Speaking of bikes - has anyone ever done bike swapping at the Fort?

[sharadoc]

I've seen LOTS of fridge swaps, but didn't see anything about bikes. We are going for 2 weeks in a cabin, so we can't bring bikes. The price is outrageous to rent, so we're thinking of buying some at Wal-Mart when we get there. Has anyone ever done that, locked them at a rack and done swaps with combination locks?

We can't take them home either, so we weren't sure what to do with them when we're done. So, we're on the fence about whether or not to do it.

Opinions and suggestions welcome.

thanks,

 

[des1954]

It sounds like a logical idea, but where would you keep them to trade off? With all the rain and baking sun in Florida, the bikes would very likely be ruined in no time if they were left unprotected from the elements. There are plenty of bike racks you could lock the bikes to, but I don't know if Disney Security would do anything about bikes lefted for any length of time.

Just thinking out loud. BTW...how much is it to rent bikes at FtW?

 

[BigDaddyRog]

It sounds like a logical idea, but where would you keep them to trade off? With all the rain and baking sun in Florida, the bikes would very likely be ruined in no time if they were left unprotected from the elements. There are plenty of bike racks you could lock the bikes to, but I don't know if Disney Security would do anything about bikes lefted for any length of time.

Just thinking out loud. BTW...how much is it to rent bikes at FtW?

Like $20.65 a day plus tax!!!

 

[christinou]

The other problem with renting bikes is that you cannot keep them overnight, you just have them for the day, so not very useful.
when we went a couple of years ago, we realized when we got there that the back tire of my bike was bend, it was easier for us to go to Wal mart and buy a really cheap bike, than dealing with getting a new tire at the time. So that what we did, I got a bike for $50, we did bring it home with us, and now we have an emergency bike.

 

[des1954]

Like $20.65 a day plus tax!!!

Whoa!!! That is freakin' highway robbery!!! I say: buy one at Wally-World, use it & give it to another camper that has no bikes!! Pay it forward, man!!

 

[Escape Artist]

Whoa!!! That is freakin' highway robbery!!! I say: buy one at Wally-World, use it & give it to another camper that has no bikes!! Pay it forward, man!!

Oooo, I like that idea. That would sure add to the atmosphere of FW campground being a friendly place!

I wonder how long it could carry forward?

Sue in Texas

 

[gon2wdw55]

Just a thought you could always donate them to GIVE KIDS THE WORLD or any local orgniziton i'm sure any CM would help.

 

[auntie]

I wish they had that family rate that they had a few years back..at both the WL and FW. That was a much better deal. We spent a bundle renting bikes last year, when we were at the WL. We rode over to FW three times...and you had to pay for the day each time. I sure wish they would have had a weekly rate...especially given that in the campground you would be able to keep them at your site..much the way you do with the golf carts.

 

[Mary2e]

I would also pay it forward, as I do in Hawaii with beach chairs.

I buy a few, plus an umbrella at Costco when I arrive and then offer them to some poor unsuspecting soul on the beach the day I'm leaving. I pick the palest person, since they're most likely to have just arrived

Most people are remarkably grateful.

I wouldn't waste my time with a swap for $50 worth of stuff that, had I rented, would have cost me far far more than the cost of buying. I'd rather do a good deed.

 

[crostorfer]

Just a thought you could always donate them to GIVE KIDS THE WORLD or any local orgniziton i'm sure any CM would help.

Thats a really great idea, and so much better than renting for a week, sheesh, thats expensive. It warms my cold, cold, jaded heart to see that people still suggest good and thoughtful things nowadays!

 

[Mmketeer]

Gosh, I have bikes that we bring with us, but I still think the bike swap thing is a great idea. I mean I live in Florida so I know how much the weather can play a toll on a bike (it rained all day here yesterday and most of the morning today too). The sun also will take a toll on a bike, but really whats a little rust and fading when it's free? Heck, enough of us around here go to FW enough that we could check on the bike and help maintain it and kinda help make our own magical moment for the folks that visit here on this forum that need a bike to rent. For instance, when I go in August I would be happy to inspect the condition and add WD40 to keep the brakes, chains and gears running smoothly. If I find it needs air I would air it up or if I see that it needs something replaced I could just post it here on our bike swap thread for the next person who's going to take care of whatever it needs. It's like only $7 bucks to get a new inner tire at Walmart. It could work with team work and if the team work and the bike starts to really wear out, then oh well it was good while it lasted and it will still make someone's day. We could even lock it up and provide the code here on our forum when requested along with the directions to the bike and identifcation (which it should be easy enough to put our Dislogo on it). Anyway, I am game if everyone else wants to particpate. Man, I wish I hadn't just given away our two bikes we just upgraded from. Guess it would be rude to ask for them back now....

 

[PixieDust32]

You can also visit a local goodwill for used bikes.

 

[loveDmouse]

That rental price is outrageous.


I like the idea of buying them and giving them to another camper.

 

[PixieDust32]

That rental price is outrageous.


I like the idea of buying them and giving them to another camper.

I know I also thinks is a great idea.

 

[KristinU]

I love this idea! Sure would beat shlepping our bikes down from CT. Can I call dibs on Thanksgiving week???? What do you guys think about paypal-ing the first purchaser a few bucks to get this off the ground? I know I'd be happy to chip in.

 

[sharadoc]

We'll be there Jan. 20-30. If anyone wants to start, you can count me in for sure. We would need 1 or 2 adult bikes, and 1 24" bike.

I guess that's the difficulty - what size bikes do you get, how many, etc. etc.

Thanks,