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North America Topics specific to Canada and USA/Alaska only.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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  #1  
Old 13 Mar 2012
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Location: Belfast
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Seattle folks, help - best port for container, safe bike storage nearby?

Hi all,
I'm trying to round up some info in prep for a possible Pacific NW guided tour coming from the UK (and also for the start point of a tour to Alaska) next year and need to find the best place to ship a container near Seattle. I'm assuming Port of Seattle but I don't know if Tacoma or somewhere else might cater better to the following needs?:-

- Port needs to be in close vicinity of a friendly bike shop/BMW Motorrad or the like who can help sort any post-shipping problems for the clients on the tour
- There needs to be a secure and safe place to park and temporarily store all the bikes until clients arrive
- inexpensive and friendly accommodation as close as possible (the less mucking about with taxis, busses, trains etc the better!)

I'm a semi-native Pac Northwesterner myself, but didn't pick up motorbiking until I moved away to Ireland, so I don't have the first clue about where Seattle's best options are. My parents and siblings live in the Seattle area so I may be sending them out to scout any suggestions for me. If anyone in the Seattle area has any suggestions for the above I would love to hear from you!

Thanks!
Molly
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  #2  
Old 15 Mar 2012
DLbiten's Avatar
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Camano is. USA
Posts: 440
I do not ship to the NW as I live here. But there shipping right to Alaska as well as Bellingham Wa. There is a fery out of bellingham as well Alaska Marine Highway System :: Official Site :: Alaska DOT&PF
and Alaska Marine Highway Ferry System Reservation and Ticketing Agent will get you up on that.
For BMW shops there are 2 Ride West BMW Motorcyles - Seattle, Washington - We Ride, We Race, We are the Northwest's Motorcycle Touring Resource! and Fife, Washington, BMW, Motorcycle, Dealer, Used, Parts, Service, Financing, Accessories, Apparel

There is alwas buying in the USA and then selling or shipping home a bike.
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  #3  
Old 15 Mar 2012
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Alcester UK & Idilevo, Bulgaria
Posts: 329
Hi Molly

We shipped FROM Seattle in May last year and used Bob Erion at Radiant (I believe that Globebusters use him too - don't quote me on that though !) His email is berion [dot] exo [at] radiantdelivers [dot] com

We also used South Sound BMW in Fife near Tacoma (see link in DLBiten posting above) and there is a Motel 6 about half mile down the road from them and at 39 USD per night per room that's got to be cheap - especially with two sharing. Our bikes were shipped by container from the SeaPac depot in Seattle but all the paperwork was handled by Bob Erion and his able assistant James Pedersen.

With regard to accomodation you may also want to consider staying at a cheap motel (ie Red Roof Inns) at the SeaTac Internaional airport - excellent Skytrain service to downtown Seattle for about 5 USD return and just a walk across the road to the airport terminal. Can be reached easily by bus from Motel 6 in Fife.
I would suggest contacting South Sound BMW to see if they could store your container until you need it emptying.

Martin
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  #4  
Old 22 Mar 2012
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Join Date: May 2008
Location: Onalaska, Washington, USA
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Unless you are settled on Seattle, check out Portland OR. It is smaller and easier to get around, BMW dealer right there.

Get Routed use to ship in to Seattle then switched to Portland as a much better option.

Bob
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