Bike Travel/Trips/Out of Town Training

Aug 18, 2012 at 05:01 PM

Yeah, I called and they were totally not helpful at all. Basically, almost every train to albany has no baggage service, thus no check bikes. They also do not allow bikes on board.

There is a long distance train (NYC to Chicago) that takes baggage and stops in Albany, but they will not sell tickets from NYC to Albany only. Bummer.

Greyhound seems equally unhelpful.

I'm thinking about risking my life to take a Chinatown bus that allows bikes.

http://www.kingworldbus.com/

dstokes

Aug 19, 2012 at 11:43 AM

I take those busses all.the time. Not a big deal. I bet if you put your bike in a bag, Amtrak would not notice.

tito

Aug 20, 2012 at 09:46 PM

Amtrak sucks.

That is all.

Adam

Aug 22, 2012 at 08:10 PM

http://radioshacktourtracker.usaprocyclingchallenge.com/

Up and down Independence Pass today and tomorrow. Fun to watch haven ridden up and descended the climb 4 times in a few weeks ago.

Unknown

Sep 28, 2012 at 05:47 PM

Just an FYI - If anyone is traveling to the UK, Virgin Atlantic will transport your bicycle free of charge.

We take Billys bike back and forth and have no issues at all.

Rick Perner

Nov 11, 2012 at 09:04 PM

What's the airline's liability if you're bike is damaged? Is it greater if you actually pay the bike fee as opposed to trying to check your discretely marked Pika in as regular luggage w/o the fee?

Does renters insurance cover your bike for travel?

Adam

Nov 12, 2012 at 12:29 AM

Some tips on this one guys.

2/3 times I have flown a bike here int he US in my expensive bike case the TSA have take it upon themselves to force open the lock with a screwdriver. Of course, this was essential national security so I am glad they did it. Anyway, now, after it happening twice, the locking mechanism is so screwed that the entire case is no longer usable.

Just something to think about; your choices are:

1)Leave your case unlocked with your $5000 dollar carbon monster in there and other equipment.

2)Lock it and get it crow-barred open

3)Find a TSA approved lockable one (not as easy as it might seem)

alyoshas

Nov 12, 2012 at 12:51 AM

I've traveled with my bicycle 3 times. and while the bike was clearly searched, I have never had anything missing but if you think there is a risk it might be a good idea to go w/ Adam's suggestions.

ian ellis

Nov 12, 2012 at 03:07 AM

I simply ask the TSA staff if it is OK for me to watch while they open my bike box and search. They have always obliged and done a decent job or re-packing the box.

Ryan J

Nov 12, 2012 at 03:11 AM

I have probably flown my bike in an unlocked case 50 times and never had a single problem. It never even occurred to me to worry about it, actually.

dstokes

Nov 12, 2012 at 01:06 PM

I think they took some lubricant or some such out of my case one time. This was accompanied with a generic note. Probably deemed it a hazard. Otherwise, it is a fact of life (currently) that TSA can and will inspect any piece of luggage that they want to.

Jules

Nov 12, 2012 at 01:57 PM

I've travelled with my Pika pack close to 20 times; other than stuffing my case with TSA flyers I've suffered no ill effects. I don't lock the pack, for what it's worth.

About half the time don't get dinged for the bike charge because they think it's just a large sized bag (that bill is lower) or a massage table, "Is that a massage table?" they ask... "Uh, why yes, yes it is..."

The pika requires significantly more dis- and re-assembly than others but combined with some pipe insulation it seems to be the safest method.

Adam

Nov 12, 2012 at 03:01 PM

My problem was that I locked the case, using the combination lock on it. This, I thought, was a simple precautionary measure, but earned me a busted case as they forced their way in. Of course, you can chose not to lock the case to avoid this but I worry about security in this sense.

The last time I too received the flyers and the box was taped shut using liberal packing tape by them after the latch was screwed.

The problem, I believe, is that if you have a security mishap without locking your case I am not overly sure that any insurance that you might have will cover it. Hence, it would seem that you are obliged to get a TSA approved, lockable bike box. Must be some available I suppose.

Or, just not worry about it and leave it unlocked...

ian ellis

Nov 12, 2012 at 10:59 PM

I don't think your home insurance will cover your bike when traveling. And the amount you can claim from airlines is capped at something much less than the value of a bike.
To be honest you need to be down with the fact that if you travel with your bike and it is lost or damaged then you are shit out of luck. If you can be calm about that then travel with your bike and all will (probably) be fine. If you cannot then leave your trusty steed at home and rent a bike at your destination.

