Wolf Creek Bend (228 Loop)
Jeff Sauer submits another personal favorite:The 228 Loop:
1. From Louisville, ride west on I-64 across the Ohio River to SR 62. At the stop light at the bottom of the exit ramp, turn left (south) on SR 62.
2. Continue on SR 62 for a few miles, and watch for the SR 11 signs. Turn left (south) on 11.
3. SR 11 is a most enjoyable road, with many sweepers and a few tight turns. (Note that not all of the tight turns are well marked, so use caution.)
4. You'll stay on SR 11 for quite a while, through Lottick Corner, Elizabeth and Laconia.
5. Eventually SR 11 descends to the river flats next to the Ohio River, and then intersects with SR 135 at the Mauckport Bridge. SR 11 is "below" the bridge, so you'll need to turn right on the feeder road just east of the bridge to get onto SR 135. Then at the intersection with 135, turn left and take 135 south across the Ohio River into Kentucky.
6. After you cross the river, Indiana SR 135 magically ("poof") becomes Kentucky SR 79. After a short ride on SR 79 (perhaps 1/2 mile or so) you'll find SR 228. There's not much of a sign.
7. Turn right on 228. Ride through Lodale, Cold Springs, and Mint Springs. Not far past Mint Springs, 228 turns left (south) and SR 1047 goes straight. Go straight on 1047.
8. SR 1047 is also known as Big Bend Road. It's the only road that serves the "peninsula" of land that is formed by the Ohio River south of Leavenworth. The end of the peninsula is visible from The Overlook Restaurant in Leavenworth, Indiana . . . where Louisville motorcyclist sometimes ride for breakfast.
9. After a few miles on 1047, you will be riding a ridge top from which you can see the Ohio River on both sides. On your right, the river flows west and on your left it flows east.
10. As 1047 reaches the end of the Big Bend peninsula, it descends to the river flats, turns back to the east, and "loops" back to rejoin itself. When the 1047 loops T's into itself, turn right and ride back to 228 the way you came.
11. At the intersection of 228 and 79, turn left on 79 and re-cross the Ohio River. Now on SR 135 in Indiana, ride several miles to SR 62. Turn left on 62, and head back to Louisville.
If you have any problems, just call 1-800-iam-lost and ask for El Presidente Griffin.Maps. Kentucky DeLorme Atlas, p. 33, shows the Big Bend area well. To get a quick overview from Mapquest, click here.