Shipping Motorcycles Across the US

Shipping a motorcycle across the US is not as mystical as many think. There are hundreds of myths floating around the internet about how to ship a motorcycle across the US. In this article, I have attempted to make some clarifications and discuss the important aspects of shipping motorcycles across the US.

Nationwide Auto Transportation is one of the largest companies across the US that specialize in this kind of shipment, and they give you  a detailed explanation of how to prepare your motorcycle for shipping.

Prepare your motorcycle for shipping

Carefully clean your entire motorcycle of dirt, from wheel to wheel and everything in between. Also, assess and observe the damages on it such as scratches and dents. This is important because you want to know the state of your motorcycle before it is loaded for shipping. Taking a series of photos of your motorcycle pre and post trip is also a good idea that helps eliminate discrepancies.

There are basically two methods of loading a motorcycle for shipping

• Individual loading – here motorbikes are individually crated  for shipping. This is the best practice because it gives extra protection to the motorcycle.
• Multiple loading – Motorcycles are braced and locked inside the crates to allow multiple bike loading

The Best Method for Shipping – Closed or Open Carrier?

Your choice of shipping method boils down to your own needs and preferences. You can ship your motorcycle(s) across the US either in an enclosed trailer or on an open carrier.

While the cheaper option is an open carrier, it is not the safest method for transporting your motorcycles. With the open carrier transport, your motorcycle will be exposed to the dangers of road hazards and environmental elements. Also, when it is in transport, it is visible to everyone if it’s not crated.

Closed transport may cost more in the end, but it is the wiser choice when shipping your motorcycle.  The bike is totally enclosed from the pick up to delivery point. With the closed carrier, your motorbike is safe from debris and the elements (ex. rain, hail, snow, dust). Your motorbike is most likely going to be delivered in the exact condition it was before loading. So you have no worries about scratches, damages or even theft. You may still want to take a pre and post photo in the event of unavoidable accidents or possible damage.

How Shipping a motorcycle differs from shipping a car

Cars are relatively safer to ship, providing more stability from the hand brake and having four tires. They can therefore, stand firmly during shipping. Motorcycles are lighter in weight, having just two wheels with nothing providing it stability other than the fulcrum stand, and maybe straps and/or load bars. Therefore the carriers that transport motorcycles are always extra careful.

It is a general belief that motorcycle shipping is usually cheaper than car shipping due to the difference in size and weight of the vehicles. However, this is not always the case as motorcycle shipping calls for special items such as specially closed carriers to transport them.

There is a wide range of different services that courier companies  offer, that combined with the distance to travel and your needs will determine the cost of transporting your motorcycle, which will vary from company to company.

It's OVER for Nashville Bike Week

It is with a heavy heart that I announce that Nashville Bike Week is a non starter.

With the arrest of Mike Leffingwell/Axle for changing his name illegally and failing to appear, this man who had charges in 4 states and for whatever reason decided not to deal with them, has left his event in dire straits.

The Loretta Lynn Ranch had pulled out as the host venue back in
February, then a farmer not far away pulled out, then the Gaylord Opryland Hotel pulled out and now the last hope that this event might go off has also pulled out.

A man named Stan Chiras of the  American Rebel Mudpark was going to take the event over as he owns 500 acres that is an actual event venue and a man with a lot of special event experience.
After 11 days of waiting for financials = transparency, he decided that if he couldn't get the paperwork to know what has gone on, he'd best back away.

So now Nashville Bike Week is without a leader and without a home.

Stan Chiras of American Rebel Mud Park is going to be hosting a FREE 10 day event on his property for anyone who bought tickets to Nashville Bike Week. It won't be as grand an event, but it will have bands and entertainment and camping and if you bought a Nashville Bike Week ticket/package he's going to do his best to honour them as far as the spaces for toy haulers etc.

