quick transport-on-minivan-roof question - Cycling Mob: Road Cycling, Mountain Biking and More

06-16-2004, 01:23 AM

Howdy. My relatives are coming up to visit, and they're bringing up
two bikes with them ("teen/regular" sizes). They've got a Dodge Caravan
with factory roof rails. They'll be driving about 350 or so miles from
Virginia to NYC. The route will be almost totally on the big interstate
highways (relatively smooth roads), about 7 hours or so (passing through
Washington DC just to glance at the sights).

The minivan will be full inside, so we were wondering if anyone has
just tossed a couple of bikes on the roof (front wheels removed, of course)
and just tied them down with bungee cords. This is not a regular
occurrence, so spending a pile of money for a "real" rack is something
we'd like to avoid. I figure i can buy a cheap tarp and wrap it over the
front/top of the bikes to keep out any major downpours, and use duct tape
and/or bungee to keep it all from flying away. The minivan will only
be unattended during rest stops, and I can also u-lock them to the
roof rails (these are just cheapish $300 bikes).

Advice, anyone?

--
Henry Yen <[Only registered and activated users can see links. ]>
netcom shell refugee '94. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]
Hicksville, New York