Rick Perner

Nov 13, 2012 at 12:49 AM

Thanks Ian,

I read somewhere online today that some renters insurance will cover your bike when traveling. But, it varies widely company to company.

I found this article which was pretty dissuasive for me.

http://www.bicyclelaw.com/road-rights/a.cfm/road-rights-airlines-and-bikes

Essentially you have to abide completely by the airlines' regs and strictures to file a claim. And the claim will be for the depreciated value of your bike as determined by an adjuster, usually well below replacement cost.

I usually fly Southwest and I looked up their regs. They claim to offer $3300 of coverage(which would cover the cost of my Caad10 if not for the depreciated value assessment)..

Also, they require that it be packed inside a hard case. If it's in a box or a soft case, they'll "conditionally accept" it which waives them of liability.

Ian, your point is well taken. I can't risk my bike as it's the only one I have. The time w/o my bike for the claims process itself would probably be unbearable for me.

I'm going to the SF Bay Area in January for a week.There are a lot of good, reasonably priced rental options there for higher end aluminum and carbon bikes. I'll give my bike a big hug and a kiss, tell her how much I missed her when I come back

Jules

Jan 14, 2013 at 11:16 PM

Guys,

I'm likely going to be in San Fran for the long weekend. Any additions or clarifications welcome. I'm looking for some good long hard uninterrupted climbs.

dstokes

Jan 15, 2013 at 01:11 AM

Mt. Diablo = 1 hr.

Mt Tamalpais. Close to SF.

Rt. 9 towards Santa Cruz.

Mt. Hamilton near San Jose.

Back and forth over the Berkeley hills many routes to choose from.

Rick Perner

Jan 15, 2013 at 01:22 AM

head down to Palo Alto

here's a list of rides that start at Palo Alto Bicycles

http://www.paloaltobicycles.com/resources/

normanzo

Jan 15, 2013 at 04:35 PM

Hey Jules,

Mt. Tam going by Alpine Dam is a great loop... a half day ride out of downtown SF.

Sounds like you might *not* have time to head down to Silicon Valley, but I gotta put in a word for the riding down there.. the site that Ric mentions above notes a route I rode a couple years ago, which hits Old La Honda, Hwy 1, Tunitas Creek Rd., and descends Kings Mountain. Man! Awesome! It is one of the loveliest rides I've ever done. Tunitas Creek is definitely a good challenge of a climb.

http://www.paloaltobicycles.com/resources/coast-loop/

Note: the only difference in my ride/route from thee one noted in the link was that I started my ride in Redwood City, so I approached Old La Honda from Woodside Rd.

Enjoy!

p.s. be sure to stop into Four Barrel Coffee in the Mission. Sit and sip for a while, very nice place to hangout and compute or read or write or whatever.

mugwump

Jan 15, 2013 at 04:42 PM

where are you staying? In the city or outside?

Jules

Jan 15, 2013 at 04:50 PM

Close to or in Daly City

mperlberg

Jan 15, 2013 at 04:58 PM

Jules said:

Guys,

I'm likely going to be in San Fran for the long weekend. Any additions or clarifications welcome. I'm looking for some good long hard uninterrupted climbs.

gotta give props to the Berkeley Hills and east bay.

Look up:

8-15 minute climbs:

Tunnel Road

Wildcat Canyon Road

Redwood / Pinehurst Road

Claremont Rd.

Memorial Drive

Spruce Drive

Euclid Drive

and of course, Mount Diablo. A skinnier version of me was able to ride it in about 58 mins all out. How is that for uninterrupted climbing?

mugwump

Jan 15, 2013 at 05:00 PM

From Daly City, an easy loop is south to half moon bay on the east and then back along pch. Or vice versa.

Jules

Jan 15, 2013 at 05:07 PM

I'm thinking of the 7 sisters ride

http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/3959192

I only have 3 days so I won't mind repeating it.

Jeffrey White

Jan 15, 2013 at 06:04 PM

Seven sisters is a classic, and it hits up Alpine Dam and Mt. Tam. You can stretch it longer on Sir Francis Drake Blvd, even going all the way up to Pt. Reyes Station via Nicasio Canyon Road.

normanzo

Jan 15, 2013 at 10:03 PM

Yep, you cover the sisters via the Alpine Dam route up to Mt. Tam... climbing through the redwoods after the dam is gorgeous, then you see the golden locks of the sisters --the view opens-up over the Pacific. Beautiful. Wish I was tagging along...

Jeffrey White

Jan 15, 2013 at 10:33 PM

This is the longer one I was talking about:

http://www.mapmytri.com/routes/view/10233645