Ohio's Triple Nickel -- one way to Beemerville

[Visian]

OK, this is an experiment.

I've taken some comments made here on the forum, done a little web research, and have written an article about a road that sounds good to ride to the Rally.

Note: I have not ridden this road. This article is intended for publication in the BMW ON and/or the The Rally Website (http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally/rally05/index.htm), depending on what the Rally Publicity Chair (hi Ray!) wants to do.

And... the article is intended to spur continued discussion here on the Forum.

The reason for the experiment? To illustrate how the discussion that starts here on the Forum can be repurposed and used on the Rally web site and in our magazine.

It took me about 3 hours to write this, research included. It's raining here in Atlanta today... and I had a good time taking this virtual ride.

Anyone who has ridden this road is free to fill in the blanks.

Please enjoy the article! (http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally/rally05/features/555_ride/555_ride.htm)

Ian

[jdiaz]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned how bad the pavement quality is on 555. Its covered with flocks of locusts as well.

[Visian]

I'm surprised that no one has mentioned how bad the pavement quality is on 555. Its covered with flocks of locusts as well.

I've read of gravel, and some rough surfaces... is it really that bad?

And I think locusts come in hordes, not flocks.

Locusts... now there's a challenge I hadn't thought of! :p

Ian

[BouncinBob]

Mr. Diaz, when was the last time you rode 555? I don't believe the pavement quality is bad. There are a few sections it is not the greatest, but of course these change over the years. I've been able to run it reasonably hard even in the rain, sure my tires slip a bit here anf there, but the surface has traction or I could not have done that. I also have not seen locust on the road.

Visian, The surface is not bad. You have to watch out for the cinders used on the shoulders. After a rain it washes out in the road in corners, at interescting roads some of which are dirt which can wash out too. Use caution.

The biggest issue is the off camber, suddenly bends just over a rise. Use a conservative entry speed until you can see all the way through the turn.

Picture this, you are coming over a sharp rise from among the trees, and are given no indication there is a 110 degree, off camber right hander just over the rise as you decend. You can't tell because the trees ended for a field which you are about to go around. This is the peril of 555. Warning is given just so you don't get bitten. It is a GREAT ride, enjoy.

[gsjay]

I rode this road and a whole bunch more in the area this past July.

Bouncin Bobs comments hit the nail on the head. Off camber, sudden bends etc.

Southeast Ohio has lots of riding to offer. I spent the 4th of July camping at Burr Oak S.P., which is right along 555 & 78 near Ringgold. We never ran out of twisties!

gsjay

[Visian]

Hey Jason, thanks for the info.

What was the state park like? Something worthwhile planning some time to walk around or fish? Or just a good overnight spot. I go for the primitive campsites.... less chance of motorhomes w/generators.

Any pics? (You, too, Bob & Jon...) I'd love to spruce up the article with more visual info.

Ian

[BouncinBob]

Any pics? (You, too, Bob & Jon...) I'd love to spruce up the article with more visual info.

Ian

I might have some print pictures left. I had written an article for the Lancaster OH RA rally (they never p[ublished, turns out they gave the same assignment to about 4 people), they needed print pictures so I took plenty. I'll see if I have the negatives or duplicates, maybe even find the article I wrote.

[gsjay]

Hey Jason, thanks for the info.

What was the state park like? Something worthwhile planning some time to walk around or fish? Or just a good overnight spot. I go for the primitive campsites.... less chance of motorhomes w/generators.

Any pics? (You, too, Bob & Jon...) I'd love to spruce up the article with more visual info.

Ian

The campground is typical State Park, small sites close together, not very warm and friendly. But they do have a 200 room resort that is very nice with a good restaurant & lounge. They also have cabins for rent that are nice.
I'll look for some pictures this evening. I've got one of me and my GS sitting in a Coal bucket abandoned from some really big shovel! Neat picture.
jason

[BradfordBenn]

I have a picture of me & the GS up in the bucket but can't figure out how to post the shot. Help?

Check out this thread on how to post pictures.
http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2021

[gsjohn]

Last May, me and a buddy met two fellows from Eastern PA in Zanesville and took them down 555 to the river. It was typically rough, lots of gravel, and we even had a cow in the road at one point. When we stopped for gas in Marietta, one of the fellows made a comment about selling his bike and giving up riding. About a month later I saw the bike in the classifieds on the K12 forum. I hope his experience on 555 alone didn't turn him off of the sport! If you haven't ridden it before, you probably want to take it easy the first time. Other than that, it is an interesting road!

