My wife and I have been traveling the world a bit and have started our own cycle touring business. We are offering trips to watch the Spring Classics in Belgium, ride the same routes the pro's do, and experience Northern Europe in the glorious springtime! Check out our trips at www.bikebelgium.com.
Travel Tips: The tips we present today are from our experiences traveling with bikes. Here's our helpful advice we have gathered from traveling all over the world with our bikes.
Packing up your bike
Measure twice: Either with a permanent marker or electrical tape, mark the position of your seat height. Or, use a tape measure and write down the measurements. Also note the spacer arrangement on your stem so you can replicate it later.
Required Tools : Gather the tools you need to dismantle your bike; most likely 4, 5, and 6 millimeter wrenches along with a pedal wrench. After your bike is packed, wrap your tools in shop rags to prevent your frame from getting scratched and place them in your bike case. Some bike parts may require a unique tool, so make sure that you have the right tools with you to reassemble your bike when you arrive at your destination.
Use a bike box: To prevent damage, we recommend a hard shell case, but there are soft sided cases that can be used as well. If you have a buddy who can lend you a case, try borrowing one first. If not, make a trip to your local bike shop and inquire about renting one. Many bike shops will rent a case for your cycling vacation. Plan ahead and reserve one early. If you need to buy a case check with local bike shops. There are many brands to choose from. It's a good idea to practice fitting your bike in the case to ensure everything fits properly. Also review airline policies for bike case sizes since regulations change frequently and each airline is very different. A few inches too big could mean your bike may be left at the airport.
Packing everything tight: We recommend putting your helmet and cycling shoes in with your regular luggage in case your bike gets lost in flight. This allows you to ride during your cycling vacation, on a rented bike, without interrupting your itinerary. However we do recommend putting certain items in with your bike; powdered sports drink, extra tubes and tires, tools required to reassemble your bike, etc. Do not pack CO2 cartridges in with your bike as pressurized items are not allowed on planes.
Expect an inspection: The TSA often inspects bike cases. Be prepared for an inspection and make it easy for them to repack the contents of your bike case after an inspection.
We hope our travel tips help you the next time you take your bike with you to Belgium or any location. If you have any questions or comments fill out our Contact Page!
Thanks!
John Edward Max Chinkes
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John and Lynnda met while riding for the same cycling team in Louisville Colorado. Both have been riding and racing for many years. John has lived and raced in Europe as well as all over the US. John beat Jason in a mountain bike race when Jason was only 15 years old, but that was the last time.
