Eastern Express Route Start Dates

[cyclingred]

I am planning a coast to coast trip in 2026 on the Trans AM route and plan on using the Eastern Express route. I will be going East to West.  What is the earliest one can start in New Jersey?  Is Early April too early?
Thanks

[John Nettles]

Welcome to the ACA Forums!

The "best" time depends on several factors, i.e. temperature, rain, wind direction, date that lodging/campgrounds open for the season, etc. Since "best" is highly subjective for some areas (especially weather), I would suggest you check out WeatherSpark.com.  They have an excellent climate database that shows the averages for a lot of the world.  Also, if you are camping, be sure to check a few campgrounds as to when they open. 

You don't say how many miles a day you plan to do and be sure to factor that in.  If you do 40 miles per day, you won't have to worry about when campgrounds open west of the Mississippi but if you plan on 100 per day, then yes, you will need to factor that in.

Personally, early April is a bit early for me but I like warmer temps. 

Finally, if you look at the Route you want to ride https://www.adventurecycling.org/routes-and-maps/interactive-network-map/ then click on the "Logistic" tab for that route, ACA gives a broad idea of the expected climate. 

As a side note, the Eastern Express does not go to New Jersey but the Chicago to NYC route does.  I wasn't sure if you plan on riding down to Virgina via the Atlantic Coast or DelMarVa route and then starting the TransAm or riding west via the CNYC route which I assume is the one since you mention the Eastern Express.  Regardless, the info above is the same. 

Tailwinds, John

[cyclingred]

Thanks. I will check out the weather site. I live in the Washington D.C. area so I will drive to NJ to start.  The number of miles per day is BIG question.   I haven't done a self supported tour in a number of years.  I was was 20 years younger when I did a few tours and averaged 60-80 miles a day.  I will turn 70 about the time I start this trip so, I am not sure what I will be able to do each day.  I generally ride over 5000 miles a year and have no problem doing a century ride.  But, now I will be loaded with gear so I am also re-evaluating what I carried on a tours in my younger days.

I have checked the ACA site and other sites but I have gotten some mixed messages so I trying to gather additional information.

[John Nelson]

Unless starting in May is uncomfortably late, or unless you tolerate cold much better than you tolerate heat, I’d wait until May to start. More things will be open and you’ll have more daylight. Also, try to estimate when you will get to Yellowstone and compare that to the average opening date for the park. I’d also worry about getting to McKenzie Pass before it opens, which typically opens in mid-June.

An April start also carries a greater risk of encountering snow in the Rockies. The Colorado Rockies usually have their best weather in mid June.

[DonKahn1]

Several years ago I rode cross country from Washington DC to Seattle.  I left Washington DC on May 1 and this seems to have worked quite well timing wise.  Still not too hot when I rode through Misouri and Kansas, but the passes in the Rockies where open when I went through in mide June.  I took the eastern express from DC to Ft Collins, and then branched off to complete the ride to Seattle

[rootchopper]

I live near DC. I've ridden across the US three times. Mid May is about as good as it gets. Any later and you'll bake as you cross the plains. Any earlier and you could encounter snow in the Rockies. My only show stopper is dog attacks and that is not likely to be a problem on your route.

[BikeliciousBabe]

Ant time is a good time to leave NJ.   

[John Nettles]

Ant time is a good time to leave NJ.   

I may be mistaken but I thought you lived in NJ.  If so, don't apply to the NJ Tourism Bureau 

[jamawani]

Then there's "Blackberry Winter" in the east.
Especially in the Appalachian Mountains.
Middle of May, cold rain, near-freezing morning temps.

I've started a number of trips from east to west in mid-May.
In the Carolinas / Virginia, too.
And was shivering in the mountains.

But the other side of the coin is the heat in the Great Plains.
You really want to get thru the Great Plains before the end of June.
Plus, you can have significant snow well into June in the Rockies.
Not to mention the time it takes for winter snow to melt.

May 15 is my standard for east to west.

The incredible Marlene Verplanck sings "Blackberry Winter" -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5-lQ_F2s7XU

[BikeliciousBabe]

Ant time is a good time to leave NJ.   

I may be mistaken but I thought you lived in NJ.  If so, don't apply to the NJ Tourism Bureau 

Just across the river in Philly.  I actually do several short trips in Jersey every year and have ridden from New Hope, PA to Brooklyn over a dozen times.  The overwhelming majority of that route goes through Jersey.  It all depends on which part of the state we're taking.  Despite being the most densely populated of the 50 states, there are several areas that are still relatively pleasant to ride in, and it has a healthy black bear population, all things considered.  I have seen four over the years--two while driving and two while riding.

BTW...Frank Moritz was one of the leaders of my 1999 unsupported Northern Tier tour.  Great guy.

[TeresaC]

Rootchopper,  whereabouts are the dogs you mentioned?  I've heard Kentucky dogs are out there.  I carry a marine horn, but it is hard to think about pedaling as fast as possible and also being levelheaded enough to use the marine horn with one hand. 

[John Nelson]

Just my personal experience, but dogs seem to be the worst in Kentucky, Missouri, Alabama and Tennessee. The fewest dog problems seem to be anywhere in the West.

My strategy for dogs is this:

• If you're sure that you can outrun the dog, then do so. This usually only applies on a good downhill. If you're not sure, don't try.
• Yell at the dog. Perhaps a good stern "go home!!!" Perhaps sweet-talking to it. This works on some dogs and doesn't phase others, but it's worth a try.
• If you can't outrun the dog, and yelling at it doesn't work, then stop and put your bike between you and the dog (only works if there aren't enough dogs to surround you). Wait until the dog gets bored and goes home. If necessary, ask for help from a passing motorist. Perhaps they can get their car between you and the dog.
• Under no circumstances should you take physical action from a moving bicycle. That's just asking for trouble. If, while still moving, you try to spray the dog, or squirt water on it, or hit it with your pump, or kick it, there's just too much chance of crashing.