What's the latest in the year you would start W-E Trans-am?

[dstromberg]

I realize temperatures are tolerated differently by individuals but I would like to get some ideas from individuals experienced with the Trans-am & Western Express. Also I realize road conditions are a consideration. I would like to know what is the latest in the year that people would recommend traveling from west to east on the trans-am/Western Express? Also if intersecting the Trans-am by doing the Western Express would allow for a later departure date? The soonest I would be able to begin such a tour will be about September 1st and I would plan on about 85 days to complete.

[mcmoonter]

I rode the TransAm E 2 W in 2011. We met one guy headed east towards the end of August when we were four days from Florence on the Pacific . He was the last east bound rider we met.  The express route will be different though.


 Folks we spoke to in Wyoming were expecting snow at higher elevations by mid September. Colorado is higher still and further away.

http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/8912

[bbarrettx]

that could be done on the west express route. just make sure you get to pueblo by 10/1 and be prepared for potential weather and very cold nights in co mountains. short days once you get past mid october could be a challenge as well. i wouldn't attempt it on the traditional west transam route. brian