55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you are rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t know what the setup is inside the train cars. 

If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me know. 

Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c wheels with the 42mm tires!

Leah

[Brian Forsee]

I have not taken a long wheel base bike on board the Amtrak but I've skirted their tire width limit multiple times. I've never had any conductor look at my bike closely at all. I inquired one time about the tire width limit and the conductor said he didn't really care what the bike was as long as the passenger could get it on and off the train on their own. Obviously different conductors may feel differently.  I'd roll the dice if I were you. They probably won't say anything and if they do it'll probably be a 'just so you know for next time'.

Brian

[Jason Fuller]

This is an absolutely unhinged idea and I don't know if it can work, but - if you didn't have a front rack installed and unhook the front brake, (and perhaps would require no fender, also) you might be able to loosen the quill stem, rotate the front wheel 180 so the fork is backwards while the handlebars are forwards.  This would shorten the bike about 4 inches for travel. Obviously you'd only do this right before and after loading the train and not ride it like this. 

[George Schick]

Between this post and your previous post requesting a ride partner I have to admit to being a bit confused.  If the concern is whether or not you can take that long Platy on Amtrak back to KZoo, how were you planning to get from Michigan to Chicago in the first place?  I'd assumed that you'd be taking the train on that leg, too, having been dropped off a New Buffalo.  And if I were you, I'd use your new shorter Platy for this ride, since you got it to fit on the train in the first place.  I wouldn't make a big deal over the size tires, etc., just use and ride that bike. I'm sure you'll be just fine out there with it.

[Leah Peterson]

Oh George, do you really want to know these details? Ok, then. 

I’m married to a man who is so fun and so yummy and he was going to drive me to Chicago and we were gonna make a night of it. So I was taking my preferred bike. But then he remembered he’s actually flying out of state for one of his many engagements and won’t be free to retrieve me in New Buffalo at the ride’s end. Now I have to rely on our teenage son to get me, and he is not thrilled to miss out on a single second of his summer college physics study time. Yes, seriously.

The little Platy is just not trustworthy yet. It’s got a fender strut that’s misbehaving and I’m waiting for a new one to arrive. It’s work to get that thing to really roll, and I like to keep a good clip on long rides. But the people in New Buffalo are likely a little more low key than in a big place like Chicago, and maybe they’d let this pretty, too-long Platy on board this one time for this one journey. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 10, 2024, at 4:12 PM, George Schick <bhi...@gmail.com> wrote:

Between this post and your previous post requesting a ride partner I have to admit to being a bit confused.  If the concern is whether or not you can take that long Platy on Amtrak back to KZoo, how were you planning to get from Michigan to Chicago in the first place?  I'd assumed that you'd be taking the train on that leg, too, having been dropped off a New Buffalo.  And if I were you, I'd use your new shorter Platy for this ride, since you got it to fit on the train in the first place.  I wouldn't make a big deal over the size tires, etc., just use and ride that bike. I'm sure you'll be just fine out there with it.

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[George Schick]

Thanks for revealing all of the details.  Helps explain the situation better.  Under the circumstances I'd say take the longer Platy and try to deal with the Amtrak conductors at New Buffalo.  Doesn't sound like it'll be much of a problem.

Oh, and congrats on having a son who's studying physics during the Summer time.  More power to him.

[Ryan]

yeah if  little Prince platy isn't dialed in yet I'd roll the dice and take the raspberry one that you feel most efficient on. First day of 61 miles is not an insignificant distance (100 klicks to us Canucks) with possible wind and heat issues...

Are you camping or staying in a hotel/motel?

Have fun

[Leah Peterson]

Yes, Ryan, same thoughts! I’m staying in a hotel. I’m not much of a camper. I feel like the Canucks might think that’s rather weak of me. 🫣

On Jun 10, 2024, at 6:41 PM, Ryan <ryte...@mts.net> wrote:

yeah if  little Prince platy isn't dialed in yet I'd roll the dice and take the raspberry one that you feel most efficient on. First day of 61 miles is not an insignificant distance (100 klicks to us Canucks) with possible wind and heat issues...

