Bikes CAN Fly

How To Take a Vacation AND Your bike!
(Without robbing the bank!)

by Shelley Marenka Smail,
USA Cycling Coach and Fitness Expert


Yes, it’s true that Wilbur and Orville Wright owned a bike shop when they built their first aero plane. But times have changed when it comes to taking your bike along with you when you fly. It used to be that you’d pack it up in a free bike box that you could pick up from your local bike store and take it along with you as standard luggage. Not today! There are baggage weight and size restrictions, additional fees, and full inspections, not to mention rough baggage handling (“please watch that buddy That’s my $6,000 bike you’re throwing around!”)

When it comes to cost, you can spend some serious money at the airline check in counter before you even take off if you’re not savvy to the lingo and procedures for traveling with a bike. These challenges may cause you to reconsider taking your bike along with you. But wait! Check out these ideas and learn how to do it …so your bike can have a vacation too! Try these tips to get you AND your bike to your destination safely and less costly than the typical airline charges.

Pack Light! Easy and safest choice is to use a commercial bike flight case. You can borrow one from a friend, or many bike clubs own a few to lend out to their members. Other options include a used bike box from a bike shop, or a standard piece of luggage large enough to hold your bike. Avoid putting lots of other things with your bike in the box. If you use a cardboard box, use lots of bubble wrap, but no extra gadgets!

According to the rules of most domestic airlines, you are allowed two checked bags each of which must not exceed total linear dimensions (W+L+H) of 62 inches. The maximum weight of each bag must not exceed 50 lbs. If any bags weigh over 50 lbs up to a maximum of 70 lbs, most airlines will add a surcharge. For lightweight racing bikes weighing a total of 15-16lbs, the weight limit is not a factor even with additional clothing, shoes, tools and helmet. Keeping it around 30-40 pounds is best for the baggage handler and you want them to be happy so they don’t throw your box around.

Take your lightweight tools, helmet, shoes and pedals on the plane in a “bike cube” bag. Keep bike tools, clothing, helmet and shoes organized in the innovative bike cube so your gear is at your fingertips and you're ready to ride. Just grab your bag, your bike and go! Bike cube bags have compartments for all your light equipment, clothing, water bottles, etc. so you can keep it all together very conveniently. You can find them online from a variety of different companies, such as Mountainsmith (www.mountainsmith.com). No more “Where are my shoes? I swear I put them in the car! Shoot, I have to go back home!”

If you want to learn how to pack your bike you can get a comprehensive report from the International Bicycle Fund that describes in details how to fly-with-your-bike, describes packing options, and gives step-by-step instructions on packing your bike to meet the airline requirements. It also compares domestic and overseas policies. Visit www.ibike.org or visit this site with similar information: www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/packing-steps.shtml

If you decide to self-pack your bike, be sure that you are confident about taking it apart and putting it back together. Don’t get into a situation where it’s “Christmas morning” and your bike is in pieces! You can always call your bike shop and have them take it apart for you. When you reach your destination, take it to a local bike shop. It’s best to call ahead and make an appointment for reassembly.

Tell it like it is - NOT! There are two rules of thumb here that I’ll share with you. I have a friend who uses the “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. If airline staffs don’t ask what’s in the box, don’t tell them. This will allow you to escape the special baggage fee for bikes and the airline will move it along as luggage. Although you are obliged by federal law to tell them the contents, once you say it’s a bicycle, expect to pay a fee from $75 on up. The fee depends on…well, lets say its arbitrary; how the agent is feeling that day, whether they are familiar with bike polices, how long the line is, how lucky you are that day? Get it? It’s too varied to even guess. Please note: when calling the airlines in advance, you’ll usually get a different answer about the bicycle flight case policy than you will hear at the ticket counter.

The other rule of thumb is to “re-define” what’s in the box. Your answer to “what’s in the box?” can be “Oh, its bike parts” or “it’s camping gear”. No biggy, they will push it through. No extra fees!

Show up Early- There won’t be any running through the airport with this piece of luggage if you’re running late. Show up early and give yourself plenty of time. If you are relaxed, you should be able to slide it through hassle free. (But I’m not promising anything here!)

Note: DO NOT take anything pressurized on the plane. Deflate your tires to less than 100 psi and do not transport any CO2 cartridges, neither in the bike container nor in your carry-on luggage!!

Here’s wishing you a great trip and remarkable, epic rides along the way!


"Travel not to escape, but to add to and transform your soul." ~Unknown

"To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong
about other countries."
~Aldous Huxley

Bike Tours

Leading a ride today up to Bear Valley! Nice.....

