On May 28, 4:05*pm, "
wrote:
Hi

I am posting on here about bicycle travel to France on American
airlines to see if anyone
recently has does this. *I searched this group but all the postings I
can find are from 2003 or earlier.
I want to plan a trip to see the later stages of the Tour de France. I
already have a plane ticket to
Orly airport and a Rail Europe anywhere/anytime France ticket. I know
American airlines charges $100 for bicycles. I still have a few
questions.
The rates have been going up. If you plan on frequent airline trips
with a bicycle, the savings on just a few (3?) round trips will pay
for an SandS coupling to be installed.

1. Does Rail Europe thru France allow bikes on the train without a
case or box?
Most European trains allow standard bicycles during non-peak hours.
There are route by route variations.

2. Where do you store the case if it is a large plastic one? (I was
thinking about getting a nylon one so it is easier to store in a
locker at the airport or at the trail station where I arrive,)
Usually at your arriving hotel luggage room for a small or no fee.

3. Does the train going to London under the chunnel (eurostar) allow
bikes? (I'm planning on going to England after the Tour)
See above.

4. Does anyone have any experience spectating the Tour de France with
their bicycle as the main means of getting around? Then leaving by
train and air?
Besides the 100+ miles of the race, there are often gaps between the
ending city and the next days starting city. With train / bus / auto
support, you may not have time to sleep. I do know a couple of people
that were working paid bicycle touring groups doing this. Busy,
exhilerating, and tiring. Did you make you hotel reservations as soon
as the route was announced, or are you camping out?

Thanks for any help .
Jeff
)