Join Rider editors for a scenic early-fall ride through central New York on Saturday, October 3.
Fall is prime riding season in upstate New York, and this year, Rider is bringing the two-wheeled fun to the Big East Powersports Show in Syracuse. On Saturday, October 3, join Rider Editor-in-Chief Marisa McInturff and Managing Editors Allison Parker and Justin Coffey for the Big East Ride With Rider, a scenic 140-mile motorcycle ride through the roads and scenery of central New York.
The ride begins at the New York State Fairgrounds Expo Center in Syracuse. Check-in starts at 8 a.m. at Gate 2 on State Fair Blvd., followed by a brief riders meeting before kickstands go up at 8:30 a.m. All riders, street-legal motorcycles, brands, and experience levels are welcome. The ride is free to attend.
The approximately four-hour route heads into the countryside surrounding Syracuse, with a stop at Cayuga Lake and a visit to Taughannock Falls State Park. Riders will experience some of the best early-fall scenery the region has to offer before looping back to the Expo Center around 12:30 p.m.
There’s a pretty good reason to make the ride part of your Big East Saturday: riders who participate get free admission to the Big East Powersports Show.
Once back at the Expo Center, the Big East Powersports Show opens up a full day of motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, UTVs, riding gear, accessories, vendors, and powersports enthusiasts. The 2026 show runs October 2-3 at the New York State Fairgrounds Expo Center, with Saturday hours from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
There will be plenty to explore after the ride, including the return of the Big East Classic, a massive vintage snowmobile display featuring more than 100 classic sleds judged across 15 classes. The show will also feature the Globe of Death motorcycle stunt show, a swap meet, exhibitors, food, and other activities throughout the day.
One of the day’s highlights comes at 1 p.m., with the unveiling of Rider‘s 2026 Motorcycle of the Year. So whether you’re coming for the ride, the motorcycles, the vintage sleds, the gear, or simply a good excuse to spend an October Saturday around fellow powersports enthusiasts, there’s plenty waiting at Big East.
Ride With Rider
Saturday, October 3, 2026
8 a.m. – Check-in and riders meeting
8:30 a.m. – Ride departs
Approximately 12:30 p.m. – Return to Expo Center
1 p.m. – Rider‘s 2026 Motorcycle of the Year announcement
Location: New York State Fairgrounds Expo Center, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse, NY
All riders, brands, and motorcycles are welcome. Come ride with Rider, then stick around and enjoy everything Big East has to offer.
