Rally Train to Oregon next year?

[cjack]

Anybody doing this?

[SheRidesABeemer]

I was thinking of going by bike :dance

[LONERIDER]

I intend to ride the mighty K1200RS horefully through
Glacier and Banff parks.

Enjoy the 4th

The Lonerider

[PGlaves]

Oh no - not again.

This has been the butt of jokes on the Long Distance Riders and Adventure Riders forums and lists for years!!!

[cjack]

Yeh...some have asked around here and are interested so as to go but they still work and have seen Nebraska a few times I guess.
They seem to have had a great time on the train last time...RUI maybe.

[Polarbear]

Why not train it, if you got the funds:)....It cannot be inexpensive with a bike, but go figure. My folks just did the train from coast to coast(WashD.C. to Reno) and had a wonderful trip last month. They got a real deal, with sleeper, (Great)food all included at 1400$ea., round trip, NO m/c...Randy

[RevWillie]

Anybody doing this?

We're working on it. If you know somebody in power with AMTRAK, send them my way!

Yes, we did have a good time on the '01 RallyTrain from DC and Chicago to Redmond and back!!:drink:bottle:lurk

[Rob Nye]

Nothing wrong with using alternate transportation for you and your bike if it means you can enjoy the rally.

From Rhode Island at "Iron Butt" pace means 50 or so hours with one night's sleep, then camp on the ground? No thanks.

For Spokane a buddy and I put the bikes in a pick up truck and tandem drove non stop to Denver in 36 or so hours. This left us in a great place to enjoy a four day tour to the rally, enjoy the rally and a five day tour back to the truck. By doing this we were able to start with the Top of the Rockies, then the National and finally an ADV event in Ouray, CO while only use two weeks plus two days of vacation.

In the past the Yankee Beemers have organized an "airlift" where you and your bike fly west. We did this to Salt Lake City (Missoula) and Oakland (Redmond) and will be looking to do it again.

The majority of folks on LD rider are one time certificate riders and can go futher on their :type than their bike. The folks that climb up on the "I never trailer my bike" are only spotlighting their own shortcomings.

Sometimes the best use of time on distance involves being able to keep moving while you are sleeping. It's a vacation not a forced march. :bottle

Truck, trailer, train or ride it's all good for this party.

[BubbaZanetti]

Truck, trailer, train or ride it's all good for this party.

Well said.

anyone who's been riding a few years, has done some long marches, commuted, experienced what there is to be experienced on a bike shouldn't feel weird about trucking/trailering/training or flying. i'm pretty sure Johnson City would have been a much more miserable place if i'd forced the lady to do 2500 miles instead of 500 on that little, uncomfortable ST seat.


it's the people that have never actually rode their bikes and trailer i find a bit suspect.

[jdmetzger]

Well said.

anyone who's been riding a few years, has done some long marches, commuted, experienced what there is to be experienced on a bike shouldn't feel weird about trucking/trailering/training or flying. i'm pretty sure Johnson City would have been a much more miserable place if i'd forced the lady to do 2500 miles instead of 500 on that little, uncomfortable ST seat.


it's the people that have never actually rode their bikes and trailer i find a bit suspect.

While I can never be sure what will be happening next year, unless I relocate closer or somehow end up with a lot of vacation time, it's more likely I would have to trailer/train/fly out to the rally, if attend at all. I could easily cover the distance, but I don't see much "fun" in riding there over 3 days (figure 700 mile days), and then going home over the same amount of time, all for 3 nights of rally. Tearing down the highway for hours on end isn't really exciting, that's for sure. I know, I've done it far too many times. It's also why I'm taking an extra day after the Catskills event and back-roading it over two days to get home, instead of riding 600 miles on the highway and being forced to leave at the crack of dawn with deer on the loose, and possibly heavy morning fog like last year. I'm actually challenging myself to make a 100% non-highway trip home. I have this mental problem where once I get within about 3-4 hours of home I decide to hop on the fastest road I can find and knock the rest out. I need to stop that.

[zoridog]

My riding buddy really doesn't want to ride the 2800 miles from NJ and back. At tonight's club meeting, I'll suggest the train for the return leg.

I think the ride out is the best chance for both of us to get our Iron Butt ride done. Taking the boring and fast route 80 through Iowa, Nebraska and Wyoming at 70-75mph would give us 1000 miles plus a full night's sleep.

[jimfastcar]

I love this idea, we could load, what 30 bikes per boxcar ?
Then I could spend the time I would have otherwise spent riding there from Ontario, by going far afield, like Moab....
Love the idea !!:twirl

[tlcoulter]

Anybody doing this?
I retired from Amtrak, and I ain't about to let those bums touch my RT!

[wezul]

I retired from Amtrak, and I ain't about to let those bums touch my RT!

That's not what I would call an endorsement. :bolt

[vectorprime27]

I've taken a quick look, and I can have my bike transported via truck (company specializes in moving motorcycles - bike is tied to a pallet, covered, and insured) from Florida to Oregon for $533 each way. If you consider that I'd spent about $200 on gas riding the 3,000 miles, that's only $333 each way. Of course, I'll need to fly out....but a 5 hour flight vs. six 500 mile days...well...you get the picture. I'm actually considering shipping to Denver (only $481) and riding the remainder. Got a little while to decide.

[Bodenny]

We took Amtrac round trip Champaign, Chicago to Seattle about 4 years ago. First class, great food and had a family room on bottom level for a $1050. The room was the width of the car so we had windows on both sides with luggage storage on top bunk. Great trip. The prices have gone up since then.

Don Denny MOA #899

[bogthebasher]

A few years ago, some friends of mine and I decided to one-way our bicycles from home over the Rockies through Jasper and on to Kamloops BC, then ride it back to Edmonton (my then home town). Got the bike delivered to the train station at 2pm - and went to a local pub to have a couple of pints prior to leaving to hop on board. Before I got to my second pint the phone rang to let me know they had run over my bike with a forklift... and that they would compensate me the cost of freight @50c per pound - on a 18 pound bike!