[gsjay]

Check out this thread on how to post pictures.
http://www.bmwmoa.org/forum/showthread.php?t=2021

Ok, I got the picture resized but can't figure out how to attach it. I tried the insert image icon but that really confused me?
Help.
gsjay

[BradfordBenn]

Whoops. Looks like we need to update that thread on attaching images. Under the submit reply button there is a box called additional options. In there is one for Attach Files. If you attach a graphic file it should display. :type

[gsjay]

My first image post, this is the bucket off of Big Muskie. It's now a roadside attraction along Rt. 78 in S.E. Ohio
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/OHCUMmuskie.html

[jdiaz]

Mr. Diaz, when was the last time you rode 555? I don't believe the pavement quality is bad. There are a few sections it is not the greatest, but of course these change over the years. I've been able to run it reasonably hard even in the rain, sure my tires slip a bit here anf there, but the surface has traction or I could not have done that. I also have not seen locust on the road.

Geez Bob, I thought my tongue-in-cheek comment was obvious enough for even a finance guy to recognize. Locusts? :D

[Visian]

My first image post, this is the bucket off of Big Muskie. It's now a roadside attraction along Rt. 78 in S.E. Ohio
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/OHCUMmuskie.html


Thanks Jason, for the pic and the pointer. I will use the information to add to the article. Would you mind if I put the pic in your article? If not, could you please e-mail me a larger copy of the pic so that I can crop and scale? ians@bellsouth.net

Ian

[Visian]

Jeez. This ride is sounding better and better.

In talking with some of the people that work at some of the places mentioned in the article, (http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally/rally05/features/555_ride/555_ride.htm) I'm learning of some other stuff do and see, and another place for people who are ground challenged to stay. (http://www.federalhockingcabins.com/index.html)

Thanks everyone for your help.

Can't wait to ride this road.

Ian

[gsjay]

Nice job Ian!

gsjay

[BradfordBenn]

Yup, appreciatte the efforts... :thumb

[gezerbike]

I too rode 555 last August and have to say I really don't think I would want to again....blind hills , poor pavement, gravel in spots, 2 deer, 1 flock of turkeys and a big pooch was enough for me. I've ridden the Gap,Ga 60, 180 , 28 from NC to GA and all were much better roads. I drove 2 laners all the way from Illinois to ride this road and have to say I was rather dissapointed....but at the end of the 555 is W Va...and roads don't get much better anywhere

[Visian]

I too rode 555 last August and have to say I really don't think I would want to again....blind hills , poor pavement, gravel in spots, 2 deer, 1 flock of turkeys and a big pooch was enough for me. I've ridden the Gap,Ga 60, 180 , 28 from NC to GA and all were much better roads.

Those roads are my home turf, and you're right, they don't get much better than that. We're blessed here with low gas prices *and* good roads. It's a combination of a DOT with its head on straight and moderate weather.

The comments you make about 555 are why I want to ride it. Challenges are fun, but they're not for everyone.

FWIW, I don't know how many times I slipped on gravel when riding around WV. But, for the quality of the riding, it's worth it!

YMMV.

Ian

[SteverinoB]

Thanks for the write up and thread. A friend and I rode most of 555 in early October and though I've had the pleasure before its been a few years. My impression of the road is that like 129 its one of those bits that requires major doses of concentration. Seems that most apexes are abrupt and guaranteed to be ten feet the other side of a crest and just beyond a driveway. Tricky sinew of asphalt for sure where even mellow progress requires rapt attention as its throwing all sorts of stuff at you incessantly. Not for the faint of heart if you like to ride on the boil and dotted with moderate housing in spots. Great road but demands your attention, completely.

Cheers Steverino

[gsjay]

Anyone coming from the south or east to the National;

If you're passing through Marietta Ohio, which is very near the triple nickle I highly recommend a stop at

www.rossipasta.com

They make 24 wonderful flavors of gormet pasta! I just enjoyed some of the "Devils Angel Hair" wow it's smoking good! HOT and Tasty!

