XOBA
Across Ohio Bicycle Adventure Calendar

The inspiration for XOBA came from the success of COP’s other large bike tours, the Tour of the Scioto River Valley (TOSRV) and the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA). These tours have been running since 1962 and 1989, respectively, and their popularity shows a strong demand for cycling adventures across the state.

XOBA soon became popular and is now a highly awaited event for cyclists of all levels. It draws participants from across the country and even from other countries. The tour is fully supported, with luggage transportation, designated campsites, and meals provided.

Over the years, XOBA has grown into more than just a bike tour; it is a community event that creates friendship and a passion for cycling. The event also supports the mission of Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, which is to encourage outdoor recreation education and provide leadership opportunities.

Point-to-Point Logistics

Riders register at the “finish” community of Fairport Harbor, OH on Saturday morning and XOBA takes them by bus to Lawrenceburg, IN for the Saturday overnight and Sunday start heading east. The tour registration covers the transport of riders, bicycles, and bags. Secure and supervised parking for your car is available in Fairport Harbor for the week.

General Terrain:

Southern Indiana/Ohio (Lawrenceburg to Springfield): The terrain is mostly hilly, with some level areas by the rivers.

Central Ohio (Springfield to Marysville): The land is flat or slightly rolling, with farm fields.

North-Central Ohio (Marysville to Galion): The landscape is hilly, with some steep sections, especially near the Appalachian foothills.

Northern Ohio (Galion to Fairport Harbor): The area has a combination of hills, farmland, and flat areas by Lake Erie.

Final Route Metrics: (mileage / elevation gain)

To me announced soon.

This information can help you prepare for our weeklong bicycle tour, whether you are new to bicycle touring, new to the Across Ohio Bicycle Adventure, or a returning XOBA rider. Different bicycle tours have various ways of running their operations. Before you register, read the following sections, and if you have more questions, please get in touch with the Outdoor Pursuits office at 614-442-7901 or events@outdoor-pursuits.org.

What your registration fee covers:

• XOBA plans and marks all the routes.
• Paints arrows on the roads to guide you.
• Provides route maps that you can download on your GPS.
• Provides free parking for leaving your vehicle in the starting/finishing town for the week.
• SAG Support and light mechanical services.
• Arrange emergency medical services.
• Moves your baggage from town to town. Riders only need to carry what they need on the road each day.
• Provides a “Boxed lunch” during the Saturday bus trip to the initial host community. Also provides a group dinner on the last night of the tour.
• Provides listings for rest stops for food, fluid, and restrooms on each day’s route.
• A commemorative XOBA T-shirt.

What your registration fee does not cover:

• Cost of meals other than the boxed lunch and final night’s group dinner.
• Cost of meals in host communities and lunch or snack food on route.
• Cost of alternative hotel lodging. (See the Accommodations section).
• Bring your vehicle to every overnight camp for the week.
• Ambulance transport.
• Entrance fees to attractions.

Overnight Lodging

Riders sleep (inside or outside) at mostly high schools every night. The majority take advantage of sleeping on gym floors, but some pitch a tent outside. These sleeping facilities are included in the registration fee. You can also purchase the use a tent service for an extra fee.

A list of preferred hotels will be supplied. These lodging accommodations are not included in the registration fee; riders who choose these options are responsible for their lodging costs.

All host community facilities will have electric outlets for charging your devices and e-bike batteries.

Riders pay for their meals (except the first and last dinners). They can also pay for towel service and chair rental. Most towns have places to wash clothes.

Tour Registration and Pricing

July 19-26, 2025 – $575 (7 riding days – 7 nights)

REGISTER HERE for the 2025 XOBA

Outdoor Pursuits Members receive a $25 discount

Registration fees will increase to $615 on July 1, 2025

Cancellation Policy:

Registrants may request a refund (less a $55 processing fee) up to 30 days before the tour.

Registration may be deferred to a future tour (at no cost) up to 30 days before the tour.

Cancellations less than 30 days before the event will be considered either a donation to Columbus Outdoor Pursuits 501(c)(3) or considered for deferment for a future event.

Cancellation Fees:

Rider cancellation fee: $75 until June 22. After this point, all fees will be considered a donation to Columbus Outdoor Pursuits 501© (3).

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SAG (Support and Gear):

If you need help on the road, there is a Support and Gear (SAG) vehicle with water, snacks, and bike pumps. A volunteer mechanic can fix your bike on the road or in camp if necessary. We urge you to check your bike before you leave home and get any problems fixed by your local bike shop before the ride. You do not want to miss your ride because of something you could have avoided.

Weather across various regions of Ohio in late July is similar. Typically, we have highs in the low eighties and overnight lows in the mid-sixties. Afternoon rain is always a possibility. Be prepared for both higher and lower temperatures as that can and does sometimes happen.