Author Topic: questions on the southern tier and  (Read 7836 times)

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Offline nick.bonnell

questions on the southern tier and
« on: November 08, 2007, 05:20:13 pm »
Greetings everybody,

Has anyone ever rode the Southern tier in Winter?  I'm currently planning a trip beginning early Feb, 2008 and would love any information.

Originally I was going to see Europe but find the exchange rate scary right now.


Offline litespeed

questions on the southern tier and
« Reply #1 on: November 11, 2007, 10:17:54 am »
Just keep in mind that desert nights are plenty cold in the winter. If you are camping out carry a warm sleeping bag. And pack warm clothing.
If you are credit card touring you'll love the cheap motel rates in west Texas.
I hope you like Mexican food. Some towns in the southwest have little else.


Offline MrBent

questions on the southern tier and
« Reply #2 on: December 11, 2007, 01:04:44 am »
I've ridden the California/Arizona deserts a lot in the winter.  For sure go west to east to catch the prevailing winds.  Pack for sub-freezing temperatures, especially through New Mexico where you'll hit the high point of the tour.  Just keep in mind how short the days will be.  Unless you don't mind riding in the dark, be prepared to scale back mileage goals over tours done later in the year.  If you've got the time, go for it.  You'll have a great adventure.  Just be prepared for freezing temps--booties, warm bag and tent, the usual suspects.  This ride is totally doable in the winter.

Cheers,

Scott


Offline meandangel

questions on the southern tier and
« Reply #3 on: October 06, 2008, 05:37:12 pm »
how cold is the sountern tier cause i'm from alaska and it gets pretty cold here, whats the temp?


Offline Westinghouse

questions on the southern tier and
« Reply #4 on: October 08, 2008, 03:41:02 pm »
I have done the southern tier 2 1/2 times in winter and 1 1/2 times in summer. Be prepared for the cold, and being from Alaska, you know what that means. The southern tier is better in winter, I believe. It can still be warm some days, and below freezing other days. When it comes to cold it is all about your shelter, your sleeping bag, and your clothing. Cycling can keep you warm. The cold knocks out a lot of the mosquito problem, and there is no 98-100F heat to knock back your mileage.


Offline Westinghouse

questions on the southern tier and
« Reply #5 on: October 09, 2008, 12:10:11 pm »
I have done the southern tier in winter, once alone and another time with a lady friend from England. The winter is not severe enough that far south to put you off the ride. There could be several days of ice and snow keeping you inside somewhere. It gets well below freezing at times.

I have always done it east to west. Yes, sidewinds do come in from the north, and others from the west, but the fact is I kept detailed records of weather and wind directions, and they show that you also get nice stiff tailwinds and quarter-winds that push you. Some days there is hardly any wind at all of any concern.
In fact the wind will come at you and go from you in every direction on the compass, 360 degrees. However, sometimes quite strong and constant winds blow 24 and 7 from west to east, coming out of California and persisting for several days, unrelenting. I do not cycle against such a wall of resistance. When that happens it is time to haul it off the road, get a motel, watch TV, read books, go out to restaurants, and relax.

The last time I did the S-tier in winter I had a tarp for shelter, a closed cell foam pad for ground insulation, appropriate clothing, and a 15F Slumberjack sleeping bag. I had no problem with the cold.

This message was edited by Westinghouse on 10-20-08 @ 9:04 AM