Land Transportation

[Harbor_Pilot]

When you arrive on foreign soil, how do you get around?

Is it a big problem?

Of course there are the public transportation methods, provided they are available in any given place.

Do you take or have you seen cruisers stowing bicycles, mopeds or 4 wheeler ATV's (All Terrain Vehicles)?

I envision these as a problem, as excess junk at sea, taking up space and adding to the vessel weight. They are depreciating assets, with accelerated deterioration caused by water, humidty and salt, requiring intensive maintenance to ensure reliability.

Once you set anchor, there is the problem of getting the wheels ashore.

Once ashore, "the wheels" must be capable of traversing the terrain, sand, rock, what ever the surface may be.

The wheels may be required to be inspected, taxed, licensed, and insured, and could require a drivers license.

Is it ever worth it?

Does anybody do this?

[Brett de Villiers]

Hi Agua Man

Check this website out. It is a motorised bicycle wheel that fits into you standard 26 inch bicycle.

http://www.revopower.com/

[dnelson]

You would not believe how fast a bicycle gets rusty, or how awkward it is to carry on board. Having said that, I have seen these really amazing folding bikes that look like they might be worth the effort.

Personally - I walk (go through a lot of pairs of sandals) learn how to take public transportation every port I visit, and on rare occasions use taxi's.

[Lynx]

Every country is different, check the local laws before renting or using a motorized anything. See if you want to take the risk. In some countries, YOU are at falt just because you are there.

[Swagman]

We stow a couple of folding bikes and it was one of the best investments we made.

Especially in town type environments - the difference in distance you can easily cover, ie bike v feet, is remarkable.

We also like anchoring so what we've got suits us fine. But if you plan to marina hop with long stays at each place - it may also be worth simply buying bigger wheeled bikes secondhand when you arrive, and selling them on when you move out. Lots of people do this in the Med.

Ours are named 'Bike in a Bag' and two years in - no rust. Suspect they are made in China or someplace and the name may only be a UK derivative.

Both fold down small enough to hand into airport luggage no issues - and actually don't take too much room on a shelf in our aft cabins.

JOHN

[Auzzee]

I have a folding bicycle made from aluminium. It has 20" wheels, 5 gears, a good luggage rack and it transforms in a matter of seconds. There has been no trouble with corrosion of the wheels and frame, but the Shimano gears are not stainless and have a constant mild rust coating. This is not a problem as a good spray with Inox every now and again is a good preventative...but it can leave a grubby, rusty mark on hands, clothing etc. Stowage is not a problem on a larger boat and the benefits are well worthwhile. The only concern is transporting it to the beach in the inflatable. I have to take great care to avoid puncturing the boat.

Best wishes

David