Bikes on Trains

Hello, my name is John Neller, and I am a member of the Boeing Employees Bicycle Club, living in Auburn, Washington. In addition to being a cyclist, I am also an enthusiastic train rider; and I have often combined bicycle rides with trains, both in the US and abroad. The Amtrak Cascades trains, which provide service from Eugene to Vancouver BC, include racks for 10 unboxed bicycles in their baggage cars. Recently I have developed a ride from Portland to Eugene, with a return by train to Portland. I have done this ride both by myself and with the Boeing club. It starts near downtown Portland and follows the Willamette River Valley. The date is not set yet but will be sometime in the summer of 2020. There will be overnight stays in Salem, Albany, and Eugene. Parts of the route will use the Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway. The pace will be social, a category used by many clubs. The route will use trails, bike lanes, shoulders, and mostly lower-traffic roads. The total distance is about 178 miles. There are a couple hills on the first day and one on the second day. The fourth day, riding around Springfield and Eugene, mostly on trails along the river, is optional – we will be returning on the afternoon train to Portland. There are no costs other than lodging, food, and the train fares. I am seeking a person or persons to drive a support-and-gear (SAG) wagon. I plan to make arrangements with Amtrak to allow more-than-ten unboxed bicycles on the train from Eugene to Portland. I also hope to attend the December meeting of the Portland Bicycling Club. If you have any questions, please contact me at [email protected] or 206-356-5309.

John Neller, Guest Contributor