Ashland, Oregon to Omaha, Neb.
 

I need some help from you touring folks.

Number #1 son plans to ride from Ashland, Oregon to Omaha, Neb.(1500 miles)
He has some vague notions about long distance bike riding. He is a definite newbie. He plans on leaving sometime soon but he's not sure when.

So, here are the questions: Is it too late to cross the rocky's by bike in mid to late October? When does the snow fly? When is too late?

Any practical advice to give that son of mine would be appreciated.

Cheers in advance.

docsoc....

It's very iffy on that one. He could have snow anytime now in the rockies. It's not a trip I would make this time of year.

I hear ya. Now for the tricky part, convince the lad that it's already too late to start the trip.
I'll suggest the bus fare option.

Thanks Japhy you one of them "dharma bums"

route advice
 

I've seen over two feet of snow on the ground in Denver in mid September and snowfall in mid July at high altitudes. How about some training tours around Ashland for now and if the long ride still seems to be a good idea wait until the high passes are dry, dry, dry then go east young Man.

I've ridden parts of the Interstate System in Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. Just a first suggestion; head through Klamath Falls to Winnemucca then ride on or near I-80 to Omaha. You will need to get off of I-80 as you pass Pine Bluff, Wyoming and enter Nebraska. No worries, just stay near the RR tracks and I-80 for the flattest route.

Dear Doc Hammer -

I have cycled six times cross country - twice in the fall - including my very first trip. That first trip, however, started at the beginning of September, not the end. I have lived in Wyoming 15 of the past 18 years and know the region well.

Is a fall trip possible this late? Barely. And it would be far better if your son had touring experience. On my first trip, I had delightful weather all September and into the first days of October, but I had a snowstorm in early October in Lincoln, Nebraska. It was only wet snow in Nebraska, but I am sure that it was serious in the higher elevations of the Rockies.

Here is a website that has climate averages of thousands of locations in the West. But remember - these are averages. It can and will be much warmer some days and much colder on others.
http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/Climsum.html
For example, Yellowstone Lake has an average high of only 49 in mid October and an average low of 22. Plus October sees an average of 8 inches of snow. But it can be as warm as 72 and as cold as 4. Plus snow is a near certainty.

It is possible if your son went via Burns thru eastern Oregon, lower elevations in Idaho via the Snake River Plains, the lowest possible crossing of Wyoming via Kemmerer and Casper, and then across Nebraska via the Platte River Valley to do it; however, the days will be getting rapidly shorter and the conditions will be deteriorating. I do not think it would be a very pleasant experience.

It is not a trip for a first-timer.

PS -

For someone inexperienced heading east from Ashland, Oregon will put a cyclist into some of the remotest area in the lower 48. Going towards Winnemucca, there are some brutal climbs and stretches where it is 50 miles between any services - and even those are very limited services. Going towards Burns has some pretty remote riding as well.

Lack of experience, marginal weather, and extremely remote areas are not a good combination.

Thanks to all of you for the advice and warnings.
My son is attempting a life "off the grid" so to speak and has a bit of a reckless streak.
That being said, he does respect nature.

I'll pass all the sage advice on to him. You folks have the experience and know the score better then dear ole dad.

Maybe next spring he and I can do a ride east together when the pass is passable. If so I'll be back asking for more of your advice and counsel.

Cheers!

Stay healthy and thanks again.
docsoc