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.