GOBA Day 3: Farms, Fields and Flat Roads

It was a hot summer in the country on today’s 52 mile ride from Troy to Greenville. After a short ride through the edge of town, we were soon in rural Ohio farmland. It was a very flat ride.

The farmland is quite beautiful in this western part of the state. Farms are quite large with beautifully manicured homes. The small villages are a slice of Americana. Main Street is defined by the IGA, post office and grain mill

My memories of today’s ride are about the people and towns. It was by far the friendliest day. Many homes had welcome GOBA signs. Many a farm porch had people waving. Even farmers on tractors, gave me a nod or wave.

The most memorable rest stop was the last one in Gettysburg Township. The residents had ice cream and ice for our water bottles (a rare occurrence). The best thing was two folk/classic rock musicians entertaining the cyclists.

To understand the GOBA experience, you soon realize the ride is about the people and places. Bicycle touring is about meeting locals and being welcomed into their community for even a shirt slice of time.

GOBA gives these small Ohio villages a chance to welcome a large number of tourists to their area. They do this with great pride.

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2 Comments

  1. Tracy @ MyTinyTank.net June 19, 2013 at 6:31 pm

    Tom your pictures are fabulous and I am so enjoying following you through this trip. I must admit I can’t even imagine riding my bike for 50 some odd miles Yikes. I am so impressed by your passion and enjoyment of this journey. it is truly inspirational.

    Reply
  2. Tom Bilcze June 20, 2013 at 10:08 am

    Thank you Tracy! This is really quite an experience that I am enjoying immensely. It is amazing how much we miss seeing from our car windows. Cycling through hte country is quite an amazing thing with the sights, sounds, smells and much more.

    Reply

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