Advice on transportation options

Date: Jul 18, 2004

Advice on transportation options

Date: Jul 20, 2004

hi Warren

i live on the outerbanks, so really parking in oriental and bussing up to sparta is the smart way for me to go. so i guess it sorta depends on where you live. one thing though, i really enjoyed staying in oak island that last night of the ride last year and having the luxury of leaving whenever i wanted to the next day. i ended up biking around and exploring oak island. i am looking forward to exploring the oriental area the day after the ride this year, i hear it's a great little town. hopefully there are some nice rides in the area. one thing i did do, is splurge on a hotel room in oak island. after a week of tenting it, it was a welcomed change.

Date: Jul 21, 2004

Thanks Maureen,

I live in western North Carolina so riding the bus back to Sparta after the tour is probably my best bet. -Warren-

Date: Jul 29, 2004

I can't imagine one way is better than any of the others. I can vouch for the bus trips being organized to perfection, like everything else. There have been a few disappointments over the years with CNC's bike transport. I no longer transport my bike with them, even though they did just fine with my bike the one time they transported it for me. My scenario is to drive to the ride start, leave my bike with someone I trust, drive to the ride end (this year it will be Oriental), and ride the bus back. However, I do this because it fits my personal schedule and needs. Regardless of which option you choose, you can count on CNC to pull it off flawlessly.

Date: Aug 5, 2004

I've done all five CNCs. As noted by others, with one year exception, bus arrangements have worked well. (The one year wasn't CNCs faulth--the Grayhound drivers didn't show up. CNC hasn't used Grayhound since.)

Choose by distance, or time schedule that suits your plans. I lobbied for the extra night at the end that started last year so am partial to that option--that is, bussing at the end--but I also live in the western part of the state so that means less driving as well.

I've had NO bike transportation problems with CNC, or two years on BRAG for that matter, although I worry more this year because I have a beautiful new Trek 2300. Still, I expect the bike handling will be carefully done with experienced staff supervising--unlike what we had at BRAG where I joined two others for the loading supervision job when no staff showed up. (Just one more note that CNC is a cut above most other rides.)