I mounted my seat on my wife's bike and rode it for the seven day - 1000km trip instead. I have a dark place in my heart reserved for the railroad boys ever since.

:bottle :bolt

[rinty]

We met this group in Red Lodge last September. They'd trucked their Healeys from New England to Whitefish, Montana, and were touring in the area. Apparently they do this every year:

http://rinty.smugmug.com/photos/387082225_Qa73R-M.jpg

Here's some more of their cars, parked in front of the Pollard, which is a great place to stay:

http://rinty.smugmug.com/photos/387083532_vDk6Z-M.jpg

[knary]

Well said.

anyone who's been riding a few years, has done some long marches, commuted, experienced what there is to be experienced on a bike shouldn't feel weird about trucking/trailering/training or flying. i'm pretty sure Johnson City would have been a much more miserable place if i'd forced the lady to do 2500 miles instead of 500 on that little, uncomfortable ST seat.


it's the people that have never actually rode their bikes and trailer i find a bit suspect.

wimp

[SPCLED]

The train ride from Chicago was great fun. We loaded the bikes at the frieght yard in Chicago and then went to Union Station. We had to actually build some of the pallets that our bikes rode on. I stayed in coach and the seats are comfortably OK.
For the two day train ride, we played cards and chatted and :drink and :eat.

In 2001, I remember if being $350 for the motorcycle and $375 for me both round trip.

There was an observation car and bar/snack car and the train also had a dinner car that some of us got to eat from (excellent). I saw some of the country that I had not yet seen.

While I was in the west from the train ride to/from Chicago, I put on 2,120 miles on my RT on some of the greatest roads/areas in this country.

I still hang out at every rally since 2001 with some of the riders/friends that rode the train with me.

Much more fun than the Great Plains...again.

[GrafikFeat]

Here is a nice way...

US Route 2! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_2)

If I'm still living where I'm living I can offer a rest stop.
I'm right off of 2.

A great road! Just not on Sundays! :laugh

[kantuckid]

We met this group in Red Lodge last September. They'd trucked their Healeys from New England to Whitefish, Montana, and were touring in the area. Apparently they do this every year:

http://rinty.smugmug.com/photos/387082225_Qa73R-M.jpg

Here's some more of their cars, parked in front of the Pollard, which is a great place to stay:

http://rinty.smugmug.com/photos/387083532_vDk6Z-M.jpg

Having owned,raced and wrenched a bunch of English cars (including Healeys) I can understand the train to the west thing for them. At least you get there along with your ride! On the other hand, with the exception of aged or infirm riders of BMW motorcycles, what exactly is the logic of putting your bike on a train to the west? I thought this was all about riding these bikes, not playing cards,eating and drinking on a train? Please don't reply with stories of interstate hwy boredom or the train is faster. The train may run 24/7 but I bought my bike to ride it and when I cannot, it goes on Ebay. Being from KS, I have heard all the I-70/flat straight road tales I can handle, but can attest to the fact that there are many great roads out west besides I-80 & I-70!This thread is all about" Not Riding Bikes"!Kinda ironic to say the least...:doh:blush:doh

[jdmetzger]

Having owned,raced and wrenched a bunch of English cars (including Healeys) I can understand the train to the west thing for them. At least you get there along with your ride! On the other hand, with the exception of aged or infirm riders of BMW motorcycles, what exactly is the logic of putting your bike on a train to the west? I thought this was all about riding these bikes, not playing cards,eating and drinking on a train? Please don't reply with stories of interstate hwy boredom or the train is faster. The train may run 24/7 but I bought my bike to ride it and when I cannot, it goes on Ebay. Being from KS, I have heard all the I-70/flat straight road tales I can handle, but can attest to the fact that there are many great roads out west besides I-80 & I-70!This thread is all about" Not Riding Bikes"!Kinda ironic to say the least...:doh:blush:doh

There is plenty of logic to it. If I am to attend with my bike, it's pretty likely I won't be able to get that much contiguous vacation time from my employer. I'm sure others will be in a similar situation. The train keeps moving, even when you sleep, so you can get there faster AND you don't have to worry about being too exhausted to ride the roads AROUND the rally site.

I purchased my bike to ride it, as well. I can ride the heck out of it. I've covered lots of miles day after day for a week. I DO enjoy that, but there is a practicality issues involved, especially when it comes to my job. If I wasn't employed things might be different, but then I probably couldn't afford a trip at all. I don't begrudge anyone from taking the train, a plane, or trailering, at times. Now if you trailer and never ride, that might be a different issue, but sometimes trailers sound like a good option. I've never done it, but I'm surely not against it and when I get to a rally I don't feel superior to anyone just because I rode and they didn't.

[Rob Nye]

Having owned,raced and wrenched a bunch of English cars (including Healeys) I can understand the train to the west thing for them. At least you get there along with your ride! On the other hand, with the exception of aged or infirm riders of BMW motorcycles, what exactly is the logic of putting your bike on a train to the west? I thought this was all about riding these bikes, not playing cards,eating and drinking on a train? Please don't reply with stories of interstate hwy boredom or the train is faster. The train may run 24/7 but I bought my bike to ride it and when I cannot, it goes on Ebay. Being from KS, I have heard all the I-70/flat straight road tales I can handle, but can attest to the fact that there are many great roads out west besides I-80 & I-70!This thread is all about" Not Riding Bikes"!Kinda ironic to say the least...:doh:blush:doh

Not every one feels the same way. I think the train is a big waste of time and money but I understand for some as a vacation they think it is a good idea.

At the end of the day I really don't care how you get to the rally so long as you show up so I don't look down my handlebars at them.

