Hola Peeps -
I’m registered for my first IM at Canada later this year and wanted to know how most of you guys (and gals) get your bike to races in foreign countries.
I read something about shipping it and then having to pay “duty” on the goods and having them wait to clear at customs - the whole process can take 3 weeks and also end up costing more than just taking it on the plane with me (estimating it to cost $150 r/t on the plane).
I have friends who live in Canada that I was going to ship the bike to, but they don’t know anything about this customs stuff. AND…once the race is done, do I have to pay an extra “duty” fee again in order to get my steed back to the US?
THanks in advance!
RD
Hmmm. I can only speak from my experiences flyng with my bike.
While others may disagree, I think taking your bike with you on the plane is easier and more straightforward.
At the airpost in the U.S. The TSA will want to inspect the box and is almost certain to want to open it at check-in. Just pack wisely, no CO2’s and nothing suspicious looking like lots of ziploc bags of white powdered energy drink mix that could be interpreted as something else. You are not supposed to lock your flight case anymore. Once it has been inspected the TSA will insert a notice with the time, inspector name and location of the search into the bike box. The TSA is not liable for any damages to your bike or your luggage. They will then affix a blue TSA securtiy seal on your flight case indicating it has been inspected and sealed.
Clearing customs is a simple matter of bringing you checked baggage to the customs/immigration booth, show your passport for swiping, and proceed. Up[on entry into the U.S. from some ports you may need to fill out an entry declaration. If you are 100% honest on the declarations you will fly through. They can tell if you are hiding something, so don’t.
Interestingly, the biggest problem at customs and immigration is food such as fruit. Don’t bring food through customs. Quarantines change frequently so it isn’t worth chancing it.
Good luck! Enjoy Canada!
I go to Canada frequently to race and I take the bike with me. The one thing I suggest is no matter how frustratingly long the hold up is at the border, when the 37th person asks you what kind of bike you have, and whether it is expensive, never ever say, “It’s not the kind of bicycle you pack full of cocaine!”
There is a pretty good chance you’ll miss your race and you might only get half of your bike back.
I vote for taking it with you on the plane/train/boat/etc.
-SD
when taking your bike through TSA make sure you watch them repack it. I’ve had to help repack to prevent major damage all 8 times I flew a bike last year.
True story - me to the TSA person “No, your doing it wrong again, both wheels do not go on top of each other. Are you sure you don’t want me to repack it since this is the 5th time you’ve tried?”