FlyingAnchor

Just a thought here:
I am in the planning phase for my cross country trip across the U.S. and was thinking about shipping my bike back to my home. Then I thought of the movie Vanishing Point where the guy is paid to drive someone elses car across the U.S. Then I wondered if anyone has simply contacted another cyclist that was doing a cross country trip in the reverse direction and just simply worked out a vehicle move.
I see it as a "possibility" that someone could take a northern trip, pick up a vehicle from someone that was going to make close to the same trip in reverse (or close to it), they could then make sure the vehicle was at the appointed place when to last trip was made. This way both parties could drive back and not worry about shipping their bike.
Yes, I can see some problems and both parties would have to have assurance that the other party would hold to the bargin etc.......
But! What do you think, or have you done this before? Just thinking aloud (sorta).

Steven

valygrl

I've heard of companies that match people looking to get somewhere with people looking to have their cars driven, but a quick google around yeilds nothing. Sounds like a logistical and insurance nightmare to work it out private party.

I'm picturing you showing up at my house the day before I leave for my bike tour, with your bike, and me handing you the keys to my car... and then I ride to your house and drive my car back home in a couple of months, if you haven't sold it by then... uh... yeah, wait... no, I don't think so.

And don't forget to add up the cost of gas, food, logding for the days it will take you to drive across. Bounce that against an airline ticket, it might just even out.

One way rental cars are also available.

No dis on thinking outside the {bike}box, but I can't see it.
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Oh dude. I just noticed where you are from. That explains Everything.

FlyingAnchor

You know it was just a thought, it would have to be someone that you knew or something like that. I figure that when I make my trek I am going to drive south or north to get access to a good route. I am too aware of the roads leading south and north from my home on the Ave of the Giants. I don't like the idea of either direction.
Those of you that take the Redwood Coast route have my prayers.
And it looks like my great idea won't pan out so we can let this die a quick death.
Steven

NoReg

I called up some company that did that, it was quite a while ago, well over 10 years. I was getting ready to hum and haw, and explain my bonafides, when the person of the other end snapped back they had X cars to go Vancouver to Toronto, and they provided 350 dollars for expenses, (it was a long time ago). So some of your problems might be solved if the place was actually paying to you drive back. They also gave a fairly generous time window, if one wanted to stop along the way. I think that would be more practical than trying to do a swap. Just end up soemwhere big and drive back via somewhere big.

invisiblehand

I applaud the thought and effort.

arctos

Flying Anchor: Just go West over Panther Gap and turn left at Honeydew to follow the Unknown and Lost Coast to the Usal Road South to Highway 1 and the coast route.

FlyingAnchor

Shoot yeah, I have driven that road past Bear Harbor, depending on the time of year you need a mountain bike or a 4 by 4. Nice road otherwise.
Steven