Lessons I have learned with regards to general cycle touring can be found at this link in the Epilogue of my Transam journal under the "Advice to Others" section --> Cycle Touring Advice Specific points of note with regards to the Western Express route follow in no particular order;

1.) Highway 50 through Nevada has a bad rumble strip design for cyclists - there's often little shoulder and the rumble strip occupies a lot of it

2.) this is a desert route, and it can be very hot - leave early and carry more water than usual

3.) a water filter is of limited use - there's just no place to get water in NV except in the towns, most of the streams through NV are dry - once you get to CO you will find plenty of water stops

4.) leaving early is always wise, even more so on this route. Beat the heat and solar radiation, and the traffic (although much of the route has very little traffic, the route passes some very popular tourist areas), and reach your destination before any afternoon thundershowers happen

5.) I prefer to cover myself as much as practical to ward off the sun - my solar leggings worked well - I tend to wear non-cycle tops such as long sleeve fishing shirts that are designed to ward off the sun - on some portions of this route you will find yourself exposed to the sun for the entire day with little to no shade available - and you have to cycle the next day so you really don't want to have to deal with sunburn

6.) the grades generally aren't as bad as the Appalachians or Ozarks, but there are a couple of steeper climbs reminiscent of the Appalachians, so be comfortable that you have an adequate low gear

7.) you CAN do this route without camping, but it requires a 127 - 130 mile day between Hanksville and Blanding to make that happen. Most unfortunately, there are several very steep climbs near Blanding, so it's not an easy route. For me, this was a very long and hard day.  Most folks will not be able to do this stretch in a single day.

8.) staying indoors requires advance planning and motel reservations made several months ahead - don't wait till the last or you won't have a room.

9.) the traffic from Salida to Cotopaxi along the Arkansas River is pretty bad, and there's no shoulder - leave early and get through this section as quickly as you can.

10.) even in July and August, the early mornings in Utah and Colorado can be cool - even cold when factoring in wind chill on a bike - so consider having warm gloves and ear coverings. I always have a lightweight jacket and use my rain jacket for warmth when it gets cool.

11.) It's nice to have a riding partner(s), but you always need to be prepared to complete the journey on your own. If your riding partner(s) aren't experienced cycle tourists, it may be wise to oversee their training rides so you know they are ready.