Wonderful Riding. Dramatic Waterfalls. Unexpected Canyons. Stunning Scenery. Endless Lakeside Riding.
September 21 – 24, 2026
“WOW!” That is what you will be saying the moment you begin riding as you explore some of the most scenic and relaxed riding roads in New York. Imagine wide-open scenic country roads, beautiful rolling hillside vineyards, dramatic waterfalls, and many, many aerial lake views as you ride across pool-table smooth roads. If you’ve never been, you should go with us, or on your own.
Each day you’ll enjoy guided tours including wonderful meals (3 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners) at beautiful locations, including award-winning inns, grand lodges, and stunning scenery!
The Finger Lakes is a special region to ride in. Imagine a series of deep, long and clear parallel lakes placed in sequence among lush forests, small towns, and Amish farmland. Between each lake, the smooth terrain rises up from each lake, plateaus and then begins to slope down to the next lake. In between are smooth roads passing numerous waterfalls and the occasional, and surprising canyon. They say the Finger Lakes is “gorge-eous” and it’s true. (I suspect there are more waterfalls per square foot here than anywhere in the U.S. I don’t know if that’s true, but it certainly feels like it. You’ll see many.)
Note from Christian, Tour Director: Every year, we travel to the most beautiful destinations in the northeast. And while we do occasionally return to a previous destination, no location has drawn us back as much as the Finger Lakes have. Why? Because they have endless beauty and wonderful, relaxed riding, coupled with an unusual amount of lakeside riding. Don’t miss it – it will sell out quickly.
Monday- Welcome to the Finger Lakes!
You’ll be staying on the shore of Keuka Lake, a beautiful Y-shaped lake smack dab in the middle of the entire Finger Lakes region. Many of the rooms have remarkable lake views, and we think that this has to be one of the nicest Hamptons Inn around. All of your breakfasts and dinners have views of the lake, and the lakeside patio is a perfect place to unwind after a great day of riding!
When you check in, your RTA representative will greet you and make sure everything goes smoothly. You’ll receive your RTFL package, with credentials, route maps (in case you decide to ride on your own), and your special tour goodies.
Then, join us for a savory dinner with a cocktail, while you meet your guides and fellow riders, and where you’ll learn about the details of the tour.
Tuesday: Canyons, Waterfalls, Views & a Country Inn with an Incredible View
You’ll start your morning off with a great breakfast in the lakeside dining room and perhaps wander out to the lake front to enjoy the moment. After that, you will head out for your first day of riding on some of the most scenic roads in the region.
Your morning ride begins with a westward ride along Keuka Lake and Canandaigua Lake, where you’ll enjoy gentle bends, good pavement, and lots of beauty. About an hour into the ride, we’ll bring you to a popular-among-locals elevated viewpoint that is stunning. We’ll have drinks and baked goods waiting for you while you take in the sights. From there, you’ll visit a little-known, but very memorable and striking waterfall. There will be plenty of opportunities for photos during the morning’s ride, especially here.
Your adventure continues with a long, meandering ride along the rim of a canyon. For many people, including New York residents, you’ll be amazed that you never knew this place existed. It’s called “The Grand Canyon of the East” for good reason. There are several wonderful viewing areas along the canyon’s rim, with the final destination being your lunch stop.
Lunch is at one of our favorite Rolling Thru America lunch destinations, and you’ll love it too. It’s a beautiful 1914 country inn sitting by itself in Mother Nature. It was originally the mansion of the tycoon who owned the entire canyon.
When you arrive you’ll admire the mansion and then notice the good-lord-almighty-look-at-that! view. Smack dab in front of your lunch venue is a 107’ tall waterfall cascading in front of your eyes! You can see it from the property, from the patio, and from the paths that take you closer, and from any vantage point, it’s stunning.
Inside, lunch will include a choice of Lemon Pepper Chicken, Eggplant Parmesan, Chef’s Meatloaf, salads, dessert and drinks, and more. When you register, you’ll make your meal choice.
Following lunch, you’ll ride a route that involves some wonderful winding (but not too twisty) roads little known by the tourists visiting the area. And yes, of course there will be more waterfalls. The mid-afternoon 30-minute stop is special. Rolling Thru America Tours try to avoid the ordinary, and this stop certainly isn’t ordinary. It’s one of the best vehicle museums in the northeast. It’s not only a collection of fascinating motorcycles, cars, and planes that makes it intriguing; it’s the story behind them that you’ll most appreciate.
You’ll arrive back at the hotel mid-afternoon. Following a full day of riding, you will get to rest on your night off to prepare for your second day of riding. You can enjoy the amenities and restaurant, or try one of the fun small restaurants 5 minutes away in the heart of town.
Wednesday: Waterfalls, Long Lakeside Rides, and One Stunning Lunch Destination
It may be hard to believe, but your second day will be even better than the first. There are many long, gorgeous stretches of road today that wind inches away from the lakeshore. It’s one of the great aspects of riding in the Finger Lakes region. You’ll ride on the east side of a finger lake, then the west side, then the east side of another lake, and….well, you get the picture.
You will see several waterfalls that are among the best in the region, including the granddaddy of them all, THE Taughannock Falls. a massive 215-foot waterfall (three stories taller than Niagara Falls) and has carved a remarkable 400-foot gorge into the rock bed. You won’t want to forget your camera for this stop!
What’s better than that? Well, as you gaze at the waterfalls, you may have noticed nearby an impressive lodge looking out and over the falls. THAT is your lunch destination. Here you will enjoy an impeccable lunch buffet including Oven Roasted Amish Chicken with Tarragon Pan Sauce, Maple Glaze Salmon with Lemon and Herbs, Horseradish Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Kissed Broccolini, Caesar Salad, and a Classic Creme Brulee to top off a great feast.
After lunch, you will glide past a number of beautiful Amish farms, and maybe even a horse-drawn carriage or two. These country roads are a motorcyclist’s paradise– smooth, winding, and not a stoplight for miles. You will be blown away by the exquisite riding and scenery as you make your way back to the host hotel, capping off another great tour.
Upon your return to the hotel, you’ll have some time to relax and think back on your past two days, the sights that you’ve seen, and the new friends you have made. (You WILL make new friends – it happens every tour.). You will then join us for a cocktail and a scrumptious dinner.
Thursday – One Last Breakfast, A Great SlideShow & See you next year!
Join us Thursday morning for a delicious farewell breakfast. You’ll say goodbye to new and old friends, see photos from the trip, and likely begin counting down until your next Rolling Thru America tour!
LODGING:
The Hampton Inn in Penn Yan is a great home away from home. It’s set at the northern end of Keuka Lake, and offers breathtaking views. The town is small, quaint and quiet, and offers a number of small restaurants one your one night off during the tour. Best of all, it’s beautifully located for the routes you’ll enjoy during the tour.
Every room has been recently updated and are beautiful, and for the tour we reserved only rooms with balconies overlooking the valley. They’re the best of the best, and you’ll find yourself just sitting and enjoying life from your room’s balcony.
We offer a variety of rooms from suites to double queen rooms, many of which have a lake view, ranging in price from $163.90 to $199. It’s a perfect place for Rolling Thru the Finger Lakes!