“Jinba Ittai” is the term that the Mazda Engineers have coined to describe thefeeling of driving a Miata. Translated, it means “Horse and Rider as One”. It’s that feeling of your transportation, whether it’s a horse or a Miata, as an extension of your body. The stimulation of all your senses… you feel the asphalt and every crack in the road in the steering and the vibration of the engine in the shift knob. You hear the rise and fall of the engine’s RPMs as you shift through the gears, enjoying the scenery that can only be offered from the seat of an open top roadster. You smell the scents of the season – those first whiffs of spring in the air, the smell of fresh cut grass as you motor down a twisty country road, and in the fall, what brings back more memories than the smell of leaves burning in the cool, crisp autumn air. And Taste? …well, it seems we can always count on our journeys to include something good to put in your tummy, right?
It’s this Jinba Ittai that makes our Miatas so much fun to drive. How many times have you caught yourself taking the long way home, just so you can run your Miata through those two fun corners? Or offered to run back and get that one item you forgot to get at the grocery store? So, it stands to reason that if these cars are so much fun to drive to the grocery, if you put them in an environment that they were made for, i.e. – miles and miles smooth, twisty asphalt, you would be in Miata Heaven, right? Well, start packing your bags!
Indy Miata returns to Southeast Ohio’s incredible assortment of roads for the 16th Annual Marietta Madness ‘24 the weekend of June 21 –23, 2024.
Gather: Friday, 06/21/2024 @ 9:00 AM
Where: McDonald's, I-70 exit #96, Mt Comfort Rd
Depart: McDonald's @ 9:30 AM
On Friday, June 21st, 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 areas, seeking out the curves and scenery that the area is known for as we weave our way towards Marietta.
Saturday morning, 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 the 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’d have your fill of curves, take the leisurely 45-minute drive along the Ohio 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. Go to our home page and register for Marietta Madness '24 today!
Don’t miss this opportunity to visit one of the premier Miata Playgrounds east of the Mississippi. The advantage to these Southeast Ohio roads is the total lack of traffic and (mostly) smooth, wide asphalt roads. But Marietta isn’t just about the rods - the town of Marietta has many fabulous attractions and some unique shopping and antiquing opportunities. For more information about Marietta and southeast Ohio go to www.mariettaohio.org where you will find information regarding lodging, restaurants, shopping, and other area attractions.
Feel free to contact me directly via email with any questions.
Tom Lewis
TML2340@gmail.com
