Don't Miss These Moto Events on Ohio’s Windy 9

Located in the Appalachian foothills of southeastern Ohio, Ohio’s Windy 9 (OW9) has emerged as a top-tier destination for motorcycle touring and events. This collection of nine scenic routes, all radiating from Athens, OH, spans approximately 830 miles and draws riders from across the country seeking curvy roads, hilly terrain, and a mix of rural and small-town experiences.

This summer, the OW9 will host three unique motorcycling events— Athena Ride for Women, Motostoria: BMW Riders Association’s National Rally, and Wailin’ Wayne Weekend. Each of them capitalizes on the OW9’s strengths of diverse routes, scenic landscapes, accessible amenities, and a growing reputation within the motorcycling community.

The Athena Ride for Women, is a four-day celebration of women in motorcycling that combines group rides, skill-building sessions, and community connection. RoadRUNNER Motorcycle Touring and Travel has supported this event and its charity, a shelter for victims of domestic violence, since it began in 2022. 

The OW9 provides the perfect network for this gathering, offering a variety of routes with differing difficulty levels, all accessible from the event’s home base in motorcycle-friendly Athens. 

Meanwhile, the BMW Riders Association’s Motostoria Rally, will cater to touring riders with an interest in heritage, history, and long-distance travel. For these participants, the OW9’s layout is especially appealing. 

With each route forming a loop that begins and ends in Athens, attendees can enjoy multiple full-day rides without needing to relocate their accommodations. The variety of scenery—from ridge-top views on the Rim of the World to the historical coal towns of the Black Diamond Run—offers an enriching riding experience.

For dual-sport and adventure riders, the Wailin’ Wayne Weekend stands out. Although not exclusively focused on the paved OW9 routes, this event leverages the region’s proximity to the Wayne National Forest and other off-pavement opportunities. 

Participants ride on gravel, dirt, and trail systems that intersect with and extend beyond the OW9 network, making the Athens region an effective base camp for multidiscipline events.

The support infrastructure in Athens contributes to the OW9’s appeal. As the home of Ohio University, the city offers ample lodging, restaurants, and event venues. 

In recent years, Visit Athens County has made concerted efforts to promote motorcycle tourism, offering free OW9 maps, marketing directly to moto enthusiasts, and working with local businesses to cater to groups of riders. These efforts have helped pave the way for motorcycle event planners.

As these three events show, Ohio’s Windy 9 isn’t just a backdrop for motorcycling—it’s a destination in its own right. With established routes, varied terrain, community engagement, and a calendar that includes nationally recognized events, OW9 is solidifying its place as one of the Midwest’s best locations for motorcycle gatherings.