Late Trans Am Departure Possible?

[bayareacyclist]

I plan on riding solo west to east on the Trans America route starting in late August.  I plan on doing 60 to 70 miles a day.  Am I starting too late?  I would particuliarly like to know what to expect in the last quarter of the ride--Kentucky, Virginia, etc.--when I ride through those states in October.    I guess I'm most concerned about the weather and shorter days.  I've done several solo tours with full panniers in the past but nothing exceeding a month.

[tandembob]

I hope it's not too late. We are departing west to east August 21 on our tandem. We picked this later start hoping for cooler weather and fewer crowds. Being from the east coast I know more about Kentucky and Virginia in October than I do the West coast. Usually pretty nice- expect 50's to 70's for highs and nice fall leaves until the middle of October. Will likely have a few below freezing nights in the mountains. I plan on using a rain jacket for windbreaker with a fleece sweater underneath for warmth on cool mornings.

[bayareacyclist]

Thanks for your reply.  The weather sounds kind of nice that time of the year.

[jeremy]

I'm glad I found this post.  I was just about to start a new discussion asking if August was a good time to start the trans am west to east.  I'm planning for that in 07.  I was hoping the mountains in the east wouldn't be too cold in October.  You've put me at ease.  thanks.