Nothing beats a nice dinner in the Amtrak Dining Car!

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 roundtrip 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. This is a Rally Train and there will be other BMW MOA members aboard en route to Portland to meet their bikes.

Amtrak passenger tickets may be purchased at http://www.amtrak.com.

If you let us know when you buy your ticket, we will add you to the roster. If/when Amtrak commits to carrying the bikes, then we will let you know immediately as long as you have sent your name and e-mail address to . Watch the Forum at http://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 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. They will 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 Web site. Be sure to say "BMW MOA" when you make a reservation so we can get the best discount. The more bikes reserved, the better the deal. If only one person ships one bike, the rate will be $500 one-way and $900 roundtrip, 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 two 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 tie-downs 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.

Questions? Send an e-mail to