Southern Tier, Heading West, Novemberish...

[HobbesOnTour]

Hi, just looking for some feedback/info on covering part of the Southern Tier from about the New Orleans spur, heading west, starting say, mid November.

Ultimate aim is to turn south and head through Mexico at some point. I'm just wondering if anyone has local or direct experience of this area at this time of year?

My understanding is that the highest peaks are in New Mexico and therefore the most risk of snow/road closures. How far can I realistically expect to get before I'm more likely than less likely to be hit by snow?

As much as I'd like to all the way to San Diego before heading south I'm thinking that this is unrealistic and that I'd be better avoiding the border crossing at Tijuana. Agree or disagree?

Mant thanks from the other side of the pond!

[staehpj1]

There is a good chance for the ST to be rideable all winter.  I actually prefer winter, although late winter is my preference for the longer daylight hours (compared to early winter).  Snow is likely to be mostly only at higher altitudes and possible to wait out if you have a day or two to spare.

[HobbesOnTour]

Thanks for the reply. It matches what I have found out myself - possible short delays. I agree about the shorter daylight hours, but needs must.

[staehpj1]

Yeah, no guarantees or anything but that is based on my limited experience and what I have heard from others who have ridden it in the winter.  I did see just a little snow on the ground at the higher passes in February the year I rode it, but the roads were clear the whole way.  I am sure there is a chance for much worse conditions, but I don't think they are typical.

[hospengr]

I did west to east starting in San Diego mid-September.  Hot in the west, stormy (rain, hail, lightning) in New Mexico, and one extremely cold night below freezing in Louisianna, camped in the back of a truck stop.   Other than that, weather was fine.

[aggie]

November to December is the start of the rain “season” in the west.  Last year was a wet one although this year could be relatively dry.  Be prepared for rain and a day or two delay due to snow.  Temps through AZ should be moderate during the day with cold nights.  Prevailing winds tend to be west to east.

[HobbesOnTour]

Thanks all.

It looks like I'll be following the Southern Tier from about New Orleans as far as Del Rio, Tx. Then I'll cross the border and head approximately south and west to hit the coast after the Devil's Backbone.

 Any and all suggestions welcome 

[fahrrad]

    I've crossed into Mexico at Ojinaga, just west of Big Bend National Park. I found it peaceful, much less congested than Ciudad Acuna (at Del Rio). It would enable you to see the park and ride those beautiful west Texas roads down there, something Southern Tier riders mostly avoid. There is a big well stocked supermarket in Ojinaga that all the Border Patrol agents shop at. Just a suggestion- have a great trip.

[staehpj1]

Thanks all.

It looks like I'll be following the Southern Tier from about New Orleans as far as Del Rio, Tx. Then I'll cross the border and head approximately south and west to hit the coast after the Devil's Backbone.

 Any and all suggestions welcome 

Have a great trip.  Let us know how you make out.  If you are heading south because you want to ride there, great.  But I doubt it is likely to be necessary due to winter weather which actually be worse if your route hits higher elevations.

[HobbesOnTour]

Thanks Fahrrad, that's useful info and descriptive as well :-). I have no hard and fast plans so am open to any and all suggestions.

Staehpj1 I'm not specifically avoiding the weather and will be avoiding the higher elevations in Northern Mexico anyway.

This is my first time touring in this part of the world and I need to be careful of my body (2018 was not the greatest year) so plans are flexible and adaptable on the fly.

If you want to follow my attempts I've started a blog here https://www.cyclechat.net/threads/the-big-big-trip-journal-if-you-want-to-make-the-man-or-woman-upstairs-laugh-just-tell-him-your-plans.254046/

Thanks for all the input

[staehpj1]

Thanks for the link.  I'll have a look at your progress now and then.  Enjoy your tour.