XOBA
Across Ohio Bicycle Adventure Calendar

Columbus Outdoor Pursuits (COP) is a non-profit organization encouraging outdoor recreation since 1937. They are famous for organizing several large bike tours, including XOBA (Across Ohio Bicycle Adventure).

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 going on since 1962 and 1989 respectively, and their popularity showed 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)

Lawrencburg to Middletown – 70.9 miles / 3,262 ft

MIddletown to Springfled – 61 miles / 2,240 ft

Springfiled to Marysville – 51 miles / 1,052 ft

Marysville to Galion – 65 miles / 1,136 ft 

Galion to Wellington – 60 miles / 1,261 ft

Wellington to Warrensville – 65 miles / 2,776 ft

Warrensville to Fairport Harbor – 43 miles / 1,620 ft

Navigation

Routes are marked, and GPS tracks and maps are available.

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. You can also purchase use a tent service for an extra fee.

Riders pay 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.

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 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 generally similar. Typically, we have highs in the low 80s and overnight lows in the mid 60s. An afternoon rain is always a possibility. Be prepared for both higher and lower temperatures as that can and does sometimes happen.

Pricing

You can register early for $550 until February 28. The regular fee is $575. If you register after June 30, you will pay $600.

The fee covers overnight camping, the cross-state bus trip, a packed lunch for the bus, two evening meals, SAG support, baggage transfer, road signs, GPS tracks, maps, and a t-shirt.

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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