24 September 2018: Packed for Flight

When planning what to pack, I try to balance needed and like-to-take while minimizing weight and volume. My packing list has been refined annually since 2014, with generous input from fellow travelers, especially John Kulig. I tailor the list to the destination and anticipated weather conditions.

Bike: 

·      Mechanical: A local bike shop suggested the occasional clunk in my Bike Friday drive train, after I installed an new cassette and chain, was a worn free hub. Replaced.

·      New tires front and back: As tires wear, the rubber thins and flats increase.

·      Clean, lube, and adjust: For the first time, I kept the same cables and cable housings.

Trailer:

·      Bike Friday trailers require minimal maintenance. On a prior trip I nearly forgot to pack one piece of the undercarriage.

Other items:

·      Clothes, electronics, and route info: I like paper maps, despite an iPhone and Garmin Edge Touring GPS. Pluses and minuses to each.

Given this is John, Robin, and Michael’s first tour, despite being veteran and fit riders, they opted to travel 2 days early to acclimatize, explore Bordeaux, and get their gear in order. Robin has a newly purchased Bike Friday, saving him $300 in luggage fees. After Michael purchased and dialed-in a new touring bike, he could not get it to fit in a standard shipping box, so he will rent a Trek in Bordeaux with racks and panniers. John owns a touring bike and will ship it. All three will fly into and out of Bordeaux, hence a return to Bordeaux by train. Given my trailer is the bike case, I will continue to Barcelona.
 

Packed Bike. After Delta tore the handle off my Carleton bike case, they kindly reimbursed me for a replacement, the Samsonite Spinner currently recommended by Bike Friday. The Spinner is slightly larger, accommodating more gear, but the weight must remain under 50# to avoid a surcharge. My packing arrangement varies a bit each time.

 

Packed, Upright, Ready to Roll. I selected the screaming orange case for greater visibility, and I add reflective tape on the corners.

Duffel Bag Items. I carry-on the 11" Air Book and often the helmet. All clothes are packed in individual zip-lock bags, making items easy to find. Worn/dirty items are laundered, folded, and replaced in bags. Side pockets carry sunblock, repellent, etc. If the bike case is too heavy, I place some items in the checked duffel. The helmet goes inside the duffel, space permitting, or I carry it on-board as a hat. Miscellaneous electronics and cables are placed in the shallow, net-top bag at lower left.

 

Ready to Travel. The duffel and bike case are checked, free, thanks to nearly 3-million miles on Delta Airlines. On arrival, the bike comes out of the case, I convert the case to a tow-able bike trailer, and the duffel goes in the trailer with ample room to spare.

Good advice. even in France, where most drivers respect cyclists.

Dogs of the Day. Seems appropriate that Eli & Lily, Nancy's standard poodles, are recognized as the lead dogs. 

Boarding Passes & Checked Bags Prompt Departure Anxieties. My initial two segments are on Delta, Bozeman—Salt Lake City, and then Salt Lake City to Paris CDG. In Paris I switch to Delta's Partner, Air France, for Paris CDG—Bordeaux. I should be able to check both bags through. Delta agents assured me they could check it through, but I had to purchase the ticket directly from Air France. Thus, no idea if I can clear French customs at CDG and transfer bags or I have to pick them up and re-check with Air France and pay more fees. Fortunately, I have hours in CDG. 

A minor tip you might find useful if you keep boarding passes on your phone: Take a screen grab of your boarding pass so you can display it without web access or if access is slow.

Finally, John Hedgepeth, a ride partner, is also posting a blog that you can follow here:

TheHedgepeth.blogspot.com

Thanks for reading!