Part of this Ohio motorcycle ride, the northern end of State Route 555, known as the Triple Nickel, is in Zanesville. Motorcyclists travel from near and far to ride its fun, challenging 62 miles. (Photographs by the author)

Zanesville, Ohio, is where I hail from. It was there I first learned to ride a motorbike, back in my early teen years, racing around the roads on the city?s north side. In high school, I?d ride my slightly larger motorbike on what is called the West Pike, better known as U.S. Route 40. But following my military service, I traveled around on bigger and bigger bikes, leaving Zanesville behind and ultimately settling in Columbus.

Over the years I?ve been back to Zanesville many times, always for something family related. I was overdue for a visit to my hometown to refresh, reflect, and remember. And to discover.
Planning to spend a few days, I stayed at the Quality Inn and Suites (see sidebar below). Early-shift staff members Ausha and Linda made certain I was well fed from their breakfast buffet and well fed with information on changes to the place I once called home. 

In hilly Muskingum County, Zanesville is a hub, every road aimed at its center. Few of them resemble anything near a straight line, twisting about, sometimes with fervor, perfect for those of us who enjoy being out on two or three wheels.

Scan QR codes above or click Triple Nickel or The Wilds to view the routes on REVER

Over its history, Zanesville has gone by seve...