Dreaming of exploring a mountain biking haven far from your local trails? Don’t hesitate; pack your bikes, your sport stuff, and embark on the adventure of a lifetime! Discover our tried-and-tested strategies for transporting bikes, a trailer, and all the essentials for your baby, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable MTB holiday. 

Before you question the investment, consider the convenience and freedom of having your own equipment abroad, outweighing the cost of renting bikes multiple times over. With the assurance of riding with your trusted gear, every ride feels like home.

Packing Bikes for Air Travel

Our journey to Portugal marked our inaugural flight with bikes and a trailer for our family of three.

Opting for two Evoc bike travel bags, we aimed for future MTB holidays. While cardboard is an option, the EVOC bags, especially the XL version for larger bikes, offered durability and convenience. Choosing non-rigid bags not only accommodated our bikes’ sizes but also eased storage when not in use. Packing proved a challenge initially, particularly with our sizable enduro bikes. Damiano meticulously disassembled his bike to fit it snugly into the XL bag, a process consuming nearly 3 hours.

Here’s how to pack your bike inside travel bags:

• Remove the handlebar

• Remove wheels and deflate them slightly, especially if equipped with lattice.

• Remove pedals

• Protect the fork with guards; for larger bikes, deflate the fork to reduce overall dimensions.

• Remove the derailleur

• Secure the bike within the bag using provided straps, starting from the fork

• Secure the top bar with the appropriate gear

• Secure the derailleur

• Secure the rear part of the bike with the straps

• Here it is how the secured bike looks like inside the bag:

• If necessary, remove also the saddle to optimize space. Utilize empty spaces for additional gear such as helmets and tools, considering luggage weight limits.

• Securely fasten the wheels in the outside pockets.

• Lock the bag with padlocks or cable ties for added security.

Packing a Trailer for Air Travel

Our compact bike baby carrier, the Tour Terrain, posed little challenge for packing. Follow these steps for safe transport:

1. Remove the wheel and deflate the tire.
2. Detach the ammo and shield it with plastic sheets to prevent damage.
3. Pack the components securely in a cardboard box or two pieces secured with tape.

If space is limited, transport the disassembled trailer parts and assemble at the airport, ensuring to carry ample tape for reassembly.

Packing Essentials for Baby and MTB Holiday

Opt for backpacks over trolleys for ease of mobility, especially when navigating with bikes and a trailer.

For our week-long trip, two small bags and two backpacks sufficed. Utilize MTB travel bags for positioning also the bulky sports equipment like helmets, optimizing luggage space.

Essential items for your baby during MTB adventures are:

• Small blanket for warmth and comfort during rides.
• Waterproof bag for carrying diapers, changes of clothes, and snacks.
• Clothing essentials including bodysuits, t-shirts, tracksuits, socks, sweaters, caps, bibs, and diapers.
• Entertainment items such as toys, books, and cards to keep your little one engaged during flights.

Fitting Two Bikes, a Trailer, and Backpacks in the Car for Airport Transfer

For those with standard cars, fitting bulky gear requires strategic planning. We had to remove rear seats and experiment with various configurations to accommodate bikes, the trailer, and luggage. Alternatively, consider taxi vans for airport transfers, ensuring a hassle-free journey.

Flying with a Baby and Bikes

Navigating airport procedures with bikes and a baby can be daunting but manageable.

Check-in your luggage, including bikes, at the standard counter before proceeding to the oversize luggage deposit. Take advantage of priority lines for families, easing the process.

During the flight, secure your baby with a provided belt if under 2 years old, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey.

Airport Transfer 

Rental cars, especially vans, may not always be budget-friendly; instead, opt for taxi vans for hassle-free transport. Hail a taxi van from the airport to accommodate bikes, a trailer, and your family comfortably. Plan ahead for return transfers to ensure a smooth journey back.

With meticulous planning and savvy packing, air travel with bikes and a baby becomes a breeze, opening doors to unforgettable adventures in MTB havens like Portugal.