GOBA was great fun, hard work

To the editor:

On behalf of the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure (GOBA) town coordinators, Patti Young, Karen Farago and myself and Main Street Wellington we would like to thank the Village of Wellington and its employees, fire chief Bob Walker and the Wellington Fire District, Wellington Police Department, Wellington Police Auxiliary, Lorain County Fair Board, Wellington Senior Bus Association, and Lorain County Transit, for their assistance in making the 20th annual Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure a success. Thank you also to Wellington Eagles, First Congregational United Church of Christ, First United Methodist Church, Wellington High School Band Boosters, Wellington Fullbackers, Wellington Kiwanis, Wellington Masonic Lodge and Keystone High School football players whose organizations provided food, assistance parking thousands of vehicles, luggage shuttle service, information to our visitors, and security for GOBA's week-long visit to Wellington.

A special thank you to all the local merchants who stayed open and to those who offered specials for our visitors. GOBA riders appreciated their warm welcome. The support added greatly to the lasting impression left on thousands of GOBA participants.

Finally a huge thank you to all our volunteers who gave selflessly of their time in planning, organizing, and operating this event. The success of this event would not have been possible without their many hours of work.

It was a wonderful day with thousands of visitors enjoying the many events, foods, and entertainment. Many comments were heard regarding the beauty and charm of Wellington and the warm open reception given to the GOBA riders. Thank you everyone who helped make this a memorable event.

Mike Eppley, executive director

Main Street Wellington, Inc.