route/weather advice for a first timer
 

hey all, I'm hoping for some feedback on a trip im doing from late august to early november 2013. ive attached a rough outline of the route ill be taking but was just wondering if anyone has cycled a similar route at this time of the year. I'm unsure if it is even possible with the onset of winter and snow becoming a factor? any help would be great, cheers
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=272602

I don't think snow will be your major problem during that period. Constant switcing between hot days and rain, maybe ;)

cold rain will be your biggest concern, especially if you are camping, and especially on mountain passes. Thus your number #1 goal is to remain dry and keep your gear dry. Cold rain will cause hypothermia much faster then snow. So be prepared for that first and foremost.

Well, considering it was snowing at higher elevations when Rowan and I were in Switzerland a couple weeks ago (and doing the cold rain thing down in the valley where we were cycling), there could be a chance of snow along the way, depending on the height of any mountain passes you're thinking of tackling and the time of year you get there.

Another thing to consider would be campgrounds. If you are planning to use campgrounds, some are open year round, but we've checked a few here in the Bordeaux region of France, and they close in a few days.

cheers guys, so i think ill just get some waterproof gear for the bottom half and maybe add some layers underneath, also try and stay off the real high mountain passes... im just going to be camping wherever i can so camping grounds doesnt really bother me too much.