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[Ryan]

I did a fair bit of camping and self-supported touring in Manitoba with a small club in my mid-to-late 30s....glad I had the experience because I never camped as a kid...including camping in some truly terrifying thunderstorms...maybe God protects children and fools...:( 

Later when I did 2-day rides for MS150 in my 60s I stayed in the motel then the very nice lakeside hotel in Gimli (Icelandic community) with absolutely no shame

I'm looking forward to hearing about your weekend...I'm sure you'll make a lot of new friends

[Melanie]

Leah,

I recently took my Roadeo on Amtrak from New York to Philadelphia. The conductors didn’t come after me with a measuring tape. The real issue is whether or not the Platy will fit in the vertical “bike closet” at the end of the car. You must remove the front wheel and hang the bike on a hook by the rear wheel. If it doesn’t fit that way you could ignore the hook and just put it in the space loose and it should fit. I found it rather a struggle. It’s just not a good system. Either way, you do risk cosmetic damage. 

Melanie 

[DTL]

Even by non-rivendell standards 74 inches end to end isn't that big - a modern gravel bike barely fits (thinking 700c 40mm tires, 440mm chainstays) so add larger tires, or longer reach of a mountain bike and you're plum out of luck. 

[Brian Turner]

Another thing you may want to consider is bringing an extra Voile strap as additional security for hanging your bike on the hook. One time, while returning on Amtrak after finishing the GAP, I discovered that my bike had bounced off the hook at some point. Luckily there was no damage or anything, but I would personally strap my wheel to the hook to avoid that possibility next time.

Brian

Lexington KY 

On Jun 10, 2024, at 10:03 PM, DTL <damonth...@gmail.com> wrote:

Even by non-rivendell standards 74 inches end to end isn't that big - a modern gravel bike barely fits (thinking 700c 40mm tires, 440mm chainstays) so add larger tires, or longer reach of a mountain bike and you're plum out of luck. 

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[DTL]

Oh it's a hook system, yeah I have run into that on a ferry, and did use a strap because the rear wheel did't come off the ground when the front had been hooked (and this bikes 'dimensions' was 29 x 2.3wheels, 450mm CS, 435mm Reach)

[Garth]

You could always take your bike(s) down to the local Amrak station and ask if you can go onoard a train while it's stopped to see if the  given bike will fit. Even if you have to buy a ticket to enter, check the fit, and leave before it departs, it's not like it's expensive !  I have no idea how long it's stopped for, so do check beforehand ! 

[Collin A]

I take my 51 Joe Appaloosa on the west coast Amtrak a couple times a week. I’m not sure about the wheelbase differences with a 55 Platy, but no one on Amtrak is there with a tape measure checking lengths before you hop on.

The bike is objectively “too long” to fit perfectly on the bike racks. The “hack” to actually get the bike mounted off the ground and not off kilter is to tie an Irish strap to the upper railing and use that to joist the bike up a couple inches. This also saves the fenders from getting pinched. 

I’ll get a photo when I hop off the train today.

Collin “2 hour working commuter” in Dixon at this moment

[Leah Peterson]

Oh yes, please send that photo! 🙏

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 11, 2024, at 7:22 PM, Collin A <collinm...@gmail.com> wrote:

I take my 51 Joe Appaloosa on the west coast Amtrak a couple times a week. I’m not sure about the wheelbase differences with a 55 Platy, but no one on Amtrak is there with a tape measure checking lengths before you hop on.

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[Collin A]

Here it is! It gives just enough clearance to fully lift the rear wheel and fender off the ground.

Collin, back in Berkeley

[Leah Peterson]

Ok, ok, I gotcha…and pinching the fenders would make me ill. This is such a good idea. So one Irish strap or a Voile strap should do the trick? But how, pray tell, does one even get their bike to stand vertical?! I lift it overhead every day to hang it on the top of my D’vinci rack, but I’ve never done vertical. Will the train guy help?

