UPDATED!!! Ohio Route 555/26, October 20th 2013: Fall Colors Meet!!
 

Alright, as promised guys, here is the thread to organize and coordinate a trip down through Southeast Ohio during what will hopefully be peak color! As much fun was had during the July drive, this one will be cooler and a lot more colorful (both from a car and tree standpoint).

As of this point, I would like to meet up on SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20th. SINCE THE WEATHER IS FORECAST TO BE IFFY, AS PROMISED, WE ARE RAIN CHECKING TO SUNDAY

So, based on the trip I took with the Ohioscions.com group, here is what I am thinking:

Meet up at Salt Fork State Park, at the Lodge around 11 AM. Pack a lunch, I don't know if the lodge has any concessions to speak of.

We depart and head down to Route 26:
Salt Fork State Park to Marietta, OH

This is the part of the route that will be more picturesque, as well as covering a few of the more scenic covered bridges.

Then we head along the river for a short bit (a slight break), and pick up OH Route 555 up to Zanesville:
CORRECTED OH 555 MAP

We can always take a break between Marietta and the southern point of 555, we can decide on the road.

Total time from Salt Fork will be about 3-4 hours, depending on traffic. Plan for a full day of fun!

EDIT: THE FULL ROUTE FOR THE DAY! :happyanim:

[ame="https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Unknown+road&daddr=39.6663106,-81.1727885+to:39.5328234,-81.2285112+to:Greene+St+to:OH-32+W%2FOH-7+S%2FUS-50+W%2FJames+A.+Rhodes+Appalachian+Hwy+to:39.55785 95,-81.9574582+to:Old+River+Rd&hl=en&ll=39.696621,-81.5625&spn=1.502536,2.139587&sll=39.721976,-81.57074&sspn=1.501984,2.139587&geocode=Fef6YwIdRP 4j-w%3BFYZCXQIdzGYp-ylfbtKBGCA2iDF7bqPv7WntEw%3BFRc5WwIdIY0o-yn1DddlZ9xJiDEZI3SVG2frIQ%3BFSZtWQIdykIl-w%3BFfVBVwIdCn4h-w%3BFeOaWwIdrm0d-ykfBdaAHhpIiDF27mvnYZOqyA%3BFYx2YAIdPg8d-w&t=h&mra=ls&via=1,2,5&z=9"]https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Unknown+road&daddr=39.6663106,-81.1727885+to:39.5328234,-81.2285112+to:Greene+St+to:OH-32+W%2FOH-7+S%2FUS-50+W%2FJames+A.+Rhodes+Appalachian+Hwy+to:39.55785 95,-81.9574582+to:Old+River+Rd&hl=en&ll=39.696621,-81.5625&spn=1.502536,2.139587&sll=39.721976,-81.57074&sspn=1.501984,2.139587&geocode=Fef6YwIdRP 4j-w%3BFYZCXQIdzGYp-ylfbtKBGCA2iDF7bqPv7WntEw%3BFRc5WwIdIY0o-yn1DddlZ9xJiDEZI3SVG2frIQ%3BFSZtWQIdykIl-w%3BFfVBVwIdCn4h-w%3BFeOaWwIdrm0d-ykfBdaAHhpIiDF27mvnYZOqyA%3BFYx2YAIdPg8d-w&t=h&mra=ls&via=1,2,5&z=9[/ame]

NEW EDIT: Date has been decided! October 20th, 2013!

Current list of those attending (and tentative):

1) HunterGreene
2) If_theShoe_Fitz
3) pete39sp
4) kseroski
5) Rampage (MR-S)
6) Lytheum +1 golf r
7) microbionic
8) Jimp
9) mikalem
10) dothetango1990
11) Terebit (MR-S)
12) sharris721

I am thinking that this will be a spirited, but safe drive. We won't exactly be canyon carving, but there's no reason we can't have fun ;)

So, things to bring:

-Camera
-Sunscreen (if you are bringing a convertible)
-2-way radios (I have two, more are welcome)
-Snacks (if you will be able to eat them)
-Your car (doesn't have to be one of the twins!)

Before I start a list of people attending, lets settle on the date. And while I have no intent on excluding anyone outside of the club, lets see how many want to attend before we start throwing out invites willy-nilly. I don't want this to get too big.

the 19th or 20th would work for me which ever works better for the rest. Either way I am in.

Bump!

Either day

*bump*

I'm in.... either day will mark it down now. Thanks

I think I will let people weigh in through the end of this week (Friday) then make a decision. You guys will have to excuse me as I bump this a few times a day ;)

So, @BigOxley , @Jimp , @mrnibbs , @Rampage , @Lytheum...you guys mentioned that you would be interested in a fall redux of this drive....you in? What day would you prefer?

Full route
 

So this is the full route?

