The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure

An on-road tour that trail cycling enthusiasts should consider

Jun 23, 2024

A beautiful day on GOBA through the Ohio countryside

Susan and Paula joined me on my first Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) in 2013. Susan and I co-founded Spinoff Cyclists, a social bike club for trail enthusiasts. My cycling was limited to multi-purpose trails and canal towpaths. before that GOBA.

I carved out a week's vacation to tour trails up to that date. I was ready for a different flavor of touring. I registered for GOBA, my first weeklong on-road tour. I joined 2,400 cyclists with GOBA handling the schedule, routes, camping, and planning. I only had to ride.

Many readers of Tom on the Trails are rail-trail and canal towpath bike tourists. An abundance of trails in Ohio brings them to the Ohio to Erie Trail. Small town to large city experiences, cycling through prairie lands and forests, and passing along rivers and canals on a 90% connected trail check off their touring boxes.

While my heart belongs to the trails, I discovered GOBA, an on-road tour, that captured my trail-loving spirit. It offered a new perspective and a change of scenery and experiences.

Disclaimer: I have been employed as the Camp Services Director for the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure since 2019. I manage the logistics of the campgrounds the cyclists call home for the week. As a GOBA cyclist turned Camp Services Director, I bring a rider's perspective to create memorable in-camp experiences.

This is my all-time favorite volunteer crew, the Barnyard Rebels in Hamilton, Ohio. They rocked it!

Relationship of the Ohio to Erie Trail to GOBA

Outdoor Pursuits hosts GOBA. This non-profit organization provides opportunities for outdoor recreation through cycling, hiking, and kayaking. Outdoor Pursuits has provided financial and other assistance to the OTET over the years.

Ed Honton, the father of the Ohio to Erie Trail, was an Outdoor Pursuits leader and co-founder of the Ohio Bicycle Federation. He had the vision for the Ohio to Erie Trail as a statewide corridor for outdoor recreation.

While separate organizations, Outdoor Pursuits and the Ohio to Erie Trail share a common goal: championing outdoor recreation across Ohio. They work hand-in-hand to promote and advocate for these activities within the state.

Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure 101

The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) is an annual week-long bicycle tour organized by Outdoor Pursuits in the state of Ohio. The route changes every year highlighting different parts of the state on a mix of rural roads, small towns, and occasionally larger cities. GOBA is family-friendly attracting cyclists of all ages and skill levels.

My all-time favorite photo from 2013 is of Girl Scouts selling breakfast grab-and-go bags in the campground.

How GOBA speaks to trail cyclists

Ride safe. For 35 years, the route planner has been crafting scenic rides on quiet country roads, avoiding busy traffic. Hazardous intersections and obstacles are marked to ensure a smooth ride. Ride with GPS routes and cue sheets are available for download for easy navigation.
Routes for everyone. Most registrants are not Tour de France cyclists. The daily routes are 40-60 miles with a shorter option on mostly flat or gently rolling terrain. There may be an occasional steeper, longer climb that can be walked.
On-road support. The SAG team follows the route, offering support and assistance to cyclists until everyone reaches camp. Whether you need a mechanical fix or a lift to camp, the drivers are there to help with no judgment. They also work closely with the GOBA medical team for any on-the-road injuries. Don't hesitate to flag them down.
Family-friendly. Many families have made it a tradition to cycle GOBA. Cyclists range in age from grade schoolers to octogenarians. The atmosphere on the road and in camp is welcoming to people of all abilities. You will make lifelong cycling friends during the week.
Anticipating your needs. GOBA takes care of the logistics before you arrive, setting up campgrounds with plenty of showers and restrooms. GOBA recognizes the growing popularity of mobile devices and e-bikes ensuring charging stations are available. A medical RV is equipped to store medications and offer in-camp medical services. There are designated campsites with power for CPAP users.
A different view of Ohio. GOBA traditionally overnights in small towns or small cities. These communities go all out to welcome cyclists. Each of these has its unique flavor. People along the route wave and cheer cyclists on. Passing by doorsteps and cycling through the town is an experience that is less common on trails.
The value of GOBA’s experience. With 35 years under their belt, GOBA understands what makes a memorable and enjoyable cycling adventure. Their team selects host towns that meet the standards that have made GOBA a success. The planning for the next GOBA starts right after the current one wraps up.
More than a bike ride. A bike tour is all about the people, places, and experiences that you encounter. GOBA embodies this by partnering with host communities for a taste of the local culture with entertainment, and special in-town experiences. Something unique to GOBA is a talent show where cyclists rewrite songs to hilariously capture their GOBA memories.
Reasonable cost. Bike tours are becoming more costly. GOBA offers a good bang for your buck for a weeklong bike tour. Factor in all the above when you compare GOBA to other tours. There is much more in a tour than the miles cycled per day.
Seasoned Staff. I hesitated to include this since I am a GOBA employee. I have an insider view of the people who make this tour work. Most have much more time working for GOBA than me. They are part of the 35-year tradition and committed to their role. Any GOBA staff member you encounter is more than willing to listen and lend a hand

Finding your luggage on GOBA can be a challenge!

In conclusion

This was my last year as Camp Services Director. Time is precious. I struggle to find time for myself in this role. My primary focus is on the Ohio to Erie Trail as the trail leader. The trail is nearing the end of a year-long strategic planning process. I am committed to carrying out the trail’s mission and vision. This led me to say goodbye to the Camp Servies Director job that I loved with Outdoor Pursuits and GOBA.

The words I offer above are not exaggerated but sincere and real. GOBA made this trail cyclist comfortable with touring on-road. I have enjoyed many on-road bicycle tours and rides thanks to GOBA. If you are a trail cyclist leery of cycling roads or with a large group of cyclists, GOBA is a safe enjoyable place to try it.