Change of Plan from an earlier post

[Polite]

I am flying to Nantes on 15th August and then plan to cycle the Loire Valley to Orleans then train to Paris and Paris to Dieppe, via the Avenue Verte.

My main questions as I have never done this before are;

- Could anyone who has flown with a bicycle give me their experience of what seems to me a massive feat?

- I have no tent nor accommodation booked but hoping to stay in youth hostels along the way - likelihood of getting somewhere to stay? (I am researching into this but any pointers gladly received)

As a novice who enjoys cycling, the route planning and the freedom but who frets about the pre-getting there and doing it part, I would greatly appreciate all advice.

Thanks in advance.

 

[doog]

Hi I recently flew with Ryanair to Spain with my bike.

I got a cardboard bike box from a bike shop (the ones they deliver new bikes in) - they throw them out. Packed it well and at the airport was directed towards a conveyor for large luggage items. I put all of my panniers into a throw away Ikea bag and checked that in as well.

At the other end the bike comes down a different conveyor belt and I rebuilt it in the airport. Quite an easy experience. I had to take the front wheel off, pedals and saddle. You will want to put a spacer between the front forks and generally wrap your bike up remembering to protect the derallier...lots of vids on youtube to see how to pack it.

I also took the handlebars off and strapped them to the frame. I then left the empty box next to a bin and cycled off into the sun.

Some people put the bike in a plastic bike bag- see what the airline say. I saw my bike box get loaded and they left it until last so it didnt get squashed.

 

[Polite]

Hi I recently flew with Ryanair to Spain with my bike.

I got a cardboard bike box from a bike shop (the ones they deliver new bikes in) - they throw them out. Packed it well and at the airport was directed towards a conveyor for large luggage items. I put all of my panniers into a throw away Ikea bag and checked that in as well.

At the other end the bike comes down a different conveyor belt and I rebuilt it in the airport. Quite an easy experience. I had to take the front wheel off, pedals and saddle. You will want to put a spacer between the front forks and generally wrap your bike up remembering to protect the derallier...lots of vids on youtube to see how to pack it.

I also took the handlebars off and strapped them to the frame. I then left the empty box next to a bin and cycled off into the sun.

Some people put the bike in a plastic bike bag- see what the airline say. I saw my bike box get loaded and they left it until last so it didnt get squashed.

Thanks Doog, will give it a go