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 11, 2024, at 9:06 PM, Collin A <collinm...@gmail.com> wrote:

Here it is! It gives just enough clearance to fully lift the rear wheel and fender off the ground.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/ea658231-0e10-4907-ac7a-1707e9825857n%40googlegroups.com.

<Joe Amtrak.jpg>

[lucky...@gmail.com]

This is how I do it, Leah. Grab the brake levers, stand kind of behind it, pull the front wheel up and then release the rear brake lever just enough that the back end can roll forward until the bike is getting vertical. Stop that action when you’re about to catch the fender on the ground. Squat down and catch the waistband of your pants under the seat and stand up using your abdomen/pant waistband to lift the whole bike up. 

On Jun 11, 2024, at 18:20, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

Ok, ok, I gotcha…and pinching the fenders would make me ill. This is such a good idea. So one Irish strap or a Voile strap should do the trick? But how, pray tell, does one even get their bike to stand vertical?! I lift it overhead every day to hang it on the top of my D’vinci rack, but I’ve never done vertical. Will the train guy help?

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[Franco Rinaldi]

Wonder if a Clem would fit?

Franco Rinaldi 

c:  646.403.0661 

-Pardon any typos, Siri typed this message-

On Jun 11, 2024, at 9:05 PM, Collin A <collinm...@gmail.com> wrote:

Here it is! It gives just enough clearance to fully lift the rear wheel and fender off the ground.

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<Joe Amtrak.jpg>

[Ted Durant]

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 8:05:43 PM UTC-5 Collin A wrote:

Here it is! It gives just enough clearance to fully lift the rear wheel and fender off the ground.

I hang my bikes vertically in my basement. My fendered bikes hang from their back wheels so the rear fender doesn't get crunched. They are definitely harder to hang that way. However, if you use a toe strap or Irish strap or similar to tie the back of the front wheel to the downtube,  you might find it's easier. I stand at the left side of the bike, left hand on left fork, right hand at the bottom of the seat tube, squat down and lift with your legs, keeping your right arm in tight to keep the bike in close to your body. YMMV

Ted Durant

Milwaukee WI USA

[Leah Peterson]

I was with you until the saddle was in my pants! What?!?

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 11, 2024, at 9:24 PM, lucky...@gmail.com wrote:



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[lucky...@gmail.com]

Whoa whoa whoa! The saddle is not IN my pants ma’am!

My waistband functions like a handle kinda. Best if wearing jeans.

Otherwise just use my abdomen to help push the bike up. 

I knew this would read poorly LOL! 

On Jun 11, 2024, at 18:40, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:

I was with you until the saddle was in my pants! What?!?

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[Brian Forsee]

You can also use your knee under the saddle and push raise the bike up with one leg while having both hands on the bars. One hand on saddle one on bars works well also.

Brian

[Leah Peterson]

Ok. I’m going home after work to practice and then lay in bed all night agonizing over it.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 12, 2024, at 9:26 AM, Brian Forsee <bmfo...@gmail.com> wrote:

You can also use your knee under the saddle and push raise the bike up with one leg while having both hands on the bars. One hand on saddle one on bars works well also.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/e6ce1846-e52b-4b13-9961-7e32f0e02fa6n%40googlegroups.com.

[Bob Ehrenbeck]

Leah,

With the front wheel removed and the bike hanging from the rear wheel, there'll be plenty of room.  (Also, bags need to be removed from the bike, though.) Here's a photo of my Rawland rSogn heading to D2R2 in Vermont. The bike has an end-to-end length of 67" with both wheels on. On the return trip, I was told that I didn't need to take the front wheel off, and that also fit. So, your 55 Platy with a 74" length will fit just fine hanging by the rear wheel with the front wheel off. No crew member will measure your bike.

Bob E

Cranford, NJ

[Justin Kennedy]

Leah, just to pile on here -- I recently took my 60cm Platy from NYC to Philly via Amtrak and it fit with plenty of clearance both length-wise and tire wise. I have 2.25's which exceeds the "max 2" tire" stipulation. It'll def fit!