Lots of neat shops in Marietta, a good place to lay up for a night! There was a nice write up about the Lafayette Hotel in Downtown Marietta.
http://www.lafayettehotel.com/

Just more reasons to go to Lima!
gsjay

[MLaBar]

I recall riding 555 during the RA National Rally in Hocking Hills a few years back. It was a hoot, but I did recall riding very cautiosly as there was deBree in daRoad.
I rode with Bouncin' Bob and Doug Grossjean... let me restate that... Doug and I tried to keep up with Bob, but usually found him at the side of the road finishing a cig. There are some great roads in that area. I especially enjoyed rt 26 out of Marietta.

Mike LaBar

[Visian]

I thought I recognized Doug G... and then read your post. Sure enough! Great writer and rider.

Mike - may I have your permission to use your picture (w/photo credit) in the article? If so, I'll retouch the date out.

Thanks for the post!

Ian

[MLaBar]

You sure can Ian. It's not the best quality as it was taken with a Kodak 1 megapixel camera, but it does show some of the beautiful county in southeast Ohio. I believe this stop was at a church parking lot along 555.

[Visian]

You sure can Ian. It's not the best quality as it was taken with a Kodak 1 megapixel camera...

Haha! I remember paying a THOUSAND dollars for that 1 megapix camera way back when. It was the first megapixel camera for under a grand, IIRC.

And thanks for the pic, Mike... it's in the article. Check it out! (http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally/rally05/features/555_ride/555_ride.htm)

Ian

[gsjay]

Ian,

What happened to me & big muskie?

http://www.roadsideamerica.com/attract/OHCUMmuskie.html

I thought we where article material all the way :)

Jason

[Visian]

Jason -- I've been trying to reach you to see if you can send me a larger sample of the pic of you and your bike in front of the bucket.

Do you have?

If not, I'll reference the link in the story and add your description from your post.

Thanks for reminding me! :stick

Ian

[Visian]

Jason -- check it out! (http://www.bmwmoa.org/rally/rally05/features/555_ride/555_ride.htm)

I grabbed the pic you posted to the Forum and stuck it in the article. If you can send me a bigger one, I'll pop it in there. I wanna see Big Muskie BIG!

Ian

[wvcajun]

Hello to GSJay. I hope to return to the Laurel Highlands rider's campout this year.
The guys at Holt BMW kept telling me o try the 555, so on the way back from the Buckeye Beemers' rally, I went north to south. WOW. I live in Charleston, WV and have ridden some great twisties around my state, but this road deserves some respect. The two main things that garnered most of my attention were the gravel and the blind drops/rises. I believe the surface is a chip-and-seal type with loose cinder-like rocks held on the road by tar (I could be wrong). This is extra challenging to me because you are having to differentiate between loose cinder and solid cinder all the time. Next, the drops/rises are very tricky. As you are approaching a rise, the surrounding landscape may lead you to believe the road will continue straight after the rise, then you crest it and quickly figure out that you need to turn or else risk an unexpected GS ride.
All in all, very fun, but very tiring. I would highly recommend it. :thumb

MG

[Visian]

The two main things that garnered most of my attention were the gravel and the blind drops/rises.

:clap

I just got finished watching a DVD called The Ohio Ride Guide (http://www.ohiorideguide.com) that features on-bike videos of 38 of the best roads in the state, including the Triple Nickel.

Check out this video! (http://www.ohiorideguide.com/93.wmv) And this is one of the tamer roads.

All I can say is that these sudden rises and drops look fun! Can you say "airborne?"

I knew you could!

Can't wait to ride this road!!!

Ian

[wvcajun]

Where can I get a full copy of that dvd?

MG

[Visian]

You can get it at The Ohio Ride Guide site. (http://www.ohiorideguide.com) <= click here! :)

Ian

[61242]

All: Ian's Triple Nickel writeup is now on the Beemerville rally website (thanks Ian!). http://bmwmoa.org/rally/rally05/features/555_ride/555_ride.htm
Save Ian some bandwidth. ;)

We'll post more riding articles as we receive them.

Steve Huber, '05 rally webmaster
Madison, WI

[Visian]

:twirl <=== famous!

Thanks, Steve.

Thanks, Ray!

Ian

[Visian]

The guy who produced The Ohio Ride Guide (http://www.ohiorideguide.com/) has kindly posted a video of riding the Triple Nickle.

Please check it out! (http://www.ohiorideguide.com/555.wmv)

From the video "... a technical ride in the middle of nowhere." Cannot *wait* to ride this road!

