I can get my bike on the flight but...

Pantani98

....I can't get it on the coach transfer.

Got a couple of weeks booked in Cyprus in October. It's your usual package deal, going with the family, and I'm taking the bike. I'm hoping to get out most days.

Thomas Cook say I can get it on the flight no problem, but they can't put it on the coach transfer to resort.

I don't fancy spunking an extra 100 quid on taxis for me and the bike. Anyone got any cheaper solutions?

Chunky101

Ride the bloody thing, it what you're there for

me-109

Aye, get the bags on the coach, then tuck in behind it for a motor-paced session.

Pantani98

Right, should have learned by now, I need to be more specific.

Bike will be packed up in a bike box. Not trusting baggage handlers with anything else. They won't take it on the coach though.

And before you even start I'm not tying it to the back of the coach and riding it to the resort either.

cougie

Assemble it and leave the box in left luggage and ride it ?

Hire a car to take it ?

Hire a bike over there ?

Bribe coach driver ?

Pantani98

Assemble it and leave the box in left luggage and ride it ? - Nah, it's a decent bike box, and I might never see it again.

Hire a car to take it ? - Actually this is cheaper than I thought. Cheers.

Hire a bike over there ? - Hiring a bike for two weeks would be really expensive.

Bribe coach driver ? - This isn't a bad shout. Going to wing it, and try this. If driver doesn't take the bung then I'm no worse off. Move to car hire option as plan B.

Thanks.

FatTed

probably find the driver will just put it in the coach

andy9964

As mentioned above , bribing the driver will probably work (or tipping if it sounds more palatable ).
If a taxi is too much, consider a private coach company from the airport, we did this in Corfu when we booked independently. It turned a €50 taxi fee into a €8 bus fare. They aren't as full as the travel company's coaches, so it shouldn't be a problem. Might be worth having a google for any coach firms that operate at the airport, then email them with your details
My biggest concern would be cycling on Greek roads

bernithebiker

This is a where a soft bag or semi-rigid like the EVOC becomes useful.

Because you can take the bike out and build it and the bag folds down to the smaller than a suitcase, so no reason why the coach couldn't take it.

cougie

I'd not discount leaving the bike box in left luggage. I've left plenty of stuff there without a problem - is there a massive theft problem that I'm not aware of ? And sneaking a bike box out would be slightly harder than most things.

djhermer

I'd be very surprised if a Cypriot coach driver didn't chuck it in the hold for a few sheets tucked into his chest pocket.

FJS

What about a local bus service? If it exist for your route. I've taken bike boxes on all sorts of public transport in different countries, including trams and buses. They usually have a space for prams/wheelchairs it fits in. Would certainly be the cheapest

Pantani98

Really appreciate everyone's input. Turns out local bus service isn't an option for me. Arrival time means I miss the last bus

But....I found out that cheapesttaxis.com could get me a return transfers for 28 euros. Result.

Thomas Cook have p**ed me off though. Initially said the cost of the bike box was £20. Now saying they made a mistake and it's £70. Twats. Still, cheaper than any bike rental option.