Thinking about a 3-4 week trip from MI down through St. Louis and across I44, then I40 into Albuquerque, then up I25 to Buffalo Wyoming, then back across I90 and home. This would be with many stops and back roads along the way of course.

My question is, weather-wise, what 4 weeks would you choose?

 

I like May, not too hot, not too cold. Be advised that the route you are taking at that time of the year you will usually hit rain somewhere on your ride.

 

Keep in mind that the Sturgis rally is Aug 1-10, even if you have no plans to attend, the hotel availability and prices may be nuts, especially along I-90 before and after the event.

 

Lol. I'm guessing any route anytime, I'm gonna hit some rain at some point. But seriously, that's why I'm asking. When is the best time to run it? Temps and rainfall would be the main concern.

 

Great point. Yeah, no interest in that. I'd be just passing through. Checking out the sites on the way through of course.

 

June to start. Any earlier, you will deal with some version of winter weather at elevation (bear tooth, big horn etc). The NM part will be fine earlier.

 

Agreed.
That S/W heat can really get bad and the mountains can get surprisingly wet, cold and windy just about anytime but of course it will be much more "sketchy" after mid-August,
Since you're planning a clockwise trip starting with the S/W I would suggest that you consider departing Michigan mid-June and perhaps you'll beat some of the heat during the southern leg of your trip and as you head north towards the higher elevations you should be getting some warmer temps (but no guarantees) and not too much rain in the mountains.

Seriously, on two different to Montana I (we) had heavy rain with 42F temps just east of Glacier National Park in July and August!
I was really concerned that we may hit snow going through the park but I guess we got lucky.

 

Yeah, it looks like leaving mid to late June is the way to go. It should be a little warmer than desired rolling through NM, but as I head north from Albuquerque up I25 things should become more comfortable. I25 stays east of the mountains so I should be OK (ish) with any elevation change related weather.

As far as spending any time in the mountains, like say, west of Denver into the higher elevations, I'm guessing it'll be limited. I drove across I70 through there in a pickup truck in the late 90's. I was white knuckling it the whole way through. My mind just doesn't like those kinds of roads. Hell, I can't even get myself to ride across the Mackinaw Bridge on a bike. I know, big pu$$, but there's little I can do about it. The mind does what the mind does. That said, while I'm out there, I will give it a shot and see how it goes. I can always turn around and head back to I25 if I start getting nervous, lol.

At this point I'm aiming for 2026. I have too much going on already this year. But, if I mark it in the calendar for next year, the slot will be left open for a trip.

 

I'd look at the first part of June when heat and cold/snow issues are diminished. But, be prepared for anything. I live and ride in the Rockies and timing is everything. Good luck on what should be a great ride. Don't dismiss a ride or two in the Colorado foothills. It's worth the slight detour.

 

FWIW, last year we left Massachusetts on May 6th, took Route 20 to Chicago, got on Route 66, (thru Albuquerque) & rode all of Route 66 to Santa Monica (arriving on June 6th), up the Pacific Coast Highway, across thru Yellowstone & Sturgis. Crossed Lake Michigan on the ferry, thru Niagara Falls and home on June 20th. (8000 miles almost 8 weeks)

Takeaway’s -

We hit ONE day of rain on the whole trip.
It did get hot, but not unbearable, in the Southwest (NM & AZ)
Really hot the last few days in NY & Mass.
So YMMV with weather & temperature's you never know. It sounds like an awesome trip, best of luck & safe travels…