Southern Tier November through to Feb

[travellingfoxes]

Gday guys
Is it feasible to attempt the Southern Tier over November through to February, starting San Diego heading East (obviously)?
Thanks
Ken and Jules
Travellingfoxes

[staehpj1]

I think your timeframe would be OK.  The one drawback I see to your proposed time is that the shortest day of the year (Dec. 21st?) is in that period.  Late winter the days are a good bit longer.  I went Feb-March for that route and thought the timing ideal.

It sounds like you plan a pretty laid back pace.  I found the route to lend itself more to longish days in the saddle.  With relatively widely spaced stops and dull scenery (to me at least) I found that I wanted to do 80-110 mile days a lot of the time.  I think I averaged 80 mile days despite being and old fart, not training for the trip, and nursing a knee injury part of the way.  I stopped in Pensacola and took 31 days.  So I personally wouldn't want to take much more than a month to a month and a half.

As mentioned above I found the scenery pretty uninspiring.  Still, I liked the trip for the people and the food.  I met a lot of interesting people and there was lots of good barbecue, seafood, Mexican food, and Cajun food.

[rabbitoh]

G'day Ken & Jules,

There is a book called "The Crossing" by Martin Delaney which might be a useful guide. He rode the ST west to east, starting November 2002. I think the book is still readily available.

Best wishes for your ride.

[misterflask]

Thanks, OP, for your timely post.  I had been contemplating the same timeframe for  a southern tier trip. 
Anyone care to comment on the number of overnite frosts to be expected and where? 
Also, what are camping accommodations like overall?  I was pleasantly surprised on the TA to only have to stealth camp once and to get a warm shower most nights.  Is the southern tier so luxurious?