Atlantic Coast route, best time for weather?

[don quixote]

I am planning an unsupported ride from Jacksonville, Fl to Boston leaving late April or early May 2010. About 1800 miles in, say, 6 or 7 weeks. What kind of weather can I expect? Would a late August or early September departure be better weather wise? Any other comments or tips about that route would also be appreciated. Anyone out there want to join me?

[staehpj1]

April will probably be pretty wet.  August will be really hot and humid.  Either will be doable though.

Personally I go in October if I had the choice.

[cyclist2]

Hello

I've been thinking about touring the east coast.  I live in Edgewater Florida..I have done some self contained touring in New York ..the Erie Canal and the Finger Lakes in the past along with others. I have always wanted to do a longer tour..the only thing holding me back was getting time off with my job.  I work per diem now so I can be more flexible.  What route were you thinking of taking?  How many miles per day do you ride?

Judy

[indyfabz]

Here's something to think about.  Today is October 15th.  In Philadelphia, PA, which the route passes close to, it's about 48 degrees with a cold rain.  Winds are expected to strenghten to 25 mph.  Rain is forecast through Friday and may possibly last until Sunday.  And it's just the beginning of Nor'Eatser season.  For the last few years I have done a club ride that starts near New Hope, PA, which the route passes through.  It's been at or below 40 degrees at start time each of those three years.  Now think of what it could be like on northern PA/NJ, NY and MA if you were to choose the late departure date.

So....It all depends.  Would you rather have heat and humidity or the potential for cold, wet weather.

[tonythomson]

Any ideas re the predominate wind?  Is it better to start in Boston at end of April or Florida?

[fiddler4060]

Any ideas re the predominate wind?  Is it better to start in Boston at end of April or Florida?

I would think it would make much more sense to start in Florida in April. It can still be very nice weather, especially along the coast in April as well as even May. By June it's just plain hot and the humidity just saps the energy out of you. Starting in Florida gives the spring-time weather (rain) a chance to clear a bit before you hit the northern part of the route. Catching MA and points north in late May and early June sounds a whole lot better than Florida in late May and early June.

[indyfabz]

I agree with Fidler.  You want to spend the "rainy season" further south.  April and May in New England can be wet and chilly.  Same with the mid-Atlantic.  And I certainly wouldn't want to be down south when the heat and humidity build.  It gets bad enough for me here in Philly.

[tonythomson]

Guys
thank you all so much for taking the time to give me this info.. Mind is made up - start in Florida.  Wave goodbye to Mickie. 

Thanks Tony

[bigK12603]

IMHO you should depart from Fl - if going south to north - so that you may arrive up here, the Mid Hudson Valley (Poughkeepsie NY) and New England around mid October in time for the fall foliage etc. and will be treated to a view like above - the above pic was taken from the Walkway Over The hudson (the new primary bike-ped river x ing between Pok. and Highland NY ACR sec 2 map 19) typ. the weather can be quite nice - however in between the Colorado-like days of blue skies and sunshine there will be days of rain and maybe snow - a couple of weeks ago we had a winter preview with gray skies temps in the 40's and several days of cold rain here in the mid-hudson valley - today (11/07/09) is sunny temps in the upper 40's and tomorrow will be a bit warmer than norm with temps in the mid 60's

[tonythomson]

Hi Don,
am planning to leave at the end of April from Celebration, Kissimmee end of April, maybe see you on the road for a while will follow the Florida Connector to the coast.  I plan to follow ACA but also take in some of Appellation or the Blue Ridge Parkway.  Need to do a bit more research yet to decide the final route, but always fun to join up occasionally with other riders.

Good luck anyway. 

Tony

[Westinghouse]

Book: Bicycling the Atlantic Coast by Donna Ikenberry. Weather websites can tell you what generally to expect of the weather at various times of the year, with no guarantees except we can rely on the facts it is hot in some months and cold in others. Some areas on the AC are extremely traffic, industry, and residence dense. You might find ways around that.