TransAm west to east in May....weather?

[vanick]

Folks, I'm planning on flying to Oregon and riding self-supported (chez BOB) back home to Virginia (right near the cookie lady) starting May 1 or thereabouts.  I'm wondering what weather conditions I should anticipate in the west in early May.  Am I going to be dealing with snow in the high country? I have a pretty good idea what the midwest and east will be like in June....

How early in the season to the west-to-east TransAm folds start pulling out of Astoria (and are they packing ski parkas)?

Thanks, Nick

[Peaks]

Well, for what it's worth, the ACA Trans-Am excursion starts May 5.  So, I'd assume that the route should be open.

On the Northern Tier, the riding conditions note that SR 20 through the North Cascades National Park is generally open between late April and late November.  I assume that Riding Conditions on the Trans-Am maps advise you of dates when the passes are likely to be closed.

[jamawani]

I've cycled cross country a half-dozen times in both directions.  Starting at the END of May in Astoria once, I nearly froze my tush off in the mountains.  That was when I lived in Chapel Hill - - since then I moved to Wyoming and learned that May can be VERY snowy at higher elevations - plus the winter's snow hasn't melted from the trails and campgrounds.  We can usually count on a Memorial Day snowstorm in the high country in the Bighorn Mountains.
Click on this website to get average and record temps for many small towns across the West.  You'll discover that May 1 is extremely early for a starting date from Astoria on the TransAm.
http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/climsum.html
I'm guessing that you are not a Westerner.  If you really have to start that early, I think in makes far more sense to go East to West - save the great scenery for last - and have good weather as well.  Oh - - and you were like planning on cycling in the East in late July?!?!  Ughhh!  Drop me a line.
johnegan@vcn.com
Have a great ride whatever - - J