Join us for a weekend of fun on Brian's favorite roads! This is your chance to run the famous OH 555/Triple Nickel!
Do you love driving your Miata? Would you like to let your Miata stretch its legs a bit on miles and miles of un-crowded roads seemingly made for Miatas that will take your breath away?
Then follow us to the southeastern Ohio town of Marietta along the banks of the Ohio River the weekend of June 9-11, 2023, for Indy Miata’s annual Marietta Madness – Drive for Brian. A relatively short drive from Indy will reward you with some of the most thrilling and beautiful roads that you've never heard of before! Like State Roads 536, 26, 255, 260, 555... And we’re asking that everyone remember long-time Indy Miata member Brian Liechty who tragically passed away on March 30, 2021, from Covid. Brian, with his highly modified 1991 sunset orange Miata nicknamed ‘Sunny’, was absolutely passionate about Marietta and was key to making this an annual club event since 2009. As you find yourself smiling through the curves, please think of Brian.
On Friday, June 9,we'll gather on the east side of Indianapolis for a 9:30 AM departure eastbound on I-70. We'll stop on the SE side of Columbus for a 45-minute 'grab some food and gas' stop. After the quick lunch stop, we’ll continue southeast through the Hocking Hills area, seeking out the curves and scenery that the area is known for as we weave our way towards Marietta.
Saturday morning, June 10, we'll gather early in the parking lot of the Fairfield Inn & Suites for THE BIG DRIVE which will depart at 10AM. Anticipate a full morning and afternoon of absolute driving bliss, with a stop for a picnic lunch (which we’ll gather on the way) at Hannibal Locks and Dam along the Ohio River. After lunch, continue with the group for more enthusiastic driving as we find our way back to Marietta, or perhaps head off to do some exploring on your own. If you’ve had your fill of curves, take the leisurely 45-minute drive along the Ohio River on SR7 into Marietta to do some shopping or just relax. Saturday evening, the choice is yours – head out on your own or make plans with new and old friends for a group dinner at one of the many great restaurants in town.
Your Sunday is open… Sleep in, explore Marietta or plan a return trip on previously driven roads or find a new route! Inevitably, a small group will usually form to caravan back towards Indy, many finding one last thrill by running State Road 555 – The Triple Nickel – north from the Ohio River at State Road 7 to Zanesville, where I-70 will put you just about 4 hours from Indy.
Make your plans NOW to join us for a weekend of exciting roads set in a scenery of beautiful hills rolling down to the Ohio River. Here are the details:
Due to road construction, we're going to have to change our meeting/start point and time for the Marietta event. The Mt Comfort Rd eastbound entrance ramp to I-70 is closed, so we're moving down to the Greenfield exit to meet. .
Dates: June 9 – 11, 2023 (Fri - Sun)
Gather: Fri 06/09/2023 @ 9:30 AM
Where: Chick-fil-A @ I-70 Greefield exit #104 (2203 N State St, 46140)
Depart: Chick-fil-A @ 10:00 AM
For more information on Marietta hotels, dining and more, visit www.MariettaOhio.org.
Additional information
Miles and hours driven?... well, every day is different:
Friday will be ~375-400 miles from Indy to Marietta the fun way (300 miles by interstate). Leaving indy eastside at 9.30, we usually arrive in Marietta in the late afternoon - 5-ish.
Saturday is ~150 miles depending on what route I put together and if participants run the entire route or choose to do their own thing after the picnic lunch in the park at the Hannibal Locks. Leaving at 10 AM, we're usually back by 4. Exhausted.
Sunday is on your own or in a caravan if desired. Some will beeline it home on I-77 N to I-70 E... about 5+/- hours to Indy. My suggestion is to plan one last run on OH555 from south to north before hitting I-70. In the past, we've put together a small return group to run 555 south to north and made reservations at the Triple Nickel Diner in Chesterhill for Sunday brunch on the way up 555 towards I-70 in Zanesville. Add at least a couple hours and an additional 60-70 miles to the trip back to Indy.
Folks with an expectation of Marietta being a "touring" event are likely to be disappointed. Marietta is geared more for the driver looking to enjoy their Miata's capabilities on roads that can be challenging at times. This can truly scare the daylights out of someone not experienced with these kinds of roads. However, if they know ahead of time what to expect and realize they have the option to stay with the more casual group of drivers (which usually makes up about 1/3 to 1/2 of all participants) they come away having a great experience.
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