Autumn in Rockies and Sierras?

[chrismbinder]

Anyone have any info/advice for cycling over the Rockies and Sierras in late September & October on the Western Express?  I'm planning a coast-to-coast heading west but won't be able to leave Maine till mid-August. I have no problem with camping in the cold but I've no experience riding in the mountains that time of year.  Any opinions would be appreciated!

[RussSeaton]

Opinion.  I rode a couple weeks in Colorado in early September back in the late 1990s.  It was cold some mornings.  Not so miserable I couldn't ride, but not really enjoyable either.  Rain too.  That was early September, and you are talking about late September, early October.  You could easily have snow and bad roads at all elevations.  Not just the tops of the mountains.  And in Colorado the tops of the mountains can get snow year round.  Not to discourage you, but be prepared with warm clothes.  Gloves, booties, balaclava, etc.

[wanderingwheel]

I'm not too sure on the Rockies at that time, but the Sierras should be passable.  The first snow in the Sierras usually doesn't come until mid-November or so, but they have seen significant snow as early as October in some years.  Fall in the Sierras is usually pretty nice, but cold and brisk.  I would have no hesitation making the trip.

Sean

[Phycohb]

rockeys are  tempramental at best ANY time of the year

one day you get 90+F* heat next day your 6 ft of snow and negitive 10 and are stuck wondering why.

the views are good... but theres no set date or even season for snow or heat in colorado.

your least likeley to die if you are going mid summer.

[Aloha_Cyclist]

I spent the last 2 weeks of October in the Sierra mountains in California this past year and the weather was perfect, shorts and t-shirts during the day and light layers at night.

During the years that I lived in Western Colorado mid-September to mid-October were always the most pleasant times of the year. Typical fall weather, cool, clear, blue skies and fall colors. Enjoy the ride.

I'm sure the weather will not be a limiting factor, though in a mountain environment expect anything and be prepared for possible adverse conditions.

[chrismbinder]

thanks for all the helpful advice! I'm not about to let a little weather get in the way of a xcountry trip but i definitely want to be prepared for conditions. looks like i just need to be able to stay warm and know when to sit it out for a day or two if a rough storm kicks up.