TransAm + Western Express in Summer

[hhmmm]

Hi, I am planning a route to go from CT to San Francisco this summer. The time frame would be late May to Mid August. I was wondering if this route would be too hot in the middle of summer, especially since we would probably be biking through Nevada etc. in late july/early august. would you recommend taking a route farther north? Also, any suggestions on a shortish way to connect to the TransAmerica route from Connecticut? thanks!

[aggie]

The Western Express route through Utah and Nevada would most likely be pretty hot and dry during August.  Late July to early August have the hottest average temps.  I've ridden this route through Nevada 8 times in the middle to late September.  The temps have varied from about 25 degrees F to 95 degrees F during different rides during those years.  If you arrive at the route around September the weather should be manageable.  Just be prepared to carry enough water to make it about 70 miles without finding a place to refill or get anything to eat.  

[hhmmm]

Thanks for the info. i'm a college student and i'd have to be done by mid-late august so biking it in september is not an option. should i look to take another route instead?

[DU]

Your time frame would work well with the Northern Tier and connecting to it would be easier from CT. From what I have read here, if you needed to get to San Francisco it would be fairly easy by train.

[aggie]

If you are prepared for hot, dry conditions then the Western Express isn't a bad route.  However, if you don't want to be hot then either the Northern Tier or the full TransAm might be the way to go.