I guess that comes with time and mileage. :stick

[GrafikFeat]

I'm left wondering if the OP meant a train as in Amtrak or a train as in the spirit of Lewis and Clark, et al. A large riding contingent.

This article noted:

Accommodations for You and Your Cars
There are comfortable accommodations for Auto Train passengers, with both coach seating and bedroom accommodations. Bedrooms are the full complement of regular Amtrak rooms, from the 2-person Roomette up to the spacious Family Bedroom. All meals are included, regardless of class, and there is an attached lounge car.

Accommodations for your vehicle are equally comfortable. Enclosed railcars called "autoracks" carry full-size sedans, as well as SUVs and vans, jet-skis, small trailers, and motorcycles.

A Loyal Fan Base
Amtrak's Auto Train is a proven success, with a nearly quarter-million strong band of followers who take the train every year. Many of these passengers make a point to meet up every year, and off-season they communicate through fan forums and blogs dedicated to Auto Train.

Best Option for Auto Relocation?
Auto Train is not designed as a true auto relocation service. True, it does move you and your vehicle from one place to another. But routes and timetables are limited, and you are expected to accommodate Auto Train rather than the reverse.

Frank comments from passengers attest to problems such as lateness, temperature control problems in the cars, and bumpy track.

Auto Train is more of a novelty than the cheapest, most efficient way to transport a vehicle. For true auto relocation, it is still best to stick to truck-based auto relocation services.

Full article here:
http://www.moveavehicle.com/amrcs/auto_relocation_amtrak.php

[Braddog]

Here is a nice way...

US Route 2! (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Route_2)

If I'm still living where I'm living I can offer a rest stop.
I'm right off of 2.

A great road! Just not on Sundays! :laugh

Parts of U.S 2 across Minnesota/North Dakota/Montana are not exactly "smooth".

Also, the map you linked to was to Redmond, Washington. The rally is in Redmond, Oregon, no? I'm pretty sure you knew that, and were just showing a way to cross the great expanse of the U.S. I will say this about U.S. 2, the scenery is better than you'd see on, say, I-90 or I-94.

[GrafikFeat]

The map is for the entire length of US 2.
Where you jump on/off is your choice.

US 2 does not go to Redmond, WA...

[Beemerdons]

We're working on it. If you know somebody in power with AMTRAK, send them my way!

Yes, we did have a good time on the '01 RallyTrain from DC and Chicago to Redmond and back!!:drink:bottle:lurk

RevWillie, My twelve year old Son Seth now rides with me to BMW MOA and to www.fjrforum.com events. We went to Nakusp, British Columbia with the FJR Canadian Crowd and to Johnson City, Tennessee for the International Rally.

But Seth is not interested in the 900 to 1,000 mile days that his Old Daddy likes.

I limit Seth's riding day's to 300 to 450 miles as a passenger and he's very happy!

We would be very interested in riding a Rally Train from DC to Redmond, Oregon!

Seth's Mom's family is from Upstate New York and we would go there first in 2010.

Ride West with you fine folks and take coastal route back to San Diego to Phoenix.

Don and Seth Stanley at beemerdons@aol.com or Home Phone of 480-917-3863.

[HexST]

The Auto Train only goes from Sanford Fl. to Lorton Va. the vehicle cars are quite tall and will not fit through tunnels on other Amtrak routes at least thats what the people at Amtrak have used as an excuse for not providing the service to other areas. I have used Auto train for a trip to Nova Scotia and had a very good experience.

[Polarbear]

I really have no issues with those wanting to spend money to come any other way they feel they can have the most fun. ME, I still ride all the way across the middle, both ways and enjoy it. I am in my late 50s and have substantial time off work, so I can relax and ride it any way I like. That helps:). The middle America is quite interesting IF you look beyond the Interstates and open your mind to something new, off the beaten paths! Its wonderful out there:). The people are really friendly and do anything for ya, as many parts of backroads America are like this:). Ride the Middle USA and discover it, a new way the next time, other than how long it takes to get across it! YOU MAY be shocked, if you stop and look:). I do.....Randy"Polarbear"R1200GSA

[CTYankee]

...I still ride all the way across the middle, both ways and enjoy it. I am in my late 50s and have substantial time off work, so I can relax and ride it any way I like. That helps:). The middle America is quite interesting IF you look beyond the Interstates and open your mind to something new, off the beaten paths! Its wonderful out there:). The people are really friendly and do anything for ya, as many parts of backroads America are like this:). Ride the Middle USA and discover it... I do.....Randy"Polarbear"R1200GSA

When I'm retired I intend to, sounds GREAT. But now for my personal situation, getting to Oregon from my neck of the woods requires too much time away from my family and my job. Thats a long way from CT. If I lived in Wisconsin I'd likely sign up for all of these gigs, but alas... choices must be made by the folks who live on either shoreline.

[Polarbear]

I just get tired of too many folks beating the middle USA up, every time riding it comes up! I cannot think of any time I've been through it, I got bored to death. Sure, some days drag, but its all in the ride and what you see in it:). I still work and probably have a long wait to retire, but find time to get away somehow as a senior employee at my work:). Trucker here, so driving is in my blood. Biking IS NOT driving though, don't get me wrong:). Happy Trails to ya in Wis..Randy

[kantuckid]

Not every one feels the same way. I think the train is a big waste of time and money but I understand for some as a vacation they think it is a good idea.

At the end of the day I really don't care how you get to the rally so long as you show up so I don't look down my handlebars at them.

