Atlantic Coast route--headwind question

[kingrichard]

I am planning a trip spanning the entire East coast to take place from mid-May to August.  Does anyone know which direction is preferrable to head?  North to south?  Or vice versa?  I have only a small knowledge about cycling myself, and I know less about headwind conditions.  I would love any help.  Thanks a lot.

[FredHiltz]

Wind direction is a wash on the East coast in summer. Except when a storm is nearby, the prevailing wind will be either southwest ahead of the next cold front to arrive, or northwest behind it. East wind means an imminent storm. Check the radio. Wind speeds are generally less than in the West.

Another factor to consider in May is black flies. Anywhere north of Boston, and a few places south of there, these little critters can make outdoor life miserable from early May to early June, perhaps late June further north. They are not a problem while in motion, but when you stop, especially in a cool shady place, they start taking their tiny chunks of flesh. When hiking in that season, I wear long sleeves, long pants, and a head net.

Fred

[ptaylor]

If you want information overload on wind, take a look at "http://www5.ncdc.noaa.gov/documentlibrary/pdf/wind1996.pdf".

This site doesn't mention Black Flies, but they sound ugly!

Gramps

[Craig Wagoner]

I am doing the trip in Sept.  I will keep track of your progress for any ideas.

[geegee]

In my opinion, it would be best to go South to North. You are bound to
have tailwinds on the nice days. Heading north on the east coast means
you are really heading northeast most of the time, which is the direction
of the Gulfstream and therefore the general direction of the prevailing
weather patterns. I once cycled south on the Jersey shore from NYC to
Philly and the headwind was awful.

Also, considering the time you are going, it is better to be in the south
around May and in the north towards August, avoiding the excessive heat
of summer.

[rsheard]

Last week I did a quick jaunt, heading south, on the Outer Banks in NC. First day, there was a terrific tailwind. The second day it was dead into my face. The third day, at my back again. No unusual storms or weather patterns. Just variable winds. Toss a coin?

Robert Sheard
http://robertsheard.com

[JayH]

Black flies exist south of boston, they are in the catskills and ADKs too..

I would go south to north. Most of the storms seem to come from the west or south, unless it's a northeaster where the winds can wrap around and curl into places like eastern Long Island, CT, etc.  But in general, although winds can be anywhere, south to north is good.

Jay