Motorcycle Ride Along Muskingum River and Into the Southeastern Ohio Backwoods
My Honda Shadow And Tami's V-Strom On The Muskingum River Shore
On July 10th, my wife, Tami and I took the motorcycles on a 200 mile trip that turned into an adventure. Ohio in general is one of the best states for motorcycling when the weather cooperates, but Southern Ohio is outstanding. Picking any 3 digit state route in in Southern Ohio, and many parts of Eastern Ohio, and a biker is off for a great day. I noticed there were boat races in Marietta, Ohio, so it sounded like a good destination point to aim for.
The ride to Marietta is a pleasant ride along the Muskingum River when you take State Route 60 south from Zanesville, Ohio. On a hot summer day, it’s much cooler as you ride along the water and the view is pleasant. There are a couple small towns along the way that are nice to stop at, but not large enough to hold up the ride.
Rokeby Lock South Of Zanesville, Ohio.
Once reaching Marietta, we watched the boat racing. The heat and humidity made it miserable, so we ate lunch, and got back on the road after watching one race. I learned that boat racing really isn’t that much fun to watch, at least when compared to riding motorcycles. I’d heard about state route 26 going east out of Marietta. It turned out to be a great road for riding, but 18 miles into it, the road was closed.
Hune Covered Bridge On State Route 26 East Of Marietta, Ohio.
The Heldman Farm On State Route 26 Near Marietta, Ohio.
With the road closed and no map, I had to just guess a way around it. Usually, I can figure out a way around, but after seeing 2 other motorcycles head down to the closure and return, I gave up and hit the back roads. The blacktop road I chose didn’t take long to turn into gravel. The views were stunning and there were some interesting places deep in the woods. One of the most interesting was a mobile home with a sheet metal steeple to indicate that it was a church. Riding road motorcycles on gravel is like riding on marbles. The rider wears down quickly trying to steer through the ruts. The bike wants to drift around and the only thing you can do is ride slow and loosen up and let the bike just flow with the gravel. The name of the road was 15 Mile Creek road and it seemed more like 30 than 15 miles of road when it finally ended into a nice paved road.
Happy to reach the end of the gravel, we soon found a country store. We were hot and covered in road dust at this point, but we’d also finally found some more great roads. After many more miles, we found Interstate 77. Interstates immediately take the fun and adventure out of a ride, but it was time to get home, so we took the fast way home.
A ride like this has it’s problems, but if you keep plenty of water in a cooler and plenty of gas in the tank, it’s not bad. The best way to find the best motorcycle roads is to just head out into the country, get lost, and see what happens.
2011 East Coast Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
The date for the 2011 East Coast Sturgis Motorcycle rally is set for August 10-14. Tickets can be ordered now.
As I wrote in my previous post about my trip to East Coast Sturgis, it’s a good time and it’s affordable for those who don’t have the time and money to make the trip to the real Sturgis. Everything you need for a good time at a motorcycle rally is there.
East Coast Sturgis Motorcycle Rally
East Coast Sturgis is a motorcycle rally in Little Orleans, Maryland that’s held at about the same time as the real Sturgis in South Dakota. I wasn’t thrilled about going to something named after Sturgis, I wanted to actually go to Sturgis! Some friends asked that I visit them at the East Coast Sturgis and it was something that I actually had the resources to do, so I enthusiastically decided to go.
If you wanted to attract a huge number of bikers to your unique, but relatively unknown venue, and you wanted to do it at the same time as Sturgis, why not call it “East Coast Sturgis“? Sure, your riding on the coat tails of the most popular motorcycle rally, but why not? How many people on the East Coast want to go to Sturgis, but simply don’t have the time or money to make it happen? A huge amount. Why not use your venue to cater to them and use the Sturgis name to draw their attention to what you want to do? As tempting as it is to say, “This isn’t really Sturgis.”, why not enjoy something that you do have? As it turned out, East Coast Sturgis was great motorcycle event, so I’m glad I ignored the premise that an alternative just wasn’t good enough.
I started my trip to East Coast Sturgis from Central Ohio. I wanted to get there fast, so I took I-70 east, to I-79 south, to I-68 east. Boring, but fast, travel to Little Orleans. I arrived in about 8 hours on my Honda Shadow I had packed with:
- Tent
- Sleeping Mat
- Tool Kit
- Cell Phone
- Clothes
This is about all that you need for a motorcycle rally and some would argue less.