I guess that comes with time and mileage. :stick

I've got lots of both!:stick

[aaaaaa]

I just get tired of too many folks beating the middle USA up, every time riding it comes up! I cannot think of any time I've been through it, I got bored to death. Sure, some days drag, but its all in the ride and what you see in it:). I still work and probably have a long wait to retire, but find time to get away somehow as a senior employee at my work:). Trucker here, so driving is in my blood. Biking IS NOT driving though, don't get me wrong:). Happy Trails to ya in Wis..Randy

It's the sky in the midwest. Always changing. Sunrises and sunsets. It's never boring to ride in a thunderstorm and they're beautiful to watch form.
aaaaaa

[Visian]

too bad the rally isn't in germany (http://www.dbautozug.de/site/dbautozug/en/start.html). they're offering 25% discounts to motorcyclists.

http://www.dbautozug.de/site/dbautozug/zubehoer__assets/en/bilder/themenbilder/verladung/motorradreifen__befestigung__1,type=large.jpg

[kantuckid]

It's the sky in the midwest. Always changing. Sunrises and sunsets. It's never boring to ride in a thunderstorm and they're beautiful to watch form.
aaaaaa

Stop! Your making me home sick for the Kansas vistas! I've been in KY for over 35 years but certainly miss those big dawn & sunset events. Up my holler I see the early sun after an hour or so and light lingers for hours in the evening. Seeing 35 miles of weather up ahead is not going to happen near my present neck of the woods either!

[GrafikFeat]

Off of Highway 2 in WA this AM... Why would you slab it?

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jim_popper/3827866121/" title="...On To. by GrafikFeat, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2451/3827866121_9b39281e3f_b.jpg" width="687" height="1024" alt="...On To." /></a>

[The_Veg]

I just get tired of too many folks beating the middle USA up, every time riding it comes up!

Well, let's see...dull, droning, straight line out to the horizon, nothing to do but keep your bike between the lines as your tires get the roundness worn off of their tread-profiles...nothing to see beside the road but a bunch of wheat or corn, maybe the odd collapsing barn every few counties. Totally mind-numbing.

I cannot think of any time I've been through it, I got bored to death.

You must be very easily amused. :D

[TDOW]

We're working on it. If you know somebody in power with AMTRAK, send them my way!

Yes, we did have a good time on the '01 RallyTrain from DC and Chicago to Redmond and back!!:drink:bottle:lurk

I have fond memorie of the Rally Train! My daughter and I loaded the K in Chicago, met other riders and their kids as well. It was the trip of a lifetime for us! My daughter was 12 then and it was a safe way to get out there, without being exhausted. Ten days later we were back together on the train, and talked non-stop for hours about our riding days, sharing beer and salmon, as we left the west.:groovy

[fastdogs2]

I looked at the Amtrak web site and the only train that carries vehicles is from Lorton, VA (Washington, DC area) to Sanford, FL.

Was the rally train in 2001 a charter that was scheduled by BMWMOA members, specifically for the Redmond Rally?

I live near Raleigh and from the Amtrak schedule, it looks like I would have to start in Washington, DC and travel to Chicago and then on to Oregon.

I would be interested in making the trip by train, if there is one scheduled to allow concurrent travel for the motorcycle. I would love to be able to make the ride, but have neither the vacation time, nor the ability to take ten - twelve days off from work. I figure it would take five days of riding from Raleigh to reach Redmond and five days to get back and that schedule would require a minimum pace of 600 miles per day. I am 65 years old and that would be a stretch for me. My present level of comfortability is about 400 miles per day.

I have no concept of how far/fast these trains can travel per day, but the train would be a reasonable alternative if it could make the trip in two days out and two days back.

[jimfastcar]

Friend in the Transport business advised me to use a Truck to ship the bike....
I would ride, but it would be a huge time commitment from Ontario just to get there and back never mind the local sights and sounds...

[cobermark1]

Does any body have more info on the rally train or how one would trasnport you and your bike through Amtrak???? I didn't see much of anything on the website.

[IWRENCH2]

I'm thinking rideing it. On my bucket list. I have done most of the US, still need the northwest states. Time doesn't matter, to old to give $hit.:twirl

[wanderer]

Let me say this very carefully. We are, and have been, fully exploring the possibility of a rally train similar to the one in 2001. There are excellent people on the project and if we can pull it off it wil be posted here as soon as we have something positive to post.

I'm aware people need info ASAP so they can plan but unless and until we have a "can do" situation there's nothing for me to report. Stay tuned. :bikes

[MrZip]

In 2001 Susan & I loaded our bikes on palets in Chicago & enjoyed a nice ride on Amtrak. What a treat it was to enjoy a steak dinner in the dinning car cruising through the Rockies. We even splurged for a sleeper compartment one night and were able to take showers and stretch out on the bunks (great) We off loaded in Portland & rode up to Bremerton WA to see some friends & then rode to the rally in Redmond. We made several day trips from the rally to Crater Lake & visited some more friends in Portland. Had a great time on the rally train - we basically had a mini rally going out and coming back. It was a very pleasant way to make a long trip & feel like riding when you reach the destination. If there is a rally train next year I would highly recommend you consider it I'm so glad we had the chance the last time around.:thumb

[wgraybuckley]

Planning is underway for a 2010 Rally Train between Washington, DC, via Chicago, to Portland, Oregon and return. Watch the Forum for details... which should be posted no later than November 1. Advance planning by all parties will be the key to success. A Rally Train in 2001 carried two baggage car loads of BMW's to Portland, and most of those were carried back on the return trip. People who did not have time to ride the route, traveled in relative luxury with about three dozen fellow riders.

Amtrak purchased new pallets (aluminum?) in 2001 for this event but did not get them in time to use. They still have them. As of 9/29/09 the platforms in DC and Portland had been approved for our use. An inspection is pending in Chicago. We are also collecting bids from multiple trucking companies to handle those who may wish to ride the train but for whom there might not be enough baggage room for the bike(s). Stay tuned!

[SPCLED]

Gray, any current update?

[kgadley01]

Now I'm really confused...... for years lots of folks have been getting down on the Harley Riders for hauling their bikes to Rallys. now I think some of them are thinking about not riding to Redmond because its so far :violin To me its about the RIDE. I'm looking forward to the trip out and back. I do however understand that some have limited vacation time. I sure hope I don't have too many bikes pass me riding on a train, as I cross the Great Plains...

