South Eastern Adventure - What's the best time of year?

[bigjohnsd]

Not long ago folks were posting where they have ridden maos over on Facebook. I posted mine and it was suddenly apparent that though I have been in all fifty states, I have not ridden my Motorcycle in the South, and South East. North Carolina and South, Nebraska and South and all points in between. Looking into correcting this deficiency, probably in 2017.

When us the best time to do this? mid to late Spring?

Counter clockwise? South to the Texas coast, then East to Florida, to Key West, then North and then westcto catch the mid South states?

Any and all input appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[hppants]

I know a few things about this. There are several ways to skin this cat. They are all right and they are all wrong.

First, the weather.

Along the Gulf Coast states, you can expect high humidity and hot temperatures beginning in early May and lasting at least through September. Now I know other states can claim higher temperatures, and I really don't care who's pecker is the biggest, but I can tell you that until you have ridden in full gear under an honest 90 degrees COUPLED with an honest 65% humidity, just sit in the corner and suck your thumb. The States within the Appalachian range (north Georgia all the way up to West Virgina) will be tolerable further into the early and late summer. OTOH, you probably won't want to ride thee December through March. Which leaves Arkansas, Tennessee, and Kentucky, which I think find their sweet spot somewhere in the middle. Arkansas is nice through April. Tennessee and Kentucky can be very nice in early September.

To summarize, I would make this a late Summer/Fall trip, and I would approach this in a "snake" pattern if I had time. From you, I'd probably go clockwise. I'd head straight to West Virgina and try to get there in early to mid September. You could easily spend two weeks running basically parallel to the Blue Ridge Parkway. I would spend a little time actually on the parkway, but I'd spend 97% of my time on the wonderful roads that surround the parkway. When you get to North Georgia, take a right and check out Northern Alabama. Then turn right again and check out Eastern Tennessee and southeastern Kentucky. Then take a U-turn and check out northern and central Mississippi. Next, run through my State (please call me), and head north to Arkansas. Now turn left in southern Missouri and find your way home.

This can be 2 - 6 weeks total. It could be 3,000 or 7,000 miles too.

Of course you have seen my ride reports and they might give you some ideas too.

Finally, I would be insulted if you didn't give me a chance to host you, or at least join you for some of these miles. If Louisiana is in your cards, I would be honored to show you around.

 

[wheatonFJR]

Hi BigJohn. I'm a transplanted Yankee, but I know that it depends on what temps are comfortable for you.

I know that May and September tend to see the most precipitation around here in upstate SC. However, those times might be the best months to be up in the mountains.

But if you don't mind it being cooler, with the occasional short cold snap then October and November can be a good time as well.

We are a short ride to the foothills and the occasional good road ...so send me a pm if you plan to be in the area...we have a guestroom or two.

 

[Redfish Hunter]

Would it be worth your while to try hitting EOM in the course of this adventure? That would give you a definite time of year to shoot for. Also, I think Mr. Hppants is going to be on an adventure that may tie in nicely with some of what you wish to do.

Since we do not have definite dates and my schedule is also undetermined I will not promise anything but... I would be honored to meet you and possibly share some miles with you. I know a tiny bit about food as well. If I cannot cook it I will know a restaurant that can.

Keep us in mind.

 

[bigjohnsd]

I'm of the opinion, fat boy that I am, that it is easier to dress warmly than it is legal to take off enough clothes to get kool. Humidity is not my friend!

I tend to favor the Spring because my other vice, bird hunting, happens principally in October and November. I feed the damn dogs all year and feel obligated to enjoy them!

 

[bigjohnsd]

I'm planning this trip as a Solo adventure, but, my Aussie sidekick, FESTAR, has been known to surface here and again.

 

[Cav47]

I'm of the opinion, fat boy that I am, that it is easier to dress warmly than it is legal to take off enough clothes to get kool. Humidity is not my friend!I tend to favor the Spring because my other vice, bird hunting, happens principally in October and November. I feed the damn dogs all year and feel obligated to enjoy them!

So what are you saying John??? Did you not like the weather when Allen, you, and I hit southern Indiana?? I thought the mid 90s with upper 80% humidity was perfect .......for steaming vegetables. That rain shower with the Lightning around the lake helped drop the temp for about 10 minutes.

 

[Uncle Hud]

July, August, and early September are hot in the southern Appalachians. That said, they're doable with periodic stops for water, photos, gas, and food. The BEST months are March, April, and May, although it can be rainy in March and early April.

Whenever you decide, let me know. Love to ride with you for a few hours through north Georgia, and can offer a guest bedroom in Dunwoody.