Ian

[BiffsR]

I rode SR 93 this afternoon. The blind drops keep you on your toes, and they are usuall followed by a corner. What a great ride, and beautiful day.

I usually stay away from 555 until late May. This lets most of the gravel, and cinder dust from the winter get washed off. The northernmost(north of 669) section has the best pavement.

BTW, SR 541 has wonderful new pavement.

:thumb

[Kbrick]

Thanks for the write up and thread. A friend and I rode most of 555 in early October and though I've had the pleasure before its been a few years. My impression of the road is that like 129 its one of those bits that requires major doses of concentration. Seems that most apexes are abrupt and guaranteed to be ten feet the other side of a crest and just beyond a driveway. Tricky sinew of asphalt for sure where even mellow progress requires rapt attention as its throwing all sorts of stuff at you incessantly. Not for the faint of heart if you like to ride on the boil and dotted with moderate housing in spots. Great road but demands your attention, completely.

Cheers Steverino

I'm proud to be a Buckeye, now that said, there is this other road I know that is longer and just as interesting. Route 800 from the Ohio River too just south of Canton. Like any of the Ohio routes through the Appalachian foothills the ridge running is fabulous. Beware of the Armco barriers on some of the sides though. How those bike racers faced all that steel back in the day is amazing to me. If the road has been paved in the last two years it can be heaven if not ride with a little more care.

Route 800, but you didn't here it from me!

[Visian]

I saw that Road 800 on the maps as I was researching the Triple Nickel article. Looks like a great one and I appreciate the corroboration.

Gonna have to spend a day or three in this area. :thumb

Ian

[The_Veg]

I'm looking forward to these roads as well, although I'm expecting them to be impossibly crowded with Beemers. Hmmmm.....

Oh, and how is speed enforcement in Ohio these days? Not that I condone exceeding posted limits mind you (The Veg says as he crosses fingers behind his back), but I do recall that they used to joke about Ohio being the only state that had the death penalty for speeding.

[Visian]

Oh, and how is speed enforcement in Ohio these days?

Ohio Troopers are tough. They patrol constantly along the I-71 corridor, especially between Cincinatti and Columbus. DAMHIK (actually a very funny story that ends with me *not* getting nailed and someone else getting total justice...)

Dunno about the local police, my only experience is near Mid-Ohio and they're great.

Ian

[dancogan]

Ohio Troopers are tough.
Ian


Especially if you happen to have Michigan license plates! And especially during football season. Good thing the rally is in July.

:drink

[gsrobin]

I live in SE Ohio about 15 minutes from Rt. 555, but haven't been on it in quite some time, I must admit. Will have to get out there this spring to post a pre-rally road report. Other than 555, there are a number of fantastic roads here in SE Ohio to check out...the previously mentioned Rt. 26 out of Marietta is really beautiful, as is Rt. 56 out of Athens going into Hocking Hills, Rt. 356, and all of the Hocking Hills region.

As for law enforcement here, you definitely need to be wary on main highways. Back roads are not an issue, but the deer are more of a speed-limiter than the police. Best to keep speeds down, especially toward evening.
Would be happy to provide suggestions and directions to all coming through!

[BiffsR]

As GSrobin said. The main highways are patrolled much more frequently. US 33, I-70, etc. Be careful near Nelsonville, because sometimes they use aircraft to patrol speeding.

The backroads have deer, and there are a lot of blind corners. It always seems like there are corners just over a small hill.

555 can be interesting, with occasional gravel, deer, and blind corners so going real fast is pretty tough to do.

Another thumbs up on 800 :thumb

[jerryb]

I'm looking forward to these roads as well, although I'm expecting them to be impossibly crowded with Beemers. Hmmmm.....

Oh, and how is speed enforcement in Ohio these days? Not that I condone exceeding posted limits mind you (The Veg says as he crosses fingers behind his back), but I do recall that they used to joke about Ohio being the only state that had the death penalty for speeding.

Heading to Daytona Bike Week in '01 I got a speeding ticket in Ohio and another one coming back (in Ohio)! Both on I-75 and 10 over, which I was very near. The first one was kinda dirty in that I was passing 3 semi's close together. I bought a good radar detector after that.

