Hello everyone, I want to go across country on my bike again, I say again as I went to the Grand Canyon last Oct and it was great. I don't want to wait untill the Fall but the summer scares me in regards to the heat.
I feel the heat is gonna be hell and maybe not as enjoyable. I do want to return to the canyon again as well as some new places that I have never been in the NW part of the country.
Has anyone gone in the month of June or should I wait till later in the yr. Heck this may be the time most take trips like this I don't know. Last Oct was my first trip ever and I cant wait to go again.
Just need a little encouragement I guess.
Thanks

 

Depends on where you're riding as to how bad the heat is. Ride at high enough elevation and July/August are rather enjoyable. I'm not being a smartass, just suggesting that you include plenty of mountain roads and high elevation sites to your trip to offset the heat.

Definitely not enjoyable. Just got back from the south rim of the Grand Canyon and a return trip via Laughlin, NV. The temperature went from a pleasant 82 at the GC to 102 at Laughlin.

With that said, ride in the early morning or evening when crossing the extreme areas through Arizona and into southern Utah. I've actually ridden for a couple hours in the mornings (until about 1:00 or 2:00 in the afternoon) and then hit a movie theater or mall for a couple hours until it begins to cool off again. You can get on the bike around 6:00 or after and still get in 2+ hours of riding during the summer before it gets dark enough for deer to be really dangerous.

I've ridden across the country in June/July/August without to much problem. I actually found the heat/humidity of the central part of the country worse than the western part. The dry desert heat can make a big difference, though I have to say that 105 is still dang hot no matter how low the humidity.

What part of the NW do you plan to hit? I've ridden into Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and Washington many times in July and August. Temperatures are going to be high, and some spots are worse than others. Again, look at elevations and relative location when comparing temperatures.

As an example, if you cut through Utah you should take Highway 89 north rather than I-15. The interstate runs through the valleys while Highway 89 is at a higher elevation, which in turn means the temperatures may be 10+ degrees cooler. Highway 89 is about 35+ miles or so east of I-15 and they both run North-South through the state.

Also be sure to plan according to the ride. It is amazing how quickly the hot-dry air will suck the water right out of you, so you need to stay hydrated. Letting your water drop even a little can make a big difference on how comfortable you are in the heat.

 

You should leave tomorrow and you'll be back before the heat...

 

Thank you both. some very good points.

 

End of May, first half of June is my preference. Might run into stormy weather, but not extreme heat.

 

I think the "best" time for cross country is the month of May or October. You still need to pack layers for all seasons.

 

I agree with doc cj. The best time to ride places like Colorado, Wyoming and Montana is late July and into August. Even in those months you can still hit cold or bad weather conditions. The odds are more in your favor for enjoyable 2 wheel adventures.
So yes there will be hot hot days. Drink lots of water and less caffeine and eat right. It's all part of the challenges of long distance trips. Just don't think you have to do high mileage days everyday.
Have a great time!

 

Right Now get on and go.

 

The wife and I have had a ten day trip planed to Ariz. for quite awhile. We were supposed to leave tomorrow. Last Sat. it was 107F here in Sacramento and she got heat sick for the first time in her life....so we nixed the Ariz. trip after doing the 10 day weather forecast. Flagstaff and Grand Canyon isn't so bad, but we had planned on Yuma, Tombstone, etc. also. We're now going to head to Victoria, Whistler and Vancouver and the 10 day weather forecast shows sun on each of those ten days!

There are some tricks for riding in hot weather. Start just before the sun comes up and then stop about 1 or 2. Drink plenty of Gatorade (G2 if you're concerned about the sugar) for the fluids and minerals and electrolytes. Get a white long sleeve shirt that has 100% UV protection and 50% UPF protection...........there are several companies that make them. They're super light weight (almost like not wearing a shirt), dry fast and breathable. Here are a few http://www.sungrubbies.com/product_i...im-Shirts.html

http://www.coolibar.com/01508.html

http://www.sunprecautions.com/produc...T=sh&SUBCAT=0s

You can also get a cool vest and there are several brands of those. I have one that has inside pockets......that I fill with ice when I stop to replenish the water in them. There are also the cool snakes.

A 3/4 or full face helmet with 400 UV or higher on the face shield is actually cooler than the beanie style (I know, I didn't believe it either).

Portable pump up mister from Misty Mate works great. I strap them on the luggage rack when riding two up or on the back seat if riding solo, clip the nozzle to my pants pocket........cool my face, neck and shoulders as needed. Helps a lot! I've recently wrote the company asking them to incorporate the coiled hose onto the 16 oz. pumper. Thes have a metal nozzle and I've had mine for about five years and it still works great! http://mistymate.com/mmp10.html

 

Just pick a date and go. Its the trip and the experiences you will have that will make it memorable. It will always be hot and humid somewhere. Plan it and go. As an example here in NE Ohio it was a high of 58 and the next day was near 80...weather can be unpredictable anywhere you ride, make lots of stops when its hot and make sure you drink plenty of fluid. I like the movie theater suggestion by doc_cj posted, there are lots of riding hours after 5 or 6pm in the west... If you are looking for encouragement please go, we never know what tomorrow brings, just lost a friend this week so don't let a little weather bother you...