HUBA, GOBA gear up

The Hillsboro Uptown Business Association is teaming up with the organizers of the Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure in preparation for more than 6,000 cyclists to pedal their way through Hillsboro starting June 16.

Hillsboro will be the first stop and the last stop during GOBA’s 2012 adventure, with the theme “Summer of Love.”

During HUBA’s monthly meeting this week, the organization of local business owners agreed to provide marshals for the opening ceremonies parade, and to act as judges for the costume contest.

Terry Mull, executive director of the Highland County Family YMCA, and local GOBA organizer told HUBA members that Hillsboro is planning several special events to commemorate the GOBA opening ceremonies.

GOBA is an annual one-week bicycle loop tour through Ohio, held each June that features a different part of Ohio each year.

Beginning in Hillsboro, the cyclists will travel to Chillicothe via the Greenfield area, north to Ashville, east to Wilmington, and complete the loop by traveling south back to Hillsboro.

"The city is really going all out," Mull said. "They're creating bicycle sculptures that will be placed uptown, and an arch out of bicycle wheels. We're going to have a wedding ceremony, people will renew their vows, we're going to have the longest wedding cake."

The cyclists will be camping at the Highland County Fairgrounds, and shuttles will run in a loop throughout the day and into the evening, taking people to the uptown area, and toward Harry Sauner Road.

A main event will include a parade of cyclists, which will feature thousands of the bikers, many of whom will be in costume.

"We need parade marshals," Mull said. "We thought that HUBA was the natural group to ask. This will be a great way to publicize your shirt sales, and promote your businesses."

HUBA will be selling T-shirts promoting GOBA's stay in Hillsboro, and Mull suggested that HUBA businesses stay open late to accommodate the thousands of people who will be going through town.

Several members indicated they would like to be a parade marshal and costume judge, and HUBA vice president Brent Huffman said they would find enough volunteers.

"There are two people who met 23 years ago during the first GOBA," Mull said. "They have done the tour every year since then. They will be the main couple renewing their vows, and other people will have the chance to renew their vows. Doves are going to be released during the ceremony."

Many organizations are stepping up to create a great experience for the cyclists. Mull said the city of Hillsboro is selling wedding kits, featuring tuxedo T-shirts and tiara, and the Highland County Senior Center, and some churches are having dinners.

Mull had also spoken to the Hillsboro City Council this week, and said that they are getting all the event permits filed.

"This is going to be amazing for the city of Hillsboro," Mull said.