Bicycle tour pedals through Wapak

Precious Grundy, The Lima News, Ohio
·2 min read

Jun. 21—WAPAKONETA — The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure has made a stop in Wapakoneta for its 33rd annual bicycle tour. This great tour made its debut in 1989 by founder Edward Honton.

According to GOBA director Jeff Stephens, cyclists across the nation meet in a designated city to tour Ohio for a total of 8 days. This year cyclists began their tour in Sidney and will end their tour in Troy. The location of the annual tour is determined around Thanksgiving.

Stephens says, "I am looking forward to announcing next year's location."

Bicyclists start in the first city and then cycle around 50 miles to the next location. This week-long tour is full of camping on the local fairgrounds, food, cycling and fun. One cyclist states some participants can travel up to 100 miles for one trip.

Stephens reports bicycling groups from across the nation sign up to join. Cyclists can sign up as individuals to participate or as a group. GOBA encourages every participant to rest at the local campground and explore the city. While in Wapakoneta, cyclists were invited to visit the Neil Armstrong museum and enjoy shopping and dining experiences at their leisure. The Auglaize County campgrounds were full of tents and local vendors in support of the GOBA visiting their local town.

Lorain County native Sandy Woosley has attended every GOBA tour. Woosley said that on the very first tour she attended, she met her husband. The following GOBA tour, in 1990, the couple had its first anniversary, and the Woosleys celebrated where their life together began.

Woosley said although her husband has since died, she still enjoys cycling the tour every year. Just like Sandy, many cyclists are rewarded for their years of attending.

Stephens said an annual dinner is held to celebrate long-time participants. The mission of this tour is to bring cyclists to parts of Ohio they may never have experienced otherwise. Commemorating its 33rd anniversary, GOBA continues to bring more than 700 cyclists across the nation together for a week of exploration in Ohio, the heart of it all.