I had some hints and tips from a couple of kind Brompton tweeters before I decided to go for it. I was flying to Newcastle for a 4 day business trip and wanted to be mobile while I was there.
To attempt this, you will need:
2. One of those big IKEA bags
3. A cable tie (well, two if you want to come back)
4. Copious amounts of “fragile” tape (if I do it again, gaffer tape is also going on the list)
8. Probably some other stuff that will appear later
Right. So. The plan which came together started with me packing my T bag with clothes that I would need. I put them all in various separate plastic bags (put them on the list!) and then I included a tool kit (including scissors! Another thing to go on the list!). I then had a back pack with stuff like my laptop, chargers and a few bits from the list and general living things. I then cycled to the train station.
An hour or so later, I was ejected at Southampton Airport, still with most things in the T bag at this point. When I got into the actual airport, the fun began!
Starting point I suppose was to find a quiet corner. I would also recommend getting a luggage trolley too to save you leaving the dreaded unattended item when you decide to get one in a bit.
Let the air out of your tires. They insist on this and I assume it’s to do with air pressures and explosions on aircraft. I did this with my house key (you can put this on your list if you like, but had it with me anyway so no need to go on my list.)
I then used the cable tie to make sure that there was no chance of the Brommie coming apart. Photo:
I then tightened the….. things you tighten on a Brompton. Can’t for the life of me remember what they are called or an appropriate name. The tighteny things. You know? Good.
I then whipped out the IKEA bag and put the Brompton in it. I then panicked slightly as it looks as though there is no chance of this ending well. Fortunately, it did. Just. I used the Sharpie to write my name and mobile number on it, in case we became separated. Thankfully, we didn't.
Once it’s was in, I then unpacked the T bag and made it flat to put in alongside the bike. I then arranged my clothes in the various plastic bags around the bike, then put the tools, including scissors, then the toiletries in too.
Once zipped up, which I’ll grant you was a little tricky, I then set about taping the bag shut. Reason for this was two fold. One, to make it less likely to split, and secondly to make use of the “fragile” tape.
With the bike, the clothes and shoes, tools and toiletries it came to 21.4kg and I had paid for 23kg thankfully. I left it so I could unzip 3 or four inches so I could reach in and grab the scissors to help undo it all at the other end.
I was nervous, but the bike came out unscathed the other end. I pumped the tyres up and I was on my way.
It’s also worth pointing out the Newcastle is full of bloody massive hills and a 3 speed Brompton was not ideal. That said, around the hotel and where I was working along the Tyne was pretty flat and there were quite a few cycle areas.
If I knew I needed to use a bike at the other end, then I would have no qualms about doing this again, but only if I was definitely going to require a bike! The only thing I really missed was latex gloves, as I got dirty packing and unpacking. Gloves would have helped because I have a dirty Brompton. Also: a quick wash of the pump before leaving would have helped in this regard.
The only injury seemed to be that one of the screws seemed to have gone AWOL on the rear light, but I think that was going up the hills and I managed a field repair using a spare cable tie.
All in all, a pretty successful trip, although not altogether stress free!
For some reason I can't seem to add photos to this bit so I will post them separately.
annaxmalina
germansingergirl
yousharknotpass
andulkaphoto
dededos
jacobvanloon
prguitarman
