The latest time to head out east to west on the TransAmerica trail

[Soulboy#1]

I'm
Originally a Welshman so know a lot about mountains! I've also
done a lot of the big climbs on the Tour de France (ventoux, alp d'huez etc).
but never had the pleasure as yet of being assisted by a granny ring and
3 panniers!

You're from Wales.  The tallest mountain in Wales is Snowdon at 3,560 feet at the summit.  Denver Colorado, which is not in the Rocky mountains but is near the Rockies, is at 5,280 feet.  To get over the Rocky mountains, you climb UP from Denver to the passes.  The bottom of the valleys between the Rocky mountain passes are 2,000 feet or more higher than the very tip top peak of the tallest mountain in Wales.  There is no snow on your mountain all year long.  The mountains in Wales are comparable to the Appalachian mountains in the USA near the east coast.  They are short mountains.  Steep but short.  You might climb a couple miles to the top.  Not 7 miles of climbing like the Rockies.  The mountains in Wales and the Appalachian mountains do not have the same winter conditions, same year round weather extremes, that the taller Rocky and Sierra mountains out west.

You rode in the Alps.  Likely in summer.  July and August.  Not winter and not the iffy months of spring and fall where the weather can change instantly.  The Alps are similar to the Rockies.  Same height and same weather.  There are very few people who plan cycling vacations in the Alps in early May or late September due to the potential bad weather.  You would not want to plan a ride in the western US mountains at that time either.  You could have wonderful weather.  But you could also have a blizzard.

Hey Russ. Thanks for the concise info. It certainly puts things into perspective. I'm not expecting an easy ride but I'm also expecting and enjoyable one. Getting excited now!!!!

[Soulboy#1]

If I wanted to reverse it, and do an England/Scotland/Ireland/Wales tour, when would that be best?

Hey. Well basically our weather systems are not verY consistent. I guess I'm speaking about summer for sure which is very hit and miss. Our winters are cold but more of a damp cold. Time wise I would set out around maybe around End of March early April as you head into spring. Obviously the further north you go the colder you'll be in Scotland. I do think further south in Wales, England and Ireland the weather doesn't differ that much from the 3. You'll find plenty of a warm welcome in all the countries with many a good pub offering hospitality and strong ale!!!!!!

[jamawani]

Lawsy, chile - you be sweatin' like a pig come Missouri.
And roasting in Kansas. You ain't never seen hot like Dorothyland.
(But have fun, fo sho.)

[Jason]

David,

Just to add another (layer of sweat) to everyone else's comments, a few yrs back I left out of VA, heading west, in late June (don't remember the exact date) but holy, so so so hot through into Missouri.  Enough that I seriously considered riding at night.  It's doable, and every bit the adventure, so enjoy (and stay hydrated.)

[Soulboy#1]

David,

Just to add another (layer of sweat) to everyone else's comments, a few yrs back I left out of VA, heading west, in late June (don't remember the exact date) but holy, so so so hot through into Missouri.  Enough that I seriously considered riding at night.  It's doable, and every bit the adventure, so enjoy (and stay hydrated.)

Thanks Jason. I've been warned about the heat. What time were you starting out in the morning?

[Jason]

I'm typically an early riser.   So, no later​ than, say 6:30.

That would afford me a solid 4+ hrs of riding before the heat started to climb.

[Pat Lamb]

Sunrise is a good time to start.  Coolest time of the day, the wind typically hasn't kicked up, and if you're riding west, the sun is at your back (meaning drivers coming up behind you won't have the sun in their eyes).

It varies by date and where you are, obviously.  Cross a time zone line and your watch will tell you that you get to sleep an extra hour!  Of course, your body won't notice any extra hour unless you go to bed early the night before.

[Soulboy#1]

Thanks for the info lads. Gets excited in London....