Riding Season Starts Early in Ohio

Well, thanks to my employer's change in vacation policy to a use-it-or-lose-it situation, I found myself watching the weather intently, which lead me to take off the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday before Memorial weekend. The temperatures were promising to reach the mid to high 80's, perfect for Ohio motorcycle riding.

Wednesday Buffalo and I headed over to Pennsylvania to ride route 666. Getting to this awesome route that cuts through the Allegheny National Forest requires about an hour and a half ride east on US route 80 to the Clarion area. We exit the interstate onto route 66 and head north. Being a week day, the traffic was light, which was exactly what we were hoping for. It's best to fill up the tank at the Sheetz on the corner of 322 before heading up 66 as gas stops are limited and not dependable as far as being open. The road gently climbs in elevation as you go through small towns dotted with little mom and pop businesses. The funny thing about PA is that almost every little town seems to have a bar. But we're not bar hopping, we're riding. We find ourselves increasingly shadowed by large pines and maples. Eventually, as pretty as 66 is, we spy our turn off for route 666.

This lightly traveled road is a haven for summer cabins and hide-aways. It is a tightly sweeping narrow road with little to no shoulder. To our left is the Tionesta creek, which comes in and out of view along the entire path. Above us is a covering of lush foliage shading our path for much of the ride. We stop midway at the small campground, which is virtually deserted to savor the picnic lunch and a couple of beers I have packed. We know this road well and if you don't pack it you aren't eating for awhile.

All too soon we have reached the end of 666, which meets route 62. Route 62 follows the Allegheny River and is another great road, but with much more traffic. We decide, rather than heading back towards home right away to ride up to Titusville, then into Meadville, through Conneaut Lake and into Hermitage for dinner. A fantastic day of riding.