C2C, without a bike. Buy, beg, steal or borrow?

[Progressive]

Hello,

I'm a relatively keen road cyclist from UK, but have lived overseas for a few years. Signed up to do the C2C (Whitehaven to Sunderland) in a couple of months. Flights booked, accommodation sorted. Small problem; I haven't got a bike!

Any suggestions to solve this minor issue? Its totally unfeasible to fly with my current bike and I can't rely on anyone I already know in UK as either they don't have a suitable bike or its miles out of size. I need 58cm+. Looked at hiring but I'd then need to collect and drop it on top of my already tight time schedule and pay £100 for the hire (for the three days). What else... Buy from eBay unseen? I am willing outlay more than the hire cost, but am never back in UK and don't want to take it back with me!

Thanks!

[loudlashadjuster]

If I was close I'd happily lend you a bike for a few days, perhaps someone closer will be of a mind.

Good luck.

[ED209]

Where are you flying to? what area are you staging in before the c2c?

[AndStilliRise]

Progressive said:

Hello,

I'm a relatively keen road cyclist from UK, but have lived overseas for a few years. Signed up to do the C2C (Whitehaven to Sunderland) in a couple of months. Flights booked, accommodation sorted. Small problem; I haven't got a bike!

Any suggestions to solve this minor issue? Its totally unfeasible to fly with my current bike and I can't rely on anyone I already know in UK as either they don't have a suitable bike or its miles out of size. I need 58cm+. Looked at hiring but I'd then need to collect and drop it on top of my already tight time schedule and pay £100 for the hire (for the three days). What else... Buy from eBay unseen? I am willing outlay more than the hire cost, but am never back in UK and don't want to take it back with me!

Thanks!

Odd that you would signup for an event without a bike? I have flown previously with a bike. IIRC they charge you a handling fee but it was not massive.

[TSCfree]

Boris bike or similar.....1 in Whitehaven....crack on!

http://www.bikeandgo.co.uk/locations/north-west-an...

[Progressive]

Flying into Newcastle. Driving over to Whitehaven, then the return journey.

I signed up and planned to take my bike. But despite a quick bit of research, I hadn't appreciated that £75 x 2, plus the cost of buying a bag / box, and the chance of it being damaged put me off.

Realistically I'll have to stump up the cash if I can't figure out a UK-based solution.

[ED209]

http://www.thecyclehub.org/hire-3/

£60 for a hybrid for 3 days, based in centre of newcastle.

http://www.darkecycles.co.uk/home/cycle-hire-coast...

£45 for a hybrid for 3 days, based in Sunderland, near where one route of the c2c finishes. The same company also provides transport for parties and bikes to the start of the route for a reasonable fee. I think if you asked them they would take a bike to the start for you when dropping another party off? The shop is then maybe only a mile from the finish in Sunderland so dropping the bike off there would be easy. you could even hire a bike and use their transport to the start, seems reasonable at £25 for a bike and rider.

Edited by ED209 on Friday 17th June 09:32

[AndStilliRise]

Progressive said:

I'll have to stump up the cash.

[RowntreesCabana]

Shouldn't this be here instead

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Progressive]

Thanks for the speculation to those with negative comments, but I wouldn't lend a bike (or anything for that matter) from a member of a random internet forum. Was merely making general conversation to seek some general opinions on alternative solutions.

Sorry to have disturbed you. I will be on my way and pop back to the forum in a few months to check up on the 'what is the chaviest car', 'show us your PH sticker' and 'do you have a fruit bowl?' threads.

[carreauchompeur]

Progressive said:

Thanks for the speculation to those with negative comments, but I wouldn't lend a bike (or anything for that matter) from a member of a random internet forum. Was merely making general conversation to seek some general opinions on alternative solutions.

Sorry to have disturbed you. I will be on my way and pop back to the forum in a few months to check up on the 'what is the chaviest car', 'show us your PH sticker' and 'do you have a fruit bowl?' threads.

Alright, that's enough. On yer bike.

Oh, you haven't got one.

[CambsBill]

I was going to suggest OP ride over but then looked at their profile so p'raps not

[ED209]

Progressive said:

Thanks for the speculation to those with negative comments, but I wouldn't lend a bike (or anything for that matter) from a member of a random internet forum. Was merely making general conversation to seek some general opinions on alternative solutions.

Sorry to have disturbed you. I will be on my way and pop back to the forum in a few months to check up on the 'what is the chaviest car', 'show us your PH sticker' and 'do you have a fruit bowl?' threads.

err i did give you some suggestions.

[Progressive]

I forgot to say, thanks to all those with the positive suggestions, including you Ed! Much appreciated.