Transport Questions

[spirit4earth]

I sawed the ends off my crossbars to make them as short as possible, and I'll probably leave the rack on.  No bike----it's too much to worry about.  Hopefully I'll be able to get my small amount of stuff out of storage soon.  First I'll go to DC, then head west.  I'm looking forward to checking out Hood River---I'm in the market for a new place to live!

[robcasey]

Some thoughts..
- get an inflatable sup to store inside if it fits.
- for the roof, place a doubled over yoga mat (sticky) or towel and place the board on top, then secure with 2 straps through the doors. Maybe add a nose or tail (leash plug) strap to the bumper to be more secure and/or avoid sliding left/right in wind or high speed. Foam blocks work too. 

[Dusk Patrol]

How about this: Sell your bike, buy an inflatable sup, one that your pup can join you on, travel the country, literally explore the backwaters... send dispatches...you know.... do it for us... 

[spirit4earth]

How about this: Sell your bike, buy an inflatable sup, one that your pup can join you on, travel the country, literally explore the backwaters... send dispatches...you know.... do it for us... 

Yes!  I wouldn't get much for my bike, but it really would be very cool to have an inflatable and explore places.  I would love to do that for you!  And for me!  I could get a 2016 RPC 11' Sport for around a grand, but that's way outside my budget right now.
However, on my travels, if I get a chance to paddle, I'll do it for you.  🙂

[spirit4earth]

Some thoughts..
- get an inflatable sup to store inside if it fits.
- for the roof, place a doubled over yoga mat (sticky) or towel and place the board on top, then secure with 2 straps through the doors. Maybe add a nose or tail (leash plug) strap to the bumper to be more secure and/or avoid sliding left/right in wind or high speed. Foam blocks work too.

Rob, there's a good chance I'll make it as far as Seattle, and I want to go by Hood River, too.  I have a lot of friends out there.  I've been spoiled by the four mild seasons of WNC, and I don't know if I can handle PNW weather anymore!

[spirit4earth]

Have any of you ever transported a board for a considerable distance while just using foam blocks?  With a board on top, my speed would probably be around 70 mph.  I'm taking the roof rack off and probably leaving it in storage, depending on how much is in the car.  I'd like to leave enough room in there to sleep.  Anyway, I want to save every dollar I can on the trip, and hopefully pick up a board along the way.
Thanks again for sharing your thoughts.  Great forum!

[Dusk Patrol]

Foam blocks for great distance won't pose any problems. They're not going to degrade or anything. I think the only issue is that which has already been mentioned, the straps wicking water into the car when raining.  But that may be low risk if you're starting your trip now, at the beginning of summer.
You could also leave the blocks in storage, save the space, and if you do buy a board on the way, grab some blocks or pool noodles or pipe insulation at that time.   

[spirit4earth]

I got such great gas mileage with an empty roof, but I'd still like to snag a board on my journey.  I'd probably need a board bag, since I think I'll head through Utah and Colorado, then across to the SE.
With a fully loaded Fit, I averaged 40 mpg until I hit the Black Hills, then it dropped to 39.  Very happy with my little car!