Western Express late June

[10thgear]

Has anyone ridden the Western Express (either direction) in late June? I am planning a tour and would like to use the Western Express but I cannot start the tour until the 3rd week of June. I know services are scarce (we are a supported tour), and the temps are high, but is this just a crazy idea or is it doable that time of year?

[wanderingwheel]

It's certainly doable, especially with a support vehicle to carry extra water, but you may see some uncomfortably hot weather.  From San Francisco, you'll be fine for the first day or so until you reach the Central Valley around Davis and Sacramento.  While briefly in the Central Valley, temperatures can easily soar well above 100 along with moderate humidity.  The weather should become much more comfortable as you climb into and over the Sierras.  Expect the hot weather to return with a vengence as you enter Nevada, but this time with very low humidity.   Consider planning long rest breaks during the middle of the day to avoid the worst of the heat.  I'd also suggest looking into atypical cycling clothes, such as light, loose-fitting jerserys.

This weather should stay with you all the way across Nevada, but will likely become a little milder as you enter Utah.  In Utah and Colorado, the weather will be very dependent on the altitude: hotter at lower elevations and cooler at higher elevations.

Sean

[aggie]

As was said the trip is doable.  It is actually better in June than July or August.  I do a supported ride across Nevada in September and it can be hot during the day as well as cold at night and in the mornings.  It will be hot in the basins but as you climb up the ranges it will cool off a couple of degrees.  The good thing is that the days are long.  Leave as early as possible and stop at available water stops to rest and rehydrate.  It will also be as hot in Utah as it is in Nevada.  There isn't much between Baker, NV Milford, UT.  Also there isn't a great deal of traffic on the main route.  If you take the alternate 722 out of Middlegate there is virtually no traffic.  The last time I rode this section I saw 3 vehicles and there are no services available.