balsingh

Hey all. So here it is: I'm down in SoCal for school, but I live in Northern California (no, not The Bay). Anyway, I have my bike down here and want to bring it home to ride over winter break. I don't have a bike box. However, I could either rent one from my LBS and fly it home w/ me, or I could have them pack it and ship it home for me. Either way, the least it's going to cost is $150 to bring home and back to school. Now, I can ride my dad's bike while at home, but just like many of you, I enjoy riding my own bike. So, I ask you: is it worth the money to bring home?

I should add that the weather back home over winter is defined by two words: rainy and windy. And I'm home for three weeks.

It will be my own doing, and I do really want to ride, but that money could also help me afford a new pair of sunglasses. Thanks in advance.

Bal

Unagidon

Ride your dad's bike. If the weather is as you say it is, you'll hate yourself for spending the $ to ship the bike back and forth, not to mention the trouble.

ILUVUK

I sure as hell wouldn't pay to ship it home for winter break. That's a lot of money. As long as your dad's bike is a close fit, I'd ride that one for sure. I'm cheap.

balsingh

Thanks guys for bringing me to my senses. Now back to finals studying. Yay.

Edonis13

dont ship.

nycphotography

Do like the guy here last year, and RIDE it home.

RT

^^^^^ Best answer. How far north? Most SoCal'ers think Fresno is north. Are you above the bay, or below? If I had that kind of time, and weather like the California coast has, I'd be riding.

LIUser22

i would offer to take it up for you, I live in mission viejo. If you can get the bike to me and trust me Im going up to san francisco on the 18th. If you're not far off the freeway i could drop it off or you could meet me somewhere.

balsingh

Thanks man, I really appreciate the offer, but...I live in the sleepy town of Redding in Northern California. Four hours north of the San Francisco via I-80 and I-5. Oh well. Again, thanks.

One day. I'll tour my way home from school.

joecool2727

What about the Amtrak? I dunno if it goes to where you live but i live in SoCal and go to school in San Luis Obispo and taking a bike on the train is no problem. Cheaper than flying too but much longer.

Machka 

How far is it from where you are to where you're going for Christmas?

Also, have you looked into Amtrak? You'll have to count on an 8-12 hour delay, but you could ship your bicycle for free. You would have to put it in a box, but you could get a cardboard box from your LBS for nothing or next to nothing too.

balsingh

I already bought my plane tickets, and I have an interview in Chico the day after my last final. Also, I'm not really keen on a two-day train journey. Plus, I'm scared of the train.

v1k1ng1001

I say buy a discounted pair of running shoes and get some cross training in. Pocket the rest of the cash.

Machka 

Scared of the train??? Why???

I've ridden that train (from Sacramento to Eugene) and although it was annoying that it was 12 hours late which caused me to change my plans in Eugene, it wasn't scary.

Also it probably won't be a 2 day train ride ... it'll be half the day sitting in the train station waiting for the train, and then the other half of the day riding the train.

Now if you want scary ... try taking the night Greyhound from Eugene to Vancouver!

v1k1ng1001

dragonbus ftw

I like Amtrak too

StephenH

So when you get home, hit the garage sales and pick up the $20 bike to leave at home.