When to Ride What

In my almost daily perusal of our forums, as well as the email I receive directly, a question that seems to be in regular rotation is, "what is a good time of year to ride xxx route?" or some variation.

There are definitely times of the year that are better than others for tackling certain routes. Undeniably, I wouldn't want to be on our Southern Tier Bicycle Route in July or August, while that can be the perfect time to ride the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route.

Over the years we have developed recommendations of appropriate seasons for our routes. As you start planning your next trip, scroll down to the seventh question in the Routes & Mapping FAQs to see them.

But then, there is the adventure factor. How about riding the TransAmerica Trail in January? It is probably not a time I would choose, but you go when time permits. Folks more hardy than I consider and complete it.

If you have the luxury of choosing any route and any time frame, why not choose the ones best suited to each other? Or, if your window of opportunity is narrow, let that guide your geographic selection. Either way, you'll have the chance to create memories for the long run.

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GEOPOINTS BULLETIN is written by Jennifer 'Jenn' Milyko, an Adventure Cycling cartographer, and appears weekly, highlighting curious facts, figures and persons from Adventure Cycling's Route Network with tips and hints for personal route creation thrown in for good measure.