Great Ohio Bike Adventure route June 19-26

06-10-2010

 Marietta part of Great Ohio Bike Adventure route June 19-26

 

MARIETTA, OH (June 9, 2010) – Thousands of avid cyclists will be descending upon Marietta, Ohio June 21-22 as part of the annual Great Ohio Bike Adventure (GOBA), a project of Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, an organization created to provide opportunities and education for outdoor recreation and activities.

 

Each year the GOBA route features a different part of Ohio, traveling through peaceful countryside and stopping at various tourist destinations. Approximately 3,000 cyclists of all ages, from across the country (and outside the U.S.), participate each year. Riders average a 50-mile ride each day over the course of five days, through some of Ohio's most scenic areas. Cyclists will average a minimum of 238 miles for the week with the potential of a maximum of 389 miles!

 

GOBA is a tour, not a race. Most riders find plenty of time during the day for sightseeing, snoozing on the grass, and enjoying food along the way. Now in its 22^nd year, the 2010 Great Ohio Bike Adventure includes stops in Logan, McConnelsville, Marietta, Athens, and McArthur.

 

“We’re excited to welcome GOBA riders to Marietta for the 2010 ride,” said Wendy Wharff, Marietta/Washington County CVB executive director. “We’ve worked hard to prepare for the families that will be riding their way into our county. They’ll have plenty of opportunity to explore our attractions, shops and restaurants; and there are several special events on tap. It has the potential to bring a tremendous economic boost along with it.”

 

The adventure begins Saturday, June 19 in Logan with a grand kick off parade. Then on Sunday, June 20, cyclists will rise early for a 47 mile ride to McConnelsville. Monday, June 21, the group’s tour will take them 43 miles east to Marietta where they will camp on the lawn of Marietta College in primitive tents or in one of the college’s dorms.

 

“Marietta was chosen as a layover city for the entire group; which means thousands of people will spend two nights here and will have all day Tuesday to explore our city,” Wharff said.

 

The tour continues Wednesday, June 23 from Marietta to Athens (49 miles); Thursday, June 24 to Athens for a second lay over day; Friday, June 25 from Athens to McArthur (52 miles); and concludes Saturday, June 26 with a ride from McArthur to Logan (47 miles).

 

GOBA selects and marks all bicycle routes, offers guidance to the host towns, and distributes maps, commemorative items, and informational materials for the week. Delicious and reasonably priced food is provided by civic, social, and church groups along the route and in the overnight host towns.

 

To learn more about the bike tour, visit www.goba.com. For more information on Marietta, Ohio, visit www.mariettaohio.org.

 

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