Ideas for winter bike tour

[rariaz22]

Hey guys,

So, I want to do a bike tour this winter starting in January and ending in february or beginning of march.  Does anyone have any suggestions on places to go?  I am honestly open to all ideas big or small! But I am ready for an adventure. 

THanks for the ideas!!!

-Rachel

[staehpj1]

In the US, or are you considering other places?

If in the US, the Southern Tier is the only longish tour I have done that is really suited well to that time of year.  I rode it starting in February and finishing in April and the weather was OK.  There were some cold nights, but daytime temperatures were mostly nice.

If you are considering somewhere else, it would be summer in the southern hemisphere so lots of options there.  I have no first hand experience riding there so I have no specific suggestions.

[leeazjr]

Arizona has great weather during winter. At least most of the Sonoran Desert does. You could put together a great trip on the Arizona trail. Most sections from Mexico to Pickett post outside of Phoenix would be a good choice. The Arizona trail association website is a great resource for trail conditions and info, also suggestions for bypassing wilderness areas which are off limits to bikes. They also released a really nice guide book to the az trail this year. There are tons of options and lots of info out there to help you out.
Have fun!!

[Westinghouse]

Leeazjr has it right. Arizona and NM are good for winter cycling.The weather can be fairly good.

[bong_crosby]

If you're really feeling adventurous:

http://bajacyclingguide.blogspot.com/

[Mark Manley]

South East Asia or India where the weather will be great, fly to Bangkok or Delhi get the train out of town and cycle from there. Some of the best food and most interesting culture on earth, the reduced living cost will help go towards the ticket.

[RussSeaton]

You'll have to check on the weather.  I toured southern Portugal and southern Spain near the Rock of Gibraltar in mid November.  Weather may still be OK in Jan-Feb-Mar.  Weather was great for me.  Shorts and jersey all the time.  Great roads for cycling.  No traffic.  Scenic countryside.

[DaveB]

Australia or New Zealand.  January is summer there.