Touring - Completely insane? Airborne tandem 'bent touring?

I hate starting new threads, but I used the search function, but I couldn't find quite what I was looking for.

Two buddies and I have an opportunity to do some touring out west (we live on the East Coast). However, one of these guys has a broken wrist (from a bicycle accident), and cannot ride a regular bicycle currently, and probably won't be able to for some time. He thinks he can ride in the back of a recumbent tandem without any problems.

So, obviously, we have to get a recumbent tandem, and then somehow transport it and ourselves to Las Vegas. However, Southwest, for example, claims that you can't ship anything with an overall length (width + length + height) greater than 80". All the recumbent tandems I've seen are much larger than that.

Has anyone successfully done anything like this before?

Yes, A Rans Screamer can be shipped by UPS, but not in one box. I've shipped mine twice by UPS without problems. You said that your in the east, wares about? As I have a Rans Screamer built up for loaded touring that I might just part with. (Can't blame me for trying)

Yes, A Rans Screamer can be shipped by UPS, but not in one box. I've shipped mine twice by UPS without problems. You said that your in the east, wares about? As I have a Rans Screamer built up for loaded touring that I might just part with. (Can't blame me for trying)

We live in Philadelphia.

Maybe this is a dumb question, but don't you have to know someone at your destination to ship the bike to? Or will UPS just hold it for you at one of their shipping centers?

UPS or a frieght hauler. Either ship to a friend, a hotel, or a bike shop.
I ship my bike to hotels rather regularly, just call ahead. UPS can be delayed so have it arrive a day before you need it.
being that you're getting a bike, why not see if you can get one built with S&S couplers.

Angletech and Bilenky (Bilenkey?) both sell versions of the Counterpoint tandem where the stoker sits in a recumbent seat, in-front of the captain. Thus they both have a good view forward. The stokers' cranks are on the end of a boom which easily folds back to shorten the machine for shipping. Go to their sites for more details.

I hate starting new threads, but I used the search function, but I couldn't find quite what I was looking for.

Two buddies and I have an opportunity to do some touring out west (we live on the East Coast). However, one of these guys has a broken wrist (from a bicycle accident), and cannot ride a regular bicycle currently, and probably won't be able to for some time. He thinks he can ride in the back of a recumbent tandem without any problems.

So, obviously, we have to get a recumbent tandem, and then somehow transport it and ourselves to Las Vegas. However, Southwest, for example, claims that you can't ship anything with an overall length (width + length + height) greater than 80". All the recumbent tandems I've seen are much larger than that.

Has anyone successfully done anything like this before?

www.logotrikes.com can build you a tandem recumbent trike with S&S couplers so it can be split in half to transport easily.

Regards
Andrew
http://www.where2pedalto.com

The wife and I used the Screamer for touring untill we replaced it last year with a Longbikes Gulfstream last year. And the yes the Gulfstream can be shipped UPS as well. Many of the tandem bents can be shipped ups if they come apart using S&S couplers. And some can be shipped with out couplers like the Screamer. Heres another at http://www.barcroftcycles.com/

Most of the "better" bent tandems start around $4000 and unless you find a shop that has one in stock they may have a long lead time. Are you looking for new or used?

Most of the "better" bent tandems start around $4000 and unless you find a shop that has one in stock they may have a long lead time. Are you looking for new or used?

Our plan was to buy used, and then try to resell it afterwards, since we'll never use it again after his wrist heals. We still aren't sure if this is the best idea.