Gauguing Interest: Summer Driving Tour, Southern OH
 

I think its safe to say that the weather is finally taking a turn for the Warmer. I just got new tires a month ago and I am ready to have a little fun and see the sights, namely around the fun and twisty roads that make up parts of southeast Ohio.

This is the route: https://goo.gl/maps/fJZNmAf6Tq82

So, who's interested? Timewise, sometime in July would be ideal for me, preferably a Saturday over a Sunday. We can definitely expect this to encompass at least half a day, a full day for some of us that have to drive to and from the route.

Depending on when it is I would consider joining in. Be at least a two day trip for me though since it is about a 6 hour drive to get around the lake.

Have you driven that route before ?

I am ashamed to say for living in Ohio for almost 30 years I have not explored south east Ohio much outsides of the Hocking/Athens area.

Are there any large meets you don't attend?

I'd be down, as would a few others from the Cincy area

Same here, I would be interested in joining.

Yes, I have. It really is a blast, plus along Rt 26 there are a couple of covered bridges right off the road that are fantastic for a photo-op.

It has been about 2 years since I last tried it, and any reports I have had from the area say that the road conditions are at least good. Weather down there usually isn't as intense during the winter, so the roads dont see quite as much wear-and-tear as they do up here in the frozen north.

:thumbup:

Yep. Haven't been to one in Toronto yet.

I might actually consider this, although it'd be a pretty long day for me (driving from and back to Columbus). Depends on when it is and what else I'm doing that weekend, so a 'definite' maybe.

I'll be coming from Cleveland, when we've done this before I've left mid-morning, gotten to the meetup spot a little before lunch, done the drive (with stops), headed home from Zanesville, and been home in time for dinner.

I would be in for this depending on which weekend.

I'm a solid maybe.

I'd be into joining. It's not too far from northeast Ohio, and I see at least another coming from my area. Not too many great driving roads out this way anyways, especially compared to growing up on the east coast where every back road is a great twisty one through the woods.

I think there is definitely enough interest to justify planning this. I will try to get some tentative dates together over the next week--this one has been hell for me. Sick kids, surprise inspections, and a guy getting shot outside of my place a work.


I will say right now that July 7th and 14th are out, and I will be leaning heavily towards Saturdays, which leaves us with the 21st and 28th.

Maybe put this in the Ohio 86 facebook group too, even adding a poll for the best date wouldn't be a bad idea. There are a bunch of people that are on there that don't necessarily frequent the forum.

I actually posted the route link not too long ago, just to see what people said, a few thought it was interesting. My only concern is this going from 6-10 cars to a huge cruise that becomes difficult to manage. And also increases the chances of some bozo wrecking it for everyone.

Ok, OK I will stay at home.

I know the route well and do a portion of it several times a year. I have already done a portion this year. I'm interested, depending on the dates. I'm in CA on 30/1 and have VMD at Mid-Ohio on 6-8, but for right now the rest of the month is open.

If I go I'll sweep, I'm afraid of squids.

For the person in Columbus that thinks this is far, those are epic roads in your backyard. If you think the Marietta area is far away I assume someplace like the Dragon must seem like the other side of the world.

I'm on the FB page, too.

It's not that it's particularly far, it's just three hours of travel time for a three hour drive seems kind of excessive. I'm from the Marietta area, I just don't usually drive there and back in a day.

You're right though, there's no way I'm ever driving six hours both ways in one day just to drive the dragon.

Might be interested, Had fun the last time we did something like this. Might have to bail halfway through depending on the time, can't leave my mutt by himself all day.

I have some bad news from my front, Work is having me travel out to Salt Lake City (Doesn't @ichitaka05 live out there?) for pretty much the entire month of July, so as of right now I don't know if I will get to do it this summer. If someone else wants to pick up the planning reigns, feel free.

Pretty close. Bout 20~30mins south of SLC. But man, I feel sorry for you for work making you go to mid-of-nowhere. Just an advice, try not to kill yourself. Shitty alcohol, shitty food & everything close on Sunday. Only good thing is if you’re into outdoor stuff, it’s awesome! If not, you’re SOL

I see, work always having to ruin the fun.