With Chris' expert engineer's obsessive -- and very necessary -- aid, bicycle packed into shipping case, with as many extras as i had the courage to include. Since the weight limit is 50lbs, and the case alone weighs 30+, adding the bike (18? 19? lbs) didn't leave much extra, but i decided to squeeze in my riding shoes, helmet, gloves, water bottles and a few other bits. we'll see how far my charm takes me at the AA desk in Denver; i like to believe that since this isn't some overstuffed suitcase, but a serious bicycle rider's gear (!) the desk agent will be flexible over a few pounds, especially since i am traveling internationally.
In the far distant past (yes, incredulous reader, there actually was a time when flying did not require a full body search including cavity probes and minor shocks - just in case you had something to which you had not yet confessed) a frequent flier's shiny Gold Card would have been worth something for a bit of pull in such potential fiscal emergencies. However, the last time i attempted to use it, for an upgrade on a NZ flight, the agent's sneering glance melted the card into a pathetic mass of dull plastic. Yet, I was given a form which offered me the ULTIMATE Frequent Flier card, The Platinum; from the sign-up and annual fees, it must really be platinum. There is a "higher level" of frequent flier membership, but that one is so exalted that they don't even tell you about it: if you deserve it, you'll know. The fees can be paid only by direct courier service from your Swiss bank account vault (no paper currency accepted).
So, i approach the counter experience with credit card where it (as the motoring magazines used to say about sports car switches) falls readily to hand .
Today: motorcycle gear.
If only we'd stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time - Edith Wharton
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