2012 Rolling Thru The Finger Lakes

Sept 13–16, 2012

6 The moment you begin riding in the area, you’ll probably say the same thing we said…”Wow.” The Finger Lakes had long been on our list of Must Do areas to consider for Rolling Thru America (“RTA”). We’ve heard about their beauty, we’ve read about the great motorcycle routes, and for our 2012 RTA ride, we decided to visit them to see for ourselves. It is indeed very beautiful, and it’s like nothing else we’ve ever seen.

Imagine wide open rural scenery, with long low rolling hills; many, many lake views from above, and many long lake side roads below; beautiful vineyards aplenty, quaint towns, Amish farms and their horse drawn buggies, and unexpectedly dramatic waterfalls. It’s a wonderful and unusual combination of scenery, set among roads designed by (we assume) a touring motorcyclist – winding but not twisty, elevation gains/drops but not being steep, and pool-table smooth pavement.

On your rides you’ll notice that the scenery begins immediately. The gorgeous lake views at the hotel connect to rolling, meandering rural roads in untouched open land. You’ll quietly glide along on some of the smoothest roads we’ve enjoyed on our tours, looking out over valleys, farmlands and lakes. You’ve escaped to the Finger Lakes.

You’ll stay in a very nice hotel located right on the shores of the gorgeous Seneca Lake. Each morning, you’ll enjoy breakfast in a room exclusively reserved for Rolling Thru The Finger Lakes, whose massive windows have an amazing south view over Seneca Lake. What a way to start each day.

Thursday

  • Hotel Check-In and Gift Bags Delivered
  • Welcome Party, Optional Wine Tasting from Regional Vineyards, and Group Dinner4 at lakeside dining room.  Menu offers a wonderful Italian buffet including Caesar Salad, Antipasto Salad, Tortellini and broccoli Alfredo, Chicken Parmesan, Lasagna and Oven Roasted Garlic & Rosemary Potatoes crowned with Tiramisu.

Friday – Mansions, Waterfalls and Lakes – 135 miles

  • Following breakfast on the shores of Seneca Lake, start the day with a rolling tour through Amish country.
  • Lunch in the heart of wine country, at an 1838 4-star historic mansion, with a spectacular view overlooking Keuka Lake.  Menu includes Lobster Ravioli, Chicken French, dessert and much more.
  • Depart for miles and miles of lakeside rambling to a motorcycle collection unlike anything you’ve seen.
  • Afternoon ride is to several amazing waterfalls (have your camera ready), followed by an evening to yourself to enjoy the quaint town of Geneva, and the lakeside pier.

Saturday – Four Lake Loop – 130 miles

  • Breakfast on the shores of Seneca Lake followed by a wonderful eastward ride past vineyards, and more stunning lakes.
  • Lunch is at a gorgeous nearly-200 year old Inn on the shores of Skaneateles Lake photo-9(one of the cleanest bodies of water in the world).  Menu includes Rosemary Rubbed Sliced Sirloin or Chicken Française, dessert and much more.
  • The return route takes you through perhaps the most scenic areas in the region, including many vineyards and vistas as you return to the hotel.
  • For dinner, hop aboard the water taxi and cruise to/from a quaint lakeside restaurant, for a fun, food & music filled night.  Yes, you’ll leave your bike at the hotel and enjoy a 30 min cruise to the docks of the restaurant.  Menu includes Grilled Aged Steak au Vin, Fish Kabob including Sea Bass, Tuna and Mahi Mahi seasoned w/lime and lavender, and much more.
  • Return to the hotel via water taxi under the stars.

Sunday – Farewell Breakfast & Prizes!

  • We’ll award (great) prizes to several folks, while you’ll enjoy the best breakfast yet. photo-14Fresh Fruit Platter, Assorted Cereals, Homestyle Potatoes, Fiesta Eggs, French Toast, Crispy Bacon, Ham, Assorted Muffins, & Danishes.
  • Want to enjoy your ride home?  We’ll provide special route maps in the direction of your home.

The guided daily rides average 130 miles (about 4 1/2 hours of seat time) up, around and beside many of the Finger Lakes.  Motorcycle guides lead and follow you, and a support vehicle follows along behind.  [If you want to ride on your own, we provide you excellent route maps.]  Rolling Thru The Finger Lakes is limited to only 98 lucky individuals.