Setting Off

Some trials and tribulations at Heathrow.


The literature said that we had to dismantle the bikes and wrap them completely. We were reluctant to do this - and even if we did on the way out - it wasn't clear that we would be able to do so on our return. We had a cunning plan and telephoned a manager in the airline and received his agreement to simply remove all extras and the pedals, turn the handlebars and deflate the tyres. Of course, on arrival at the airport we were told that this was unacceptable and we would have to remove both wheels and wrap the bikes....


This seemed a recipe for damage to we stood our ground, quoted the manager and eventually succeeded.