When I arrived at about 9:30 P.M., it was dark. When I left Interstate 68, I headed down a twisting and rough mountain road. The road’s surface kept getting worse and worse and the turns started getting tighter. One of the last that I came to was a tight downhill sweep that nearly caught me off guard. At the end of it, loose gravel and dirt! I was caught a little off guard on this one. Then, I seen the signs for the rally and shortly after, arrived at the mass confusion and noise at the main gate. I asked where I could set up camp and I was just told to keep going and I’d figure it out.
Through the maze of roads in the woods, I kept asking people if they new of a spot to camp and they just shrugged. I ended up going down paths that a dirt bike would have problem navigating. Finally, I found a spot – right next to the Port-A-Potties. I was tired enough that I took it for the night.
The next day, my friends arrived and we found a spot on the main drag. It was perfect for watching all of the action that was just starting. Quickly, a camping hooch was set up, tents were in place, and motorcycle Camp Sombrero was named. My friends brought it all in a pickup truck that followed them in. Beer, food, chairs, and about anything else that would be required for this 3-day stay. Camp Sombrero served at the base of operations for the concerts and socializing with other bikers that passed.
I didn’t bring anything that would pain me to lose, for the exception of my Honda Shadow 750, but common sense would make you want to secure some things. There was just to much going on though. I wasn’t going to worry about it. To my surprise, nothing was ever touched. When I mentioned this after the rally to someone, they said that it’s just a code of bikers to help each other and that it’s rare for anyone to steal someone’s gear. If it did happen, chances are folks would come up with a replacement to get you by.
There were a bunch of concerts with many types of music. County, blues, rock, and more. Most of the bands were good. The main event was the Led Zepplin cover band, Kashmir. If you didn’t like any of the music, it wasn’t long until someone else was on stage.
The vendors had good food and the price was reasonable. I rarely used them as everyone camping was offering, if not demanding that you try some of their food. Beer was $2/can if you bought from the only vendor, a volunteer fire department.
As the days went on, things got crazier. I watched people do some crazy things. To crazy to mention here, but nothing that would hurt anybody else. I even seen Santa on a chopper. I seen people topple over in the gravel with some really expensive bikes, drunk people wandering about, and people just generally having fun. Seeing this many people just having fun was a rare and welcomed sight for me. I had some great discussions about the bikes.
The only part I found bad about the entire event was the shower situation. Thousands of people and limited water and showers. The website advertised great showers, but they were nothing more than a few shower heads in a clogged up converted mobile home. They weren’t so bad that I did not use them, so I wouldn’t say that this should be enough to stop anyone.
My friends were leaving a day before me and the rain just kept coming while they were there, so I saved my last day for riding. The area has some excellent motorcycle roads. They are a bit more traveled than Ohio’s best motorcycle roads, so I had to take extra precautions. I took a ride up to Shanksville, Pa. to see the sobering sight of the Flight 93 Memorial. It’s not much more than a literal hole in the ground with a barn full of information about what happened on September 11th. There working on an elaborate memorial, but the reality of what happened that day comes to you when you stop to pay respects here.
I spent the night talking with some new friends and resting for the ride home the next day. For the ride home, I had plenty of time and decided to take as much of the National Road as possible. The National Road, or Old Route 40 is a much better ride than the Interstates. There is history all along America’s first major road to connect the East and West. I highly recommend it.
You can watch the East Coast Sturgis website for information about next year’s event and more about the surrounding area. Until there, here are some East Coast Sturgis photos.
2010 East Coast Sturgis Motorcycle Rally photos.
Motorcycle Trip to Maryland
An old Army buddy that I served with in the 1/6th Infantry in Illesheim, Germany, John Fogarty, asked me to come visit him in Darlington, Maryland. I had not seen in him in about 18 years, so I decided that was long enough. A long motorcycle ride seemed like a good idea too. Here is the story of the ride in pictures.
A few days before departure, I noticed the clutch had came loose from it’s clamp and the exhaust burnt a hole in it. Honda Aeros are about the most popular bike sold now, but you have to special order something like a clutch cable. Aggravating to say the least. Luckily, one arrived in time for replacement.
On the PA Turnpike, I came across a group of Grabber Orange Mustangs. Apparently, these things have entire clubs according to their color. Nice cars, but it’s the first time I’ve seen a car club dedicated to color coordination.
Contrary to weather reports, it rained and rained heavily most of the trip. I stopped at this rest stop on the turnpike during one of the drier spells of the trip. At least it was warm rain.
Here’s my old buddy John. His choice of camo pattern has changed from our Army days. The flash from the camera sent off a hell of a glare from the shirt blinding him here.
Here’s John and Birgit in front of their new home that they built.
