I never go anywhere distant without my trusty bike.  I realize that it
reduces my gas mileage, and that is troubling and aggravating , but so is
not having extra wheels for recreation and as an antidote for one of the
pesky and frequent breakdowns (a ride into town from 20 miles out to get
that alternator).

 >
 >Tim Demarest wrote:
 >
 >>
 >>I respectfully disagree... reliable secondary transportation can be vital
 >>on a long trip. I bicycled many a mile through Buffalo, Wyoming while my
 >>van was laid up with a dead alternator. It's a small town, but the two
 >>auto parts stores are on opposite ends.
 >>
 >>The key (for me) was to get a fold-down hitch-mounted rack, so the bike
 >>can be easily folded down out of the way when I want to open the rear
 >>hatch. The rack I have lets me do this while the bike is still locked
 >>onto the rack.
 >>
 >>Sure, I probably reduced my gas mileage a bit, but it was nice to be able
 >>to pedal around a town or campground while the westie was parked. I
 >>didn't use it every day (by any means), but the
 >>times I used it made it worth the weight to bring along.
 >>
 >>My $.02 (US)
 >>
 >>Tim
 >>
 >>At 09:09 AM 5/26/2005 -0700, mark drillock wrote:
 >>
 >>>Bikes can be one of the worst
 >>>things to bring along. If you are not a hardcore and disciplined rider
 >>>don't bring them traveling.
 >>