Transamerica route question

[currinbrandon]

I plan to do the transamerica trail East to West then go down the pch and follow the southern tier back home... Is starting the Transamerica trail in April a good idea or should I wait another month?
Any advice is appreciated.

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[John Nettles]

How many miles a day do you plan on averaging?  I would not plan on getting to Pueblo until June 1st at the earliest unless you want to wait out any late winter storms in the mountains and/or be cold at night.

[currinbrandon]

Thanks John for that thought.. I haven't thought about what milage I'm expecting, not in no rush so I guess conservatively between 30 and 60 miles a day.  But I wouldn't want to be stuck out in any late winter storms if avoidable.

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[indyfabz]

When in April? April 1st is probably not the greatest of ideas. April 30th could be o.k. I have ridden portions of the TA in Montana in mid-June the last few years and hit or just missed some mountain snow and cold rain, but nothing that lasted.

[currinbrandon]

When in April? April 1st is probably not the greatest of ideas. April 30th could be o.k. I have ridden portions of the TA in Montana in mid-June the last few years and hit or just missed some mountain snow and cold rain, but nothing that lasted.

I was considering mid April, but given your information I am looking more towards a May departure, not really looking forward to a snow storm on a bike, I've had enough of those in Semi-trucks for a lifetime.... Thank you.

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[Pat Lamb]

I think you've got a very low chance of snow in the Appalachians if you leave the end of April or the first of May.  There may still be some chilly mornings, but those will be countered by the not-yet-100 degree days crossing Kansas.

From what I hear, the front range of the Rockies is pretty dry so far this season, so everything in Colorado should be melted by the time you get there.  Ditto for northern Utah, I'd guess there's not a lot up in Wyoming and Idaho.  You may have heard there's a lot of moisture over northern California and up into Oregon, but you've got another month after hitting the Rockies for that to melt.

[currinbrandon]

I think you've got a very low chance of snow in the Appalachians if you leave the end of April or the first of May.  There may still be some chilly mornings, but those will be countered by the not-yet-100 degree days crossing Kansas.

From what I hear, the front range of the Rockies is pretty dry so far this season, so everything in Colorado should be melted by the time you get there.  Ditto for northern Utah, I'd guess there's not a lot up in Wyoming and Idaho.  You may have heard there's a lot of moisture over northern California and up into Oregon, but you've got another month after hitting the Rockies for that to melt.

Appreciate the information..... Looks like a late April early May does sound like my best bet from your information.

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[indyfabz]

Montana has gotten a lot of snow this winter, but patterns can always change. To be safe, I would wait until early May, even if only until the start of the second week.

[currinbrandon]

Appreciate it all.. Apparently Fate is keeping me home til May anyway, my X is having surgery and I got our son for a while.

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[currinbrandon]

Another question... I have my attire already picked but wanted to make sure I'm doing this right, since it's my first long distance tour... Amy suggestions appreciated

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[indyfabz]

A early to mid-May start will likely result in you running into others going the same direction.

As for attire, posting what you have picked out would be helpful.

[currinbrandon]

A early to mid-May start will likely result in you running into others going the same direction.

As for attire, posting what you have picked out would be helpful.

So far...

Bike shorts
2 pair of athletic shorts
2 pairs of jeans
4 unders
5 socks
4 shirts
2 tanks
Rain gear
Jacket

Not counting the logical appearl

Am I missing anything or neglecting amounts?

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[jamawani]

Jeans ?

Heavy, bulky, take forever to dry.
Many people take a single pair of long, lightweight hikers.
I have a fair complexion so I take two.
Two pair of cotton/poly hikers weigh less than one pair of jeans.

[currinbrandon]

Jeans ?

Heavy, bulky, take forever to dry.
Many people take a single pair of long, lightweight hikers.
I have a fair complexion so I take two.
Two pair of cotton/poly hikers weigh less than one pair of jeans.

I may take 1 pair for a "formal" attire I typically wear jeans dialysis for work and want to look presentable in a few places I am planning to visit lol, but I get your point.

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[John Nelson]

That's easily twice as many clothes as you need. And really, no jeans. Lightweight nylon pants look just as formal.