[Ted Durant]

On Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 10:22:18 AM UTC-5 Justin Kennedy wrote:

I recently took my 60cm Platy from NYC to Philly via Amtrak and it fit with plenty of clearance both length-wise and tire wise.

And maximal credit for extensive use of Irish straps!

[Julian Westerhout]

Not really directly relevant to your issue, but last summer I was touring in Europe -- during which I spent a few days riding with the husband of one of my Dutch cousins -- it was really wet, and he decided we should hop on a train to go to their home in Leiden -- the Dutch have almost all things bikes sorted out, but as it turns out not so much when it comes to trains. They only have 4 bike spots per train, but on this torrential day there were at least 20 bikes and bikers on the train -- we all just piled on willy-nilly, along with strollers, etc., and although we were very much in the way, no one really minded much -- a conductor came along and asked people to make the aisle clear -- to which the Dutch cyclists essentially gave a raspberry cheer, and the conductor kept on moving -- all to the consternation of the rules-following German couple in the photo.   :)    My Atlantis is the second in this particular pile o' bikes! 

Leah, I'm sure you'll be fine!   :) 

Julian Westerhout

Bloomington, IL 

[Julian Westerhout]

Train stations and bikes in the Netherlands, on the other hand ....   amazing!    This is about 10% of the bike parking in Rotterdam Centraal station -- and even little whistle stops usually have covered parking for lots of bikes 

One of my dreams is to someday see a scene like this in the USA...   but I'm not holding my breath! 

Julian Westerhout

Bloomington, IL 

[aeroperf]

German stations typically have less than a quarter that many bikes.
But most European local trains let you “roll on, roll off”.  Here’s a shot crossing northern Spain, with straps.

[Leah Peterson]

Hi Friends, 

I looked at your excellent photos and posts in between patients at work today. I’m really, really hoping not to have to take off the front wheel or hang the bike. I’m aiming to just part it somewhere and tie up with John’s straps if need be. BUT, I thought it best to practice tonight. The thing is that every time I try to do anything mechanical, some little hiccup will get me stuck and then I go running to the shop. What I wouldn’t give for a mentor nearby! 

First up: refreshing sealant. It’s going to be in the 80s, and I’m nearly due for more sealant. The front tire went fine. I have got it down to where I don’t spill a drop of sealant. I even manage to keep the sealant out of the valve stem. The front tire went fine. Then came the rear tire. For the first time, I heard a small “pop.” What was that? I poured in my sealant and went to reinflate. Nothing but hissing and bubbling out the sides of the tire. I bet this is what they call the bead unseating, I thought. I started to panic, but I figured if it could so easily be shifted out of whack, it should be easy to shift back. Pump air, spin tire. Repeat. I heard another “pop” and the tire began to reinflate! I spun that tire a bunch of times, hoping the sealant would SEAL and it did! 

Next, I had to undo the front brake. They are new Paul brakes, and when I looked at the noodle, I couldn’t dislodge it the way my old V brakes worked. Then suddenly, I found that joint in the Paul - it’s really clever, isn’t it? I had never even noticed it. Got that released, and unplugged the dyno. Then I went to pull the front wheel. That was also easy. Then I put the wheel back on and got the dyno port and the silver wing of the skewer all lined up how I like. Ok, great. Pulled the bike from the stand and SQUEEEEEEEE. Brakes making horrid sounds. I remembered someone telling me I could pull on the brake noodles and it wouldn’t move them, so the only other thing I could think of was maybe I didn’t seat the wheel in the dropouts? With the bike on the ground I loosened the wheel and bounced the tire. Re-did everything and no more noise! 

Tire is holding air and dyno is working. Stoked. STOKED over here.

Putting dinner on and then packing the Backabikes. Will see about getting the bike up on the rear wheel later!

This is such an adventure!

L

On Jun 12, 2024, at 12:46 PM, aeroperf <dore...@comcast.net> wrote:

German stations typically have less than a quarter that many bikes.

