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Do I want to fly with my bike?

I'm going to be in Alaska when there is a triathlon in Wasilla and I really, really, really want to do it, because, well, how cool would that be.

It's a pool swim, so that's easy.

Just a normal run and I'm already going to be up there for a half marathon, so that's easy too.

But the bike.  I'm flying Frontier and they don't charge you extra for bikes (like extra heavy luggage fees) so I could just rent a bike box from my LBS.  I do have a plane change in Denver though, so that kind of scares me.

Should I just see if I can rent a bike?  Borrow one from my sister-in-law's really big family?  I think the course is going to be a lot hillier than I'm used to (duh) and I'm afraid I won't feel as secure on a strange bike.

Is this just a bad idea and I need to forget it or is this a (slightly) once in a lifetime opportunity that I should take?

Re: Do I want to fly with my bike?

  • I would eliminate the rent/borrow a bike option.  I'd either do it on my bike or not at all.  I wouldn't want to race or ride any serious distance on an unfamiliar bike that isn't fitted properly for me.

    As for whether to do it, I don't know.  I can see both arguments.  In the end I think a pool-swim triathlon wouldn't warrant the hassle of lugging the bike.  A tri in Alaska sounds cool in theory, but it doesn't sound like there's anything special about the course itself.  A particularly scenic or challenging course would be my primary motivator to do a "destination race."

  • I'd be nervous about flying with a bike. I had a friend who traveled a lot of triathons and she would ship hers ahead of time. I think she ended up doing it through local bike shops so the people would know what they were doing.

    If you're just doing it for the experience you could always just rent one too.

    image
    ~2012 Races~
    American Birkenbeiner - 50K Ski 3:19:00
    Davenport St. Patrick's Day Fun Run - 5K 21:58
    UIVA Warrior Challenge - 5K 22:06
    Iowa City River Run - 10K 44:37 PR!
    Green Bay Marathon 5/20/12
  • I've flown with my bike dozens of times and never had a problem. Definitely rent a bike box and have the LBS show  you how to pack the bike. If you had to pay for it, I'd say no way.
  • I would ship it!
  • imageSadlebred:
    I've flown with my bike dozens of times and never had a problem. Definitely rent a bike box and have the LBS show  you how to pack the bike. If you had to pay for it, I'd say no way.

    This.  But, if this is truly a "just for fun" race and bringing the bike is a hassle (where will you put it?  are you renting a car?  if so, is it big enough to carry the bike?  etc.), I would try to borrow or rent a bike.

  • Well the good thing is that my mom lives there and has big azz vehicles, so transporting it wouldn't be a problem.  The only thing is that I doubt I'd do any other riding except for one day before the race and the race itself since I have my half a week after the tri.

    Maybe I'll wait and see how much I love (or hate) doing triathlons after my first one on Mother's Day.  If they still have registration slots open then, I'll take it as a sign it's meant to be.

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