GOBA Registration 2020

GOBA 2020 CANCELED

NOTE: GOBA 2020 was canceled March 30, 2020, because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Under the cancellation policy stated on this page, “There will be no guaranteed refunds of payments for registration or camping services in the event of cancellation due to natural disaster, acts of God, acts of terrorism, epidemics or pandemics.”

Please see the goba.com home page for details of registration deferments and add-on refunds that are being offered.

The refund policy on this page applies only to requests made for refunds prior to the cancellation.

REGISTRATION

FEES, DEADLINES AND POLICIES

All registration is online and must be completed by midnight on June 15, 2020, or when we reach our limit of 1,500 riders, whichever comes first.

We no longer offer paper registration. The approximate time it takes to process a paper registration is about an hour and with limited resources AND less demand, it no longer makes sense to offer paper registration options. If you’re reading this on a screen, you can register online. If a friend is reading it to you and you don’t have access to a computer, have your friend register you.

Registration fee options
A fourth registration category has been added for 2020 for adults who are willing to pay a premium to sign up for GOBA after the traditional deadline (one month before the tour begins) if space remains. The “adult very late” registration is available May 21 to June 15, 2020, for $400 for riders and non-riders. It is non-refundable.

Here are the registration categories:

Adult early bird (November 25 to December 31, 2019): $295
Adult regular (January 1 to April 30, 2020): $320
Adult late (May 1-20, 2020): $345
Adult very late (May 20 to June 15, 2020): $400
Children ages 6-15 (November 25, 2019, to May 20, 2020): $95.
Children ages 2-5 (November 25, 2019, to May 20, 2020): Free.

Notes regarding children: Each child ages 2-15 must be registered separately. Age is based on what a child’s age will be as of June 20, 2020. Children under age 2 may not ride on a bike or in a bike trailer on GOBA.

After you register, you will receive an acknowledgement email with links to other forms you need to complete — including a form for medical and emergency contact information. You may receive other emails that include links to add-on options that you can reserve separately. Please read all GOBA emails carefully.

Your rider packet — with bike number plate, wristband, tour patch, etc. — will be at check-in in Sidney.

Cancellations/refunds
Refund requests must be sent via email to goba@outdoor-pursuits.org by May 20, 2020. Refunds will be granted up to that date, minus a $55 processing fee. No refunds after May 20, 2020, for any reason.

Transfer of registration
You may transfer your registration to another person only by following these procedures: The **original** registrant sends an email to GOBA at goba@outdoor-pursuits.org stating the intent to transfer a 2020 registration, subject to a $20 transfer fee. Include the name, home address and email address of both the original registrant and the person who will receive the transfer. The person who will receive the transfer must register himself or herself by June 8, 2020, and pay the $20 transfer fee. If the original registration rate was lower (e.g., “early-bird”), GOBA will give the transferee a discount coupon code to use during registration in order to get the lower rate. Once the transferee has completed registration, a full refund will be issued to the original registrant (the $55 processing fee will be waived). Please note, a transfer request may be denied if all procedures have not been followed, including notifying GOBA beforehand about the intent to transfer.

Other terms
All registrations are for the entire week — no partial-week registrations. All participants must register, whether or not they are bicycling. Each registrant must turn in during check-in a signed and completed Liability Waiver, Indemnification Agreement, Permission to Provide Medical Treatment and Publicity Release (custodial parent or legal guardian signs for entrants under 18).

Registrations are not accepted without payment or a certificate.

In order to be a GOBA participant who rides on or is pulled by a bicycle, a child must reach their 2nd birthday by June 20, 2020. Note the age restriction does not apply to registered children in a car, accompanying other registered riders. Also be advised, GOBA volunteer support vehicles do not carry child-safety seats.

There will be no guaranteed refunds of payments for registration or camping services in the event of cancellation due to natural disaster, acts of God, acts of terrorism, epidemics or pandemics.

For additional policies, see “How To GOBA” and the Car-Camper Pass and camper services page.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

The cost of optional extras is not included in the GOBA registration fee and must be paid online unless noted otherwise. To learn more about fees, deadlines and policies for Car-Camper Passes and camper services, please go to the camper extras page.

T-shirts, jerseys
The GOBA registration portal offers options to order 2020 GOBA T-shirts for $19 and jerseys for $65 from our vendor, Knight’s Kingdom. The deadline to order in advance is May, 20, 2020. There will be no refunds.

Pre-ordered T-shirts and jerseys will not be shipped in advance and can be picked up from the vendor during GOBA, starting June 20 at the camp in Sidney. Additional shirts, jerseys and other apparel will be available for sale during GOBA.

Check this page in early 2020 to see the jersey design and sizing charts.

Camper services
Visit the camper extras page to learn more about deluxe camping, community camping, towel and chair services offered to GOBA riders by Knight’s Kingdom.

Car-Camper Pass
Your registration already includes free parking for your vehicle all week in Sidney. The Car-Camper Pass is for participants who wish to bring their vehicle along each day into the other GOBA campgrounds. The vehicle fee is in addition to the participant registration fees. The driver and all occupants must purchase registrations, and the vehicle must display a Car-Camper Pass throughout the week. The pass is only valid in a particular camp for the nights that GOBA is camping there. Please see Car-Camper policies and procedures and vehicle requirements before choosing this option. Deadline to purchase the pass is May 20, 2020, and there will be no refunds after May 20, 2020.

Rider Number 32 raffle
When you register, you can win a chance to receive Rider Number 32 in honor of GOBA’s 32nd anniversary. Register by May 20, 2020, and add your nonrefundable donation of $5 per ticket. The winner receives a prize package worth more than $370! Buying more chances = more chances to win! The package includes:

Free 2020 registration (we’ll refund your fee if you win)
A massage during GOBA week
A 2020 GOBA unisex short sleeve jersey

The drawing will be held in the GOBA office. The winner will be notified prior to GOBA 32.

Rider Number 2020 drawing

There will be a separate, free drawing to receive Rider Number 2020. All riders who register by December 31, 2019, automatically will be entered into the drawing for Rider Number 2020 at no additional cost. The package includes:

Free 2020 registration (we’ll refund your fee if you win)
A massage during GOBA week
A 2020 GOBA unisex short sleeve jersey

The drawing will be held in the GOBA office. The winner will be notified prior to GOBA 32.

Columbus Outdoor Pursuits membership

The Great Ohio Bicycle Adventure is owned and organized by Columbus Outdoor Pursuits, a volunteer-based, non-profit organization that provides opportunities and education for outdoor recreation and activities.

COP is the largest outdoor recreation organization in Central Ohio, with over 1,500 members of all ages and backgrounds. You will be eligible to take part in activities such as bicycling, backpacking, boating, hiking and camping. You will also have the opportunity to organize trips yourself and develop these life skills in a fun, supportive environment.

One-year memberships cost $25 for seniors, $30 for other adults and $50 for families. A $500 lifetime membership also is available.

For more information on membership and activities, visit the COP website.