Here’s a picture of John’s house that he built. Awesome place. It has a bar and a rec room loaded with guitars. It’s like they knew I was going to visit when they built it. 
Visited an old flour mill near Port Deposit, Maryland. Amazing how little flour comes from all of the huge machinery.
Flour dribbles out in the final process.
Nearby dam on the Susquehanna.
Then we headed back to the Fogarty Homestead. Time to blow something up and start a fire or something.
Click on the photo below to view a video demonstration of how to light a fire. Highly improper, yet effective. Caution foul language, not suited for minors. No lectures accepted either.
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| From Search results for “Visit to John Fogarty in Maryland” |
Sunday there was a bike meet at the famous Union Hotel in Port Deposit, Maryland.
John and his friend Brian drinking beer near Brian’s old Shovelhead Harley.
Brian, Woodstock, Me, Fogarty. Yes, Woodstock is what he goes by.
Then we ran into a few folks at the water falls who had a guitar they acquired as collateral for a cell phone. This guy’s name was Jeff, from Reading, PA.
John played a tune on this California model Fender acoustic. Didn’t sound bad, but still glad it was a free concert. Cool waterfalls in the background.
Then, Brian got ahold of the guitar. Brian’s pretty good and has a band. The interesting story here is the blond long-haired guy. He actually owns the guitar. He gave us a long story about all that he owned in this world was that guitar and that he was going to try to make it by playing the guitar. He gave us a business card with his phone number. He also requested that if we get ahold of the number on the card, that dude stole his cell phone and he’d really like it back. Brian taught him a quick song since the entrepeneur didn’t know any. Woodstock gave him some great advice, “It’s only up from here because you’re sure at the bottom!” Then we left him to ponder those words of wisdom.
Then Woodstock got into some sort of confusion on the seating arrangements at the bar.
Then the person under this picnic table got knocked out in drunken quarrel. Time for us to go at this juncture.
So – we went and seen some sights in beautiful Havre De Grace, Maryland. Here’s some pictures of the lighthouse and boats on the bay.
The next day, I headed back out on the bike. Not long into the trip, more rain. I was tired of rain and didn’t feel like digging the camera out. Fun trip overall though. I had a great visit!
Thanks again John, Birgit, and Jessie if you’re reading this!
First Motorcycle Ride of 2009
First off, my apoligies for the photo. I used the junk camera for obvious reasons. It’s enough to get the point across though. It was cold.
It hit over 50 degrees today in Ohio, so I hit the road on the Honda Shadow. It felt good to get it out for a few reasons including:
- I don’t winterize them, so I have to keep them running occasionally.
- It was just enough of a break in the cold to let me know that there is hope, and we can all ride again soon.
- Winter riding is a challenge, which makes it more fun.
My gear allows for a comfortable ride at about 50 degress for about an hour without warming up in Ohio. It’s all a matter of how much you want to spend that dictates your riding tolerances. I don’t want to spend much, so 50 it is. A pair of winter boots, riding jacket with a liner, full face shield helmet, neck warmer, winter boots, coveralls, and leather Thinsulate gloves will get a rider to the 50 degree mark.
I live in Central Ohio where the winters are unpredictable. Winterizing a motorcycle surely means missing riding days. I put a few ounces of Sea Foam fuel stabilizer in them, check the antifreeze level, and that’s about it. A quick check of the tire’s air pressure and I’m off and riding at the first break of weather. If I go more than a month of not starting one, I’ll do as much as the weather allows to warm them up. Many riders will tell you that this is foolhardy, but I’ve done it for many years without a problem. Usually, these are the same guys that will argue about what type of oil to use. I like to ride instead of squabble over details, so I take the so-called risks.
I took about an hour ride on state routes. There is still ice on the secondary roads and streets. The state routes were bad enough with all of winter’s slime and gravel on them. It makes for a challenge I wouldn’t recommend to the inexperienced. If you haven’t had a motorcycle slide around at least a little bit, wait until there are a few good rains to wash the grit away.
The first ride is a little sacred to me. Kind of like a miniature New Year where I seem to be the only one celebrating. It’s a time to figure out what if anything is wrong with the motorcycle so you can make repairs before good weather. It’s a time to get the thrill of riding on the inherent danger of sliding on the winter slime. It’s a chance to forget about the problems that the Winter of 2009 has brought to me, at least for an hour.
One last note… As much as I rib Harley Riders for dressing like a pirate to go 3 miles to the bar, the only bikes I seen out today were Harley-Davidsons. Maybe it’s a new start for them too.
