The Updated First Timer's Guide - Part 10 (Travel)

With 500 riders from over 20 counties, many people are going to have to travel long distances to do the TransRockies. Whether you are flying or driving you will have to be far more organized than if you are doing a local race.

Travel

Between 2004 and 2007, I drove to the TransRockies from Vancouver. I was dropped off at the start and picked up at the finish. (I did the race while my wife visited family in Calgary.) In 2008 I flew and it was a real eye opener. But regardless of how you are travelling here are few tips to make your TransRockies more enjoyable.

• Use a list when packing. - I have a ridiculously complete list in an Excel spreadsheet, and I still manage to forget a few things every year. Discuss the list with your partner to make sure that you are not duplicating things, or leaving out key items assuming that they will bring then. (Of course, she'll bring a pump!)
• Practice packing and unpacking your bike - Only by doing this will you make sure that you can fit your bike into the case/box etc that you have. If you've never packed your bike in a box before, it might a good idea to visit your local bike shop. Most bike shops will pack up your bike for a reasonable price and they'll have all of the packing materials to protect you bike in transit. Even if you pack the bike yourself, go to your local shop to get a bike box and all of the doodads that manufacturers use to protect bikes in transit. (I recently saw a large plastic disc that fits into the axle to protect the disc brake rotor. Very smart indeed,)                   
• Bring any required tools - If you need a tool to put your bike back together, bring it. Three years ago I planned to change my pedals before the race, but my crappy little multi-tool didn't provide enough leverage to remove the old pedals. A kind mechanic helped me.
• Arrive early - I'm not talking about getting to the airport, but that's never a bad idea. I'm talking your stay in Fernie. You should plan to arrive at Fernie no later than Thursday. Unless you are coming from Calgary, you will have been in a car or airplane for the better part of a day. You'll be stiff, sore, tired and dehydrated. You body will need time to recover before your start racing. You'll also almost certainly be at a higher altitude than you are used to. The more time you have for acclimatization the better.
• Plan ahead. - If you are flying there are many things that you won't be able to bring on the plane. The airlines tend to frown on CO2 inflators (Pressurized gas) and chain lube (Flammable). If you are flying and plan to use CO2 inflators you will need to buy them in Calgary or Fernie. A trip to The Bike Shop (http://thebikeshop.com/) might not be a bad idea.
• Check your travel insurance. - If the airline loses your bike or your luggage what happens? How long to they have to find it? Read the fine print on your ticket to make sure that you won't be left high and dry. Some supplementary insurance could be a real life saver.
• Get to the airport early. - When flying with a bike you are not the norm. You'll have to drag your bike box all over hell's half acre to drop it off. (Be sure to bring a roll of packing tape as you may be required to open up the box for security.)
• Book your start/finish transfers - If you are flying into Calgary the easiest way to get to the start and from the finish is with the TR’s transfer partner.  There are lots of choices this year, but you need to book by July 15^th. (See the TR website for information on how to book your transfers. (http://transrockies.com/trc/transfers)
• TransRockies and TR3 Pre-Race Shuttles – Calgary to Fernie
•  Wednesday, July 25 – 2:00 PM
•  Wednesday, July 25 – 8:30 PM
•  Thursday, July 26 – 2:00 PM
•  Thursday, July 26 – 8:30 PM
•  Friday, July 27 – 2:00 PM
• Canmore to Fernie – Saturday, August 4 – 10h00 – $99 per person plus GST
•  TR3 Post Race Shuttles – Fernie to Calgary
•  Fernie to Calgary Airport – Tuesday, July 31, 07h30 – $99 plus GST
•  TR4 Pre-Race Shuttles – Calgary to North Fork Recreation Area
•  Tuesday July 31
•  Calgary Airport 8 am
•  Hilton Garden Inn 8:15 am
•  TransRockies Post-Race Shuttles Canmore to Calgary
•  Canmore to Calgary Shuttles will be offered by Banff Airporter. Banff Airporter runs a regular schedule every one to two hours from Canmore to the Calgary Airport. Use the link below to book your transfer. Be sure to book the “extra luggage” option to cover your bike. The fare including the bike is $63.37 including taxes.
• Book your hotels. – People who’ve done the TR have their favourite hotels in Fernie. There are lots of choices from funky B&Bs to luxury suites. I’m partial to the Park Place Lodge. It has a pool and hot tub and that hot tub feels so nice if you are trying to keep your legs in shape for 7 days of racing.

In the next instalment, I'll cover the dinnertime meal and then in the final instalment I'll deal with safety.