Wapa Connecta – About 260 bikes gathered in the area this week to take part in a western Ohio biking adventure.

Eoin and Debbie Herlihy from North Royalton, Ohio first arrived in Wapaconeta on Sunday afternoon. Early that morning, the couple ran into Shelby County, going from Sydney to Wapaconeta High School, where they set up a campground.

“This morning we came to the stop just 16 miles in the morning. I thought it would only take half a day today, ”said Eoin Harrich.

Monday and Tuesday, they will be part of a larger group scheduled for a morning stroll in Auglaize County, moving to Versailles on Tuesday and Wednesday evening, and to Troy from Wednesday afternoon to Saturday.

Western Ohio Bicycle Adventure (WOBA) is different from the more famous Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA).

GOBA typically has 1,200 to 1,500 people.

“We have to plan a lot in advance and sign contracts for shower trucks, baggage trucks and other campsites,” said Jeff Pieron, director of WOBA. “When we got there in February, we really had to start making decisions about things. The pandemic situation was not very good, so we decided to cancel (GOBA). “

Instead, a shorter vehicle series was planned, and GOBA was only renamed to WOBA this year.

When the runners arrive in the zone, they do so by car. They moved from one neighborhood to another.

“It has some advantages and it’s kind of fun,” says Debbie Herlihy. There is a little flexibility in doing this. When we did GOBA what we were doing was when the kids were really little. He and his older children got on board to set up and remove the tent, then I drove for lunch, met him for lunch, and fed them. And finally meet them. So everyone has to do it. I think it’s cool. “

Cyclists have the freedom to explore the community on their own, choose to stay in motels rather than camps, throw in their cycling clothing, and explore local museums and restaurants.

“Wapaconeta has been great throughout all of this. They worked with us to try to assemble this kind of reinvented and redesigned vehicle with the idea of ​​coming back to a life-size event next year. I did it, ”said Piéron.

Herlihy’s has been out of GOBA for about 10 years, and WOBA events reconnect with others you meet while riding.

“It’s like a big family. We’re back here to meet some really nice people we know. It’s a lot of fun, ”said Debbie Harley.

Eoin and Debbie Herlihy arrived at Wapaconeta High School early Sunday afternoon after spending part of the morning on a cycling adventure in western Ohio in Shelby County.

It’s been 10 years since Eoin and Debbie Herlihy joined the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure. This year’s event was renamed by the COVID-19 pandemic as a streamlined version of the Western Ohio Bicycle Adventure with 260 riders.

Debbie and Eoin Harley first set up a tent at Wapaconeta High School on Sunday. They participate in the West Ohio Bicycle Adventure.

WOBA riders cycling in the region

Please contact Sam Shriver at 567-242-0409.