregon, OH – Marblehead – Fremont – Norwalk – Ashland – Brewster – Cadiz – Wheeling, WV

Your XOBA Registration Includes

• Professionally planned routes throughout the tour.
• Clearly marked routes with painted directional arrows.
• GPS route files available through Ride with GPS, plus printed route maps.
• Free weeklong parking at the start/finish location.
• Shuttle transportation from Wheeling to the tour starting point on Saturday, including a boxed lunch during the ride.
• Daily SAG (Support and Gear) assistance for rider support and basic mechanical help.
• Coordination with local emergency services along the route.
• Daily luggage transportation between overnight host communities—you only need to carry what you need while riding.
• A catered group dinner on the first and final evenings of the tour.
• Daily route information highlighting convenient locations for food, water, and restrooms.
• A commemorative XOBA event T-shirt.

Your XOBA Registration Does Not Include

• Meals other than the Saturday boxed lunch and the opening and closing group dinners.
• Food, beverages, and snacks purchased along the route or in host communities.
• Hotel or other private lodging accommodations.
• Transportation of your personal vehicle between overnight locations.
• Ambulance or other emergency medical transportation costs.
• Admission fees for optional attractions, museums, parks, or activities along the route.

Where You’ll Sleep

XOBA is designed to be an adventure, and each overnight stay is part of the experience. Most nights you’ll be staying at a local school, where you may choose to sleep indoors on the gym floor or camp outside in your own tent.

If camping or gym sleeping isn’t your style, you’re welcome to arrange your own hotel or bed-and-breakfast accommodations. We’ll provide a list of recommended lodging options located within a reasonable riding distance of each overnight location. Please note that hotel accommodations are not included with your registration.

Included with Your Registration

• Indoor sleeping space in a school gymnasium or outdoor space for your personal tent.
• Access to electrical outlets for charging phones, GPS devices, and other small electronics.
• Shower facilities each evening.
• Opening and closing catered group dinners.

Optional Add-Ons

• Tent service (arrive to a tent that’s already set up and waiting for you).
• Chair rental.
• Towel rental.

Not Included

• Hotel or bed-and-breakfast accommodations.
• Meals other than the included opening and closing dinners (plus the boxed lunch on Saturday).
• Personal camping equipment.

Good to Know

• Laundry facilities are available in many of our overnight communities.
• Indoor sleeping areas are shared spaces, so we recommend bringing earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
• If camping, be prepared for a variety of weather conditions and pack accordingly.

 $600 (7 riding days – 7 nights)

Outdoor Pursuits Members receive a $20 discount

Cancellation Policy:

Registrants may request a refund (less a $55 processing fee) up to 30 days before the tour.

Registration may be deferred to a future tour (at no cost) up to 30 days before the tour.

Cancellations less than 30 days before the event will be considered either a donation to Columbus Outdoor Pursuits 501(c)(3) or considered for deferment for a future event.

XOBA provides a Support and Gear (SAG) vehicle each day to assist riders who need help along the route. Our goal is to keep you moving safely and enjoying the adventure.

The SAG vehicle carries:

• Cold drinking water
• Light snacks
• Basic first-aid supplies
• Floor pump and basic cycling tools

A volunteer mechanic will be available to assist with minor mechanical repairs both on the road and at camp whenever possible. While we’ll do our best to get you rolling again, riders are responsible for the cost of any replacement parts that may be needed.

Before leaving for XOBA, we strongly recommend having your bicycle inspected and tuned by your local bike shop. A pre-tour tune-up can help prevent mechanical problems and ensure your bike is ready for a full week of riding.

Summer in Ohio offers excellent cycling weather, but it’s important to be prepared for a variety of conditions. During XOBA, daytime temperatures are typically in the low to mid-80s°F, while overnight lows generally fall into the mid-60s°F. Some days may be cooler, while others can reach the upper 80s or low 90s.

July is also known for occasional afternoon showers and thunderstorms. Weather can change quickly, so we recommend checking the daily forecast each morning and carrying a lightweight rain jacket or other rain gear.

To help you enjoy your ride:

• Start riding early to take advantage of cooler morning temperatures.
• Drink plenty of water and refill your bottles whenever the opportunity arises.
• Wear sunscreen and consider lightweight, breathable clothing.
• Be prepared for changing weather by packing a rain jacket or poncho.

Ohio’s summer weather can be unpredictable, but with a little preparation you’ll be ready to enjoy everything the Buckeye State has to offer.

Every rider packs a little differently, but the checklist below is a great place to start. Feel free to add or remove items based on your riding style, comfort level, and the weather forecast.

Bicycle & Riding Gear

• Bicycle in good working condition
• Battery charger (for e-bike riders)
• Helmet (required)
• Cycling gloves
• Cycling shoes
• Cycling shorts
• Cycling jerseys or comfortable riding shirts
• Water bottles or hydration pack
• Bike lock

Bike Repair Essentials

• Spare inner tubes
• Tire levers
• Mini pump or CO₂ inflator
• Basic multi-tool
• Patch kit (recommended)

Camping & Sleeping

• Tent (if camping)
• Sleeping pad or air mattress
• Sleeping bag or bedding
• Pillow
• Towel

Clothing

• Cycling clothes for the week
• Casual clothing for evenings
• Sleepwear
• Lightweight rain jacket
• Swimsuit (if pool facilities are available)

Personal Items

• Photo ID
• Health insurance card
• Credit card and/or cash
• Cell phone and charger
• Toiletries
• Prescription medications
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent

Before You Leave Home

Take a few minutes to inspect your bicycle before the tour. Check your tires, brakes, chain, shifting, and bolts, and make sure everything is in good working order. If your bike hasn’t been serviced recently, we recommend having it inspected by your local bike shop before arriving.

A little preparation before the tour goes a long way toward ensuring a safe and enjoyable week on the road.