But most European local trains let you “roll on, roll off”.  Here’s a shot crossing northern Spain, with straps.

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<AcrossNorthernSpain.JPG>

[Timothy Hurley]

On the Amtrak trains in the DC/NYC/Boston corridor you have to take the front wheel off and hang the bike on a hook. I'm not sure if it's the same everywhere, but fenders might be more of a problem than a long bike. I can second that the conductors don't care about the dimensions of your bike unless it's something crazy. 

[Leah Peterson]

Guys, they’re being so nice to me! They carried my bike up the steep train steps, they told me to put it in a great place. No bags removed. 

I told the agent I was so excited and thanks for helping me and he has been over here 10 times to point out everything he knows about anything. This is GREAT!

Also, check this out. Seen as I wandered the train cars.

Sent from my iPhone

On Jun 13, 2024, at 12:33 AM, Timothy Hurley <timothyja...@gmail.com> wrote:

On the Amtrak trains in the DC/NYC/Boston corridor you have to take the front wheel off and hang the bike on a hook. I'm not sure if it's the same everywhere, but fenders might be more of a problem than a long bike. I can second that the conductors don't care about the dimensions of your bike unless it's something crazy. 

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[lucky...@gmail.com]

That’s amazing! What a nice train. Have the best trip!

On Jun 13, 2024, at 07:51, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:



Guys, they’re being so nice to me! They carried my bike up the steep train steps, they told me to put it in a great place. No bags removed. 

<image3.jpeg>

<image0.jpeg>

<image1.jpeg>

I told the agent I was so excited and thanks for helping me and he has been over here 10 times to point out everything he knows about anything. This is GREAT!

Also, check this out. Seen as I wandered the train cars.

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[Justin Kennedy]

Wow that's amazing. I had a bike on a luggage car once from NYC to Richmond, Va., and it was similar service. I should have mentioned that. All depends on what kind of train/cars you get. 

[Joe Bernard]

The adventure begins! I had a feeling you might get lucky with a roomy train and helpful helpers in that Michigander way they have about them. Have a lovely time, Leah! 🙂🙋‍♂️

Joe Bernard 

[Jason Fuller]

I have no doubt that your excitement is both evident and refreshing for the employees you're interacting with and will pave the way for a great weekend! It's been years since I took Amtrak with my bike but now I'm very much feeling the itch. I would be taking the Cascades route down to Portland again - such a fun trip and multi-modal travel by train and bike is the BEST. Nothing else compares. 

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[RichS]

That's rock star service Leah. I bet you made that agent's day! Have a nice trip.

Best,

Rich in ATL

[Leah Peterson]

Hi you guys,

I am home from my first real bike adventure. It was pretty darn perfect.

I got on Amtrak just great at Kalamazoo. I rode to the station and got there embarrassingly early. The agent helped me hoist the bike up the steep steps (nearly impossible for just me as the back had three heavy bags and the angle was practically vertical). He gave me premiere parking in the hallway! And he helped lift the bike down those same steep stairs at the ride’s end.

Leif from this List reached out to me and invited me to ride with a group of his friends (and his wife). They were Chicagoan, experienced cyclists who had their own extras to put on the agenda and were welcoming to add-ons like me. I had never met Leif, but he was as nice as you might imagine and so was his wife. When do you ever decide to travel across state lines with 6 strangers and think that’s a safe idea? Only on a bike tour. 

The friends rode a variety of bikes, several had drop bars and 2 of them were wearing kit. The rest of us were in normal clothes. Almost all of us were about the same age, which was really nice as we were all in similar stages of life. The group was SO kind and did not make me feel like an interloper at all. Accomplished, interesting people, they were enjoyable to chat with and I loved hearing about their lives. There were 2 married couples in the group and they were very happy to be on their bikes together. (Sweet!) This Tour de Shore was the leader’s 10th year doing it, and he had prepared fun side quests for us. We took an extra and more scenic departure from the city. Instead of eating PB&J at the SAG stop, we hit a great brewery for a real lunch. He knew the little food co-op to get the good ice cream bars from. These extras made the ride even more exciting.

