The first time you have to travel a significant distanceto a race, one of the biggest concerns is transporting your bike. You may consider hiring a bike to do the race however, wouldn't you rather race on the bike that you have been training with? It doesn't have to be a drama if you plan in advance. Plenty do and you'll soon see there are plenty of ways to transport your bike safely.
By car
If you've got the time, the logistics of driving to a race can sometimes be a better option than flying. Just make sure you take plenty of stops along the way. Intermittently, find a spot to play a bit of football, or do a bit of
yoga to relieve the stiffness from your muscles and joints from the constant sitting.
If you choose to travel by car make sure you have a good bike rack. There are plenty of roof racks available for cars, trucks and SUVs, which are also available at online stores. Alternatively, you can store the bike in the boot, which means you can lock it away. Rear hitches are also popular and practical and some can accommodate up to 4 bikes mounted at the back of your vehicle.
By Flight
Flying within Australia may not take you long but there are many factors that make it an expensive affair. Some airlines charge excess weight and baggage fees that can catch you unawares if you're not aware of how you can take your bike within your standard baggage allowance.
The best way to fly with your bike is to use a soft-sided bike travel case. Cases come in various forms and constructions. There are two types of bike travel cases namely, hard boxes and soft bags. These bags are available to suit different types of bikes and are designed to be as compact as possible. The wheels, pedals and bars can be removed to fit within the box in separate compartments. They are
well padded and feature roller wheels at the base to allow for easy transportation. Most have room for helmets, wetsuits, clothes and other gear, which can mean you can pack all your gear for your trip into the one bag. For extra protection, some professionals recommend tying the fork blade, chain stay and
seat stay with long foam insulation tubes. You can shift the place of the chain on the big ring so that it protects the teeth from damage. Zip ties will hold the chain in place, so that it doesn’t slip off during transportation. When you look at the range of bike cases, always refer to the weight allowance with the domestic airlines and ensure you select one that is light enough to allow you to stay within the weight restriction once the bike and a few bits and pieces are included.
It is advisable not to pack your heavy bike parts/spares in the bike travel case to avoid the extra weight. Instead, carry your shoes, helmet and other gear in your hand-luggage bag. However, if you can afford the weight of the wetsuit, it can be practical for paddling. If you travel with two bikes, remove the wheels of both bikes and pack them together and also pack both bikes in one travel case.