First Posted: 2/9/2015
OTTAWA — The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure will feature Ottawa as one of its stopping points during the eight-day event.
The event, which routinely draws more than 2,000 bicyclists annually, will stop in Ottawa on June 26. The event extends from June 20-27 and with a strong economic impact, local organizers began discussing the event at a public meeting Monday held at the Ottawa Elementary School.
“We are looking for more help with the food committee and entertainment,” said Amy Sealts, director of the Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce and organizer for the event. Along with stopping in Ottawa, the tour will pass through Columbus Grove, Leipsic, Kalida and Fort Jennings in Putnam County, as well as other area communities such as Delphos, Van Wert and Bluffton.
GOBA gears toward local nonprofit groups to provide food and other services along the eight-day route, which travels about 50 miles per day, with two of those days being optional routes. Sealts said local nonprofits have the opportunity to raise money for their organizations.
“This was a first meeting and we are just beginning,” Sealts said. “It is a great opportunity to highlight Putnam County.
Riders will meet on June 20 in Van Wert, and then travel to Bluffton and Defiance on successive days. A layover day with an optional 53-mile ride is June 23, and riders then travel to Bowling Green on Wednesday. Riders then stay over Thursday for another layover day and finish the trip traveling to Ottawa on Friday and back to Van Wert the final day.
GOBA Director Bill Gordon said it is a wonderful event for the community. GOBA has an annual economic impact of about $600,ooo to local businesses and nonprofit groups during the week.
“It is a great chance for Ottawa to show what it has to offer,” Gordon said.
Gordon said riders make several stops to eat or enjoy visiting spots, and said that GOBA will work with organizations in determining what is popular with riders.
During the stop in Ottawa, riders will have the chance to visit the Putnam County Fair and the annual GOBA Song Contest, which riders create songs about the event, have friendly competition.
Potential riders can find out about GOBA or register by calling 614-273-0811.
