Uh-oh! Look out San Francisco!

[kiwi girl]

We've taken our bikes to Australia 3 times. We've always given them a good clean in the hotel bathtub (and left a big tip for the maid) and have never had any problems with MAF. They just had a look at them to check they were clean. At least last time (I can't remember for sure about the other times) I declared that I had ridden through forests and farmland - I did have slicks on the bikes though and had only ridden on the road - they might be more fastidious if you had been offroad. They were fussier about my tent though - taking it into a sealed room to check (it was also fine)

[kiwi girl]

Actually I've just remembered that there might be another solution.

Are you flying AKL-CHC straight away the morning you get in? If your connecting flight number is NZ303 then that is an international connecting flight and you will clear customs/maf in CHC - so if you are relaxed about leaving your bike at the airport for the maffy bods to do their thing you should be alright

[DirtDiva]

Huh. I just read the fine print on my printout and you're absolutely right. I've always had to make the trek over to the domestic terminal to get a connecting flight, but I guess I'd always flown via LA. The plot thickens. Of course, I'm hoping to buy myself a full-suss for chrissy, so if it looks like some mtbing is on the cards I may not be able to resist the temptation to just go demo something flashy ...

[kiwi girl]

actually that flight is a relatively new thing - the last year or so - it connects with all the early morning Air NZ flights (including NZ1 through LA)

[DirtDiva]

Ah, ok. The last time I flew home I went through Singapore; that way's usually cheaper and the flights are direct, but you can just take so much more stuff with you through the US.

[DirtDiva]

Where has the time gone? I'll be in SF in just under two weeks!

[bikerz]

I know! I realized the same thing!

It's time to start making plans!

[DirtDiva]

Totally. I've been busy planning stuff to do while I'm still here and haven't really gotten to the planning what I'll do in SF. I'd love to go ride with some of the local TE crew. I'm up for pretty much anything, but I'm not riding more than 50 miles without a major cake stop (and some whining ).

[SadieKate]

OMG! I just saw this thread. It must have occurred while I was in the wilds of Colorado.

What's the plan? When,where, what? Gotta check with the Bubbameister as we have some plans up in the air.

[DirtDiva]

Erm, we don't currently have a plan... Let's make one!

[bikerz]

DirtDiva will be conveniently located in the Oakland Hills during her SF stay (chez BikerZ )

Plan options:
I'm afraid I won't be of much use in the mtb riding plans, but I do know that lots of great mtb trails are located minutes from my house, and my neighbors are avid mtbikers.

And for off-the-bike fun: What about the sequel to the Chocolate Factory show, "Amici Veloci goes to the Hangar One vodka distillery"?

DD - do you want to go to the wine country? the coast? the redwoods? the hot dry windy flatlands to visit SadieKate? And do you know yet whether you can bring your own bike?

This will be very fun!

[jobob]

pops head up

Someone say Hangar One?!?

DD - do you want to go to
... the hot dry windy flatlands to visit SadieKate?

Wow, you make it sound so appealing.

[SadieKate]

Hey, I'm here on those hot dry windy flatlands!

I'm confoo-sed. Is this mtb-ing or road-ing? I've seen mention of each.

[snapdragen]

pops head up

Someone say Hangar One?!?

Wha? Huh? Hello!

[jobob]

Works like a charm.