They all went camping, but I stayed in a hotel. I met them on the road for Day 2 and was so pleased it worked. I had to add an extra 2 miles to my route and frantically pedaled to get there in time because road construction took the bridge out on my route and I was detoured. We made good time today and rode pretty fast. We had 41 miles to do and we averaged 20.3 mph on mile 35, 19.6 mph on mile 36 and 18.7 mph on mile 38. Not bad for day two!

The scenery was..well, I felt like we were in a movie. A lot of our route was on bike paths and quiet roads. We wound our way around the coast of Lake Michigan which, if never you’ve seen it, is teal (teal!!!) and like an inland ocean. There were grand beach houses and kind townspeople. There were wetlands and creeks and swamps and bridges. Serene bike paths under tunnels of arching trees. We saw every kind of person riding every kind of bike. I wish I had taken photos of the scenery but I dreaded causing a wreck so left my phone in its mount. 

The SAG stops were fun - the first one was a giant pancake breakfast and you caught your pancakes on your plate as the cook sent them sailing towards you in the air. The facilities were plush and we lacked nothing.

The Amtrak ride home did not offer the princess treatment at New Buffalo. The agent stood by while I tried to hoist the bike nearly vertically (have you seen how steep the steps are?!) and fully loaded. A bystander lifted the saddle and I was in. There were two other bikes in the hallway and I had to put mine against them. But the Backabikes padded the frame and no paint was chipped. The agent must have felt a little bad because he did help me guide the bike off the train.

A few hot tips from your novice tour-er RivSister.

1. Cotopaxi packing cubes. Highest praise! I got everything (full make-up! 3 days of clothing!) into my Backabikes using those cubes. They just make everything fit and they are so convenient. I wanted for nothing.

2. Kickstands. If and when I get a road bike I can tell you right now it will have a kickstand. I don’t care about the weight or that it’s profane to pollute a pure road bike with one - I have seen too much. People were propping bikes up and I was watching them smash onto asphalt and concrete. No thank you.

3. Bring food. They ran out of breakfast at our first SAG stop today. We all had enough food to make it through until we could eat. But I’d hate to be out there bonking.

4. Electrolyte tabs. It was hot enough that one of our group was cramping up. I gave him some Nuun tabs but he must have been pretty behind on his lytes because he was full-body cramping even after taking them.

5. Arm sleeves. They have cooling ones on Amazon and they were great for keeping me from being sunburned and feeling cool in hot weather.

I’m making a video for IG that will also tell the story. I’ll post it later. I made it home this evening under my own power - no cars were used on this bike adventure. I pedaled home from the station and am back at my post. Three days, about 140 miles, two time zones and three states. How can I go back to normal life now?

Bonus: RIV CONTENT! 

At the start in downtown Chicago, this darling woman rolled her bike towards me. 

“You’re my kind of girl!” I called to her, seeing her pink tires and bamboo fenders and dyno.

“Oh, my husband does all this to my bike and he’s overkill,” she said.

“Well he is wonderful!” I said.

A few minutes later she said, “I think my husband knows you.” Apparently he is Scott on this list. Scott, are you out there? Youth have good taste in bike things and this lady is lucky!

At the finish, this man approached me. He’s also on the List and he has this 23 year old Romulus!

Lastly, the leader of our group was interested in my bike. He knows a little about Rivendell. He rides a Lemond that he has had forever. He likes a steel bike. Did Riv make a Platypus that wasn’t a mixte because what do the men ride? I had to tell him all about how Riv has made you all converts and you men are all out there riding your Clems and Platys now. And he was a quick believer. “I think she’s convinced me,” he said to the group after test riding my bike. He’s 6’3” but he could still tell this bike is awesome.

Thanks to everyone who helped me with their Amtrak tips and bolstered my courage to even try this. You are good, kind people and I am grateful to you.

Leah

On Jun 15, 2024, at 8:00 PM, Leah Peterson <jonasa...@gmail.com> wrote:



Hi you guys,

I am home from my first real bike adventure. It was pretty darn perfect.

