The 2023 M Fall Cruise went back to basics

Bigger. Better. More. These are things you’ll hear when the annual car shows roll around. “Prepare for maximum BMW!” Sigh. The BMW M Fall Cruise has never been about that.

Was it any surprise that it was one of the best years yet!? Oops, I just did it too.

Early bird

The show maintains a positive reputation for being free of shenanigans, and last year’s event was pushing the limits of reasonable. Too many cars. Too much speed, especially in the park. I don’t need any rangers banning me.

So regular readers received an email. There was an initial Instagram post. And that’s it. No Bimmerpost threads. No reminders. And no “best event ever!” promise.

Another way to cut down on turnout was to start the event earlier. 6:30 in Edgewater please. That’s AM. Leaving at 7 sharp. It never ends up being right on time, but we’re on River Road by 7:20.

Finally, the destination changed – Haverstraw Bay Park. It’s on the Hudson River with a beautiful view of the Westchester side, and a shorter drive up the Palisades would help keep everyone together for this year’s BMW M Fall Cruise.

Sunrise surprise

I know, I know. I felt it too when I hopped out of bed. But the worst part is over once I’m in the car. The park wasn’t available until the 22nd, a bit later in the month of October, meaning the sunrise was pushed back later than usual.

But that also means a beautiful Sunday morning drive on empty roads. It’s still dark as everyone gathers in Edgewater (and cold), but it’s always great to see everyone. And the reward is a beautiful sunrise as we all head to our cars and the familiar cold start rumble fills the parking lot.

A new home for the BMW M Fall Cruise

As always, my good friend Kyle comes along to help drive my M3 so I can shoot rollers from the back seat. This means that technically, I’ve never actually cruised on the BMW M Fall Cruise, but I hope you don’t mind the concession.

In an effort to help keep everyone together while still enjoying the drive, I select Haverstraw Bay Park in Rockland County as the end point (always permitted, if you’re wondering). I’ve seen many cruises this year charging participants, sometimes over $50, to drive on public roads with friends.

This isn’t that kind of event either.

Shooting from the back is always a thrill as each M car pauses for a shot, then flys by. Once again, there’s a nice mix, and everything from Gs and Fs to Es and Xs are present. Even a few Mercs and a famous Porsche make the drive.

The park offers the chance to mingle and check out everyone’s BMW. By 10:30, the lot is cleared and the day just starting. There is the chance to pull up along the Hudson River with a beautiful sunrise as the backdrop. The location worked well – I think we’ll return here next year.

The OG

I suppose this is an OG event – eight years on it still resonates, and over 90 cars registered in 2023. It’ll be back next year too.

With car events happening every weekend, rallies have become less special and intimate, and more about how the organizer can maximize their pockets and social media clout. The world was so different in 2015 when this started – meets back then felt more innocent, more about actually enjoying the cars.

But here, everyone is kind. Many thank me for organizing, as if I am the gatekeeper of fun. Well, thank you for coming, and thank you for making this event something special each year.

It’s a show that still hasn’t lost its intent – sharing a hobby we all love on a beautiful fall day.