long rides with viola

Soon I'll start to ride about 65 miles to a fellow musician's house
with my viola on the bike. Any advice on the safest way to transport
said cargo over that distance would be appreciated.

Sadly, I don't have a suspension case (which, I think, would solve the
problem of jarring the thing around); but I have heard of cellists who
wrap their instruments in bubble wrap inside their hard cases when
flying. Advice from experienced bicycling violists/violinists would
be great.

"Jonathan Fretheim" wrote in message
om...
Soon I'll start to ride about 65 miles to a fellow musician's house
with my viola on the bike. Any advice on the safest way to transport
said cargo over that distance would be appreciated.

Sadly, I don't have a suspension case (which, I think, would solve the
problem of jarring the thing around); but I have heard of cellists who
wrap their instruments in bubble wrap inside their hard cases when
flying. Advice from experienced bicycling violists/violinists would
be great.

Get a large backpack with a rigid frame (internal or external). Doesn't
have to be fancy or expensive, as long as it fits you and holds the viola
case securely. Lashing the case to the backpack frame with bungies might be
a good idea. Any sporting goods shop or even department stores probably
have something that would work, without dropping big cash on a "serious"
mountaineering pack.

I wouldn't carry the viola attached to the bike if you can avoid it.

-Barry

B. Sanders wrote:
Get a large backpack with a rigid frame (internal or external). Doesn't
have to be fancy or expensive, as long as it fits you and holds the viola
case securely. Lashing the case to the backpack frame with bungies might be
a good idea. Any sporting goods shop or even department stores probably
have something that would work, without dropping big cash on a "serious"
mountaineering pack.

I wouldn't carry the viola attached to the bike if you can avoid it.

I'd guess heat would kill the thing in any case. The sun will heat anything up
to unreasonable temperatures that isn't in the shade with free air wafting past it.

The humidity change and temperature would probably crack the thing in short order
as the wood changes size.
--
Ron Hardin


On the internet, nobody knows you're a jerk.

David Kerber wrote:
In article ,
says...
Soon I'll start to ride about 65 miles to a fellow musician's house
with my viola on the bike. Any advice on the safest way to transport
said cargo over that distance would be appreciated.

Sadly, I don't have a suspension case (which, I think, would solve
the problem of jarring the thing around); but I have heard of
cellists who wrap their instruments in bubble wrap inside their hard
cases when flying. Advice from experienced bicycling
violists/violinists would be great.
I'm not a string player, but I would think putting it on your back would
go a long way toward absorbing any damaging shocks or vibration.
However, 65 miles might be a long way to wear a back pack on a bike.
--
David Kerber An optimist says "Good morning, Lord." While a pessimist
says "Good Lord, it's morning".
Remove the ns_ from the address before e-mailing.



If this is going to be a regular thing, I'd consider getting a second
instrument and leaving it at your friend's house.



--
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http://diabloscott.blogspot.com

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Forget the bike and hop on the Grey Dog. But, don't let them stow
the viola in the luggage compartment.

Steve McDonald