"We gotta go", "Where are we goin' man?", "I don't know but we gotta go"
Jack Kerouac 'On The Road'

jerryb

[robsryder]

Heading to Daytona Bike Week in '01 I got a speeding ticket in Ohio and another one coming back (in Ohio)! Both on I-75 and 10 over

I've ridden Rt 555 from the Ohio River north. I don't think that it is possible to speed on this road - at least for me it's not. I believe that the speed limit is mostly 45 mph, although given the sharp curves that follow quick drop offs and squashed animals and gravel, I much prefer a speed of 35 to 40 mph.

Ian was correct in saying that the Ohio Ride Guide video is a great way to find good motorcycle roads. See:
http://www.ohiorideguide.com/

I wonder is other states have similar resources?

[andy45320]

[QUOTE=robsmoto]I've ridden Rt 555 from the Ohio River north. I don't think that it is possible to speed on this road - at least for me it's not. I believe that the speed limit is mostly 45 mph, although given the sharp curves that follow quick drop offs and squashed animals and gravel, I much prefer a speed of 35 to 40 mph.QUOTE]

It is a great road to get a great bike ride workout (mental from the constant scanning and awareness and physical for the constant turning). Watch out for the top of the hill stop about half way through. Last time I road it south to north and then back from zanesville, and I darn near flipped the bike trying to gently coast up that stop. :nono

Second the question about other states (besides California) having sites with nice MC roads.

[SteverinoB]

Had the great pleasure to ride 800 and 26 Tuesday of this week while on our way home from the Shiloh TN Rally. Simply superb. If I don't get a chance to ride anymore bendy roads this year I would be content to the MAX having had the opportunity of riding those two gems.:thumb

Thanks to Jim Ford at Bob's BMW for reminding me about Ohio 26. Happened across it late last year and can't explain misplacing it but Jim was kind enough to remind me while my wife was having a tire spooned on at Bob's.


I'm proud to be a Buckeye, now that said, there is this other road I know that is longer and just as interesting. Route 800 from the Ohio River too just south of Canton. Like any of the Ohio routes through the Appalachian foothills the ridge running is fabulous. Beware of the Armco barriers on some of the sides though. How those bike racers faced all that steel back in the day is amazing to me. If the road has been paved in the last two years it can be heaven if not ride with a little more care.

Route 800, but you didn't here it from me!

[535is]

I've ridden Rt 555 from the Ohio River north. I don't think that it is possible to speed on this road - at least for me it's not. I believe that the speed limit is mostly 45 mph, although given the sharp curves that follow quick drop offs and squashed animals and gravel, I much prefer a speed of 35 to 40 mph.

Ian was correct in saying that the Ohio Ride Guide video is a great way to find good motorcycle roads.
I think most of 555 is actually defaulted to 55 mph; not that it matters. It is tough to exceed 60 here unless you really try on the few short straights.

I was a little surprised and pleased to see some of the other Ohio roads mentioned here and in the guide. OH 800 (used to be 8, which it still is, north of Akron) runs a couple of blocks from where my folks live (and I grew up). Two of my schools were on 8(00) and I still drive it often. For a nice diversion, run OH 416 from just south of the Dover Dam over the hill and into New Phila on North Broadway. This stretch, known as 'Seven Mile Drive', is really only about half that because it refers to a 7-mile circuit through Dover and back to the beginning at Wabash Avenue (right beside Woody Hayes Quaker Stadium). Follow N. Broadway into town and you'll have your choice of hitting OH 39, US 250 (see below), or OH 800 again. If you're headed to Columbus, stay on 416 until you hit 36, south of Tuscarawas.

Ohio 39 runs east-west through the same city (New Philadelphia) from Carrollton to the east and on out into Amish country on the west. Eventually, you can get pretty close to Mid Ohio. The stretch between Dover and Sugarcreek was 'upgraded' some years ago since a lot of fatalities (I've known a couple) occurred on those hilly curves. Now you can see the old road paralleling the new one - and winding from one side to the other. Unfortunately, the fun of the original was lost since you have to constantly stop to cross the new one.

I've ridden 93 and 751 (New Phila toward Stonecreek & beyond) as well, since they're in the same area. One road I am a little surprised hasn't been mentioned is US 250, south from Wayne county through West Virginia and on to D.C., IIRC. Another southeast Ohio road on which it is very hard to break the speed limit ... but you might see your own taillights. :thumb