Oh how we all know the airplane game. Fortunate or not from Alaska, Alaska Airlines is almost always the only option and our membership in the 49er club sure helps. 13 days and counting to our next trip out to cycle some southwest states.

Another example of airline nefariousness: several years ago I was ticket shopping and a particular airline was listed at the top of the results, based on lowest price. However, it turned out that their advertised price only got me as far as the cabin door. If I wanted a seat- *any* seat, including the least desirable - the price went up. And since airlines are not allowed to sell standing room only, a seat purchase was required.

Want to bring a piece of carry-on luggage aboard? More money is needed. Oh, you want to check a bag? That's extra, too.

I'm sure they tried to paint it as "a la carte" pricing or something similarly euphemistic, claiming that you only had to pay for services and conveniences you actually expected to use. But to me it looked like a case of them gaming the system: by making *everything* available on a pay-as-you-go basis their advertised "price" appeared to be lowest and floated to the top of the results lists.

Basteds, every last one of them.

Leslie and Rob - we lost track of your Spring cycle as we were already struggling through England. Prompted by your comment here, I went to check back in with your blog. Of course you know what's coming, the same OMG reaction of all readers, followed by relief that it was not worse. Resting here by our peaceful Boxing Day fire, it sure woke us up! Did the idiot that hit you ever explain about/concede the cell phone use?

I totally agree about airline ticket price shopping!

We've made several trips back and forth between Tucson and home this year. I'm getting in far more airport time than usual. So far our record is poor concerning delays and cancellations.

I'm looking forward to reading along with you.

You two don't stay in one place for very long that's for sure. Looking forward to following your journey.

Chuckle! Yup biking in the snow is not for everyone. Commuted 12 miles each way most days for years, but if snow got over 3-4 inches deep, or if it was icy, I drove. Deeper and the snow impedes so much the rear tire spins and very little progress is made. Ice is treacherous. Probably went down about every alternate day under those conditions. Now, I stick to the bike path after the mile of residential streets to the path. Given a choice, I would not cycle in anything below 60 degrees, but I gotta get in the cardiac rehab aerobic exercise a minimum of 30 minutes 3 x per week but preferably 60 x 6.

Thanks, Steve, for the one/two passenger research. Yet one more thing to add to the stress of booking flights. We might try the parallel booking idea next time, with one of us on each computer pressing “buy now” at the same time…maybe.

Are you saying no tire manufacturer makes a cyclocross tire in your size?