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Each year
the GOBA route features a different part of Ohio, traveling through
peaceful countryside and stopping at exciting tourist destinations.
Highlights of the 2012 tour include
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5 days
of cycling 45-55 miles from town to town and 2 days of optional
loops
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Terrain:
rolling with some hills... hillier than 2011
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Mileage
for the week: minimum 245, maximum 404
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Primitive
tent camping at fairgrounds, schools, and parks
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Opening
day bicycle parade with costume contest
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Optional
bus trips Monday & Thursday (details in confirmation packet
and March newsletter)
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Raffle
for Rider Number 24: prize package worth $350.00
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Friday
Song Contest
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Discount
for registering early
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Saturday, June 16:
Hillsboro
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Gather in our
starting town, where Hillsboro = Hospitality.
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Discover the lore
of Highland County, rooted in natural beauty, Native American earthworks,
and more.
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Settle in at the
Highland County Fairgrounds.
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Don't miss the
annual Bicycle Parade and Launch Party.
Sunday, June
17: Hillsboro to Chillicothe
52 miles
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Follow the arrows
to your adventure on a bicycle.
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Take a photo at
the charming covered bridge.
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Warm your legs
on the hills; feast your eyes on the scenery.
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Let the Adena
Trail guide you to the mysteries of the Hopewell Mounds.
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Save time for
a visit to historic Adena Mansion, home of Thomas Worthington, "Father
of Ohio Statehood".
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Camp in Chillicothe's
tree-filled Yoctangee Park for the next 2 nights.
Monday, June
18: Chillicothe (layover day)
54 optional miles
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Explore your shady
campgrounds and seek out the pool, the Railroad Museum, or the Pump House
Center for the Arts.
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Exercise your
options: ride a challenging loop of hills.
-
Dig up the stories
on the area's pre-historic earthworks.
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Witness "Tecumseh!",
the epic outdoor drama of the legendary Shawnee leader.
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Or take a bus
trip to more distant locales, "Castles, Caves, and Chiefs".
Tuesday, June
19: Chillicothe to Ashville
50 miles
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Pedal out of town
past the view that inspired the Great Seal of Ohio.
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Then, enjoy gently
rolling terrain that leads you to the Tarlton Cross Mound.
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Coast into the
friendly village of Ashville, occupying territory once inhabited by the
Mound Builders.
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Stake your tent
space at Teays Valley High School, then head out to Ohio's Small Town Museum
and the famous traffic light.
Wednesday,
June 20: Ashville to Washington Court House
50 miles
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Start out on gentle
roadways, "on the beaten path", then more rolling closer to your
destination.
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Round the corner
and check out the dam at Deer Creek State Park.
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End your journey
at the beautiful Washington High School.
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Find your way
to the newly restored Courthouse and the town murals.
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Weave your dreams
with plans for tomorrow's layover, a day of options.
Thursday,
June 21: Washington Court House (layover day)
54 or 103 optional miles
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Cycling options
abound! For the shorter loop, enjoy flat to rolling landscapes and Amish
areas. For the Century ride, get ready for a hilly ride to Rocky Fork State
Park. Or take it easy on the Tri-County Triangle Trail.
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Sightsee in town,
take a nap, take a swim, catch a fish...or all of the above.
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You could sign
up for a trip to The Beach Waterpark or try your hand at canoeing.
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Get your rest...
there's more GOBA to come.
Friday, June
22: Washington Court House to Wilmington
53 miles
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Fill up on pancakes,
then push hard on your pedals. A mixture of cornfields and woods beckons
you on.
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Today's route
is gentle on your muscles while introducing you to the best of small town
Ohio.
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Enter the tunnel
of trees of Wilmington's Luther Warren Peace Path, a serene gateway to your
home for tonight.
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Take a look at
the history and culture of the Quakers at the unique Quaker Heritage Center
at Wilmington College.
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Walk the self-guided
tour in Downtown Wilmington, on the National Register of Historic Places
with the landmark Murphy Theatre.
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Warble in the
shower truck to get ready for tonight's ever-popular Song Contest.
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Sleep peacefully
in your tent-home at the Clinton County Fairgrounds.
Saturday,
June 23: Wilmington to Hillsboro
40 miles
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Get up! Get ready
to roll...literally!
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Visit a developing
"Earthship" in progress, a fully sustainable house on a lavender
farm.
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Save some steam
for the last hills, and for your smile of achievement as Hillsboro welcomes
you back.
Route details
and mileages are approximate and subject to change.
Your registration
will include tent camping. You buy all your own meals and snacks. Expect additional
costs for other lodging, optional side
trips and some activities. If you register online, you will receive a link
in your acknowledgement to the sign-up forms for the Monday and Thursday bus
trips. The link will also be in the confirmation letter mailed to all registrants.
Details on other options will appear as soon as they are available.... watch
for the March & May Newsletters (mailed to all registered riders).
