Southern Tier: West => East or East => West ?

[Stefan]

Dear all,

I remain puzzled on the question whether to ride the Southern Tier West=>East or East=>West. A common recommendation seems to be West=>East because of tail winds and the hot weather in the West. But I have also been suggested the reverse. People argue that it is nicer to cycle into the sunset and that the strech from Louisiana to Florida is awfully humid from early summer onwards. Which of both is true? Is anybody currently on the Southern Tier in westbound direction or intends to do so?

Thanks in advance, Stefan

This message was edited by Stefan on 3-22-06 @ 12:58 PM

[Trebek]

Stefan,

I'd go east to west because it will be very hot and humid here by June 1st.  But the wind thing is something to consider.

Trebek
Bastrop, Texas

[RussellSeaton]

In the middle of the country the wind blows south to north during the summer.  The mythical wind out of the west is just that, mythical.  Except in the winter when the wind does blow from the north and west.  So wind direction should not be considered for a lateral crossing of the US.

Riding into the sunset (east to west) may not be a great idea because the sun can blind car drivers behind you.  Of course riding into the sunrise (west to east) early in the morning has the same problems.  Easier to get around though because you can dawdle around camp or breakfast until well after the sun is up in the morning.  And I guess in the evening sunset is usually late enough that you will be done riding hours before.

[Imhyper2u]

Before you go the Southern tier route, Check the trail conditions in New orleans/Katrina effected areas. I was talking to a friend that was saying that the area is still not open for Amtrak or freight trains due to damage to the storm. The bike trails may still be under re- construction as well.

Pedal pusher 4ever

[Trebek]

My guest went through New Orleans but had to alter her course a bit between there and Mobile Alabama due to bridges that are no longer in existance.  Its definately doable in fact she thought the hurricane affected areas were the most interesting part of her trip.

[ptaylor]

The East vs West discussion usually revolves around the wind direction. If you want information overload on this, take a look at "http://www5.ncdc.noaa.gov/documentlibrary/pdf/wind1996.pdf".

Gramps