[wgraybuckley]

The plan will be together once we get final word from Amtrak. They still have the metal pallets they built for us in 2001 and have said they want to handle a rally train again in 2010. Regardless of what Amtrak says, we are also assembling quotes from numerous trucking/shipping firms and know there will be some attractive options.

Stay tuned!

[cruisincruzan]

Had no plans to go to Redmond next year due to distance, time, etc. My wife heard of the possible train/trucking options and told me if we don't have to ride all the way there she is in for a week of riding in OR/CA. I think I'll keep her for another 32 years!

[wgraybuckley]

Good decision!

[123356]

United Parcel Service will ship your motorcycle, contact your local UPS store for more information. Jolly Green

[maxscycle]

Forgive me. This is not a ride to Oregon versus trailer/train remark.
I have looked at Amtrak’s website/schedule open to the public. I don't know how much it is to ship a bike to Oregon. But one person, sharing a 2 bunk room is $410 each. The train takes 3 days to get to Portland. If you add in it will probably take the rider at least half a day to get from their home to the dc train and load the bike, and half a day to get off the train at Portland and ride to the rally. I figure 4 days getting to the rally and 4 days getting back. And that's on the train. For those folks who say they need to train it because of time constraints. Why? It's only 2806 miles DC to Portland. That's 3 hard days, or 4 easy days of riding. The same or quicker then the train. And before you say you can’t ride 2806 miles in 4 days. That’s only 702 miles a day. I have both an 1150rt and a 12gs. Either bike is more than capable of the trip. And if your response is “I can’t ride that far in a day because I'm not comfortable on my bike”. Why did you buy an uncomfortable bike?
Again, not trying to rib anyone. I’m only looking at those who say they don’t have the time to ride out and will train it instead. When the train is not faster than riding. Do the math yourself. :clap
max

[cjack]

I don't think folks should give reasons for their preferences, else they get these silly arguments about them. They should just enjoy their choices with a :D

[GrafikFeat]

Why did you buy an uncomfortable bike?

On that thinking... "You enjoy sex. Why did you marry an ugly woman?"
I agree w/ CJack: "I don't think folks should give reasons for their preferences".

It wouldn't matter to me if they flew in and took a cab to the rally.

(although I'd keep that close to my chest) :lol

[dancogan]

... That’s only 702 miles a day. ...

LOL! Not everyone would use the word "only" in describing a 702 mile day, let alone 4 in a row.

[PGlaves]

It's all just whining.

[GrafikFeat]

It's all just whining.

I like the sound of my gears whining.

[SPCLED]

I prefer an excellent cheese to go with the whine.

[tourunigo]

I'm sure that the train would be one grand little party coast to coast.... three days together.... rally together for three days.... train back for three days. Not for me but I tend to be a bit quirky myself.

Thinking about this, my first thought was that just the one way cabin fare cost would just about pay for my fuel out there and back. I would miss visiting folks and seeing some new places. Being retired really does help for time and recent consulting work can pay the $. Also, and this would be a freakin' hoot, we might have the opportunity (in those loooooooooong stretches of road) to ride along beside the train, wave and then..... move on... rapidly. Trains, Planes and, uh, Motorcycles :clap - Bob

[cruisincruzan]

My wife and I are hoping for a good deal on trucking from NYC and we would fly out, meet the bike and ride for a week. The train or riding out would use up most of that time just getting there and back.

[BillWatt]

Paul, Be careful !!! If the word got out that the train was Red you would be riding on it both ways, proving once again that you can get here from there via that-a-ways.


Oh no - not again. This has been the butt of jokes on the Long Distance Riders and Adventure Riders forums and lists for years!!!

[drsales]

The train does interest me, hopefully when and if it comes together I can catch it out here in the midwest. That is if it is economical.

FYI I have 6 proposals to ship the bike from Cleveland to Portland from $650-$800.00 The thought is to fly out and ride back.

[cbcK1200S]

My wife and I plan on attending the Oregon Rally and we will be hauling our two BMW's behind our 40' RV in our bike trailer. We don't even live that far away in Vancouver, BC area but it's not about the distance it's about arriving with our "home away from home" with us accompanied by our king sized bed and all the creature comforts.

We haul our bikes where ever we go for the most part. We've enjoyed riding the Apache Trail outside of Phoenix AZ, cruised through the mountains around Taos, NM and drove along the Pacific Coast HYW in both California and Oregon. All great rides but all based out of RV parks along the way.

Does that mean we are less than enthusiastic bikers? I don't think so. It all comes down to personal preferences and physical limitations. I might well favor a longer ride but my 63 year old wife and companion, who to her credit started riding only three years ago, is not physically capable of Iron Butt-ing it.

Iron Butt's or Day Tripper's...it doesn't matter which you are. It's all about getting out there and enjoying the road. Train, plane or on the hard... whatever way you get there....have fun doing it and stop by at the Rally for a beer and we can swap stories.

cbcK1200S - Colin
AF800FAN - Andrea

:bikes

[Rob Nye]

Iron Butt's or Day Tripper's...it doesn't matter which you are. It's all about getting out there and enjoying the road. Train, plane or on the hard... whatever way you get there....have fun doing it and stop by at the Rally for a beer and we can swap stories.

cbcK1200S - Colin
AF800FAN - Andrea

:bikes

Exactly!

[ultracyclist]

Must one commit to a round trip ticket and shipping in order to get the preferred pricing?

I am thinking about taking the train going out, doing the rally, then riding into California to visit my brother and other relatives, then ride home for 4 days.
Of course, a lot depends on timing and business, but I do like the train idea.

[wgraybuckley]

There should be no penalty for taking one way only, either way (westbound or eastbound). As soon as we have hard details they will be posted on this thread.

[ultracyclist]

Thank you for your work thus far on this project.

