BIKEPGH MESSAGE BOARD ARCHIVE

I should know, but I don't: how does the Amtrak / bike thing work?

For the PGH to DC route, you have to check your bike (no roll-on service). FAQ here: http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?c=AM_Content_C&pagename=am%2FLayout&cid=1241267294303

Amtrack can be awfully expensive. Does Megabus allow you to check the bike?

kind of.

I disassembled mine and wrapped it in shrink wrap to make it as small as possible, which was still bigger than their maximum dimensions. I made it to Cleveland no problem, but on the way back to PGH, the driver told me that he'd let me do it, but in the future, no one will allow it.

Then, as I was reassembling my bike in PGH, a different megabus employee told me that it shouldn't be a problem, ever. However, I always worry about the drivers who are very strict on regulations RE baggage.

Another factor here was the route. Someone speculated that it almost certainly wouldn't work on the PGH-NYC route. DC might be the same.

Amtrak ticket prices (yes, plus box plus cargo fee) didn't seem too unreasonable to me. I also can't think of a less expensive method since Megabus is iffy, and Greyhound is about the same price as Amtrak.

Carpooling with someone going out that way would be cheaper than Amtrak, but creates a whole second set of logistical issues.

I've done this a couple of times. The Amtrak price seems decent and you end up at Union station, which is an ideal location. It's a great trip both ways.

I liked the camping approach (instead of staying at B&Bs etc.) since it gives you more flexibility. The C&O canal trail is great, there are spots to stop every 5 miles or so.

Expect a rough ride on the C&O trail. It is really a rough walking trail. You'd do better on a hybrid bike, I think, than on a road bike, though I always did the ride on a road bike.

FWIW I recently had my first Megabus experience RT from Pgh to NYC and observed the following:

-Fast, clean, on-time, good price!

-Rather than doing a head count at the rest stop, the driver asked over the PA system "is everyone on board? are we missing anyone?" then took off, leaving one person behind. it was someone traveling solo who was fiddling with his laptop at a picnic bench and didn't notice the bus loading

-A person who, guessing by his manner of dress, was probably a foreigner, was denied a ride at the State College stop. He had a receipt for his ticket but had one or two more bags than the rules allowed. Even though there was plenty of room in the storage bin, the driver dusted the guy, who looked completely forlorn in the parking lot and without anyone I could see waiting to be sure he made it on the bus. Then the driver announced on the PA "every ride, you always get some person who says they don't understand the rules." BTW this was a female driver.

I would not take a chance at breaking mega bus' rules unless you have a good back-up plan if you get a strict driver like this.

Other than that, good service!

Seems like a fun trip. Put be down for a maybe. I was thinking about doing this anyways...I sure would be better then doing it solo.

I thought about doing a round trip about that time.

When I did the trip before, I averaged 48 miles per day Pgh-DC-Pgh, so maybe I could fit in with your pace.

I had thought about going to DC by the trail, but coming back via Gettyburg and PA Rt S. Maybe if I reverse that order, I could link up with you in DC.

I've been talking with friends about doing this. There was some interest.

Maybe we oughta have a meet up (OTB seems logical). If everyone going did rides with the others, we'd have some idea of compatibility. Blind dates and all.

BTW, you picked a great time in terms of the sun and moon. Long days and a large moon out when the sun goes down. Makes a huge difference camping.

Andrew, Mick, what does your weekend look like? Maybe we can meet up Saturday at OTB?

I'd like to join yinz if I may. Saturday is open.

Amtrak is the way to go. Greyhound buses are slow and the Amtrak has a bar car with giant windows you can sit and stare out of, and the beer prices are somewhat normal.

The only drawback is that for a lot of the route, you are looking at the trails you just rode or are about to ride since a lot of it follows the GAP / C&O or is very close to it a lot of the time.