It looks like I may be postponing my June 5 start from west to east due to a health issue. My trip would end in Illinois. Any thoughts out there about later start timings? I would be open to Northern Tier, TransAm or Lewis and Clark.

If I work backwards, I’m thinking mid Sept to mid October would be OK for Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois . So starting out on the west coast early August? 

Any experience with post mid year start on the west coast?

"Any experience with post mid year start on the west coast?"

Yes, indeed. I Started the 2nd half of my Transam ride in early August on the Oregon coast. The weather was fine - a bit hot in eastern Oregon, and the early mornings in the Colorado Rockies were a bit chilly though it warmed considerably in the afternoons.

If you want details of the weather, click on my name and then select the Transam journal and scroll down to the second half.  I started from the Oregon coast almost exactly the same time you will be, except of course it was 8 years ago. Best of luck. 

Regarding which route to choose; It's a good time of year to ride the Transam - you would very shortly be in the "low" season and innkeepers will be happy to have your business - that was my experience anyway.  I suspect the other routes would be fine as well, but the Transam has special magic.  Best of luck,

Thanks George! 

Great info as usual. 

I think you would be just fine, perhaps even better off, with a delayed start.  It seems that the wind settles down in the fall, and weather is generally more settled. Something to keep an eye on is wild fires. You can't really plan for those. There would also be the definite advantage of school being back in session, and presumably less traffic on the roads.

You might even hit the aspen trees changing colors in Colorado, which would be a special treat.

The two photos below were taken on Sept 21 and 22. Both of those are on the TransAm route.

now I’m getting excited again. Thanks!