Would it be possible to obtain supplementary insurance from the RR in case of a mishap to the bike while on the train? My own insurance rates are high enough the way it is.

Overall, this is a very cool idea.

[wgraybuckley]

Amtrak makes that a standard option.

[wgraybuckley]

2010 RALLY TRAIN

Would you like to have your bike tied down safely on pallets in railroad baggage cars, on the same train you take to Oregon from DC or Chicago? Dozens of riders elected such an option for the 2001 Oregon rally. We hope that just as many will be able to do the same this year. In fact, The Train will roll from DC to Chicago to Portland and back. There are other routes but the trains don’t go there. You can elect to ride round trip or one-way in either direction. The bad news is Amtrak has yet to decide whether they will carry the bikes.

WHERE & WHEN

TRAIN Westbound Schedule, Capitol Limited: Leave DC 4 p.m., 11 July. Leave Chicago (Empire Builder) 2 p.m., 12 July. Arrive Portland, 10 a.m., 14 July.

TRAIN Eastbound Schedule: Leave Portland 4:30 p.m., 22 July. Arrive Chicago 3:55 p.m., 24 July. Arrive DC 1 p.m., 25 July.

If Amtrak commits, those with reservations for the bikes will watch them loaded onto specially designed metal freight pallets and onto baggage cars attached to the Amtrak passenger trains carrying the BMW riders.

The Chicago layover will be four hours, where additional riders and their motorcycles could be added. The train stops next in Portland, where the rested, relaxed, happy riders detrain, find their machines, and head to the rally. We will coordinate with the BMW Riders of Oregon hoping to draft escort riders for those wishing VIP treatment between Portland and Redmond. There may be more than one route/option for those following the highly talented, skilled, competent and courteous BMWRO escorts.

TICKETS

Buy your passenger ticket on the train(s) below. Use a credit card. DO NOT pick up the ticket. That way, if you have to cancel, there is no penalty. This is a Rally Train and there will be other BMWMOA members aboard enroute to Portland to meet their bikes.

Amtrak passenger tickets: http://www.amtrak.com

If you let us us know when you buy your ticket, we will add you to the ‘official’ roster. If/when Amtrak commits to carrying the bikes, we will let you know immediately as long as you have sent your name and email address to graybuckley@gmail.com. Watch the Forum at www.bmwmoa.org for Amtrak’s decision on the bikes and prices as soon as we know them.

SHIP THE BIKE - COST

Amtrak prices for hauling the bikes are pending, as is Amtrak’s decision whether they will haul the bikes at all. Amtrak gives a 10% discount for AAA members for passenger tickets.

We surveyed multiple carriers to learn the cost of shipping bikes by truck, properly insured and by a responsible, experienced outfit. One big advantage to trucking is that our recommended carrier will meet you and your bike as close to your residence as they can get their BIG truck in order to collect your bike. There will be a staging area in Portland, not too far from the train station, to which the bikes will be delivered… to be waiting for you as you step off the train.

Trucking prices vary widely and so do ‘conditions’. The cheaper companies use open trucks, etc, and may not pick up at your home address. Rising to the top in our research is Keyboard Motorcycle Shipping at:

http://www.keyboardmotorcycleshipping.com/

The Keyboard Motorcycle Shipping costs ($500/$900/1-way/round trip) will drop as more riders commit. Your contact at Keyboard for Rally Train shipping is either Kelly or Christi at 270-737-5797. You can e-mail them via the website. Be sure to say “BMWMOA” when you talk so we can get the best discount. The more bikes, the better the deal. If only one person ships one bike, the rate will be $500 1-way and $900 round trip, whether you are in Bangor, Maine or Miami, Florida, or St. Louis, MO.

Be Aware!

IF Amtrak decides to carry motorcycles on these trains, a baggage car can carry only 16 bikes, and railroad rules preclude having more than 2 baggage cars loaded with bikes. Thus, if/when Amtrak says they will take bikes, only the first 32 bikes to buy space will get onto the train. Pallets and the tie-down's would be included in the AMTRAK cost. Additional insurance (lower deductible) would be available at cost. AMTRAK has no pallets for side cars, three wheelers, or trailers. Keyboard has no problem with trikes, side cars, or trailers, but additional cost may be involved.


ATTENTION, CHICAGOLAND RIDERS!

As we get an idea how many people will be laying over on the westbound trip, we will be seeking hosts and hostesses to make the Chicago time enjoyable. What’s close to the train station? Food? Supplies? Walmart?

ATTENTION PORTLAND RIDERS!

We need a staging area near the train station where the Keyboard trucks can unload and deliver their precious cargo to our riders. Any ideas?

[The_Veg]

Thanks Gray.

I wonder how many people are on the fence, pending Amtrak's decision on bike carriage and its pricing? I know I am.

[Braddog]

I did a quick check, and it looks like the Empire Builder will go through St. Paul. So, if Amtrak doesn't ship the bikes and the other option would be the trucking company, then there's no reason a guy like me couldn't just hop on the train here locally, and join my already partying BMW MOA folks, no?

I'm assuming that when it comes to loading the bikes, you would need to do that either in DC or Chicago, if Amtrak is an option.

[RevWillie]

Brad,
If you ship your bike by truck, then you could join the fun on the Rally Train in St. Paul. All you would have to do is reserve a seat with Amtrak (on the right train) and join the "rolling rally":D The only stations that will load bikes on baggage cars will be DC,Chicago, and Portland, if they carry the bikes at all. I do not know the load-in limitations of the truck freight at this point in time. If they are willing to pick up your bike in St. Paul, then you would be a regular passenger in Amtrak's eyes.

