| 3,000 Bicyclists to Pedal into Middletown on June 19th |
| Friday, May 30, 2003 11:42:20 AM - Middletown Ohio |
Middletown, Ohio will host over 3,000 bicyclists and their families on June 19. Middletown was chosen as one of the stops on the 15th annual Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) tour sponsored by Bob Evans Restaurants. The bikers travel approximately 50 miles each day during the week-long trip around Ohio, stopping to enjoy the sights and attractions in each host city as they go.
Middletown city staff and volunteers have been planning for several months to accommodate the expected 1,300 small tents which will sprout in downtown Middletown’s Smith Park, arrange for distribution of luggage which arrives in three large trucks, set up portable shower facilities for 3,000 people and find shelter for everyone in case of stormy weather.
Special shuttle bus routes will be set up to help the GOBA folks reach local restaurants, entertainment and shopping spots in Middletown. Local volunteers will be on the buses to help GOBA riders find just the food or entertainment they seek.
While Smith Park will be closed June 19 and 20 to non-GOBA vehicle traffic, the public is invited to attend the free entertainment arranged for the GOBA guests. A special free Blues Fest concert at nearby Bicentennial Commons is planned for 7-9 pm. Non-profit organizations are setting up food stands in Smith Park and at least two churches are planning Italian dinners.
Middletown Public Library is gearing up to allow the bicycle riders access to their email from the library’s public computers. Other entertainment options will include a demonstration by the Police K-9 dogs, a skating demo at the Baker Bowl Skate Park inside Smith Park, walking tours of the South Main Historic District and other local attractions.
Riders are expected to begin arriving in Middletown from their prior stop in Xenia about mid-morning on Thursday, June 19 and by the same time the next morning, all will be gone, pedaling toward their next stop in Brookville, Ohio.
Story Submitted by Ann Mort |
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