Howdy.
I’m starting this cross-continental US tour in late May 2026. Initially I needed to start in Delaware, but now the direction I go is free for me to choose.
I’ve learned from lurking here that some of you don’t think there is a major wind difference either way, while others disagree.
How I see it, the East-to West advantages are probably better weather (less humid east if I am there in early June versus late July?), a bit less snow on Rockies when I arrive there, and one much easier mountain pass (Teton Pass hwy 33, there’s a separate paved path only on the east side).
Are there any West-East advantages in your opinion?
Thanks for your input!
A couple of route details that can’t be seen on the screenshot map:
-Eastern start point would be Rehoboth Beach, DE.
-using a hodgepodge of the partially-complete Great American Rail Trail including C&O, GAP, and others through Illinois
-south to get to Katy Trail, then back north for Cowboy Trail
-cross the divide at Togwotee Pass, then into Grand Teton NP
-Snake River valley in ID, through Craters of the Moon
-meet up with TransAmerica route in eastern OR. Ending in Florence.
The exact route is not set in stone.
by SAYS-THANKS
5 Comments
I did C&O and GAP, which was a great experience. I forgot which direction the wind blew, but there are prevailing winds which I think makes DE > OR the preferred direction to cycle (but you should definitely double check 😅)
I rode from Washington DC to Washington State and liked going west because it gave me a lot to look forward to like the Rockies, Yellowstone, etc. You just have to accept that the wind is going to be bad at times regardless of which direction you go.
Go the long way around through Canada.
OR to DE. That’s the direction of prevailing wind. I went the other way and regretted it.
Yore on northern hemisphere so the wind will always blow west->east more than the other way. Even if slightly.