Make sure you get on the right train! The 2010 Rally Train will be:
29 Capitol Limited 7/11-12/10 DC-Chicago
27 Empire Builder 7/12-14/10 Chicago-Portland

28 Empire Builder 7/22-24/10 Portland-Chicago
30 Capitol Limited 7/24-25/10 Chicago-DC

I made my reservations this evening. My cost of roundtrip coach travel (w/AAA discount) is $437.40. This does not include bike freight costs.

If you do make your reservations with Amtrak, make sure that you send a email to Gray Buckley graybuckley@gmail.com. to make sure that you are on the "official" Rally Train passenger list that we will present to Amtrak to make sure that we all travel together. Given the last Rally Train in '01, they might give us our own coach car :dance

Willie Nichols
'01+'10 Rally Train Conductor

[tvtommy]

This looks really fun, I'm going to see about jumping on in Chicago...

[Polarbear]

Ya'll have one concern with trucks! I've been a trucker all my adult life, still am:). Cross country trucks do not make the same time as the train...A cross country truck is a 4-5 day event for a solo driver and 2-3 days for a team(DOT rules apply to hours of operation). Tne train is on a 2-3 day schedule, coast to coast. Your bikes won't make it, most probable...And, unless you hire the whole truck(s) and fill it, the truck makes several stops, all along the way for other customers. Just some considerations. I shipped my KLT coast to coast, 2 years ago, via trucking company and it was 10 days. Bike specialists too. Happy Train'in to all and I hope Amtrak commits to the haul for the bikes, as before. They should have no issue, as I see it, Randy:D

[RevWillie]

Randy,

Thanks for the information about truck route timings. I am hoping that we will fully load up some trailers and send them direct to Portland and return them east afterward. I do worry about meeting up the bikes and riders at the same time. I know that I do not want to be stranded in Portland or DC. I am still hoping that Amtrak will carry the bikes, but I have not heard from Gray Buckley about what they have decided yet.

Stay tuned to this thread for more information about the Rally Train! :thumb


It really is a great way to cross the country and see some wonderful scenery with some great fellow BMW riders. It does save a lot of travel time and you can save your energy for some prime West Coast riding

[tvtommy]

This might be an option...

http://www.privaterailcars.net/

[Motodan]

That doesn't appear to be affordable unless one would be getting a bonus from AIG.

[TicTac]

I rode my bike from Miami to Gillette, solo, with no problems.
It was 2846 miles for me, since I stopped for 2 days in Indiana to see my friend.
This time I am planning my trip to Redmond and all I need is to add some new songs to my IPod. It looks like 3200 or 3500 miles will be fun. I am looking forward to get out of Florida in the summer time for a few weeks.:wave
I was thinking about the Train, but 4 years ago I did see my bike on the flatbed, and it did not make me feel good.

[Motodan]

Any idea when this potential train idea will start laying tracks? Which is coming first, the line for tickets or the train ride to buy tickets for? Pardon anything I might have left dangling in my sentence structure.

[wgraybuckley]

Rally train - details - Summary of article to be in March ON

2010 RALLY TRAIN

Would you like to have your bike tied down safely on pallets in railroad baggage cars, on the same train you take to Oregon from DC or Chicago? Dream on. While dozens of riders elected such an option for the 2001 Oregon rally, Amtrak has decided NOT to offer the service in 2010. There is favored train for BMW riders who wish to ride the rails from DC to Chicago to Portland and/or back. There are other routes but the trains don’t go there. You can elect to ride round trip or one-way in either direction. The bad news is Amtrak will not carry your bike, nor will it rent us a train to do the same thing.

WHERE & WHEN - THE TRAIN

TRAIN Westbound Schedule, Capitol Limited: Leave DC 4 p.m., 11 July. Leave Chicago 2 p.m., 12 July. Arrive Portland, 10 a.m., 14 July.

TRAIN Eastbound Schedule: Empire Builder, Leave Portland 4:45 p.m., 22 July. Arrive Chicago 3:55 p.m., 24 July. Arrive DC 1 p.m., 25 July.

Amtrak gives a 10% discount for AAA members for passenger tickets.

The Chicago layover will be four hours, where additional riders can be added. The train stops next in Portland, where the rested, relaxed, happy riders detrain, find their machines (if shipped to a nearby secure location), and head to the rally. We will coordinate with the BMW Riders of Oregon hoping to draft escort riders for those wishing VIP treatment between Portland and Redmond. There may be more than one route/option for those following the highly talented, skilled, competent and courteous BMWRO escorts.

TICKETS - PASSENGERS

Buy your passenger ticket on the train(s) below. Use a credit card. DO NOT pick up the ticket. That way, if you have to cancel, there is no penalty. This is a Rally Train and there will be other BMWMOA members aboard enroute to Portland.

Amtrak passenger tickets: http://www.amtrak.com

If you let us us know when you buy your ticket, we will add you to the ‘official’ roster. Then watch your inbox and The Forum at www.bmwmoa.org for updates.

PRICES

DC/Portland/DC $496
DC/Portland $248
Portland/DC $248

Chicago/Portland $197
Portland/Chicago $197
Chicago/Portland/Chicago $394

SHIP THE BIKE - COST - Research Results

We surveyed multiple carriers to learn the cost of shipping bikes by truck, properly insured and by a responsible, experienced outfit. One big advantage to trucking is that our recommended carrier will meet you and your bike as close to your residence as they can get their BIG truck in order to collect your bike. There will be a staging area in Portland, not too far from the train station, to which the bikes will be delivered… to be waiting for you as you step off the train.

Trucking prices vary widely and so do ‘conditions’. The cheaper companies use open trucks, etc, and may not pick up at your home address. Rising to the top in our research is Keyboard Motorcycle Shipping at:

http://www.keyboardmotorcycleshipping.com/

The Keyboard Motorcycle Shipping costs ($500/$900/1-way/round trip) will drop as more riders commit. Your contact at Keyboard for Rally Train shipping is either Kelly or Christi at 270-737-5797. You can e-mail them via the website. Be sure to say “BMWMOA” when you talk so we can get the best discount. The more bikes, the better the deal. If only one person ships one bike, the rate will be $500 1-way and $900 round trip, whether you are in Bangor, Maine or Miami, Florida, or St. Louis, MO.

