Virginia Beach to San Francisco -- When?

[dougstetson]

Planning a TransAM east to west starting in Virginia Beach to Pueblo, then Western Express to San Francisco, unsupported, about 50 miles a day, 6 days a week, more when possible and fun, social and sightseeing stops, camping when possible: I'm guessing 70-85 days. My first such trip. Question is, when to start. I want to avoid snow in the Appalachians, and heat in the western deserts. Anyone with experience on this route willing to offer suggestions? I'd like to get in touch.

[wanderingwheel]

It's going to be difficult to avoid hot weather in the high deserts of Nevada.  Your best bets are spring to early summer and mid to late fall.  This would dictate a departure date of March or early April, or August and later.  However, I've been much more uncomfortable in the humid conditions across the middle of the country than in the hot, dry conditions in the deserts.  As long as I'm carrying sufficient water, the deserts have never been a problem for me.

Sean

[dougstetson]

Thanks, Sean. Have you made this east to west trip? Other comments I've read echo your greater discomfort with midwest humidity than the high desert. I just hope the snow has left the Appalachians by end May.

Doug Stetson
San Francisco bound

[wanderingwheel]

I haven't ridden it east to west.  I've ridden the Trans-Am west to east and I've done a number of shorter tours in California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado at various times.  If you piece all those smaller trips together, I have just about covered the full Western Express also, but that never was the goal.  I should also admit that when I was young I spent the summers in Nevada with my grandparents so I've always been comfortable there.

Sean