Tuesday
Feb072012
Which Direction to Travel
The Bearded One
Nick and I need suggestions for direction of travel. Should we go East to West or West to East? Considerations are the time of year we would be in particular areas of the country.
We will be leaving in late May and returning late July or early August.
East to West:
- Won't be so humid when we start our ride
- Would finish in Washington where we have family to join in the celebration
- More difficult to get to...shipping of bikes, equipment etc.
- Possibly more headwinds
West to East
- Easier to get to with bikes, equipment
- Could face snow in Colorado
- Will be humid when we reach the east coast
- Should have more "wind at our back"
Here is a map of our trip...what do you think? Please submit your comments and recommendations below.
Thanks! Dan & Nick
Reader Comments (2)
I haven't done a cross country tour yet but I've been extensively researching my 2014 TransAm tour for several months now... My reasons for choosing East to West.
1. Safety. Drivers won't be riding into the sun in the morning and you'll be more visible.
2. By going East to West you'll be following the settlement of our country.
3. There are often southerly winds across Kansas and perhaps neighboring states and I'd rather get blown off the road than into traffic.
4. I want to save the stunning scenery of the West for last.
5. I also want to have my camping skills in top shape for the west when lodging is more expensive and there will be longer stretches without services.
5. I may want ride some of the Pacific Coast when I am done.
--Note that it's generally agreed that there is no wind advantage in either direction. it's a total crap shoot and often the winds you'll encounter when traveling west are cross winds. Its my understanding that the jet stream comes out of the west but has no correlation with winds on the ground.
--Finally note that there is one significant DISADVANTAGE to going E-W on the TransAm... You'll have the toughest climbs (Appalachian mountains) early in the trip (on about days 4-6). These are shorter than the climbs in the Rockies but much steeper and most people think they are more difficult. Many people do fine going East to West though. I notice this is the way ACA goes now.... I hope this helps...
Great info. and tips Mike!
Thanks!
Dan & Nick