I called the LBS...which has three locations and is THE bike shop in this area...(my husband rides on their team, so, in fact, is paid by these guys...I have griped about the fact that they are rude in the past). I said, "Hey, I am so and so, Mr. So and so is my husband, he rides for (insert team name) and he suggested I call because we are flying to California with the bikes and he thought you guys might have some hard cases we could borrow or rent."
Answer from bike shop guy: "(long pause) no."
Me: "No? Ok....hmmm."
Long pause.
Me: "You sell them?"
BSG: "Of course."
Me: "Well, ok. Thanks, then. Ta ta."

So I think I am of course the biggest idiot in town. Apparently, RENTING a case was like renting shoes or something....just not done. However, when I drove across town today to pick up our packets for Tour Dallas on Saturday I asked the very friendly girl there about BUYING a case and she said (helpfully), "you know, we rent them."

Well, flip me a fish. I was so happy! I told DH about the exchange. He called and pulled himself off the race team and told them that they had just lost a customer AND a teammate.

And it is costing $60.00 per bike for two weeks to rent the cases. And I have no problem giving this bike shop my money!