The Jerseypedaler: GOBA 2012

Another great week of cycling and friends. This years ride started in Hillsboro. I arrived in time to set my tent up and mill around scoping out for old and new friends. Around 5 pm the rains began and people took shelter in the fairground buildings. Watching this guy set his tent up in the pouring rain was quite comical although I did feel sorry for him and couldn't imagine sleeping in that wet tent. The annual costume parade through town was small on account of the weather. The down town ceremony was moved to one of the fairground buildings. Most people opted to retire to their tents early in preparation for tomorrows 52 mile ride to Chilicothe. I awoke at 5 am and was on the road by 7. 14 miles to the first rest stop and then the skies opened up. It was quite warm so the rain felt good and there was no need for a rain jacket. At times it rained so hard the jackets were of no use anyway. Fortunately, when we arrived at the beautiful Chillicothe park the sun came out. I was able to dry things out. It was a great town for our 2 day layover and was only 1 block from the town center. The next day was a 42 mile optional ride. This was the hilliest ride of the week and of course it rained for most of the ride. The rain took it's toll on my bike and I had to have it serviced by a local mechanic. As luck would have it the rain stopped as I got back. That night myself and a few friends hit the local church fundraiser for a hearty chili spaghetti dinner. The evening activity was a local 20 lap bike race around town. We spent some time at the beer garden watching and listening to the band. A trip to the ice cream parlor and off to bed early for tomorrow's 52 mile ride to Ashville. This days ride was flat as most of Ohio and the weather was hot and sunny. Not much happening in Ashville. I couldn't do another spaghetti dinner so off to Bob Evan's for a hearty steak dinner. Up the next morning at 5 for our 52 mile ride to Washington Court House for another 2 day layover. This was a great town with plenty of places to eat and sights to see. The next day I chose the 50 mile optional ride. I couldn't imagine doing the century on such a hot day, but there were plenty of people who did. The next day was again in the 90's and 52 miles to Wilmington. This was another great town worthy of a 2 day layover but alas it was our last overnight of the trip. They had the usual street party and GOBA's song contest. It was a beautiful night and every one got together for hugs and to say their goodbye's till next time. Saturday morning was hurry up and leave for the 36 mile ride back to Hillsboro.

Some things of note.
They say if you don't like Ohio weather just wait a few minutes and it will change.
You are never alone on GOBA. Just look for the bracelet and you have a friend.
Ohio people are some of the nicest, friendliest people you could meet.
My faired trike made quite the impression.
I don't have an accent, they do.

For each of the the last 12 years I have done at least one week long tour. They have included GOBA, Bike Virginia and Bike Florida. They are pretty much the same in that you ride from town to town for a week. They carry your luggage, provide rest stops, support and places to stay. You meet great people and can't help but have a fantastic time. I like GOBA as it is a full 7 day ride, the days are an easy 50 miles, the terrain is generally mild and the price is right.

Where else can you wake up at 5 am, cycle 50 miles a day, ride in the heat, rain and wind, wait on line for showers and food, sleep in a tent, poop in a Porta-a-Jon and be privileged to pay for it for 7 days. All this and to come back and say,
WHAT A GREAT TIME I HAD!

The following are pictures which will better represent the ride. If you have not done GOBA by all means put it on your "Bucket List".