Packing for Colorado
The bike club dropped off the bike case tonight and I just finished packing the Portland. I’ll commute on Yellow Bike these next two days, then it’s off to Chicago on the Saturday night train, and after a four-hour layover, the Sunday afternoon train to Denver.
I had anticipated difficulty with packing the bike. I wanted to start early so I’d have plenty of time to solve problems or cry for help. I was pleasantly surprised to find it went so easily. (If I ever find the gorilla that put my pedals on… Oops, that was me.)
The frame itself barely fit. With a 103” wheelbase, the Portland is a longish bike. The disk brake caliper on the fork and the RD had to be wiggled in. And I had to finesse the wheels due to the disc brake rotors. I’m glad I bought (and packed) the Park Tool Rotor Bender tool (or whatever they call it) since the rotors will likely warp a little inside case.
Beyond that, wow! There’s all kinds of space to pack stuff in there. In addition to my rack, the Portland’s stock fenderettes (although I know now that my full fenders would have fit), and my lights, chargers, helmet, trunk bag, extra tubes, pump, bottles, Accelerade, tools, chamois butter, and room for my shoes too after Saturday’s commute.
With all the bike stuff packed in the bike case, I’m not sure I’ll need two carry-ons.
Now I’ll just need a winch to get it down the fire escape…