[ame="https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Unknown+road&daddr=39.6663109,-81.1727891+to:39.5328234,-81.2285112+to:Greene+St+to:39.266589,+-81.698103+to:39.879435,+-81.984976&hl=en&ll=39.692394,-81.535034&spn=1.219436,2.705383&sll=39.692394,-81.392212&sspn=1.219436,2.705383&geocode=Fef6YwIdR P4j-w%3BFYZCXQIdy2Yp-ylfbtKBGCA2iDF7bqPv7WntEw%3BFRc5WwIdIY0o-yn1DddlZ9xJiDEZI3SVG2frIQ%3BFSZtWQIdykIl-w%3BFR0pVwIdyWIh-w%3BFQuDYAIdMAId-w&t=h&mra=ls&via=1,2&z=9"]Full Route[/ame]

I think I'll be there at this point

That is correct...I just left out the boring part in the middle. I'm going to steal this and attach it to the OP. Just wish I knew how to make these embedded maps :p

Do you have a preferred day (sat/sun)?

I need to read more closely, thats actually *NOT* the correct route. You missed 555 completely.

EDIT: kseroski, try using the corrected 555 map, that is going in the correct direction now.

EDIT AGAIN: Full map, corrected:

[ame="https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Unknown+road&daddr=39.6663106,-81.1727885+to:39.5328234,-81.2285112+to:Greene+St+to:OH-32+W%2FOH-7+S%2FUS-50+W%2FJames+A.+Rhodes+Appalachian+Hwy+to:39.55785 95,-81.9574582+to:Old+River+Rd&hl=en&ll=39.696621,-81.5625&spn=1.502536,2.139587&sll=39.721976,-81.57074&sspn=1.501984,2.139587&geocode=Fef6YwIdRP 4j-w%3BFYZCXQIdzGYp-ylfbtKBGCA2iDF7bqPv7WntEw%3BFRc5WwIdIY0o-yn1DddlZ9xJiDEZI3SVG2frIQ%3BFSZtWQIdykIl-w%3BFfVBVwIdCn4h-w%3BFeOaWwIdrm0d-ykfBdaAHhpIiDF27mvnYZOqyA%3BFYx2YAIdPg8d-w&t=h&mra=ls&via=1,2,5&z=9"]https://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Unknown+road&daddr=39.6663106,-81.1727885+to:39.5328234,-81.2285112+to:Greene+St+to:OH-32+W%2FOH-7+S%2FUS-50+W%2FJames+A.+Rhodes+Appalachian+Hwy+to:39.55785 95,-81.9574582+to:Old+River+Rd&hl=en&ll=39.696621,-81.5625&spn=1.502536,2.139587&sll=39.721976,-81.57074&sspn=1.501984,2.139587&geocode=Fef6YwIdRP 4j-w%3BFYZCXQIdzGYp-ylfbtKBGCA2iDF7bqPv7WntEw%3BFRc5WwIdIY0o-yn1DddlZ9xJiDEZI3SVG2frIQ%3BFSZtWQIdykIl-w%3BFfVBVwIdCn4h-w%3BFeOaWwIdrm0d-ykfBdaAHhpIiDF27mvnYZOqyA%3BFYx2YAIdPg8d-w&t=h&mra=ls&via=1,2,5&z=9[/ame]

I can only do sunday

Sorry, I just got back from a trip to the southeast (NC, SC, GA) a little while ago so this is my first chance to post about this. Ironically, the 19th of October is the only day the rest of the year that I have something planned. There is a big annual MR2/Celica meet in NJ and NY on that day that I was planning to attend. I have not made my hotel reservations yet so now I will have to make a decision on which event to attend.

My son and I will be heading down to do RT26 in the next week or two so I may opt to do the New York Bear Mountain event in October. On the other hand, I would save a ton of money by just going down south with you guys. Decisions-Decisions!

Saturday would actually be better for me. Since I am coming from Cincinnati, I was actually even considering splitting off at Parkersburg and following the river home. Not sure yet, I'll decide before then.

Since we are so close to WVA and NE. KY, have you considered inviting them?

I like how you are thinking!

I understand your dilemma, especially if you have some friends going to that big MR2-Celica meet. However, and this is just my opinion, driving around all day on a fun twisty road is better than driving out to a meet where you just sit and look at cars all day. ;) We'll understand either way.

I want to see what the response from Ohio will be first. But I will definitely reach out to them depending on how many people we have by Friday.

And, for those of you who are keeping out, we have 1 Saturday, 1 Sunday, and 3 IDC. :D

the 19th would probably work for me. i think that is my last day of vacation. have to run it by the wife incase she had anything planned

I am interested, IDC when...

I'd be interested in this. I can have my co-driver drive my Civic so we can test it out a little more than just autocross. I loved the 555 cruise that we did before and I still haven't gotten to drive 26.

