Inoplanetyanin

Hello everybody.
I just joined your bike community today and am very happy to find it.

I live in Alhambra (suburb of Los Angeles).
In the summer, I plan to make a long ride either across Canada or across US - to Alabama.

I do not have a bike yet, so I will look to see if there is anything suitable here for sale...

Question now. Could anyone assist or just share an oppinion on the following issue?

I have a great touring bike in Fort Wayne, Indiana, that I would like to get here. It is in my ex gf's garage and she would not disassemble it to get ready for shipping. Is that possible to find some enthusiasts that live in Fort Wayne and would be able to do it? Of course for the money ?


I am waiting for the reply impatiently:confused:

orguasch

welcome to BFC, as for your quest good luck dude

Inoplanetyanin

Thank you Orguasch.
I know it sounds pretty hopeless and impossible, but this bicycle is of a high sentimantal value to me.

I bought it in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, for $15... in some old old antiq shop. The bike is about 1970 something... had rotten flat tires, rust everywhere... torn cables and a bad looking handlebar bone metal.

I lubricated the bike, fixed the tires... fixed the handlebar and in the end it was running so great because originally it was some high class bicycle, I believe...
I am not an expert and don't remember the name, but it has a very think tires and a handle bar that is twisted... you know. The speed changing levers are on the frame...

Maybe one day I will just walk there and take the bike with me.
The gf and her parents kicked me out and I could not take the bicycle while moving to another state.

Such a story...

Inoplanetyanin

Sorry. After viewing the entries of the forum for several hours, it became clear to me that my plans are not huge... People cross continents often...

Kev

I know there are a few services that specificaly ship bikes, and include a box so you dont' even have to dismantle it, but the drawback is you will spend $200 or so getting it to you.

VegasCyclist

welcome to the forums..

perhaps, but not every forum member has done so, it's a impressive feat that you are going to attempt... hopefully you will do it with few (if any) problems along the way

as for a bike, you may be happier if you buy a new touring style bike. A touring bike with a triple front crank may be better suited to hills (if you happen upon them ) than your previous vintage ride

I believe trek and giant have some models that may fit your needs... good luck

DnvrFox

If you cross the continent on a bike, it IS a HUGE accomplishment, let no one kid you not.

Good luck.

Gordon P

If you have the time, see if you can get one of those auto drive away deals from California to as close to Indiana as possible and start your trip from there. It may become an interesting adventure!
Welcome to the Fourm.
Gordon p

Chi

Try to make a friend at an Airline and ask them for a "buddy pass" so you can travel there for cheapo and get your bike back!

lotek 

A cross country bike ride IS a big deal.

Is there any possibility that your ex GF's parents
(I don't imagine she's gonna be alot of help) could
take the bike to a Bike Shop, and have them box
and ship the bike for you?
Of course you'd pay for that service (I think about $35 for
boxing fee's, and then there's shipping), but that
shouldn't be too difficult.
Be sure to emphasize that fact that you will pay and
all they would have to do is transport the bike
to LBS. Remind them its your bike, but do so
in a gentle manner.

What type of bike is it ?

Marty

The Toninator

Gorum Kropp biked from Sweden to mt Everest (over 6,000 miles) then climbed the mountain WITH OUT SHERPA SUPPORT NOR BOTTLED OXEGEN, then after he summited he biked back home.
Set your goals high, anything is attainable. Good luck!!!!

Inoplanetyanin

Marty, that's a new idea. Thanks, If things wont get any easier way, I might think about asking them, but before it would be good to find out where the shops are around there.

As far as bike I am not knowledgeble enough to tell exactly. PLus, it was a year ago and at that time i wasn't paying much attention to bikes. It is some older style, touring or sport bicycle. You know, the one with thin tires, twisted handlebars, big frame, and pedals that originally had little ties attached to grab around the foot... I don't know if it tells you anything.
I'll keep your suggestion in mind. Thank you Marty

deliriou5

yeah that dude was hardcore....
he actually died recently... i remember reading it in a magazine.

The Toninator

NO S***??!! i didnt know. was it from a climbing accident?

The Toninator

where did you get that avatar:confused:

Pat

You could have your girl friend take the bike down to the LBS near her and have them ship the bike out to you by Fed Ex or UPS. I have heard that Fed Ex is better. The shipping will cost about $30 and the bike shop partially taking the bike apart for shipping will cost about the same or maybe a bit less.

deliriou5

i did an internet search for "simpsons avatars"

ralph is my favorite

Inoplanetyanin

Pat, I keep t hinking about getting it. Even if it will cost me $65 all together - that's fine as bikes don't cost even close to that.
The thing is, I would have to find a bike shop somewhere in Fort Wayne, IN, call them and find out if they would agree to disassemble it and then what, take it to the UPS service office? Hmmm. It just doesnt sound very realistic. I guess, I will start looking for phone numbers and calling those shops. $30 for shipping doesn't sound bad at all.

Last try. Is there anyone on the forum who lives in Fort Wayne?

Dutchy

Just give your ex girlfriend an abusive phone call, she will disassemble it in no time. It might not be rideable though.

CHEERS.

Mark

Inoplanetyanin

Hahahaha, that's funny, Mark, but the truth is, if I actually speak with her again, I might not be walkable for a while....

KevinG

Most LBS offer packing and shipping.
Every shop I have worked at has.
Ups will come to the shop and pick it up.
Kevin

fubar5

You may not know it, but that is Toni's avatar over at ridemonkey.com...He was probably evilly suspecting you of avatar plagiarism...Bad Toni, bad bad Toni. Think of others what you want them to think of you..


Ralph!!!

tomkatz

re: Goran Kropp

Yeah he died rock climbing here in Washington state near Vantage I believe. Awesome guy, I read his book about the everest trip, just amazing. He did his climb in '96 when Rob Hall and Scott Fischer died....tom