Zanesville, Ohio Shamrock Tour®

Ohio is where I met my bride, Sarah. If Steve had not subscribed to RoadRUNNER, I probably wouldn’t have met her. I love coming here and riding the thrillingly curvy roads of southeastern Ohio. As part of our “at home” series, you can trust that these four loops are top notch. If not, it’s Steve’s fault.

In 2007, Steve came down to North Carolina to attend the second Memorial Ride for my dad. It was a small event, and I don’t recall talking with Steve specifically. Fellow motojournalist Jim Parks, however, did. A year later, we were all in Ohio for our first dual sport Shamrock Tour. Steve introduced us to his family, including his youngest daughter Sarah. On departure day they invited all of us for breakfast, and Sarah played the piano. You know how the rest goes.

The Triple Nickel

Steve was aboard the venerable KTM 790 Adventure, and as the honorary guest I got to choose a bike from his stable. My options were between the Suzuki GSX-S750 and V-Strom 1000.

With blue skies in the forecast, we decided to ride the famous Triple Nickel first. SR 555 departs Zanesville to the south and immediately throws unsuspecting lefts and rights. I picked the GSX-S, a willing accomplice to the day’s shenanigans. It put a wide smile on my face, and it wasn’t just the tingly vibrations felt from the foot pegs and seat.