TransAmerica 2012

[PeteJack]

I've had good luck with BA and a boxed up bike, from Seattle to the UK and back three times. I'm hoping to use them again this spring.

The baggage rules have changed: only one checked bag is allowed these days so I'm hoping to keep extra bag fees down by putting my paniers and bar bag in a big cheap (disposable) duffel bag so I only have one extra bag.

I've worked on baggage handling systems at my local airport (SEA) and they are brutal. It's not so much careless people but the devices known as 'diverters' that shove bags from one conveyor to another that really clobber bags. Also anything a bit loose and flapping like a plastic bike bag is just asking to get caught in conveyor rollers. I don't know how they handle bikes in bags, it would be a major hassle for them to not use the conveyor system. Because of this I think it safer to box a bike with plenty of pipe foam insulation. The only problem I have had was one time when the security people opened the box, they resealed it just fine, but managed to lose my front skewer which was in the bar bag. This video is very good http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P2jCN2nVnNY

[mcmoonter]

Scottybhoy, I rode the  TransAm in 2011  http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/8912

I'm over the Forth near Kirkcaldy. If you need any advice, email me or phone. My mobile is 07834  555 728.

[Scottybhoy]

Hey MCMOONTER, as a fellow Scot sporting blue skin I'll definitely be in touch for your tips. I'm in East Lothian so I'll give you a shout when I'm going to be in the Kingdom. Cheers Scottybhoy

[webm8]

Great photos on the blog

what camera did you use?

[mcmoonter]

Great photos on the blog

what camera did you use?   

Thanks, just a cheap £100 Panasonic Lumix compact.

[webm8]

Really? Wow, loved the photos

[merzperson]

...there's no lodging between Rawlins and Lander, if the reports of the Jeffrey City motel closing are true, and it's about 120 miles.  If you hit a bad headwind, like we did, you're going to be hurting.  I'd recommend you plan on two nights either side of that stretch to rest up before and after that ride.

I didn't read the entire thread, so if this has already been mentioned then please disregard. I rode the opposite direction (west to east), and stealth camped every night, but if you don't mind 'roughing it' for a night (it was a luxury for me) you can stay for free in the Sweetwater Station rest stop. There's drinking water, restrooms, picnic tables, etc. However this obviously isn't an option if you don't have a sleeping bag and aren't interested in camping, but I think it would be a shame to ride the TransAm without camping at least a couple times. The places I camped are some of the most memorable parts of my trip!

However you end up doing it I hope you have an amazing time and I wish you the best of luck!