I'm good with either day! :happy0180:

Oh, it is not a "hard park event". The cruise starts in New Jersey and goes up to Bear Mountain New York so there is a lot of driving involved. I do not think it is as intense as RT26 or RT800 but there are some twisties. There is also a show n shine event to compete for prizes. It is open to all generations of MR2 and the Celica Four Trac. I have a couple Spyder friends that will be making the trip.

If I decide to go to SE Ohio instead then either the 19th or 20th works fine.

Not sure if everyone has tried this, but if you pick one of the waypoints, and select the get directions, then the little 3D button on the directions, it will take you through the route. It's not a street level, but close enough to tell the curves and elevation changes...
:happy0180:

I dont have that button :(

Alright, going to take another Tally, this time with names. Glad to see more of you signing on!

1) HunterGreene (Either)
2) Amcox (Either)
3) If_theShoe_Fitz (Either)
4) pete39sp (Either)
5) kseroski (Saturday)
6) mrnibbs (Sunday)
7) Rampage & Son (Either, if coming)
8) Lytheum (Either)
9) microbionic (Either)
10) xXDeathMaliCeXx (Either)

As of right now, the votes are skewing towards Saturday (for those who have preference).

Good possible turn-out so far :)

Appears you need the google earth plug-in.
https://support.google.com/maps/answer/1699472?hl=en

I would say Saturday that way we have a rain day.

I will have to back out if its on a saturday

Is it work? Just saying, you can always switch shifts or take a vacation day ;)

Sorry that you won't be there if you can't make it :(

UPDATE!!
 

Alright guys, since we stand to lose more people if we do it Sunday as opposed to Saturday, I am going to go with Pete's suggestion and say we are going to do this on October 19th, 2013--set your calendar!

Of course, the 20th will be a rain date if the weather isn't going to cooperate. And if it rains both days that weekend...We may be able to scrape something together for the 26th.

As of right now, we stand at 9-11 cars. I think we could handle a few more people in our group (over 20 sounds like a trouble number in my mind), so if you have a friend who has a sporty or fun car, and is interested--extend the invite! And no, they do not have to have one of the twins.

One other thing I would like to re-iterate: This will be a fun drive, not an extreme drive. For the safety of the group and others on the road, please drive within your limits, no drifting, burnouts, etc. Please be considerate of the others in the group as well, don't tailgate or brake check, even in fun.

And cars that appear ready to fall apart or not very well put together will be regulated to the back of the group ;)

Fixed :bellyroll: Sounds like my civic may be at the back of the group :lol:

I was mostly joking with that...but lets just hope we aren't pushing the little squirrel in there too hard ;)

I'm wondering how it'll stack up on twisty roads with my buddy driving it. The only problem is when we have to stop for gas, the civic will probably have to stop for oil :cool:

I own a buisness and Saturday's are our busiest day

Alright man. Sorry you won't be able to join us. Stay tuned, just in case we have to change to Sunday ;)

Actually if you gas up before we meet at Salt Fork, you can make it through the trip without having to stop. I've made that trip in the tC before, and only gassed up on the way down there (actually didnt have to refill until I got back home).

20 would make for some great photo ops but is a large group to manage during the actual run. Also, if you are going to coordinate a meal or two it is hard to seat 20+ people together.

To the safety aspect I would add, "Make sure you stay in your lane!" RT 26 is pretty twisty in places with a lot more left and right turning than RT 555's constant rollercoaster like hills. There are also a few off camber and decreasing radius turns that can surprise the unprepared. You do not want to have two wheels across the double yellow line and meet an F150 or dump truck going the other way. Fortunately, traffic and law enforcement have been almost non-existent every time I have made the trip. Not that you will want to exceed the speed limit much. Most of it is 55 except for a couple small towns along the way which get down to as low as 25-35 briefly. Suggested speed limits (yellow signs) get as low as 15 on some curves.

I am leaning towards cancelling my New York MR2 plans and going with you guys on this one. If I go, then Cam will bring his FR-S too.

Yes, yes, yes! Sign me up! Saturday works for me. It will totally be worth the drive down from Cleveland.

Thanks @HunterGreene for organizing!

Sure thing! Its nice to see this much interest, even with having done this just a couple months ago.

So, here is where we stand now:

1) HunterGreene
2) Amcox
3) If_theShoe_Fitz
4) pete39sp
5) kseroski
6) Rampage & Son (tentative)
7) Lytheum
8) microbionic
9) xXDeathMaliCeXx
10) Jimp

I am tentative for this, been exploring plans that might relocate me out of ohio, but if im still in town, im up for a ride.

Sent from my SGH-M919 using Tapatalk 4

If anyone wants to add themselves in at this point, just go ahead and add your name to the list :)

1) HunterGreene
2) Amcox
3) If_theShoe_Fitz
4) pete39sp
5) kseroski
6) Rampage & Son (tentative)
7) Lytheum
8) microbionic
9) xXDeathMaliCeXx
10) Jimp
11) mikalem (tentative)