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Bike Friday travelers Dick and Ingrid Adams delight in sharing their touring tips with new members of the fold. First, congratulations on your new Bike Fridays! We know you will be very happy with them. We especially love the trailers for extended trips to remote areas. We each still take 2 front panniers for fast access to rain gear, additional cloths needed during the day, snacks, etc. We feel this also gives us more stability in a cross wind. Now 50 lbs add up fast. We usually put in the trailer the complete bike with fenders, some tools, 1 spare tire each for trailer and bike, extra tubes, and the trailer assembly. That adds up pretty close to 50 lbs. Then we each check in a large duffel bag which weighs 1 lb each. Even though it's light, it's quite sturdy and lasted through many flights and trips and are still good. At the bottom go the flattened panniers and then the tent, sleeping bag and pad, cloths and rest of the gear. Metal objects like knife, stove (propane and liquid fuel are not allowed), rest of the tools, etc. go in the duffel bag too. In the handlebar bag go wallet, passport, ID's, important papers, and with the helmet in a plastic bag they are our carryon. So far nobody questioned the helmet as the second carryon. We don't like to put the helmets in the duffel bags in case they get mishandled. When you book a one-way flight be prepared that you might get thoroughly searched. It happens to us every time. That's why we make sure nothing in metal, not even a pin, goes in the handlebar bags. We usually book a motel close to the airport where the motel shuttle picks us up free of charge. This gives us a chance to put bikes and gear together in the room and start the tour relaxed. A few times we had REI in Seattle ship 2 propane bottles for our stove to the motel ahead of our arrival there. We call ahead to make sure they will hold it. REI seems to be the only company which will ship propane and it saves time and eliminates frustration trying to find fuel in an unfamiliar city. Many times we rent a car at the end of a long trip for sightseeing or the return trip home. A car for one-way rental is easily available from just about any airport (even in our small town of New Bern NC) which we will then return at the closest airport. We usually use Hertz or Avis for one way rental. Before we leave we prepare a gear list which shows where everything goes. The duffel bags go in the trailers first and everything else follows into the duffel bags. We separate underwear and cloths in clear plastic bags for easy identification. We like to carry raingear in the left panniers. Ingrid likes the stove, fuel and some food in the right panniers, with Dick doing the same with the tools for easy access during the day. We also line the trailer with a light plastic bag which comes handy when we check into a motel with nice carpeting. Don't forget to put rubber washers on the inside of the suitcase before you attach the trailer parts. We never had water splashed inside. For now all our best wishes to your new adventures. Good luck and happy pedaling, |