BY JENNY CALLISON
Enquirer Contributor
OXFORD -- Don't call it a bike race.
The Great Ohio Bike Adventure (GOBA), now in its 10th year, is a chance for cyclists of all stripes to spend a week in the outdoors, explore a section of the state, make new friends and -- incidentally -- get some exercise.
About 3,000 bike riders this year are following the country roads of the tour route, which begins and ends in Celina. Each day's ride is about 50 miles.
More than half the cyclists will camp along the way, trading the rigors of the bike seat for the comfort of sleeping on the ground. GOBA participants send their gear by truck to the next stop each day.
Oxford is a stop on the tour this year for the first time. The town has organized to welcome, feed and entertain the riders after their arrival today, the trek's "rest day."
The grounds of Talawanda High School will serve as campground and activity center. Churches and civic organizations will offer meals, giving cyclists an alternative to restaurant food. Merchants will sell snacks and souvenirs.
The Tour of Ohio, a professional cycling event, also wheels into town today. Each year the Tour likes to coordinate one stop with GOBA. This evening, streets in uptown Oxford will be blocked off for Oxford Grand Prix races designed for novices as well as professionals. "It will be kind of fun, having GOBA in our back yard this year," said Deb Hogue of Oxford, who is riding in her fourth GOBA. "I'm hoping for dry weather." Last year's event was plagued by frequent rainstorms, and Ms. Hogue's tent developed major leaks. With soggy memories still fresh, Ms. Hogue's biking companion, Rhonda Bohannon, bought a new tent.
Karen Powell, another Oxford resident, is participating with sons Andrew, 15, and Jonathan, 11. "I'm not a speedy bike rider, but I won't worry about my sons if I can't keep up with them," Mrs. Powell said. "There are so many good people in GOBA, and we have made so many friends in past years, I know my sons will be taken care of."
Mrs. Powell, who with Andrew has ridden in three previous GOBAs, says that catching up with cyclist friends is one of the pleasures of the event. She also feels that GOBA's family atmosphere and reasonable pace make it fun.
"There are lots of stops, lots of food -- it's like a big party."
