By Chris Genovese, the “Marketing Guy”
For riders in Western New York, fall is one of the most beautiful times to be on two (or three) wheels. The air is crisp, the scenery is spectacular, and the roads can sometimes feel like your own private ribbon of asphalt. But riding in autumn also comes with its own set of challenges—as well as opportunities. Here’s how to make the most of the great riding days that are still ahead in 2025.
1. Prepare for Changing Road Conditions Fall riding means sharing the road with more than just other vehicles. Wet leaves can be just as slick as ice, especially on corners. Wildlife—particularly deer—are more active at this time of year, especially in the early morning and evening hours. And with schools back in session, expect frequent stops for buses along rural and suburban routes. Anticipating these conditions will help keep your rides enjoyable and safe.
2. Dress for Comfort and Protection
Fall is a great time to break out your most protective riding gear as the cooler weather makes it easier to wear it without overheating. Staying warm and dry also makes it easier to stay focused, and the right gear can make all the difference between cutting a ride short and enjoying every mile.
3. Take Advantage of the Quiet Roads There’s one thing almost every Western New York rider knows—when the Buffalo Bills are playing, the roads get a whole lot quieter. If you’re not glued to the couch (like me), game time can be a perfect window for a leisurely ride on nearly traffic-free backroads. If you’re anywhere near the stadium, just keep an eye on the clock so you don’t hit the pre or post-game rush.
4. Don’t Skip Routine Maintenance By this point in the season, many riders have racked up enough miles to need a mid-season maintenance check. Fresh oil, brake pads and fluid, and maybe even new tires can keep your machine running reliably and more safely through the final weeks of the season. As they (correctly) say, a little time in your garage or in the shop now can save you headaches later.
5. Mark Your Calendar for the Zoar Motorpark Reunion One of the best local events of the year is just around the corner—the Zoar Motorpark Reunion, happening September 26–28. This vintage motocross gathering offers nonstop race action all weekend long, along with camping, live music, great food, and family-friendly fun for all ages. Even if you stick mostly to street riding, the atmosphere, history, and energy of the event are worth the trip. Be a little extra cautious on the scenic roads out there and back, as they’re narrow and twisty with some sudden elevation changes mixed in, and they’re subject to a lot more traffic when the Reunion is going on.
As with all good things, Fall won’t last forever. But with a little planning and preparation, there’s still plenty of great rides to enjoy between now and the first snowfall. Heck, we all know some hearty souls that will continue to ride even after that happens. More power to them!
And, God forbid, if you or a loved one goes down while riding, call the only law firm that’s been riding and supporting the local riding community for over twenty years. Our lawyers are laser focused on the unique challenges faced by riders on our roads and have been winning cases for them since even before the firm was founded in 1999. With our fellow ABATE members, we’ve also fought for legislation to hold reckless drivers accountable and make our roads safer for all. We’re a small local firm that offers a unique level of focus and experience for injured riders, and we’re going to help you the most when things go wrong!
