Southern Tier in late fall - weather?

[Paris]

Has anyone ridden the southern tier in late fall and can share their weather experience? We're considering November thru mid-December.

[litespeed]

I did it, more or less, in November-December 2004. El Centro CA to Florida. Cold wasn't a real problem but it was a rainy year. And, since the jet stream ate Texas, I had a lot of NE winds in my face.
It's certainly not the best time of year for it but it's perfectly doable. You will probably have some cold weather here and there but it shouldn't be real bad - maybe dipping to freezing in the morning a time or two. The only cold weather I had was just below freezing in the early morning in Mobile. Other than that cold wasn't a problem.
The best roads you'll have are in Texas and the worst are in Louisiana.
Don't hesitate to ride the shoulders of the interstates out west if it's convenient for you.

[Paris]

Thanks Litespeed for the info...it's helpful!  I was quite surprised that your coldest weather was in Alabama - I was expecting that New Mexico would be the big challenge.  We are riding it from FL to CA (due to wind direction this time of year)and are a bit concerned about snow.  Doesn't sound like you had a problem on the passes(?).  Thanks again for the reply!

[litespeed]

I don't use ACA routes so I hit no passes. I followed interstates 8 and 10 more or less (using the shoulders, frontage roads and nearby highways) from California to San Antonio. I avoided the interstates around the major cities, between Tuscon and Phoenix and around the Rio Grande, of course. From San Antonio I cut south to Victoria and Galveston. Then up through Louisiana and along the coast to home.
I believe the ACA route goes through Del Rio. This would probably be a lot more scenic and interesting than I10 but with more climbing.
Keeping your route as far south as possible is a good idea that time of year but I'd advise sticking to the ACA route as far as Texas.

This message was edited by litespeed on 10-11-07 @ 6:51 AM

[TCS]

October thru May is the good time to ride Southern Tier.

"I believe the ACA route goes through Del Rio."

Yes, and Ft. Davis, Leakey and other points.

"This would probably be a lot more scenic and interesting than I10 but with more climbing."

Correct on both counts.

BTW, the legal speed limit on I10 between El Paso and Kerrville is now 80mph.

HTH,
TCS