50cc in October?

[Andrew]

50cc in October?  Bad time of year?  Weather??
Well I got some time off (2 weeks) in mid October and was thinking about a 50cc. I was planning on the ride before the summer but family matters came up.
 The shift bid just got posted and as it turns out I got the two weeks I put in for (low seniority=vacation time no one else wanted) When I told the wife about the vacation time she asked me if thats when I was going to do "the ride" I responded with "OK, let me look into it"
  So what say you fellow ST-Ners?  
  Am I nuts (wait I know the answer to that )
  Can it be done at that time of year and what kind of weather should I expect?
  I am not adverse to riding in the rain, (lightening whats another story.)
  Heat? as long as it is below boiling I am OK.  
  Cold I can handle, well anything above 32' (something about ice that gives me the willies)

[county]

Why not?  Sounds like as good a time as any and better than July or January.

[jalan]

I rode to San Antonio and few years ago in mid-October. The desert was warm, but not hot.  A little chilly at night, but not too bad. I'd say the weather was as nice as it ever is there. I'd defintely bring an electric vest.

San Antonio was, I think, 90F and 374% humidity. Or there abouts.

[mike goodwin]

Actually October would be pretty pleasant.
My figuring would be around the second week of October.
Cool mornings and evenings and not blazing hot afternoons(generally),which aint too bad once you hit the west Texas thru Yuma part of the ride.
The only issue is you will be riding in darkness more than you would be in April or May.
What coast were you thinking of starting from??

Fwiw i did my 50cc the third week of April in 2003.
Crossed the continent twice in a week and never even had a drop of rain.
Perfect weather.

Actually i have been thinking of doing another 50cc or possibly a 100cc.

County..get on that BlackBird and do one.

[Andrew]

 

What coast were you thinking of starting from??

Starting from the West.

[Specter]

Probably the best month to do it. My favorite rides have been in October.

Positives:
Mild weather in most places
No tourist traffic

Negatives

Short days/long nights (11-1/2 hours of daylight at Los Angeles Latitude)
More stupid deer. They will be in the rut, with thoughts of love clouding their judgment
Increased possibility of snow/ice

Your route will make a difference. Doing an I-10 blast should be no problem. Farther north, passes risk snow and freezing.  I've had snow in southern CA passes, icing conditions on I-80 near Truckee and hail in New Mexico.

Another pointless adventure is in my plans for this October as well, I just don't know what it is yet

[Andrew]

There are no pointless adventures, the adventure is the point

[mike goodwin]

Andrew...Contact before you leave as i live in Houston and would be possibly available if you ran into some sort of trouble.

[Andrew]

 

Andrew...Contact before you leave as i live in Houston and would be possibly available if you ran into some sort of trouble.

Shall do, and Thanks ahead of time

[Slonishku]

I'll be doing one in November if I get back from Afghanistan in time, starting from San Diego. Planning on it being rather cool.

[Pelagic]

There are no pointless adventures, the adventure is the point

 
Couldn't agree more!

My only suggestion would be to work your timetable so that you get through west Texas in the daylight hours. I did a 50CC in middle april and it was 37 freakin' degrees at about 3am. NOT a great time!! I was prepared for cold but that was more than I was expecting. The altitude and a clear night just let all that global warming disappear right into the night sky. BBRRrrrrrrr!!!!

Good luck, be safe, have a grand time!
Cheers
Jim

[Lawn Dart]

Andrew:  have fun!!!

Are you starting from NorCal, or heading South for the traditional startpoint in San Diego?  If you start from SoCal, here's a link that's absolutely PRICELESS.

http://www.teamconsulting.com/MTF100CCCweather.htm

Obviously the "House of K" is open to you as a starting point.  

[Slonishku]

How much time would you guesstimate a start from the House of K adds over a San Diego start?

[OrangeSVS]

I can't comment because I have no idea what the weather is like on "the Far Side of Endorn's Moon".  If that is near Alaska, it will probably be too cold.  If it is closer to Miami, it may be very warm.  

HTH.    


Edit to add:  Maybe you should've posted this in a regional forum since it is location-specific.  That way those of us who don't know you and don't know where you are won't be opening this thread.

[Lawn Dart]

How much time would you guesstimate a start from the House of K adds over a San Diego start?

Starting from my house (Actually, Huntington beach) as opposed to San Diego is about 45 miles, IIRC.

[Andrew]

Thanks for the Link BMW-K   very useful

I may take you up on "the house of K" as I plan on a southern route. (the long 10) Was planning on a hotel close to the pier, but 45 miles ain't to far.



OK OrangeSVS how about "the land of fruits and nuts," the Golden State, or as our governator says KalEfornia    YA the Left coast

[OrangeSVS]

Thanks for the Link BMW-K   very useful

I may take you up on "the house of K" as I plan on a southern route. (the long 10) Was planning on a hotel close to the pier, but 45 miles ain't to far.



OK OrangeSVS how about "the land of fruits and nuts," the Golden State, or as our governator says KalEfornia    YA the Left coast

Cool.  Now I can throw my two cents in...  

You're in Southern California, so it won't be snowing.  So yeah, it'll be great riding weather in October.

[Justin]

I've ridden cross country in late November, a little snow in PA (not even sticking) was the worst I ran into. Chilly nights on the plains, no prob, had heated gear... pulled over in Nebraska, and he wasn't happy after following me for 20 minutes to catch up  . Great ride, I prefer riding in cold weather over hot any day!

[Andrew]

OK so 4 days till departure (one day to get to SoCal)
Bike is ready, all maintenance up to date,
I-pod loaded with books and tunes
gear ready (almost packed)

I am getting rather antsy.

 "Bound to cover a little more ground"  

[Lawn Dart]

You do understand that your GS will now be jealous that the Feejer got picked for this ride.  

I would highly recommend giving that GS a bit of attention when you get back!