Shipping bike from u.S. to Portugal
 

I would like to ship my bike from Maryland, USA to Lisbon, Portugal. I have no idea on how I can go about it.

I have read some quotes from airline companies, and they are on the steep side. Im looking for an inexpensive method of shipping.

I want to ride around Portugal, spain and a little of france this winter.

Can someone suggest an inexpensive transport company?

Can´t do more than suggesting TAP airlines, the portuguese airline. But i don´t expect the prices to be low.

www.tap.pt

If you want to give me a shout and i´ll buy you a beer, near Oporto.

Thanks, ill take you up on it when I get there. Is a suzuki vstrom popular over there? Im considering buying one just because they seem pretty practical and comfortable.

Have your toured all of Portugal?? Can you suggest some places to visit?

How long are you intending to stay in Europe for? If it's only for 3-4 weeks max, renting may prove a cheaper option. If staying for a couple of months, buying a bike in Europe & selling before going home may be the best bet.

Ken Bretana (posts on this site) has done just that. I found a BMW K100RT in vgc for £1,100. He bought it two weeks ago, is currently somewhere near the Alps I believe & will sell before heading back home to Hawaii. If all goes well, he should get most of the purchase price back again, making for a considerably cheaper trip. He sourced the Insurance in the US

BTW why are you visting in winter?

Good luck

Steve

[This message has been edited by Steve Pickford (edited 15 July 2004).]

I have a house in Portugal, im going on my winter break from school.

I plan on going there every year, so I will probably leave the bike there.

I currently have a triumph speed triple, but im not sure thats an ideal bike for touring. Even thou I tour on it here in the U.S.

What will the weather be like in northern portugal and spain in the winter? I imagine its going to be rainy, but not horribly cold like it is here. I can always switch to southern spain and portugal if its too cold in the north.

What are some companies that rent bikes in Europe? Around Lisbon, Portugal? What type of bikes? And price?