Southern Tier in Winter?

[DaveD]

I want to do the Southern Tier, Starting in Florida, this winter.  I'm talking dead of winter, like starting in January.  Is this a bad idea?  Are their particular areas that will serve up serious problems?
Thanks for the input folks.

[MrBent]

This is do-able, but, of course, you're facing some tough going at times.  The deep South will be pretty pleasant--as will the low deserts--but I believe the ST route goes through some moderately high passes in NM, which, depending on the weather, could be nasty.  The good news is, there are lower elevation routes if I'm not mistaken.  You'll have to go loaded for bear and be ready  for sub-freezing temperatures at times.  Also, riding days will be VERY short.  W/cold mornings, getting started early isn't easy, and you'll be looking for camp by 3:30pm or so if you want time to set up before dark.  If you want to do big mile days, you'll be riding in the dark, likely at both ends.  I've done a fair amount of mid-winter desert touring and love it!  I don't expect, however, to ride more than 60 mi. or so in a day if I want time to check out different areas, have an unhurried lunch, etc.  One of the challenges of this season is the 12 or so hours in the tent each night!

I say go for it, but plan for the worst.

Cheers,

Scott

[litespeed]

I did San Francisco to home (Florida) in November-December. The coldest days (barely freezing) were in Ventucopa CA (high desert) and, surprisingly, Mobile AL. But that was just in the night and early morning. My main problem was rain (2004 was a rainy year) and a lack of expected tailwinds (jet stream ate Texas). The days were short but with a little luck I was able to get in 100 mile days. Except for Interstate 10 El Paso-San Antonio I stayed as far south as possible. The worst roads you'll find are in Louisiana, the best in Texas. I'd say go ahead.

petewilford@aol.com
Holiday FL

[DaveD]

This is great news and a HUGE help.  This is just the advice I was looking for.  Thanks a bunch, and keep the thoughts coming if you got em.  

Dave

[reinarz]

Dave

We plan to do Texas, east bound in sections starting in Jan. That is a really cool time. Perhaps we will see each other.

[bswift]

I'm doing the West to East S. Tier starting Dec. 4th and plan on averaging
130+ miles a day.... anyone have any wind reports from previous winter
trips?  I live in the coldest town in the United States so I'm not to worried
about the cold- but I've heard the headwinds in Texas are horrible.

[RussellSeaton]

"I'm doing the West to East S. Tier starting Dec. 4th and plan on averaging 130+ miles a day...."

I have to ask, why do a bicycle tour if all you are going to do is ride all day.  130 miles a day average will leave you with zero stopping time.  Especially in December.  8 hours of daylight and you will have to ride 16mph every hour.  Loaded with panniers.  If you stop for breaks and lunch a total of 1 hour a day, that leaves 7 hours of riding time.  18.6mph speed needed to average 130 miles a day.  Loaded with panniers.  I hope you are a very, very expeerienced randonneur to reduce all stopping times to the absolute minimum.  That many miles a day, day after day after day, does not sound like enjoyment to me.

[bswift]

Hi Russell-

I suppose everyone is different.  On my last major tour I did 180+ days
with no problems.  And I still got to meet great people and see
amazing things...  I have a touring setup that requires no paniers so
my bike weighs less than 20 lbs fully loaded- thus allowing me to
move faster than most.  My enjoyment from touring comes from the
joy of riding a bicycle- if I could ride 24 hours a day on this trip I
would and probably will one of these years in the RAAM.  

What doesn't sound like fun to me is riding such a long distance with
40 lbs of stuff that you don't need.  You woldn't believe some of the
things I've seen people lugging across the country on a bicycle.

I just love to ride my bike... it's that simple.  Take away the mileage
and realize that everyone is doing these tours for different reasons.

This message was edited by bswift on 9-28-06 @ 7:39 AM

[DaveD]

Bswift:

Mad respect man.  I wish all the power to ya and hopefully we'll cross paths this winter.  

Dave

[bengarland]

I'll be doing the Southern Tier, starting somewhere in the panhandle of Florida (coming from mid-GA) around the beginning of the second week of January. If you want to meet up, shoot me a private message.

Ben

[mgarnett]

We rode the Southern Tier, with some modifications, in 2005, starting in Florida in mid-February.  The weather was fine, but you will need long pants, long-sleeves, jackets, etc. -- there will be some cool and rainy days in the southeast for sure.

You may find our journal helpful -- http://thebigtrip.crazyguyonabike.com

good luck -- we had an amazing time!

[DaveD]

Great website.  Congratulations on both the wedding and the tour.  Thanks for the help.