And we’re off! Also: how to pack your bike for a flight.

It’s weird. For years we have been talking about travelling, dreaming about destinations and changing plans a million times. And now the day is finally here! After testing negative on Wednesday (we wonder how many tests will follow), we only had to pack our bikes into boxes. Boxes are easy to come by, we phoned our local bike shop and they would keep some for us. Most bike shops get bikes delivered regularly (especially during the pandemic, apparently) and are more than happy to give them away for free. This is not a problem in Germany, let’s see how we fare on our way back.

We choose not to completely take the bikes apart, only the front wheel, pedals and handlebars had to come off. All the racks and mud guards stayed on, as the boxes were large enough. Then it was just a matter of protecting all the “sensitive” parts (e.g. disc brakes, derailleurs) with as much cardboard, bubble wrap and paper we needed to feel OK about it. In a last step we wrapped cling film around the entire construction to keep everything in place. Sleeping bags, tarps and seating pads we used to add some extra padding. Close the boxes, add more tape and done!

We fly with Pegasus Airlines from Düsseldorf to Istanbul. Being a low cost carrier, we were afraid about the prices for extra luggage. However we were pleasantly suprised: bikes can be added to the ticket for only 50 USD (42 Euro), simply by calling customer services and adding it to our booking. The only requirements were to pack the bikes securely (duh) and flatten the tires. The whole box should weigh no more than 32 kg (cue stepping on the scale with your bike). But when we got to the airport and delivered our boxes at the “bulky goods” counter, noone ever weighed it.

After landing and collecting our luggage, we had to wait a bit for our bikes. It’s recommended to open the boxes right there and quickly check for any apparent damage, so it can be claimed immediately. We packed an extra roll of tape (yes, even more tape) so we could close everything up again for transport to our hotel. Luckily the ISG airport hotel is around the corner and we were picked up by a shuttle bus. Check in, boxes in the room and then it’s just a matter of building the bikes up again. And surprise the reception desk with a shitload of cardboard, tape and cling film… Mental note to self: do not pack the cutting tool into the bag which you subsequently close with zip ties.

Tomorrow we will start our journey by taking a ferry from Pendik to Yalova, to avoid cycling out of Istanbul. The first days we will slowly get into our new routine, get wet as the weather forecasts is not great, and hopefully find some nice spots to camp!