safe place to ship bike to in Oregon?

[vanick]

Folks, I'm riding transam solo self-supported from Oregon to Virginia starting in July......I'm thinking about boxing up the bike and shipping it to Oregon beforehand then flying my butt out there (with loaded BOB as luggage).  I need to find someone I can ship the bike to who will store it safely for a week or so until I get there.

I'd like to start the ride in Florence, has anyone had experience shipping a bike to that town?  If there's a bike shop there, it doesn't seem to have a presence on the web.  Alternatively, I could ship the bike to Astoria & ride from there.  Anyone know of a good shipping destination in that town?

Thanks, Nick

[Peaks]

Well, Nick, here is what we did prior to the Northern Tier last summer.  I bought the ACA maps.  At the start, there was a bike shop listed.  We called the bike shop and asked if we could ship our bikes there.  We shipped our bikes there.  They were waiting for us when we arrived.  We also bought last minute supplies such as new tires from them.  

So, I suggest you see what ACA lists for bike shops near Florence, and give them a call.  

[DaveB]

The airlines now have a 50 pound weight limit for any single piece of luggage on domestic flights but allow two checked bags per person.   Be sure your packed BOB doesn't go over the limit or plan on taking it as two separate items.  Obviously, airlines will take heavier items but the overweight charges are steep.  

[vanick]

Thanks for the input! Duh, I hadn't browsed the ACA list of cycling resources in Oregon, looks like I'll be talking to Corvallis Cyclery & staging things out of that fair city.  As for BOB on the airplane, I'll carry a sack of stuff as carry-on & keep it under 50#.  The fish scale says I'm well under 50 at this point (trailer plus camping stuff, no water, food & stove fuel), that will only change upward....

Nick