The Best Fall Leaf Peeping Trips are by Motorcycle.

Even though the calendar now says we're into Autumn, Mother Nature (in Northern NY anyways) has deemed it to be Summer - temps in the 70's & 80's with big, white cumulus clouds in the sky.

But regardless, the shorter days and cooler temps are coming and will trigger the

My fav tree in my backyard

leaves to throw on their many coat of colors. That plus the many Fall Festivals & Events going on throughout our area make this the perfect time to jump on the bike and do some Leaf Peeping.

Just some quick tips from FX Caprara Harley-Davidson: 1)Do your T-CLOCS inspection - make sure your bike is ready to go. 2) Dress in layers, especially if you plan to be out for the entire day. 3) Watch for wet leaves in the corners and frost on the road in the early morning. 4) Be sure to bring a camera or that your phone is fully charged so you can take as many pictures of the b-e-a-utiful scenery as you like. 5) Leaf Peeping is really a thing for a lot of folks, and they'll be taking to the roads as well this time of year. Watch out for cagers who aren't paying attention.

Here's my idea of a perfect Fall Ride in the Adirondacks:

Gazebo in Harrisville on the Oswegatchie River

1) Start off with a Good Breakfast: Just like your bike, you'll need a good tank of fuel to get you through the day. My favorite spots are Gram's Diner in Adams (they are on vacation 9/25-10/3) or Lloyd's of Lowville in Lowville of course. 

2) From Lowville (pronounced "Lau-ville" by the locals), take Route 812 up to Bonaparte's Cave State Forest and take a hike in

The Adirondack Hotel is popular with riders & non-riders alike

the region where Napoleon's brother once eluded hired assassins. 

3) Take Route 812 back to Harrisville, then jump on State Route 3 heading East. In Tupper Lake follow Route 30 to Long Lake. Just about now you might be hankering for lunch, and the Adirondack Hotel is a perfect spot to grab some grub.

4) After lunch hop back on Route 30 going South to State Route 28 and head West. Enjoy the views of Raquette, Seventh and the Fulton Chain Lakes as you ride into Old Forge. A stop at the Old Forge Hardware Store is a must because they have everything.

Inside Old Forge Hardware Store

5) Continue West on 28 until you get to Route 12, jump on that heading North. It won't be too long before you'll be in the quaint village of Boonville. If you're wanting dinner, a place to stop for the night, check out the Boonville Hotel - a great place for both.

Or you can ride with Northern New York H.O.G. Chapter on their Fall Foliage Ride, October 7th. Meet at FXCHD at 11am, KSU at 11:30.

Of course you can do your own thing too - check out Go Tour NY for more rides/routes in the Adirondack & 1000 Islands regions. Just as long as you take the time and celebrate Autumn in the Adirondacks the best way possible - by Motorcycle. 

Carpe Diem = Seize The Day on Your Harley!!

Hallelujah - the Sun Gods have finally smiled upon us in Northern New York!! Now's the time to ride out and put some miles on your bike. 

Don't have time for a long, overnight trip? Then it's a good thing there's lots of riding adventures within a day's ride of FX Caprara Harley-Davidson. Here are my favorites:

Thousand Islands Region:
This video, which features members of our Northern New York H.O.G. Chapter, pretty much says & shows it all. Literally right in our back yard, so even if you only have half a day or even just wanna take the long way home, it's very easy to do here.

If a picture is worth a 1,000 words, then a video is 10,000

Cooperstown, NY: 
In addition to the Baseball Hall Of Fame (and even if you're not that into baseball, it's still pretty cool to check out because the game is America's pass-time and our history as a nation is sssooo intertwined), there's the Fenimore Art Museum & Brewery Ommegang. Be sure to ride through the Illion Gorge on your way - south of Illion on NY-51.

More than just Baseball lives here....

Saranac Lake & Mount Baker:
Located on NY-3 in the heart of the Adirondacks, this mountain town is a nice alternative to the hustle & bustle of Lake Placid (except Whiteface Mountain, if you haven't been, is very "Ride List" worthy). Canoeing, Kayaking & Hiking - oh, my! The later is my fav with a hike out to Baker Mountain to see & photograph the High Peaks region.

The breathtaking High Peaks Region

Finger Lakes Region:
A visit to the Glenn H. Curtiss Museum is a must!! A pioneer in aviation and early motorcycle manufacturer, Glenn H. Curtiss was an innovative genius. The museum is home to original and reproductions of early aircraft, automobiles, boats and motorcycles - including a V8 bike from 1907.

Curtiss earned the title "Fastest Man on Earth" with his 1907 V8 Motorcycle

Letchworth State Park:
I'm actually leading a ride with our NNY Harley Owners Group there at the end of this month, and it'll be my first visit there. Hailed as the "Grand Canyon of the East," the state park offers nature, history and performing arts programs, guided walks, tours and more. Wanna ride with us? Meet at the Adams Center Sunoco Gas Station (by FXCHD) on July 30th, 7:30am; KSU at 8:00am

One of three falls on the Genesee River inside Letchworth State Park

Still looking for places close by to ride to? Want to find new roads? Check out Go Tour NY

You got your motorcycle for a reason, remember? And it wasn't to collect dust in your garage. Now, turn off your computer or tablet and get out. Go Ride.