Anyone have recommendations for my next trip?

Cyclefrance · 02-26-2006, 05:10 PM

If you're not hell bent on a true Asian scene, how about working your way around New Zealand? It's coming to the end of their summer mind you, but Auckland is noted to be an up and coming city, there is a good mix of business and leisure in the populated parts of the Islands, they speak English, and the South Island offers some magnificent scenery. Doesn't seem overly expensive judging by the exchange rate ($1 NZ = 65 US cents) - B&Bs for around NZ$75 per room per night. Hire a trail bike if you want something that'll get you around fairly cheaply, mix car and bike for best of both worlds. Check out here for initial ideas and use the search engine for answering specific ideas.

Failing the above, China could be a good bet as an alternative - I'm in Shanghai myself at the end of March on business, but only for a couple of days. If you end up there and at that time let me know and maybe we can down a few beers!

slang · 02-26-2006, 05:42 PM

That wasnt even on the radar but it sounds like a potential

Someplace bike friendly would also be cool. Biking daily has become a way of life now. A month of going without adds fat to me like crazy.

Griff · 02-26-2006, 06:10 PM

NZ is a bike target of mine. Nice call. I was gonna say Indonesia but you said you wanted to keep your head on your shoulders.

slang · 02-26-2006, 06:27 PM

Looks like a nice place

Have either of you guys taken a bike on a plane? Would it be better to buy one there or send it before the trip? Any suggestions?

This bike is no hybrid fancy ass sexy smooth lightweight carbon fibRe racing bike, just a general all around transportation tool.

The wheels would pack easy enough and the weight isnt a real problem but it seems like a big PITA to get it there with me on the plane.

Just checked on the visas requirements. "No visa required for a stay of up to 90 Days." Another money saving detail

Griff · 02-26-2006, 06:56 PM

You can probably rent one there. It is simple enough to pack a bike for flight. You can have a shop do it or just grab a bike box from the dumpster behind the bike shop. Take the air out of the tires! (People on planes hate loud bangs) Pull the wheels and maybe your handlebars off. Pad it with your extra clothes and maybe some foam. Put the wheels in next to the frame. Make sure all the tools you needed to take it apart are there for reassembly. My father in law had a pretty extensive list for touring. Tools/ spare tire/ spare tubes/ short piece of tire for an emergency repair if you cut your last tire spare spokes etc... Depending on where you are though a credit card is your handiest tool. Leave the box at your first/last accomodation. Most international airlines don't charge to haul your bike unless things have changed in the last few years. It is a nice ego boost to get off the plane assemble your bike and go.

Adventure Cycling is a nice resource. If you really get the bug I can dig up some of the old guys lists etc... Makes it pretty easy.

From your link.
Bicycle Rentals.co.nz
52 Rutherford st, city, Nelson

Bicycle rentals offer mountainbike, touring bike tandems , city bikes trailers, panniers and much more. We have drop off points thoughout the country for one way hires and offer a buy back option which means we sell you a new or used bike and gear and buy it back for 50% of the cost at the end of your tour, as long as it is returned in good condition.

02-26-2006, 05:10 PM	#1
Cyclefrance Pump my ride! Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Deep countryside of Surrey , England Posts: 1,890	If you're not hell bent on a true Asian scene, how about working your way around New Zealand? It's coming to the end of their summer mind you, but Auckland is noted to be an up and coming city, there is a good mix of business and leisure in the populated parts of the Islands, they speak English, and the South Island offers some magnificent scenery. Doesn't seem overly expensive judging by the exchange rate ($1 NZ = 65 US cents) - B&Bs for around NZ$75 per room per night. Hire a trail bike if you want something that'll get you around fairly cheaply, mix car and bike for best of both worlds. Check out here for initial ideas and use the search engine for answering specific ideas. Failing the above, China could be a good bet as an alternative - I'm in Shanghai myself at the end of March on business, but only for a couple of days. If you end up there and at that time let me know and maybe we can down a few beers! __________________ Always sufficient hills - never sufficient gears Last edited by Cyclefrance; 02-26-2006 at 05:14 PM.

02-26-2006, 05:42 PM	#2
slang St Petersburg, Florida Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 3,423	That wasnt even on the radar but it sounds like a potential Someplace bike friendly would also be cool. Biking daily has become a way of life now. A month of going without adds fat to me like crazy. Last edited by slang; 02-26-2006 at 06:17 PM. Reason: learning to form sentences

02-26-2006, 06:10 PM	#3
Griff still says videotape Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 26,813	NZ is a bike target of mine. Nice call. I was gonna say Indonesia but you said you wanted to keep your head on your shoulders. __________________ If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you. - Louis D. Brandeis

02-26-2006, 06:27 PM	#4
slang St Petersburg, Florida Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 3,423	Looks like a nice place Have either of you guys taken a bike on a plane? Would it be better to buy one there or send it before the trip? Any suggestions? This bike is no hybrid fancy ass sexy smooth lightweight carbon fibRe racing bike, just a general all around transportation tool. The wheels would pack easy enough and the weight isnt a real problem but it seems like a big PITA to get it there with me on the plane. Just checked on the visas requirements. "No visa required for a stay of up to 90 Days." Another money saving detail Last edited by slang; 02-26-2006 at 06:34 PM.

02-26-2006, 06:56 PM	#5
Griff still says videotape Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 26,813	You can probably rent one there. It is simple enough to pack a bike for flight. You can have a shop do it or just grab a bike box from the dumpster behind the bike shop. Take the air out of the tires! (People on planes hate loud bangs) Pull the wheels and maybe your handlebars off. Pad it with your extra clothes and maybe some foam. Put the wheels in next to the frame. Make sure all the tools you needed to take it apart are there for reassembly. My father in law had a pretty extensive list for touring. Tools/ spare tire/ spare tubes/ short piece of tire for an emergency repair if you cut your last tire spare spokes etc... Depending on where you are though a credit card is your handiest tool. Leave the box at your first/last accomodation. Most international airlines don't charge to haul your bike unless things have changed in the last few years. It is a nice ego boost to get off the plane assemble your bike and go. Adventure Cycling is a nice resource. If you really get the bug I can dig up some of the old guys lists etc... Makes it pretty easy. From your link. Bicycle Rentals.co.nz 52 Rutherford st, city, Nelson Bicycle rentals offer mountainbike, touring bike tandems , city bikes trailers, panniers and much more. We have drop off points thoughout the country for one way hires and offer a buy back option which means we sell you a new or used bike and gear and buy it back for 50% of the cost at the end of your tour, as long as it is returned in good condition. __________________ If you would only recognize that life is hard, things would be so much easier for you. - Louis D. Brandeis Last edited by Griff; 02-26-2006 at 07:06 PM.

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