Wan – The Crazy Beer Drinking Honda Ruckus Man
I don’t know how I missed this, but a year ago a Korean man named Wan undertook an amazing adventure. It’s an adventure that only could come from a foreigner with a big dream to cross America on a Honda Ruckus. A Ruckus is a tiny 50cc heavy duty scooter. It’s basically a trail bike.
Now anybody could do this, there’s nothing original about taking off across the country. It’s been done so many times in so many different ways that it’s difficult to come up with your own spin on the trip. Wan’s story is different. He saved his meager earnings working at a restaurant to fund the trip and he was watching every penny. He did not have a choice, if he wanted to do this trip, it was of the utmost importance to be thrifty. He also had to overcome language barriers, culture shock, and scooter inexperience. Many times this left him depending on the charity of total strangers and relying on his people skills to pull things off.
He logged this trip on totalruckus.com and the members there just took off with his story. They communicate with him, assist with him, and most importantly, they party with him. Wan turns out to be a beer hound of sorts and when combined with is very likable personality and sense for adventure, the United States becomes his never-ending home away from home. This vagabond rarely wants for anything. With the help of the Internet, most of his needs are met and exceeded wherever he goes.
Due to the slow speed of the scooter and his thrift in finding accommodations, he is constantly being scrutinized by law enforcement. The end of every meeting with them results in a photo with the officers and no fines or punishment. Most of the time, they assist him with information he needs for better local accommodations. He even makes friends with Texas law enforcement, which I know from experience, is very difficult to do.
This is a rare must-read forum. I could see a movie being made about this guy at some point. I can get a little boring at time with the usual forum-style language from other members, but it’s well worth the time. It’s the first time I’ve ever felt the need to review a forum of all things.
Here’s the link, – http://totalruckus.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php – enjoy!
Ohio State Route 555 – The Triple Nickel
Ohio State Route 555, otherwise known as The Triple Nickel, is one of those fable rides that surprises just about every rider on the first trip. Truth be told, the catchy name of the road lends more to the hype than the actual ride, but it’s a great starting point for any ride in Southern Ohio. There are so many great roads, like Ohio State Route 78 connected to it, that you can make The Triple Nickel part of any ride in the area.
I started my ride today from Newark, Ohio and headed down Ohio S.R. 668 to Ohio S.R. 22. From 22 I caught 555 in South Zanesville. Bad drivers are everywhere in South Zanesville! For the first few miles of the 555 I had a V-10 Dodge Truck tailing me. It doesn’t take long on the 555 to lose any pickup truck though. After a few miles south of the city, the biggest danger turns into the 555 itself. It’s a little confusing just south of town too, so you have to take it easy to get through what little bit of traffic you’re going to see on this road.
Being October, there’s a chill in the air and the leaves are turning. For the few straightaways when you can look, the Southern Ohio countryside view is incredible. Hard to believe you just left Zanesville at that point!
Today I took the Honda 750 Shadow. After my footpegs hit the pavement a few times, I started wishing I would have taken the wife’s Suzuki V-Strom, but on a day like today, I just wanted to lean back on a cruiser and enjoy the ride. I seen a few V-Strom’s with huge smiles on their face though!
The 555 is notorious for being in bad repair. A few times I dived into curves, seen the gravel and had to grit my teeth and try to navigate through it. It kind of reminds you of the first ride on a roller coaster when you decide that maybe it wasn’t such a good idea. You just have to ride through it the best you can. If you can get through the first bad decision, you won’t let it happen the rest of the ride. You can go through curves of the 555, or any road, to slow as many times as you like, take one to fast and you’re done.
The challenging part of a road like the 555 is that you don’t get a rythym going like normal twisting roads. You keep running into so many various types of curves like increasing/decreasing radius, blind, loose gravel, banked and unbanked, banked but the banking fades out, to just barely a curve at all. You even have parts where the road looks like it goes straight, only to find out that’s another road and you have to follow a sharp turn to stay on the Triple Nickel.
Keep an eye out for other bikes in trouble. There are a few spots where a motorcycle could dive off the road and over a cliff, with nobody ever noticing there was a downed biker. Be ready to hug the right edge of the road. A few times cages swung curves wide.
Just north of Marietta, Ohio, I started getting lost just following any road heading north and/or east. I didn’t even pay any attention to the names of all of them. I stopped a few times to check the cell phone GPS and take a break. Eventually, I made it back home just as it was getting to cold to ride. As the sun set on a cold October evening, it’s a little sad to think of a great summer with plenty of great riding weather fading away. Kind of like heading into a gravel covered curve you really wish you could slow down a little more for.