By March 10, 2010 several riders had called Amtrak and asked to book bike shipping space on the rally train. This has been confusing for a few people at Amtrak. Please, if you are going to ship your bike on some other train, no problem. But do not refer to the BMW rally train when talking with Amtrak. The slightest misunderstanding about 'the train' could seriously muddle the situation.

[RevWillie]

I had a talk with Kelly Cecil of Keyboard Motorcycle Shipping today.

It looks like we have some problems with getting the bikes across the country before the train arrives, and some problems with bike pick-up and getting the rider to the train station.

Stay tuned for more details......


Willie Nichols
'01+'10 Rally Train Conductor

[gsmetal]

I had a talk with Kelly Cecil of Keyboard Motorcycle Shipping today.

It looks like we have some problems with getting the bikes across the country before the train arrives, and some problems with bike pick-up and getting the rider to the train station.

Stay tuned for more details......


Willie Nichols
'01+'10 Rally Train Conductor

Wouldn't it just be easier, faster, cheaper to ship the bikes a week ahead of time, drop them off at a local BMW dealer and just fly to Portland then pick up the bikes at the dealer?

[psycle]

I had a talk with Kelly Cecil of Keyboard Motorcycle Shipping today.

It looks like we have some problems with getting the bikes across the country before the train arrives, and some problems with bike pick-up and getting the rider to the train station.

Stay tuned for more details......


Willie Nichols
'01+'10 Rally Train Conductor
I guess that is why she hasn't called me back in over a month

Cy Young/VT
was looking forward to that option as I can't travel both ways by bike, although was hoping to return home that way

[psycle]

After catching up with this thread, I called Kelly at Keyboard MC Shipping and got a bit more information.

1) Basically, the truck option is really only for those who are going to ship their bikes out BEFORE the train leaves. It could take up to two weeks to get the bike from pickup location to their facility in KY and then on a truck to Portland (or Redmond). Even if they dedicated a truck and 2 drivers (a truck can hold up to 30(?) bikes), the timing does not work out to allow them to parallel the train.
2) They would need a place to arrive at in Oregon and drop off the bikes (anyone friendly with a dealer out there who has some extra space?) - they can't arrive and be waiting for people on a specific day.
3) An estimated cost for round trip would be $950 or $600 one way with a discount possible if there are 4-5 bikes from a region (or maybe all together, that I am not sure about).
4) Not sure if this will work for me since I have to be out at the rally by Sunday, so am looking at Friday or Saturday pickup - depends partly on the cost

Just did a bit of research on the web - the Portland Motorcycle Co (large multi-brand) is right next to the Portland Int'l Airport and they look large enough to have a bit of storage available (I have not contacted them as that should probably be handled by the arranger of this deal). They are closed Sunday and Monday. They do say they will have free camping at their location Tues the 13th to Sunday the 18th.

Cy Young/VT

[mdcruiser]

I see it's been about a month since the last posting on the Amtrak option. Personally, the only way I'm going to the rally is if I can auto-train it (loved my vacation to Key West this way). When does Amtrak plan to make up its mind on the bike-shipping option?


Whoops -- I see above that Gray just edited, earlier today, his February post to note that no decision has yet been made. My bad, sorry for being a pest. Please do notify me as soon as a decision has been made.

[wgraybuckley]

See my P.S. above:

P.S. March 10, 2010: CAUTION! Several riders have called Amtrak and asked to book bike shipping space on the rally train. This has been confusing for a few people at Amtrak as the front office has not finalized its decision about running the baggage cars for bikes. We resolved that confusion (optimistic... ) and feel Amtrak is close to making the decision. Please, if you are going to ship your bike on some other train, no problem. But do not refer to the BMW rally train when talking with Amtrak. The slightest misunderstanding about 'the train' could seriously muddle the situation. When we have Amtrak's decision it will be posted here within minutes, and an email will be sent to everyone (dozens to date) who have asked to be on the notification list."

Our liaison with Amtrak feels a decision is very close. As soon as we know, a message will be sent to all who have sent me their names/addresses expressing an interest. We will also put an announcement on this forum thread. Send me your email address and you will get a personal copy.

[wgraybuckley]

Amtrak management says it will NOT carry bikes in support of our rally train.

Please consider taking the train in any event (Some of you have bought your train passenger tickets already), and shipping your bikes via Keyboard, who would schedule delivery of the bikes to a secure location in Portland either the morning of July 14th or the afternoon of the 13th. The goal, coordinated with our Oregon friends, is to have the bikes secure and conveniently located to the train station & to manage your transport from train to bike.

Make shipping arrangements directly with Keyboard [ http://www.keyboardmotorcycleshipping.com/ ].

We will continue the email notification list for those who have expressed an interest and will keep sending information as it develops.

My thanks to Willie Nichols, our Train Conductor, for his outstanding work on this project.

[wgraybuckley]

Thirty nine people have expressed interest in traveling on the 2010 Rally Train, including both D.C./East coast people and those who would board in Chicago.

[76754]

i spoke to Kelly at Keyboard motorcycle transport this week and made arrangements to ship my k75 one way to portland for $500. they plan to deliver the bikes to the Portland Motorcycle bike shop, who will hold them for pick up as people come in at various times. their plans are to pick up the week of June 21, and deliver by July 5. i think they are trustworthy as Gray says, because they only ship Baldwin pianos and motorcycles and have been in business 32 years.

for me, i hope to ride back across the US on the k75.

an endorsement of the rally site, i was there as co-conductor of the rally train in 2001 with Rev. Willie, and the area is fantastic. Especially for us East Coast riders, there is negligible traffic, no potholes and awesom scenery and roads.