Saturday, June 19: Logan
1800 Hocking.com
We'll launch GOBA-22
in Logan, the heart of the Hocking Hills. Celebrate with the sounds of the
Washboard
Music Festival, a one-of-a-kind event featuring dixieland jazz, jug music,
washboard strumming, a quilt show, & a tour of the washboard factory.
GOBA bicycles and the festival team up for a grand parade like no other. Don't
miss this one!
Sunday: Logan
to McConnelsville
Morgan Co.
Visitors Bureau
47 miles
Don't sleep in today---you're going
to the "Little Cities of the Black Diamonds".
New Straitsville is known for Robinson's
Cave, site of secret meetings which gave rise to The United Mine Workers of
America. Shawnee, an Appalachian coal mining village, features a colorful
mural and the old Tecumseh Theatre. Save some of your energy to take in McConnelsville:
from the Opera House, to the historical museums, and the covered bridge at
the Morgan County Fairgrounds.
Monday: McConnelsville
to Marietta
mariettaohio.org
43 miles
Follow the mighty Muskingum River
to Stockport, site of the last remaining mill on this river. Steep yourself
in the history of the river's old hand- operated dam & lock systems. It's
all downhill into Marietta, the quintessential river town, at the crossroads
of the Ohio and the Muskingum. Ohio's "first city" offers up treasures
for you to enjoy: a jewel of a downtown; historic Harmar Village; Campus Martius
museum; sternwheelers; and Indian mounds. Head to Marietta College -- for
your tent or the dorm -- to rest up for the day ahead.
Tuesday: Marietta
(layover day)
50 optional miles
If you like a challenge, you'll
thrill to the loop ride on this optional day with hills and scenery galore.
Or, occupy yourself with more of Marietta's marvels, including mountain bike
trails, state-of- the-art aquatic center, a visit to Fenton Glass, Blennerhassett
Island, or a boat excursion. Explore the intriguing shops or watch the barges
ply the river...your camp at the college is just steps away.
Wednesday: Marietta
to Athens
athensohio.com
49 miles
Eat your hearty breakfast and stoke
your wheels up and out of the Ohio River valley. Admire the view as you traverse
the hilly terrain. Linger in Amesville at the Coonskin Library, founded in
1804 with 51 books bought for $73.50, thanks to the sale of pelts. Enter the
Hockhocking Adena Bikeway to lead you to your goal. We think you'll find your
campsite at the Athens Community Center refreshing along the banks of the
Hocking River...with the pool, exercise rooms, and restaurants at your fingertips.
Make sure you visit the Dairy Barn Cultural Arts Center and you might see
a quilt or two.
Thursday: Athens
(layover day)
56 or 101 optional miles
For those of you who can never
get enough: a 56-mile or 101-mile optional route, in national forest, over
lots of hills, through Albany which celebrates the pawpaw fruit with an annual
festival, past Bellville Dam on the Ohio River, and to Forked Run State Park
for an invigorating swim --- a day you won't soon forget. You'll find that
quilt barns rule in Athens County. And don't forget to save time for the rest
of Athens! Take a nature walk at The Ridges and see the grandiose old buildings.
Visit the eclectic shops and delectable eateries around Ohio University. You'll
dream of art scenes and rolling roads as you turn in for the night at the
Athens Community Center.
Friday: Athens
to McArthur
Vinton Co. Convention
& Visitors Bureau
52 miles
Enjoy the bounty of offerings today
as you roll along the bike path at the start of your daily migration. Enter
Nelsonville which has Robbins Crossing, the Hocking Valley Railway, Rocky
Outdoor Store, and the Historic Square Art District...whew!! Keep going: you'll
soon arrive at the swimming beach of Lake Hope State Park. Then, quiet, nearly
flat roads lead you past tranquil hills to a splendid welcome in the GOBA
town of McArthur. Set up your tent at Vinton County High School and relish
the hospitality. Study your history: quilts hanging on clothes lines helped
to direct slaves to safe houses on the underground railroad. Don't forget-
-- the Song Contest is tonight, and it's right in camp!
Saturday: McArthur
to Logan
47 miles
Say your fond farewells to the
good folks of McArthur and saddle up for the final stretch. Along the way,
get a taste of the Hocking Hills: take a few minutes to see spectacular Conkles
Hollow. Savor your triumphant return to Logan, full of the satisfaction of
tired legs and happy memories.
Route
details and mileages are approximate and subject to change.
