Getting to the FL start of the Southern Tier with a Trike

[iwstamp]

Okay - more of a logistical question (sorry that it is so long..). I'm looking at my options for starting the Southern Tier (I have another post considering Daytona Beach which seemed easier to me) and I'd like to get some feedback from others who have already gone through the process. I will be flying down from CT with my Greenspeed GTO Trike. I can break it down into a large box or two large suitcases.. pretty hard to lug around either way. I suppose that I could ship it ahead and have it reassembled by a Trike dealer in or around St. Augustine - (although I didn't find a local shop that was well versed in Trikes). I did look into renting a van one way from CT but that was hugely expensive. It looks like I will have to fly into JAX and somehow get to a hotel near the start of the route. Do St. Augustine hotels have shuttles from JAX? If not - how do I get to my hotel (I will be alone) near the beach with my trike? (large Limo, I suppose). Then assemble my trike and work my way to the ocean to dip my wheel and begin.. Seems like a complicated process.. Any suggestions that make the beginning a little easier? I only have 8 weeks so I doubt I will be able to simply begin from New England. I picked the Southern Tier due to it's shorter length although I am open to beginning anywhere on the east coast or even in San Diego if the logistical issues are less of a pain in the rump heading west to east. Either way I'll be flying to/from San Diego as well.

Thanks!!

[John Nettles]

Try shipping the bike on Greyhound Freight.  It is usually a LOT cheaper for big bulky things like that.  I would guess $75.  Best thing is they can handle big boxes, i.e. 31" x 80" or something like that.  If you are lucky, you could keep it put together and just roll it out and go.

[sackcycle]

I would try Craigslist Rideshare going south, this can be hit or miss, try to meet this person for a cup of coffee and get a feel of who your riding with. If you just e-mail back and forth they might not show on your departing date. Best regards and safe travels George.