Most riders automatically think of big city life when they hear “New York,” but the rest of the state has quite a bit to offer. While no one enjoys riding in bumper-to-bumper traffic, New York has majestic mountains, lakes, farmlands, vineyards and much more to see. The Empire State has some large lakes, majestic rivers, and memories any rider will want to relive over and over again. Here are some of the favorite routes within the state of New York.
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Catskill Preserve

You can spend a whole day on this 100-mile route around the Catskill Mountain Range. You get to weave through mountain basses and view reservoirs and rivers all on one route. If you time your ride for the fall months, you can enjoy fall foliage colors as well. You can take the ride in an hour, but you may very well want to stop and enjoy the scenery as the landscape changes dramatically from one view to another. You can see working farms, swishing mountain passes and even the Kaaterskill Falls. The road quality is high and there isn’t much heavy traffic. With a large amount of charming villages and towns along the way, there are plenty of unique places to stop as well.  If your hands tend to get numb on long rides you will want to ensure you have the Anit-Vibe Adjustable Gloves so that you can enjoy every mile.

Seven Lakes Drive

If you’ve been in the big city for a few days and you want to get out and see something other than buildings, this route is just 25 miles from midtown New York City. The road was resurfaced recently, which makes for a smooth, calm ride. Bicyclists enjoy this path so watch for slower riders. The short 15-mile ride is the best of everything with lakes, mountains, and trees included. You don’t have any restaurant options, but since the Big Apple is so close, you won’t need any.

Long Island’s North Shore Tour

If you have a spare hour, this tour is a great option for a unique ride. You have some nice, twisted roads without many places to gain speed. The paved road offers a leisurely route with beautiful views of Long Island. The amenities are second to none with fine dining at a variety of price ranges. You can shop, antique, get gas, enjoy parks, see historic monuments, take a hike on a trail and anything else you can imagine along this route.

The Great Sacandaga Lake Loop

This 72-mile route takes you along the shoreline of the Great Sacandaga Lake. The Adirondack Park lands surround the drive with gorgeous views in every direction. In the fall, you get the most unique scenery as the water is drained from the lake and you can see foundations from old houses that used to reside in the area before the valley flooded and the lake took over. The roads are great and well maintained and there are plenty of good places to stop and eat and enjoy local cuisine.

5-Hour Green Rural Loop

If you have been spending some time in Manhattan and you need to get out into the countryside and enjoy a different view, this loop is perfect for you. The green, rural loop gives you 5-star food and drink stops along with beautiful twists, water, ponds, and everything that is opposite from the city life. You can see huge houses and horse farms on the perfectly paved roads, but you still are within close proximity to the city.

These routes are just the start of what New York has to offer to motorcycle riders. Take winter out of the running, as New York is often very cold and snowy during those months. Fall is often beautiful, but spring and summer can be a lot of fun as well. Decide whether you want scenery, amenities, fun roads, or all of the above and choose routes from there.