Here is the official statement from Stan Chiras of American Rebel Off Road Park:

"After discussions with State and local officials, and consulting with legal counsel, American Rebel Off Road Park is withdrawing as a venue for Nashville Bike Week and Superflow Entertainment.

It became obvious that with the time remaining until the event date, there is no way to meet the promises made by Superflow Entertainment to its customers.  There was also no feasible way to meet the statutory guidelines required by the State of Tennessee for permitting an event of this size.

When I entered into discussion with Nashville Bike Week my intent was to contribute to saving this event for the over 4000 fellow bikers who had already paid in advance for this event.  I deeply regret this could not work out.

I would like to extend an invitation to anyone who paid for this event to come to Tennessee and enjoy our hospitality and all that our county and State has to offer.

You’re welcome to come and stay here at no charge."

Sincerely,

Stan Chiras 

American Rebel Off Road Park

http://www.armudpark.com/

(931) 722-5058

I had hoped that Mike Axle was not another like the one we have had in Canada who has, sadly, resurfaced to try another event. However, it appears that Nashville Bike Week was nothing more than one big scam.

I was angry at those who were phoning venue after venue and getting the owners to turn their backs on signed contracts.

Part of me wanted to believe in that this guy was sincere. He did not conduct himself the way the other person I have experience with did. He never dodged me.

And then there's the whole thing about Canadian law and US law which are very different from each other.

Had I done to the Canadian event (that went this same direction in BC), what the Americans have done to Mike Leffingwell/Axle and Nashville Bike Week, I'd have been thrown in jail.
ANYWAY...They were right, these detractors and Mike is another like the one from BC....the one who is hosting an Oilfield event now.

I am sad that things went this way but, our community has been known to attract some unsavoury people.

So sad for so many. I am beyond being angry anymore - I feel deflated.
There goes my big trip of the season, time to reorganize - with the workload I have, not a bad idea...

If you are blessed enough to be riding today, please remember to ride like everyone around you is blind and cannot see you.

Bet Drive Betty
Editor & Rider

Nashville Bike Week moves venue to Gaylord Opryland!

Press Release: Nashville Bike Week May 25th, 2017

We are holding the Nashville Bike Week 2017 event inside the Gaylord Opryland Convention Center grounds. The event will take place in the large additional parking areas located near main gates on Opry Mills Drive. The event hours are from 8:00am until 11:30pm CST each day. We will be offering ten day passes, opening/closing passes, and daily passes. These event passes do not include camping or hotel accommodations*. All guests that are not staying at Gaylord Hilton will need to leave each evening at closing. 

Camping will be available at the many area campgrounds located less than a mile away. If you have already purchased a ticket with us that included camping, you will be provided a spot at the Yogi Bear Campground at no additional cost. Hotels in the area are offering our guest special incentive rates during the event. Individual hotels are under no special obligations and different discounts may apply. We will be offering shuttle services provided by Gaylord Opryland to and from the campground on a regular schedule. These will provide a safe and comfortable ride back to the camping areas when needed. We will have additional shuttles that will take you to Lower Broadway. Downtown parking will be provided in designated participating garages and lots. Nashville Bike Week will hold a Bagger and Bike Contest located outside the Magnolia Lobby Entrance. VIP Meet and Greet Sessions with bands will be help inside the Gaylord complex in private meeting rooms. Nashville Bike Week is also offering discount tickets to tour the Grand Ole’ Opry and General Jackson Showboat.

Gaylord Opryland will be providing beer and liquor sales. You will be allowed to bring in plastic containers to the event areas. Please drink responsibly. Outside liquor should not be brought into the main lobby or other areas of the resort.

(*If you have already purchased a ticket with us that included a cabin, full service, or primitive camping, you will be provided a spot at no additional cost at the local participating campgrounds located less than one mile from event.) Thank you from the staff of Nashville Bike Week. Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center 2800 Opryland Drive Nashville, Tennessee 37214 USA

WEBSITE  http://nashvillebikeweek.com/