East to West or West to East

Pat talked with a friend that has led 12 Adventure Cycling Tours and he had lots of good advice. (10 Cross country tours)  He suggested we change our direction.  He says we should really consider going east to west for several reasons:

East to west would mean we could start in May because we wouldn't be facing snow and mountains right away and the temperatures would be more moderate.

The sun will be in our eyes every morning going east, and in the eyes of drivers....making it hard to see us. 

The slope to climb the mountains is easier going from the east.

The prevailing winds really end up being neutral:  So just as much head as tail winds. 

Plus - we will be in better condition when we face the mountains in Idaho and Washington, at the end. 

 It may be easier to think about riding all that way "to" home then all that way "away" from home and then the long drive at the end.