FLCC> bike transportation

[Darren Joseph Zanon]

Bikes on trains: it works, and they're not too bad about it. You can buy a
bike box at most stations -- be prepared to take parts off (seat and pedals:
bring your pedal wrench!) and loosen other parts like the handlebars. The
Syracuse station sells the boxes for (I think) $25, but it wouldn't surprise
me if they didn't always have them on-hand. If you ask, they let you
supervise where it gets placed on the train, and you can monitor it every
time you stop just to make sure nobody kipes the thing. The handlers in
Chicago, the usual transfer point, are pretty friendly if you let them know
what you need and be quiet and patient. Best not to lurk over their
shoulders...they have to deal with enough crazy people.

Your friends might also get lucky and find someone who's driving that way
for summer break. Road trips with random people can be entertaining. Or they
can hitch it home, which is another experience entirely.

Happy riding, kids,
-Darren Z

> 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
> |
> *---------------------------------------------------------------------------*
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> FLCC mailing list
> FLCC at icycle.org
> http://icycle.org/mailman/listinfo/flcc_icycle.org
>