Ride condition Help

[Boomer]

I'm heading out on my first "big" ride May 15, Las Vegas to NE Iowa and back. I really want to run NE to Denver and east from there, but I'm not familiar with the sort of weather to expect in May. I don't mind the cold, but I do have somewhat of a schedule and can't afford to get weathered in by snow. Any advice/experience would be appreciated. I do have an alternate route in mind. I40 east out of Kingman, then NE (more or less) from Tucumcari, NM, if common wisdom indicates it may be too early to chance crossing the CO Rockies. One thing I do like about the southern route, I'd be on the interstates less, however, many parts of that Utah/Colorado route have kick ass scenery. I've caged the CO route several times, except for the I40 portion, the alternate route is a new adventure. Thanks for your input.

[KBOlsen]

Where in NE Iowa? Funny, I'll be doing that trip in reverse later this year. Please be sure to post up about your experience - and give a shout when you're close!

Midwest weather in mid-May runs the full spectrum: 40's, 80's, rain, tornadoes, sunshine, hailstorms... and depending on the direction of travel you may even experience ALL in one day! But don't let that deter you - just be sure to pack a good rainsuit, leather jacket, hooded sweatshirt, thermals and T-shirts. Nebraska goes on forever but the western part of IA (around the river) is pretty... as is the eastern part of the state.

[Boomer]

Born and raised in Dubuque. Heading to Iowa City this trip to meet up with a couple of my brothers for a fishing trip to Backbone State Park. Thanks for the input, and I'll certainly post up some sort of trip report.

[Boomer]

Today's the day...heading out about 7 AM. I decided on the northern route, hoping for some photo ops along the way.

[KBOlsen]

Have a safe trip!! Let us know how it's going!

[EZE RIDER]

Looking forward to your report. Ride safe.

[Boomer]

GREAT RIDE!!!!
Perfect weather eastbound, spent 1st night in Grand Junction, CO and 2nd in North Platte, NE. That stretch from Grand Junction through Glenn Canyon has got to be one of the most beautiful rides in the country...curvy, speedy, great scenery. Only trouble was a stripped out toe shifter about 80 miles west of Des Moines, IA. Kudos to Bob at Hawkeye HD in Iowa City, IA for fixing me right up with a warranty repair. Just enough rain to wet the road for about an hour's worth of driving east of Des Moines. Plenty snow on the Vail Summit, and man-o-man it was chilly, but....LOVED every mile.
Westbound was another story, first day the weather was good, just cloudy but no rain, spent the night in Ogalalla, NE. Weather report was pretty sour for just about everything west and south of Denver, so I opted to take I25 into New Mexico. Rain, snow flurries, and one helluva sleet/hail storm near Pueblo made for an "interesting" ride. Made it to Las Vegas, NM the second day and settled in for the night. Nuisance rain on the final leg, but made it from LV, NM to LV, NV in one day, so thought that was kinda cool. Overall, 3550 miles in 6 days of riding: 1 mechanical issue; 1 close call; and miles of smiles.