Special Report: GOBA 2022 Day 1 Sydney, Ohio
Saturday, June 18, 2022, Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure
Greetings from Sydney. I arrived yesterday afternoon after a 3-hour car ride. The traffic was light and the weather was good for driving. The Shelby County Fairground was the starting point for this yearly event. It is located in the west-central part of the state of Ohio. As I drove I was directed to park the car and what building the registration takes place.
The excitement was beginning to build as GOBA was canceled the two previous years due to the Covid pandemic. Will I see any of my old friends? Will there be any significant changes from the last GOBA in 2019? Will the weather be nice for us biking 40 to 55 miles a day?
The last 2 GOBAs I have been on have been horribly wet. Most of the days were all-day rains dampening our spirits. Many participants elected to quit early and drive back home.
Checking on the long-range weather forecast indicated a cool start for Sunday and hot the rest of the week with a chance of rain Wednesday.
I park the car and as I walk to the registration building who do I meet? My 2 lady friends, I met on the 2018 GOBA, Suzie and Joshlyn. Suzie got married last year and is living in Florida and her best friend Joshlyn is still with her husband.
It is good to see old friends again. I received my registration packet it included my number to put on the bike, an itinerary of the rest stops and distances, Some local advertising, and a GOBA 2022 patch.
I drove the car around the grassy areas of the fairgrounds and many people arrived early and had their tents up. Found a small patch of grass and staked my claim. Set up my tent and park the car in the long-term parking lot.
Was told by the locals there was an art show and live music at the town square. Got the directions and elected to ride my bike. The instructions were fairly straight forward and still, I managed to get myself lost. Followed some wrong streets but soon was back on track and found the town square. The local population was out in force and mingling with the bike riders. The restaurants were full and I found a lounge serving food and beer to the crowd on the sidewalk. The price for a Brat was ok, 3.00 but the beer was high at 5.00 but it was a local brew and on tap. A German wheat beer.
Sat outside on the curb enjoying the music when one of the GOBA riders stop by to chat. Mike is from Indiana and lives near Indianapolis. This is his 4th GOBA. I’ll probably see him on the ride.
Rode around town got some pictures and headed back to my tent.
Got settled in and prepared for tomorrow's 50-mile ride. Oh, I would like you to meet my partner on this ride, His name is Max and follows me on most of my adventures away from the boat.
Well, that is it for tonight Have a Good night from Sydney. More to come later.
Henry
Good to see that some Americans still use their legs for more than just getting from the lazy boy to the automobile