Where to leave bike bags in Biarritz

pizzaduck

Hi! Need to help please. A friend and I plan to fly in to Biarritz for a bit of a wiggle over the Pyrenees. Just one small logistical hiccup: where can we leave 2 bike bags in Biarritz. The airport and train station don't look promising.

Any advice welcome.

Thanks.

Mark.

2 wheels and 1 saddle x 4
2 wheels and 2 saddle x1
3 wheels and 1 chair x1

jay_clock

My notes that I trot out every time I am asked this....just read the red bit if not interested in the rest. Even if you do not carry this bag with you, you should be able to find a friendly bar etc to leave it with.....
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First tip TURN UP EARLY if only to stop any arguments.

To pack the bike I use the http://www.bikeadventures.co.uk/shop.html bag - have just binned one after about 5 uses. They weigh 550g and will fit in a pannier or on the rack. Remove pedals, swivel handlebars and drop saddle right down. I take tons of cables ties (fix wheel to bike if needed [Flybe], fix pedals to rack etc, and I also unscrew the rear mech (leave all cables on) and cable tie it to the frame to prevent the hanger being bent. On Flybe I use a spacer for the front forks. To tape up the bag I use heavy duty clear tape from B&Q - has a checkered pattern, and tears easily, does not unstick in use, but can be peeled off afterwards.

As a precaution for anyone saying “that is not a bike bag” I print a screen shot of the Bike Adventures website showing the bag on sale and in use. I also print the airline’s own terms and conditions just in case.

Easyjet and Ryanair take payment in advance which has the benefit of knowing you have a booking. I have used both several times with a bike.

I have used Flybe on several return trips and they have been great. I live 4 miles from Southampton so there is a big attraction to use them. The ONLY issue I have is that officially it is a standby only arrangement, which could really screw up your hols. However it has always worked fine

Because they use smallish planes you have to remove the front wheel as well as the usual pedal/handlebar stuff. If you do not have front pannier frames, you can just turn the handlebars and forks sideways, rather than undo the bolts to twist it. I strap the wheel to the RIGHT hand side of the bike as on the first occasion I ended up with a slightly bent outer chain ring (Stronglight softish alloy) which I bent back with pliers. TOP TIP, as Flybe are at smaller airports they may well not have an excess baggage Xray large enough for bikes, so do not seal the bag till they tell you they are happy, as they may do a manual explosives swab.

I have only been asked to pay once with FlyBe. On other occasions they either didn't ask me, or because I was carrying the panniers as carry on bags, they didn't think it was fair. However with new rules on carry on bags (max 1 and rigidly enforced), I will be checking in the panniers, but plan to put these inside a £shop duffel bag I got to avoid being charged on a per-piece basis!

They will only not carry your bike on the same flight as you if it is very full and very laden. Now that people have to pay for bags this is less likely, as more will reduce luggage and carry it on. But there is the risk in which case they will send it on the next flight

However I have had telephone contact with Flybe (trying calling Ryanair!) and they are friendly and helpful - I am confident that if the bike misses the plane they would do their best to help.

dilemna

The train station don't have any lockers? They did IIRC in 2004 when I was arriving and departing with my Brompton on the TGV.

andymiller

Unfortunately the SNCF have 'rationalised' a lot of consignes, and if you can find one then they are automatic lockers with a maximum of 24 hours.

Assuming you are flying back from Biarritz. I'd suggest finding a hotel in Biarritz to stay your last night before leaving and (assuming they are willing to store your bags - I doubt that they will have any problem) drop off the bags there when you arrive.

Either that or hide them under a hedge?