CDR & weather

[jerrybo]

I know it's probably on the forum somewhere but can't find it ...I would like to know the best time of year to ride the CDR in terms of weather. I would like to avoid extreme cold but mainly concerned about rain and muddy roads. Someone mentioned not going in the monsoon season ...which is when?

Thanks,
Jerrybo

[Lone Rider]

I'm going to be off a few weeks, in both directions. Just general thoughts here....

The passes open up first of Julyish.
Rains in the southern section are Augustish.

You can find info sources online for this. 'Course, each year is different, but you can find the recorded averages.
weather.com, wunderground.com...and more.

Indiana Pass, in southern Colorado might be one key to look at. You can contact that specific county for up to date info, and get their plans.

Also, there are a few grizz habitat area routes that don't open until July 15th, but there are easy go-arounds.

Just do a little research.
Others may have more detailed info to offer...

[lm002e]

I rode the CDR last year from south to north beginning in late July. Having lived in NM, I can tell you that monsoon season is typically from mid-July to end of August-ish. The monsoons, and the resulting mud, will absolutely shut you down in NM. I ended up getting completely stuck, had to pitch my tent in the mud and wait out the storm till the next day. I could barely even walk in the mud... nevermind trying to get the bike going. Another issue I had was forest service road closures due to wildfires in NM. Just be sure to check the various national forest's websites for possible road closures. Or check with the local ranger station. They're typically quite friendly and knowledgable.

On the other end of the spectrum, you need to consider colder temps and even snow and, more importantly, snowmelt in the upper elevations in CO and MT. Last year I had no problems going through CO, but I know some had issues with flooding in MT due to a lot of late melting snow in late June and early to mid-July.

Each year is different, but generally I'd say your best bet is mid-July to mid-Sept. As always, YMMV.

Luke

[RideFreak]

Originally Posted by lm002e

I rode the CDR last year from south to north beginning in late July. Having lived in NM, I can tell you that monsoon season is typically from mid-July to end of August-ish. The monsoons, and the resulting mud, will absolutely shut you down in NM. I ended up getting completely stuck, had to pitch my tent in the mud and wait out the storm till the next day. I could barely even walk in the mud... nevermind trying to get the bike going.
Each year is different, but generally I'd say your best bet is mid-July to mid-Sept. As always, YMMV.

Luke

I do live in NM and that's a no-kiddin on the roads here in the monsoon season, they can be totally impassable. Each year is different, this one seems to be warmer and dry so far but there's been allot of wind and recently there's an 83,000 acre wildfire going in the Gila.

I've rode through the highest (elv) sections of the CDT at the begining of Aug '11, with zero issues. This year looks like you could easily get away with mid july. IMO riding south to north gets you through the tough stuff early, and the colder sections later. Once you get into Colorado, the dirt is like a freeway for long sections.

[Pantah]

Last 2 weeks of September is probably the best for dry roads. Cold at dawn but nice by 11am.

[lm002e]

Originally Posted by Pantah

Last 2 weeks of September is probably the best for dry roads. Cold at dawn but nice by 11am.

+1. While I haven't personally done the CDR in Sept, I think it would be a great time. Just pack an extra layer for higher elevations/mornings and you'd be fine. Sept has less traffic/tourists as well, not that I found the CDR all that crowded even in July/Aug.