bikerjp

So far pretty much every ride I've done has been a loop. I'd like to do some rides that are one way, but without a support vehicle and someone to drive it I'm not sure how people actually do this. Of course, one could carry the stuff but then that's touring. I just want to ride relatively unencumbered.

Short of the credit card touring idea (you'd still need to carry some clothes and a toothbrush I would think), how have you tackled the logistics of one way rides - particularly when it's not close to home and your SO can't come get you?

Grim Ace

I have done this a couple of times. The nice thing about it is that you can go further and see new places. Sometimes you want to go somewhere, but it is not within a reasonable distance for a one day ride.

I live in Holland, and we have a pretty extensive public transport system. What I have done some times is take the bike, go the distance and take the train back. I notice that now in summer, I would not want to do it. Trains are warm and I have been sweating for hours, makes for an uncomfortable ride back. But in fall or spring, it was pretty nice, though I will say that I do not like taking the bike in the train. It looks normal when I take my hybrid, and I am wearing a mix of normal and cycling specific clothes. It must look a little off when i am wearing the full outfit and am carrying a road bike. If possible, I try to do so at a time when trains are relatively empty, and I do not have to switch trains. I just take a train straight to the nearest point to home and cycle the rest from there.

In Holland, you can go through the entire country + neighboring countries this way. Both Germany and Belgium are within reach this way for me (though I can also visit Belgium and go back within a day).

I try to pick destinations that are a proper distance, otherwise i would be tempted to just go back by bike. I need to feel worn out (or out of time) when I get there. You may think of it as "lazy" but the odd thing is, that when looking for routes and destinations this way I end up going further longer and faster compared to a loop closer to home, because a high pace and longer ride allows me to visit more places. It is like additional motivation.

datlas 

Recently did a 2 day ride with a group. We rented an SUV for the return trip.

There are many options.

NWS Alpine

Some people take a train too. Not always available depending on where you live.

gsteinb

ride somewhere you can take a train back home.
find a GF, get married, and meet somewhere.

a buddy of mine used to ride to montreal from Providence once a year with a group of guys. They'd suck it up, get a hotel on the way and live with what they could fit in their jerseys. Their wives would meet them in montreal they'd make a weekend of it and then they'd head home.

danmc

I prefer to ride in loops.

valygrl

Nothing wrong with taking a little stuff credit card touring style, if you find the right way to carry it, you won't know it's there after the first couple of miles. There are some really good lightweight seat bags out there.

That said, if you really want, you can mail your overnight stuff to your destination hotel, then mail it home the next day and ride back.

Or you could go true credit card style and just buy whatever you need at your destination. Shorts and a tee shirt from Kmart or whatever.

bikerjp

As I suspected, there is no really good solution to this. Either carry stuff or find someone to carry. Or do without I guess. Though I don't fancy 3 days in my cycling bibs and nothing else.

valygrl

I met a guy touring the pacific coast with a credit card and a pair of jogging shorts rubber banded under his saddle. He was doing 120 miles per day. Probably not a good option in CO.

Seriously, carrying stuff isn't bad as long as it's not in a backpack.

https://www.amazon.com/Detours-High-T...tours+hightail
https://www.amazon.com/Detours-High-T...d_sim_sbs_sg_1

bikerjp

Actually, I've been trying to find a nice frame pack. You know, one that attaches in the front triangle. Something big enough to carry a few items but not so big as to be in the way. Can't stand those huge saddle bags. Been looking around but can't find anything locally. Used to be a company in Boulder that made a variety of packs. Started with a Z I think but can't find them anymore. Probably out of business.

valygrl

THey advertise on craigslist, I saw something recently. WHere do you put your water bottles?

valygrl

here:
https://boulder.craigslist.org/bik/3145672914.html

BillyD

Fixed.

Velo Vol 

No trains here.

I'll have better luck finding a train.

LesterOfPuppets

I do a lot with buses and trains. About $3.60 to get home by bus or light rail. Much more for Amtrak Cascades.

Plenty of big mile options via all modes.

Bob Dopolina 

I do this all the time but I'm married w kids...

One way is to work it out with a SO/family. I get up at zero dark-thirty and start riding. My wife sleeps in and then drives to our destination hotel/spa. We meet there, have dinner/spa/etc. The next day we do it all over again. I've done 10 day tours with her this way.

Another way is to plan ahead. Go to your destination and leave a change of clothes behind and what ever else you need. This is usually someone's house but plenty of hotels will hold a bag for you for a day or two if you reserve a room. Go home then ride to your destination. The next day UPS whatever you don't want to your house and then ride back home. Or you can forward it to the next hotel and continue on from there.

With a little imagination it can be done.

It ain't rocket surgery.

bikerjp

^My wife ain't driving anywhere to pick me up. She hates driving (and frankly isn't that good anyway). Bus/train would be great if CO had such a system. Bus maybe, but no trains. Oh to live in Europe.

bikerjp

I'm thinking more a narrow pack that hangs from the top tube. I ride a big enough frame that one would fit if it was the right size and not preclude a water bottle. I don't think that's THE company I was thinking of but can't really tell. Might have something like Z-creation but a search for that brings up something else. I can find packs by searching but know nothing about what I find and if it looks decent it's usually not cheap. Haven't been brave enough to just order something. Not sure it will fit.

Bob Dopolina 

She doesn't pick me up. We MEET at the hotel/spa. She checks in and relaxes by the pool until I show up.

TrojanHorse

I do the same thing with my daughter's travel soccer games... drive the family to the game, ride home, they drive, eat at a nice lunch place, go shopping. I have a Clif bar. 100 miles is about the limit though, I haven't tried anything more daring.

znomit

Trains are good. I've done a few trips up to the mountains and enjoyed the 200k downhill.

I've done a few short CC tours too. You can get by with a large seatbag like this.

The really bad thing about one way rides is the possibility of perpetual headwinds.

canam73

I essentially use this technique, too. Except my life isn't so glamorous. Insert "Auntie Jo's house" for "spa".

thump55

I do what Bob D. does...meet them there. It works best when "there" has a shower.

I do a two day solo ride to my buddy's cabin every year where I UPS a small box with a kit, pump, ride food etc. to a motel halfway. He drives up the second day, stops at the motel on the way, picks up my stuff and we meet at the cabin. Throw the bike in the truck and ride home together after the weekend.

pallen

I like the idea of mailing a bag ahead and mailing it back - especially if you're opposed to a large saddle bag.

I commute with a Banjo Brothers waterproof saddle trunk - it holds an iPad(barely, without the waterproof liner) and a change of clothes and would be great for what you're doing.
https://www.banjobrothers.com/product...-saddle-trunk/

Mayday328

Hitchhike.