1. Are winds less favorable on an east to west ride vs west to east? How big a factor?
I'm not sure how big of a factor it is, but count on a few days in the plains where you'll be riding straight into the wind.
2. Using Steve's route, are the altitudes the same, harder, or easier going east to west vs west to east.
I'd say it's the same, at least from a mathematical standpoint.
3. Weather. During a ride that lasts from mid Sept to say Mid Nov, does east to west, west to east make any difference?
It's REALLY HOT in portions of the desert in AZ and CA. It might be best to arrive there in November when it's cooler.
4. Mechanical. Steve, I'm a reasonably bright guy, but I can't screw in a light bulb. I've had three flats and needed assistance on the repairs each time. I bought Marathon kevlar tires with inserts to hopefully avoid flats altogether. But now changing tires without a bike shop is very difficult. Is that a huge problem in your mind?
Well... I suggest practice changing a tire every single night before your trip. It'll be easier on your mind knowing you can change a tire without a hitch when you're out on the road.
5. Seems in some areas motels are stretched out quite a distance, particularly out west. What are the best forms of emergency assistance if any (I've hitchhiked before, have a cell phone etc)
Well... you hit it on the head: Cell phone and hitch hike. In isolated areas, you'll be surprised at all the people willing to give you a ride. It'll be in the cities and highly populated areas that people won't seem as willing to help.
GOOD LUCK! GO! GO! GO!
-Steve
