As summer winds down, riders everywhere are soaking up those last long days and warm evenings before fall settles in. For women’s motorcycle clubs, this is the perfect time to plan a memorable group ride—one that celebrates friendship, freedom, and the beauty of the season. From lakeside escapes to lively harvest festivals, late summer offers plenty of destinations worth firing up your engines for.
Here are some of our favorite end-of-summer group ride ideas to inspire your next adventure.
🍎 Ride to a Harvest Festival
August and September are prime months for local harvest festivals, apple picking events, and farm-to-table fairs. A ride to one of these events combines scenic country roads with plenty of fun once you arrive—think hayrides, live music, and fresh cider.
- Look for orchards or pumpkin farms that host biker-friendly events.
- Choose a festival with outdoor seating or picnic areas where your group can relax together.
- Bonus: You’ll ride home with bags full of apples or baked treats strapped to your saddlebag.
📸 Photo idea: Line up bikes in front of the orchard rows or a classic barn for that picture-perfect autumn preview.
🎡 Small-Town Fairs & County Festivals
Late summer is fair season across the country. Planning a ride to a county fair means plenty of nostalgia, rides, and fair food (yes, we’re talking funnel cake and corn dogs!). Small-town fairs also welcome group arrivals—rolling in with a pack of women riders always turns heads.
- Map a backroad route to enjoy the ride itself as much as the destination.
- Many fairs feature live bands or rodeo shows—perfect for capping off a day on the road.
- For clubs that like an overnight adventure, look for state fairs and book nearby lodging.
📸 Photo idea: Snap a group shot in front of the Ferris wheel at sunset—it’s a ride classic.
🌅 Lakeside Destinations
A lakeside ride is one of the most refreshing ways to close out summer. Cool breezes, sparkling water, and a chance to dip your feet after miles on the road—it’s simple but unforgettable.
- Target local lakes, reservoirs, or state parks with motorcycle-friendly parking and picnic areas.
- Pack swimwear under your gear for a quick dip or a waterside lounge.
- Bring snacks and drinks for a lakeside picnic to keep the camaraderie going.
📸 Photo idea: Capture your lineup of bikes parked against the water with reflections of the sunset.
🌻 Sunflower Fields & Scenic Roads
If you’re lucky enough to live near sunflower country, late summer is the season to catch those golden fields in full bloom. Even if you don’t, this time of year offers spectacular roadside views of wildflowers, rolling hills, and farmland.
- Research local flower farms or scenic byways designed for fall color drives.
- Use scenic pull-offs for safe photo stops.
- These rides are shorter in distance but high in visual reward—perfect for a relaxed weekend afternoon.
📸 Photo idea: Group members standing with helmets off, bikes behind, and fields of sunflowers as the backdrop.
🛣️ Twilight City Rides
Not every end-of-summer ride has to be rural. A late-day cruise through a nearby city or downtown area can be just as fun—especially if it ends with dinner or drinks at a biker-friendly spot. The warm twilight air makes urban rides a little more magical this time of year.
- Time your ride to start just before sunset, so city lights and sky colors blend.
- Pick a rooftop bar or outdoor patio as your ending point for food and laughs.
- Great for weekday evenings when a long trip isn’t possible.
📸 Photo idea: Bikes lined along a street with the glow of neon lights or city skyline in the background.
Final Thoughts
The end of summer is a perfect excuse to ride together, explore, and create lasting memories before cooler weather rolls in. Whether your club leans toward country roads and apple orchards, sunset lakeside stops, or downtown nightlife, the goal is the same: celebrate the season, your sisterhood, and the freedom of two wheels.
So gather your riding sisters, pick a destination that excites everyone, and make one last summer group ride the highlight of your season. 🌻🏍️🍎
