Going to Durango/ bike options

[DEE]

Looking for info on flying to Durango and the bike issue. Going via United ... Has anyone traveled recently and brought their bike on board... , shipped ahead of time or rented when reached their destination. What are your feelings on the issue and experiences... Any info would be appreciated.. Thanks..
Here's to warmer and drier weather... Donna

[C.P.]

I've only travelled with cycling plans (both business and vaca) a half dozen times, but all were before the homelandsecurity airport rules.
Half of the times I brought my bike, the other half, I rented.

For bringing your bike, one thing to note: An airline worker friend I have told me there is no guarranty that you'll get through with or without a charge to bring your bike on the plane. I would agree, 2 of my flights they didn't charge, and one they did, and the last one I negotiated the price down - go figure. United charges a 75 fee each way.

Anyways, If I were to do it again, I would rent. from my experience, if you do a little homework, and find a decent bikeshop that rents *nice* bikes, it can save a ton of hassle, risk (airline damage/late luggage) and cost. Also, renting can also allow you to try out something new and different if that's something you'd be interested in.

Here's an interesting webpage that attempts to bring traveling cyclists experiences together as a resource.
http://www.bikeaccess.net/BikeAccess/Default.cfm?Index

[Baconman]

Durango has some great riding. Be aware that some of the trails are used by cattle and wet slimy cow crap is everywhere. Bring fenders, they can keep the stuff off your chin. A second option is to avoid the trails in grazing areas.

[minkhiller]

When I went out I shipped the bike UPS 2 day air. I sent it to Mountain Bike Specialists and it was ready when I got there. I had no problems at all.

[Paula]

When I went to Durango, my bike frame had broken so I had to rent a bike. There is a good bike store in town, Mountain something- can't remember the name, but they rented good full suspension bikes and had excellent advice for rides. Folks are friendly and helpful. The riding is great- you can ride from anywhere in town or go to the desert or the mountains. Have fun!

[RubbaBubba]

I drove to Durango last August so shipping or flying with my bike wasn't an issue. (I took the kids, which was an issue.)
Mountain Bike Specialists is definitely the shop in town. I brought my bike in with bent chainrings (ouch) and they replaced them on the spot even though they had a room full of bikes to work on.
I'd really recommend hiring a guide. It sounds dorky, but a guide (or other knowledgable local) will get you to the good stuff. I used Mountain Bike Adventures (Chip White, basically) on my next to last day there and should have done it sooner. We went on an epic ride that I never would have (or should have) attempted on my own.

[Sci Teach]

i was recently looking at flying to SLC with my bike, Northwest will take the bike for an $80 fee each way....if you have access to a hardshell case (a local bike shop here rents them out for next to nothing) this can be a good option..you'll have your own ride with you.

Last April, I sent my bike UPS ground for $65 each wayto Moab. If your staying at a place in Durango, see if they wil recieve the shipment for you....I did this in Moab and the bike was in the room when I checked in. Nice folks!

Have fun in Durango!

[Jisch]

Southwest flies bikes for $40 each way (trip to Moab in April).

When I went to PHX last year, I shipped my bike to a UPS store, they received and stored it for $5.

John

[narlus]

if you are going to be there just for 2 days or so, it will probably be easier to rent a bike. but if you are going for a bike-dedicated vacation, i would definitely bring yr rig.

there are some great trails in teh durango area. one i HIGHLY recommend is the hall/pinkerton-flagstaff/dutch creek trail, which kinda starts at the base of the hermosa creek trail, heads towards silverton/purgatory, and goes counterclockwise until dutch creek joins back in w/ the tail end of hermosa creek. there was a lot of climbing, some hunting and pecking for the trail, and the there was some hikeabike due to mud and slop, but it was all worth it. totally great trail.

for pure scenery, it's tough to beat the molas pass/coal bank ride too, around engineer mountain. at 12,200 feet, it was definitely the highest i've ever been on a bike.