Harley Davidson Forums - Newbie looking for trip advice

Hi all,

First post on the forums but I've been lurking and taking advantage of all of the great information for some time so, thanks!

I'd like to mine the forum for some advice/experience...

I'm getting ready to plan next year's trip and it's a bigger undertaking than any I've done thus far. This year was a 2 week east coast of Canada and Maine with New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York, a day trip from Dubai up the coast of Oman on a rental Street Glide, and various Ontario/upstate New York/ Vermont 2-4 day rips (I got in about 2,000 miles on the Crossbones and 12,000 miles on the new Limited, respectable I think). Next year however I'm planning on a 5 week trip including Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Zion NP, Yosemite, PCH, Redwoods NP, Crater Lake, Glacier NP, and finally the Canadian Rockies before bombing back to Ontario. I know, at lot to pack in, but I think I can make it all happen.

Here is my conundrum. When doing trips that involve both desert and mountain riding would it be advisable to go in mid June/early July as I initially planned and suffer the heat of the desert portions or go later in the year and hope snow isn't a factor? I rode in 120F heat in Dubai (yes 120!) and although it wasn't ideal weather by any stretch I enjoyed the ride. The old lady and I will be Gerbing equipped too so the cold isn't something we're afraid of. Just wondering if anybody has any wisdom to share or any angles on this I haven't thought of.

I really enjoy this forum and appreciate all of the valuable information shared here. Thanks in advance for the help!