Kojak's trip to the Windy 9

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May 11, 2026 | 01:15 PM

#21

kojak

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From: Virginia

So the trip is in the books! Would I do it again? Most definitely with some changes. Marietta is where we will stay the next time we venture to SE Ohio. Zanesville was a good stop to explore and investigate. The locals are friendly and there are cool things to check out. But it's an interstate 70 stop kind of town and seems to have had its share of hard times. We'll be back to the area in a few years for sure.

May 11, 2026 | 01:26 PM

#22

StoneTrekker

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From: Jackson, OH

I’ve suggested Marietta to many people, but mostly they tend towards Athens or Zanesville. Marietta has everything any rider could possibly need or want. Great food, culture, history, riverfront, food, scenery, food and roads. Did I mention food? Then there’s Parkersburg and Williamstown a stone’s throw away. Fast access to 555, 550, 78, 26, 800 and lots of other wild roads. Or you can ride leisurely up or down 2 different rivers. Visit and ride!

May 11, 2026 | 06:36 PM

#23

Old Sport

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From: Tampa Bay Area

Agreed - Marietta is central. We stayed in there when we explored the area and would return for sure.

Glad you enjoyed the ride!

May 11, 2026 | 09:13 PM

#24

ringer1969

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From: Ontario

hows compare to Dragon

question ? our group is going to Windy 9 in July , have heard many times its compared to Tail of the Dragon ( 555 i mean) , we have done the dragon a few times and its for sure a road you dont take eyes off things , interested to hear from thos that have done both

May 11, 2026 | 09:48 PM

#25

Old Sport

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From: Tampa Bay Area

Done both. The triple-nickel s just so much more enjoyable. It is a great ride through great countryside.

The Dragon is "a thing" - it's certainly more of a challenge, but along with that challenge is a way more stressful ride.

555 is a much better ride - in my book there is no comparison. Will be interested in your thoughts post trip - enjoy!

Yesterday | 03:52 AM

#26

kojak

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From: Virginia

Quote:

Originally Posted by ringer1969

Well, Smoky mountain roads including the Dragon are just that, mountain roads with hair pin curves and steep climbs and declines. The windy 9 roads including the triple nickel are more hilly roads through winding rural farming countryside. Each has its own appeal, fun but different.

Yesterday | 05:07 AM

#27

StoneTrekker

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From: Jackson, OH

555 is about 60 miles long and requires at least 90 minutes to ride. It, and many of our roads traverse extremely hilly terrain. When you ride these roads (many) you'll find yourself on a literal rollercoaster. Not only up/down or left/right, but combos of all in a matter of short seconds. Left bank into a sharp uphill....maybe right bank on th/e way up...over the (blind) top and down quickly into a hard left. Or maybe a sharp curve just at the crest of a hill. Miss that and you're eating barbed wire. We have innumerable roads like that here, but also in parts of WV and KY. KY-32 from Morehead to Louisa is a torturous curve-infested ride we love to do every year. Same with OH-800, 26, and 56 north of Marietta. The whole of OH-78 is a supreme ride. All the roads around and through Hocking Hills are similar to 555...up/down/around and more about fun than speed.

Zanesville sits on the northern fringe of good riding. Athens is very central but the town is relatively small and college oriented. Marietta offers everything. You could stay there and ride 5 directions in 5 days...all a blast. Eat great food like Boathouse Barbecue, DaVinci's, Riverfront Bar & Grill, etc. Visit Campus Martius Museum. Grab the best coffee drinks you've ever tasted at Stoked. Do it!