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The skiing is great, but I am going to start to plan my first ride this year. I am planning on running from Cranbrook BC to Big Bend National Park in Texas. All things being equal, I will be leaving the beginning of May, and this section will be about 7 to 10 days. I want to run down through Colorado and have never been there in May or on this particular route. I would like to ride The Million Dollar highway, but I don't know what it will be like that early in the season in the mountains.
Have a look at the map and let me know if you have an alternate route that will be either doable or would be better. I am not planning on returning to Cranny as I will be heading towards the Keys in Florida from Big Bend. Of course, once I start traveling, I will be adding the adventure to "Journeys".
The beginning of May is going to be iffy in the Colorado Rockies. I'm sure Wyoming and Montana will be the same. I don't think Beartooth Pass in Montana or Independence Pass in Colorado will even be open.
I have seen snow storms on the Million Dollar Highway in Late May, and this year has had some record snow storms in the mountains.
If it were me, I would try for at last mid June. That should still let you be reasonably comfortable in Big Bend, and will lessen your chances for severe weather in the mountains.
Based on what I can see of your route, you are missing some of the best the Rockie Mountains has to offer, and your route does not include Million Dollar Highway.
Bill
Last edited by billnourse; Jan 16, 2017 at 07:04 AM.
The beginning of May is going to be iffy in the Colorado Rockies. I'm sure Wyoming and Montana will be the same. I don't think Beartooth Pass in Montana or Independence Pass in Colorado will even be open.
I have seen snow storms on the Million Dollar Highway in Late May, and this year has had some record snow storms in the mountains.
If it were me, I would try for at last mid June. That should still let you be reasonably comfortable in Big Bend, and will lessen your chances for severe weather in the mountains.
Based on what I can see of your route, you are missing some of the best the Rockie Mountains has to offer, and your route does not include Million Dollar Highway.
Bill
The map is a base line that I will modify. The ski season ends middle of April and I don't really want to wait around here for up to 8 weeks before I get going. If I have to modify because roads are closed then I will. This is why I am looking for side routes.
The map is a base line that I will modify. The ski season ends middle of April and I don't really want to wait around here for up to 8 weeks before I get going. If I have to modify because roads are closed then I will. This is why I am looking for side routes.
To spend all the time you spent riding in 2016 and the riding you plan to do in 2017 you gotta be retired?
Just ride South via the Great Plains to reach Texas, then Florida. Then by the time you head back home you can go your original plan, the weather may be better too.
Have fun.
To spend all the time you spent riding in 2016 and the riding you plan to do in 2017 you gotta be retired?
I own a company the pretty much runs itself. I have a good crew. It means I only "need" to go in on occasion and can monitor most of the operations from my laptop and iPhone.
Just ride South via the Great Plains to reach Texas, then Florida. Then by the time you head back home you can go your original plan, the weather may be better too.
Have fun.
That is plan B.....Plan C is to ride out to Oregon, do the coast to San Diego and then east from there. Plan C, with a bit of a change, gets the 4 Corners.
From Florida the plan is to head North to Newfoundland (via the Blue Ridge Parkway), tour Eastern Canada then dip back into the US and Sturgis.
That is plan B.....Plan C is to ride out to Oregon, do the coast to San Diego and then east from there. Plan C, with a bit of a change, gets the 4 Corners.
From Florida the plan is to head North to Newfoundland (via the Blue Ridge Parkway), tour Eastern Canada then dip back into the US and Sturgis.
Well, it's all in pencil at this point.
We'll be heading in the same direction and area in July. Maybe if you're still out there we could hook up for a beer.
I rode from Tulsa OK to Vernal UT 2 years ago April 9 -11. My route went through Amarillo TX, Santa Fe NM, Pagosa Springs CO, Durango, Montrose, GJ, then home to Vernal. I bought a bike in Tulsa and kept an eye on the forecast and took a chance. Flew out to OK and It was a great trip. You just have to keep an eye on the weather and plan to detour or hole up for a few days. From your journeys I know you have experience doing both
May, 2017
