I’m so very tempted to sign up for GOBA. The only caveat is I’m recuperating from extensive foot surgery and concerned if I’m able to get cycling shoes on.

Candace,

Healing the foot is primary. That will impact all rides in the future; this year & beyond.
Per the GOBA web site, there are only 4 days in which you have to ride and several of those days have a short route option; 15 miles.
You have lots of time before registration gets outrageously expensive (it’s already too expensive).
So let that foot heal and re-access before the May 1st price increase.

All the best, D

I haven’t ridden GOBA, but I’m a little tempted. Only concern is the no-drinking thing. The seem to be pretty overt about it. Trust me…I’m not a big drinker at all. But while my hard partying days are long gone, I’m not opposed to a brewski or two after a long ride. Yes, I know I can always find a bar or restaurant, but the fact that they are so upfront about it has wondering about the overall ride vibe. RAGBRAI has something for everyone…the partiers ride alongside the tee-totalers, and it’s one happy family. No judgment and everyone is cool with however you want to experience it. But what about GOBA? Does the no alcohol thing attract a more wholesome, not-so-much-fun crowd? I might be reading too much into it.

Jboz, many cross-state rides locate at public schools, camping on the grounds, sleeping in the gym and even in the halls. Ride organizers are placed on notice that there is to be no alcohol or tobacco use on the grounds … no exceptions. Failure to enforce these prohibitions will result in the ride being denied the use of the facilities in the future. A death sentence for a bike ride. I have seen the prohibitions enforced by organizers several times in Wisconsin and Florida. Different rides have different cultures; on every ZYDECO ride I remember there were cans of ten ounce beers everywhere, on my first Bike Florida in 2001 there were two riders from Wisconsin and four riders from Michigan besides me that stopped for beers on the route…I was stunned. That Bike Florida was dry as a popcorn fart! So, maybe be prepared to BYOB and keep it in a brown paper sack should you try another ride.

RIDE RIGHT

I’ve done GOBA 7 times. There is no question it is a different experience than RAGBRAI.
But it is a pretty good event, well organized, not as hot, and the shower trucks are included with NO LINEUPS!
I really like the logistics (same start/end, and the optional loops – altho I’ve always ridden on optional days). And they keep the last day short – so you can be on the road back home around lunch.
I actually think it is good value – keep in mind you don’t need the extra transport cost at one end of the ride.

I would recommend at least trying it – What’s the worst that could happen?

All,
I just got an email that GOBA 32 – 2020 has been cancelled. D

[quote quote=1317110]All,
I just got an email that GOBA 32 – 2020 has been cancelled. D[/quote]

I got the same email last night ?. GOBA was going to be my Ragbrai tune-up ride, but now I’ll have to find something else.

My C&O trail ride is probably gone, too, as most lodging places may be shuttered.

I’m researching local out-and-back day trips/rides where lodging is not an issue. Hopefully, the stay-at-home orders will be lifted soon. The indoor trainer is ok, but I miss the great outdoors.

Be safe and stay healthy! See you along the I-O-Way whenever.