POLICIES
AND PROCEDURES
Baggage Types and Identification
Types • Prohibited
Baggage Types • Weight • Identification
Types
Not
only will your bags be loaded and unloaded many times during our events, they
will be handled roughly and packed very tightly with other
bags and are going to get a LOT of wear and tear. While
we don't recommend spending too much money on your bags, you should make
sure
they are very durable and rugged so they
don't
break, rip, or fall apart easily. They should also be as water resistant
as possible, and be able to stay closed completely so your personal
items can't spill
out.
The absolute best type
of bags to use are the waterproof expedition style ones
because they are very rugged and waterproof in case it rains. If this is
not possible, we recommend using soft sided zippable bags for your baggage,
particularly the kind with wheels. Soft sided bags also nestle the best as
we transport them in our vehicles. Hard sided bags such
as structured suitcases, plastic tubs, and foot lockers do not hold
up very well and also don't nestle well
and take up too much valuable room in our vehicles.
We
recommend packing ALL of your personal items in clear Ziploc bags in case
water gets inside
your bag from rain or a leaky water cooler. Keeping your personal items
in clear Ziploc bags can also help contain any items that might melt
in the hot sun (such as
deodorant)
or rupture due to being moved around a lot (such as shampoo or shaving
cream). Some participants also use Ziploc bags to "kit" their
clothing so it is ready to be worn at the beginning of each day and also
hold dirty laundry and wet towels at the end of each day so it doesn't get
other clothes wet or stinky. For all events, we recommend using a small, easily accessible day pack
or duffel bag to carry the supplies you will need immediately before and/or
the ride, such as suntan lotion, your shower items, a change of clothes,
and any necessary medication.
If you will be carrying at lot of gear on a multi-day event, two smaller,
lighter bags are better than one bigger, heavier one because they
will be
easier
to
handle. If you do want to carry only one bag, such as a big army style duffel
bag, you can still stuff two smaller bags inside it. One bag should be for
clothing and toiletries
and the
other bag should be for your camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, pillow, and
air mattress). If you plan on camping outdoors, we also
recommend using waterproof or at least water resistant stuff sacks to store
your tent to prevent dew and moisture from getting other items in your bag
wet or damp.
In order to pack light for single day events, we recommend
using
one main bag such as a medium sized duffel bag and one carry on bag
such as a backpack for your baggage at most.
Prohibited Baggage Types
We cannot accept baggage with a bunch of separate loose items tied or strapped
to it (also known as a cluster). Not only will they invariably come
apart as they being loaded or unloaded, they make a big mess with stuff
strewn all over the place and anything strapped to the outside will likely
get lost.
We also cannot accept any of the following types of
baggage because they are not durable enough to withstand the heavy handling
encountered during our events:
- Cardboard boxes
- Garbage bags and light plastic bags
- Soft-sided styrofoam coolers
We will not transport any coolers with ice in them because they will leak
on other luggage. Quick Baggage Story: One year a participant
used a cardboard box and their box fell apart from
being
moved around so much. Their stuff ended up all over
the vehicle and they had to through the hassle
of finding and buying a new bag in town after an
already long day of cycling. Do not store your luggage
in anything cardboard. We guarantee it will
fall apart!
Bicycle
Shipping Boxes and Containers
- Click
Here for more information about transporting bicycle
shipping boxes and containers during our events.
Bike Trailers
If you have a bike trailer we will transport it for
you but you must let us know about it ahead of
time. It will count as one of your pieces of baggage.
Weight
For multi-day events, you will be limited to two
bags that weigh under 40 pounds each or one bag that weighs
under
80
pounds.
You
should be able to lift each bag above your head and
count to three and also toss eac bag ten feet
or so. If you can't, then your bag is definitely too heavy.
Identification
All baggage items must be individually identified with your
name and the cell phone number you will be carrying during
the event either on a baggage tag or directly on the item
itself. You will need to supply your own baggage tags - we
will not have extra ones available.
Individually identifying every baggage item significantly
helps the baggage distribution process, especially if we're
unsure about where a baggage item should be delivered or
if two or more participants have the exact same baggage item.
We can also quickly identify and return any unclaimed baggage
item by contacting you directly on your cell phone. Having
your name and cell phone number on your baggage can also
be a
lifesafer
in case
someone else accidentally picks up your bag or if you accidentally
place your baggage on the wrong vehicle in the early morning
light.
In addition to baggage tags many participants like to mark
their baggage in a unique way to make it more identifiable
and easier to find among the sea of other baggage, particularly
if it's partially covered up. Green army duffels are the
number one choice of baggage types amoung riders and bags
look more and more alike as the event progresses. Some ideas
include tying a bright bandanna or colored tape around your
bags or spray painting it a fluorescent color like pink polkadots.
Use your imagination to come up with something unique!
In the unlikely event your baggage tag comes off we may
still be able to identify where your bag should go based
on our previous experience with your specific baggage item.
We may also call you on your cell phone if possible to verify
your baggage delivery plans, but if there is any doubt your
bag will be delivered to the main lodging site and/or ending
location since this is where the majority of participants
will have their bags delivered.
Each baggage item
to be delivered to
and/or
picked
up
from
a supported
hotel
must also be
identified through separate supported hotel baggage delivery tags
that we will provide for you.
- Click
Here for more information about our supported hotel
baggage delivery service.
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