Can I ride the Western Express (Nevada, Utah) in June/July?

[PeanutButterShammyCream]

I was planning on doing that route NOW, but I injured my knee. I have been planning on riding that route for 2 years, and I would prefer not to ride the Northern Route again.

Is it absolutely not possible to ride through Nevada and Utah during those months because of the weather? What if I woke up early, and got all my riding done by noon?

Thanks guys.

[aggie]

It would be possible.  Just keep in mind that once you leave Fallon, NV services are about 70 miles apart in Nevada.  There won't be any food or water until you get to the next town (except for Middle gate between Fallon and Austin) so you will need to carry lots of extra water since it will be hot and dry.  Utah will be similar to Nevada. 

[PeanutButterShammyCream]

Thanks for your reply. Should I expect temperatures to be around 100 degrees in Nevada and Utah during the summer though?

[John Nettles]

The 30-year average highs for Ely are 79.5, 88.0, & 85.7 respectively for the 15th of June, July, & August.  For Fallon it is 83.1, 92.2, & 90.3 for Fallon.  While it could be cooler,  it could also be hotter.  Remember that the nights are quite a bit cooler than the day's highs, typically close to 40 degrees cooler.

As Aggie said, carry lots of water and consider start to ride very early (first light) in the morning you should be fine.

Have a great ride!  John

[Calum]

I cycled the Western Express last year in June, arriving in San Francisco on July 3. I had temperatures in the high 90s and low 100s. For a Scotsman, I surprisingly didn't have a problem with the heat. I can only assume that was because I kept myself really well hydrated and covered up. I only started once at dawn; otherwise I'd typically start around 8am. Besides my 3 water bottles, I had a 2.5 liter water sack, and (for the long sections with no services inbetween) an approx. 9 liter Crystal Geyser water box. It was a stunning ride. One of the best I've ever done. Good luck!