next tri, Maine or go out west ??
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 336
Likes: 2
From: mentor ohio
next tri, Maine or go out west ??
Wife and I been to the smokey mountains/tail of the dragon twice, Thinking of taking another trip early Sept. We will have about 9 days.Would like to go to Maine but will it be to cold and the days to short this time of yr.? looking for some advice from you guys. We live in North east ohio. if not Maine or going west what would you guys do? thanks in advance
mike
mike
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 36
From: Ormond Beach, FL
My wife and I did Maine, Vermont and upper NY in July a few years ago. It was cool and crystal clear in the mornings very nice in the daytime. Not very busy at all. It was one of our best trips. The White Mountains, Lake Placid and the Adirondacks this is an area not to miss. We had fresh blueberry pancakes along the way. You will not go wrong with this area, dress for the cool it is better than being in 100 degree plus out west. We were traveling from Dayton Ohio area.
Good luck and enjoy what ever you decide.
Good luck and enjoy what ever you decide.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 44,807
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From: PNW
I'm assuming you've done the Blue Ridge Pkwy and Skyline? If not, maybe do that.
NW Arkansas is also a great area to ride. You could easily spend 9 days on that trip. I would search "Eureka Springs" and make that my headquarters.
Mountains can be iffy in Sept. It could easily snow, so I use August as my cut off, but if it were early enough in Sept and you can be flexible in your travel plans, Colorado and New Mexico have much to offer. But bring the heated gear. The mornings can get very cold at elevation.
NW Arkansas is also a great area to ride. You could easily spend 9 days on that trip. I would search "Eureka Springs" and make that my headquarters.
Mountains can be iffy in Sept. It could easily snow, so I use August as my cut off, but if it were early enough in Sept and you can be flexible in your travel plans, Colorado and New Mexico have much to offer. But bring the heated gear. The mornings can get very cold at elevation.
MODERATOR
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: New England
Wife and I been to the smokey mountains/tail of the dragon twice, Thinking of taking another trip early Sept. We will have about 9 days.Would like to go to Maine but will it be to cold and the days to short this time of yr.? looking for some advice from you guys. We live in North east ohio. if not Maine or going west what would you guys do? thanks in advance
mike
mike
The air is usually fresh, clean, and comfortable most days with temps in the low to mid 70's (can be cooler or warmer so plan accordingly). Nights can be cool especially on those crystal clear ones (perfect for star gazing).
We still have about 12 hours or so (depending when in September) of daylight. FWIW, I live in central Maine and during June/July it's light enough outside to read the paper about 4:15 in the morning - it continues to be plenty light as late as 9:30 pm many days).
The tourist season really begins to wind down after Labor day so some hotels, restaurants, and attractions may have limited hours or are closed.
If you do come up, watch for the deer - they can be out anytime of the day or night. And be very watchful for moose - they are very dark in color, reflective little to no light, and can be difficult to see even standing in the road.
Ride safe which ever direction you go!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
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From: Centennial, CO
If you come West in Sept. be prepared for very cold nights and mornings in the mountains. It will snow above 7000 ft. but be very nice during the day. You will be able to enjoy both extremes, freezing at night and 80s during the day. The Aspen will be be changing and while not as varied in color as back east, still very beautiful.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2011
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Wife and I been to the smokey mountains/tail of the dragon twice, Thinking of taking another trip early Sept. We will have about 9 days.Would like to go to Maine but will it be to cold and the days to short this time of yr.? looking for some advice from you guys. We live in North east ohio. if not Maine or going west what would you guys do? thanks in advance
mike
mike
That is an excellent (perhaps 'the best') time to visit Maine and adjacent States (NH/VT)...
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 123
Likes: 7
From: Maine
I would also recommend Maine in September. Great time of year to visit this State. There is plenty of riding on uncrowned scenic roads both coastal and in the mountains. It is also very easy to get into either Quebec or over to Cape Breton from Maine if you have a passport. We rode though New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to do the Cabot Trail last year - it was an amazing ride!