I was going on a 4-6 week trip from NJ to GEORGIA , NEW ORLEANS , ROSWELL NM , SAN DIEGO , SAN FRANCISCO , and up to WASHINGTON STATE then the rockies , but wife has a medical issue . When i posted my trip on the forum , most said MAY or SEPTEMBER . Well it looks like SEPTEMBER , but when should we leave NJ ? We do not want the high heat in the south and do not want to freeze in the rockies . We will be towing a small cargo trailer , so gear is not an issue . I believe some of the members have done this trip , and want some ideas on when to leave NJ . Any real world experience is appriciated. THANKS

 

I lived in western Wyoming for quite a few years. Going into the 3rd week of September its getting cold. Rideable, but cold. Made several trips from Kemmerer WY to Steamboat Springs CO in that 3rd/4th week of September. Sometimes froze my *** off, other times great sunny fall weather. With heated gear you would be fine. I had an FXRT, which had a fairing but not the weather protection of an Electra Glide.

 

Probably Labor Day or right after. Hotels should be cheaper and less traffic since kids will be back to school and most vacations are used up. But by the end of September, early October you may be looking at cold wet return trip especially if you're taking the Northern route.

What if you reversed your trip. Going across the North to Washington when the weather is hot in the South, but warm in the North, then dropping down to the Southern states later in the month when it's cold and wet up North but nicer in the South?

 

When should you leave New Jersey? Immediately!

 

I can't help with your trip. Thoughts are with you and your wife to overome her medical concerns.

 

You need to reverse your route, and how late is a good time to return to NJ. Pick a date based on weather you know, that you could ride back into NJ. And head out 4 weeks prior to that return date.

 

Great advice...

 

Agreed

 

We made a Western loop the first two weeks of September in ‘16. Illinois/Mt. Rushmore/Devils Tower/Yellowstone/Jackson Hole.

It got pretty cool in the a.m., but otherwise a fairly enjoyable trip. If you leave in September I’d definitely advise the Northern swing first.

Enjoy!

 

Grew up in Montana & lived in Cody for a couple years.
Depending on the year it can get real cold that time of year.