"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing"

If you'd like to get on the list for a bike tour up in the Sierra Foothills, email me at Shelley@WenzelCoaching.com
We're developing quite a few good ones for the summer and fall! You won't want to miss them.

See you out there!

Motivation Monday!

"The authentic self is the soul made visible."—
Sarah Ban Breathnach: Inspirational author

Are you true to yourself? What about your friends? Family?? For many of us the "true you" remains hidden most of our lives. Simply imagine that your true self was exposed, all the time, everywhere, and everyone discovered the true you?! What a profound impact you could have on yourself and everyone you know!

How do you find that "true you"...?? I don't have all the answers on that one. I'm just an amateur myself, but for me this is what I've done in search for my simple self...First, I must be open to finding the truth; afterthat, its a lifelong process that begins with one step. Once you take that leap of faith, it unfolds willingly.

This takes reflective time, input from wise sources,(people, books, cd's) being in nature, meditation, yoga, quiet time..to just sit and listen. Listen to your soul, your hearts desires...

Hearing those sources can be difficult at times, especially with all the silent chatter that goes on between our ears...So, when you hear it while you are trying to listen to your soul, just ask it to go away.

Enjoy being contemplative, quiet, and wait for the truth to surface. You can ask yourself questions, or simply be still. The truth will come....The result can be an amazing powerful listening experience.

Do not listen to the fear that speaks so loudly at you or the voice that says that you can't do that. You CAN do that.

Be still, be authentic, be who you really are. Don't be afraid to show that person to others. Come alive!

Focus on your unique goals, needs, and challenges, and take the steps for transforming your day into a masterpiece!

Go do the thing that you want to do...set yourself free and be in the moment...for moments pass and then they are gone forever...

Be well, Be happy,
Coach Shelley


P.S. There’s no reason for you to live with any lack, unhappiness, or dissatisfaction — no matter how great or small. At any moment of any day, you can choose to transform any circumstance in your life.

Pushing beyond the limits...

Check out the new video clip "Passion Defined"....I think you'll like it!
Ride On,Ride Strong!

Coach Shelley

Motivational Monday

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase"

So, what are YOU waiting for?? Take that next leap!

Coach Shelley

Follow Me!

Hey Everyone,

I have some new contact information for you. If you have a facebook, you can now find me there also! Stop by and say hi!

If your'e bored and have nothing else to do you can follow me on Twitter!!

When you've decided that you want to do what so many others are doing....like hiring a coach to help them with their personal athletic goals then call me at 209-890-6244 or find me at Shelley@WenzelCoaching.com

We're having a lot of fun out here creating new bike tours, camps and clinics as well as new training programs that cut to the chase for YOUR simplicity in training!

Ride On and Ride Strong!! The Mountains are coming!!

Climb, Climb, Climb!

Coach Shelley

Shelley Partners With Wenzel Coaching!

After living out in the sticks for almost 2 years now, I've decided that I would like to reach out to more people to share my coaching experience with. My passion is to provide provide direction, motivation, and guidance to those looking to improve their sport and the best way to do this is to Get Out There! So I did a lot of research on national coaching companies and found this remarkable company...Wenzel Coaching, to be the one for me!

What I discovered is that Wenzel Coaching can help me reach my goal and allow me to help you reach YOUR goals!

The best coaching company for the money!

Why Wenzel?? This is a great company of highly qualified and experienced coaches who I am able to work with to enhance YOUR training experience and take you to new levels you've only dreamed of! We take into consideration your busy life, your work and family schedule and your commitments to help you define and achieve your specific goals. AND we are the most affordable coaching company out there for you! So if you've thought in the past that coaching is something you couldn't afford, think again. It's my bet that we have a program to meet your needs!

Is coaching for me? Any activity that’s worthwhile requires skill and experience. Right?? Whether you are a beginning athlete or seasoned vet, we, at Wenzel Coaching can put together a training plan that makes sense for you! Our commitment is to the highest quality coaching value for your budget and your needs. You can choose from several different program options to get started and upgrade as your training progresses! We offer a 30-day money back guarantee if you aren’t completely satisfied, and my guess is that you'll come back wanting even more!

Coaches aren't just for racers

So check us out on the web at:
Shelley at Wenzel Coaching

If you or someone you know is ready for a challenge and some fun in the saddle, on the road or in the water, contact Shelley today to get started!

because life's a great ride.....
Coach Shelley