What sort of weather can I expect

[SPOGSHD]

Ok, almost time for my ride around California, last week in May first week in June. Starting in L.A, Santa Barbara, Monterey, San Francisco, Napa valley, Healdsburg, Clearlake, Grass valley, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Mammoth lakes, Las Vegas, Joshua tree, L.A.
By my calculations its about 1800 mile's.

I live in the UK and have no idea what weather to expect or what to take with me, will I be cold around the lake Tahoe and Yosemite area's. I could really do with some good advice here.

Craig

[nvsteve]

You need to prepare for all types of weather. More than likely you will ocassionaly experience fog on the coast. In the Napa valley it could be quite warm.
The sierras will be a crap shoot. Very possible to have afternoon showers and will be relatively cold in the mornings.
That being said, it's still a great time of year to make the trip. You'll be riding from sea level to around 10,000' depending on the route you take.

[hdwoman48]

Craig, you'll want to try to hit the Sierra portion of your trip as late as possible. I used to live in Truckee, and May can still bring snow storms. June, too. Hell, it even snowed on 4th of July a few times. Make sure you have plenty of warm layers and rain gear.

[SPOGSHD]

Thanks for the help, I feel the cold in my hands and feet, so I take it, it will be cold, even in late May, early June.

[plongson]

Just be ready for anything in that country. I was in Tahoe 2 years ago on Memorial Day (end of May) and woke up to SERIOUS snow. We were in a roadster that fortunately had a top and a good heater. I'm planning almost the same trip at almost the same time and I'm having the same concerns!

Good luck to US!!

[SPOGSHD]

Originally Posted by plongson

Just be ready for anything in that country. I was in Tahoe 2 years ago on Memorial Day (end of May) and woke up to SERIOUS snow. We were in a roadster that fortunately had a top and a good heater. I'm planning almost the same trip at almost the same time and I'm having the same concerns!

Good luck to US!!

Thanks, my worst fears, donner party now springs to mind. If you see three grown men huddled together at the side of the road your quite welcome to join in. lol

[13MM]

You will be able to avoid the cold. Watch weather reports.
If it's too cold you can quickly drop out of the mountains.
Sometimes high dessert can also be cold.
The coast may be fog, but i'm sure you are used to it.
Vegas can be hotter than hell. After all this bashing.
I would go at this time. Seems to me you picked a great time of the year. I'm sure you will have a great ride.

[jerry34208]

Originally Posted by SPOGSHD

Ok, almost time for my ride around California, last week in May first week in June. Starting in L.A, Santa Barbara, Monterey, San Francisco, Napa valley, Healdsburg, Clearlake, Grass valley, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, Mammoth lakes, Las Vegas, Joshua tree, L.A.
By my calculations its about 1800 mile's.

I live in the UK and have no idea what weather to expect or what to take with me, will I be cold around the lake Tahoe and Yosemite area's. I could really do with some good advice here.

Craig

http://www.wunderground.com/NORMS/Di...=none&IATA=BIH

This will show you the averages and records for Bishop, CA (near Mammoth)

[hdwoman48]

If I were you, I'd bring heated gloves. And a jacket if you have it. But my hands seem to be the part of me that truly suffers in the cold. It will be cold at night in May.

[03GLIDE_]

You are going at the best time of year. But you still may see temps anywhere from the high 30s all the way to 100+ degrees. I ride at night a lot as well as the day. My last trip to Tahoe and my last trip to Vegas I was on the road after midnight both trips. I plan trips to Vegas in the summer and ride at night as to not roast in the heat of the day. I always dress in layers and adjust as needed.

[PR3VS56]

Should be pretty nice going through Santa Barbara. Although.. sometimes we get "June gloom", aka: THE FOG MONSTER.

If you stop in Santa Barbara send me a PM ahead of time.

[SPOGSHD]

Just to let you know, I took onboard everyone's advise and invested in some heated gloves and socks, hopefully I will not need them.