FLCC> bike transportation

[Bill Goffe]

I usually lurk here, but I travel a fair amount with my bike, so maybe I'd
be some help. Most bike shops have boxes if you want to ship, but UPS can
be tough on packages. They also charge based on distance, so would think
it could be $80-$100. FedEx Ground is another option; the last time I used
them they were something of a pain to deal with. I've only seen flyers for
it, but http://www.shipbikes.com/ looks interesting.

I've got an "Iron Case"
http://deltacases.stores.yahoo.net/tricobikecase1.html that is just barely
UPS legal but nice if you travel a lot. I've only shipped it a few times
but it seemed to work OK. It likely isn't what is needed here, but if you
travel a lot with a bike, it is quite nice.

Usually I take it with me if I'm flying (not asked, but maybe of
interest), and, well, it is getting to be more and more of a pain. A
carrier's "Condition of Carriage" describes their bike policies. Prices
have been climbing; it was $100 to Florida for Spring Break. However, some
gate agents will take mercy on one from time to time and not charge you
(they too feel the fees are a tad high?). Bikes used to be free
internationally if they were your second piece of luggage, but that seems
to be be fading as well. In short, check your carrier. USCF used to have
a program that for two free flights with United, but that has been
discontinued.

I believe that golf clubs fly free. Clearly, not enough airline execs 
bike :(

For trains, I'm sure that the web sites would have info. Oddly, it is
royal pain to take your bike on a train in France, of all places.

        - Bill


Anna asked:

> hi all-
> 
> two friends of mine just arrived in ithaca after at 2200 mile journey from
> idaho on bike. they have no current plan for the return trip and need some
> input on transporting the bikes.
> 
> options--
> * US or Canadian railway (bikes and people)
> * bus (bikes and people)
> * shipping the bikes and traveling separately
> 
> if anyone has any experience with any of the above (or alternatives),
> please pass it along. they don't even really know anything about where to
> find a bike box for shipping. i haven't ever shipped a bike either, so i'm
> not much help.
> 
> thanks. enjoy the weather.
> ~anna b
> 
> 
> _______________________________________________
> FLCC mailing list
> FLCC at icycle.org
> http://icycle.org/mailman/listinfo/flcc_icycle.org

-- 
         *------------------------------------------------------*
         | Bill Goffe                 goffe at oswego.edu          |
         | Department of Economics    voice: (315) 312-3444     |
         | SUNY Oswego                fax:   (315) 312-5444     |
         | 416 Mahar Hall             <http://cook.rfe.org>     |          
         | Oswego, NY  13126                                    |
*--------*------------------------------------------------------*-----------*
| "If you take the time to find out all the information, and put safety of  |
| yourself and others as your highest priority, you will find pyrotechnics  |
| an extremely fun and rewarding hobby."                                    |
|   -- Hans Josef Wagemueller, rec.pyrotechnics FAQ                         |
*---------------------------------------------------------------------------*