I need to take my trusty steed, RubySlipperz (a 20" men's frame Trek 7.6), to California and back twice this coming Spring -- early April for the Cinderella Classic 100k plus a training ride or two, to check on how my spin-class training is doing in terms of getting me ready for the next trip, the ALC8 in May-June. It seems there is no way to ship the bike ahead from here, so she'll have to travel with me as checked luggage. And on the first trip, she may have to travel in cardboard. But I could order a bike crate, soft or hard shell, and have it waiting for me at my Mom's for the next three trips. I've googled some info and am leaning towards the Pika Packworks EEP. Anybody have any experience with it? Any other recommendations?