Two Wheeling Across Ohio State Route 78
Ohio State Route 78 is a 105-mile highway that stretches from Nelsonville to Clarington and is a beautiful and fun road that would satisfy every kind of biker.
There are at least a few thousand ways to cross Ohio on two wheels, but unless they include Ohio State Route 78 in them, they fall short of being the most amazing drive possible when getting through the Buckeye State. Route 78 stretches from Nelsonville, just Northwest of Athens, all the way to Clarington, a city on the river about 50 miles south of Weirton, WV. The road is 105 miles long, and traveling it will satisfy every need of the biker who knows that the real point of traveling is the journey, not the destination.
The Twisties of Ohio State Route 78
Any biker, especially those on sportbikes, always look out for the twisties, the two-lane roads that wind and wind and wind and take the rider on a plethora of S-turns and sharp curves. In this aspect, Route 78 does not disappoint. As soon as the road hits Glouster traveling east, it begins to turn and does not stop until McConnelsville, another 20 miles down the road. The road is in good shape: the pavement is even, there are no potholes, no gravel scattered around, clearly painted lines, and warning signs for the curves. After McConnelsvile there is another stretch of good twisties on the way to Caldwell.
The Straights of Ohio State Route 78 – Full Speed Ahead
The parts of Route 78 that are not winding twists and curves can be just as much fun as the curves themselves. From Caldwell to Clarington the road widens and has ample time between turns to unleash the throttle and let the wind whip by. The wide road, smooth asphalt, and big turns allow for a high-speed journey where the brakes are allowed some rest. For the bikers that are not too comfortable in sharp turns, this latter section of Route 78 is a dream come true and is great practice for novice riders.
Ohio State Route 78 – An Amazing Scenic Highway
The best part about Route 78 is not the twisties or the straightaways or the wide roads or the smooth surface; it is the sights seen from the road. Route 78 travels through the rural countryside of Ohio where there are trees aplenty and great views from every section. For the bikers that ride to see nature, Route 78 has an amazing stop that should never be missed. In the stretch of road between Glouster and McConnelsville, there is a right turn at the top of a very large hill that opens into a truly beautiful sight. There is an opening in the trees and from it, the landscape stretches for miles and miles and miles out to the horizon. The hills and forests beyond are never as high as the hill on Route 78, so the view goes out as far as the eyes can see. It is breathtaking and anyone who loves nature can not be complete without seeing it.