I got on Amtrak just great at Kalamazoo. I rode to the station and got there embarrassingly early. The agent helped me hoist the bike up the steep steps (nearly impossible for just me as the back had three heavy bags and the angle was practically vertical). He gave me premiere parking here:

<image0.jpeg>

Leif from this List reached out to me and invited me to ride with a group of his friends (and his wife). They were experienced cyclists who had their own extras to put on the agenda and were welcoming to add-ons like me. I had never met Leif, but he was as nice as you might imagine and so was his wife. When do you ever decide to travel across state lines with 6 strangers and think that’s a safe idea? Only on a bike tour.

On Jun 14, 2024, at 11:22 AM, RichS <rshann...@gmail.com> wrote:

That's rock star service Leah. I bet you made that agent's day! Have a nice trip.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/3150623a-7802-407b-9fac-1a524255e240n%40googlegroups.com.

[Leah Peterson]

[Kim H.]

@Franco,

For the record, the Clem is almost 80 inches long. Pending on the tire height, it could be more.

Kim Hetzel.

[Mike Packard]

Thank you for the report, that is so cool. Glad it went so well. 20 mph! I could not hang with ya'll.

I would love to know the approximate route. My folks live in central IL and would maybe sometime I could ride part of this with them.

Regards

Mike in Austin

[Scott Marriott]

Scott here. My wife was kind of roped into the ride by a friend and she had a lot of fun. I actually mentioned to her that you bike was the idealized version of the bike I'd like for her to ride, but she's resistant to buying a Riv for herself. This one in the picture is a Trek 1984 420L mixte which is a kind of a an odd-ball early trek. (Sadly not Reynolds or Ishiwata, which would have made for a lighter bike.) The one actual direct from Riv item on the bike is the thumb shifter mounted on top of the handlebar close to the stem. Otherwise most of the bike is definitely Riv-spired.  That said when I was picking up yesterday in New Buffalo I was shocked to see so many boring (to me) bikes. It felt like at least 70% of the bikes where some type of Trek Domaine variant, there were a few Surly's and two Gunnar's, but I didn't see any vintage steel which was surprising.  

Glad you had a nice ride. Any thoughts on another Chicago group ride?

Scott Marriott, Chicago (Hyde Park)

[Valerie Yates]

Leah - Fantastic ride report. Your energy is so positive.  Love all the details. 

While you were away, we found an exquisite drop-bar bike for you: Rich's Roadeo

[Tom Goodmann]

Excellent account, Leah, and very enjoyable to read. I'm not surprised that you met friendly folk who took you along, as well as others you met along the way; seems like a very good era (again) on which to be on a bike!

Tom 

(who will return to PBE but next time with a bike)

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Mike, here’s the route: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1k9hIzhK3Zfkv06aahXt70nqzcJcL30w&ll=41.73698139329192%2C-87.4057963350737&z=9

Valerie, You are the best. Am I a bad person if the color of that Roadeo rules it out for me? 

Scott, how in the world did I cross paths with your wife? She was one of the only people I spoke to at the start of the ride. Yes, we are planning another lake shore ride later on. I met up with Sean, who lives in Chicago and he was begging to make another ride and ride further on the Lakeshore path. We just have to nail down a date! Maybe The Lone Wolf and I will take Amtrak this time! 

Tom, yes, you had better bring a bike! Don’t show your face unless you plan to ride with us! 😁 I did meet nice people, but if it wasn’t for them, I am not sure what I would have done. Most people seemed into their own groups and I’m not sure I could have just gotten in one on the fly. 

I hope if I do it next year there will be some Chicago List members who would like to transition from Internet Friends to Real Life Friends. Of course I’d love Leif and his wife to join us because everyone would love them. I should probably message Mack’s Bike and Goods in Evanston next time, now that I think about it.

Anyway, I’ve got the bug now and it’s going to be hard to get back to Real Life around here.

Leah

On Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 12:07:15 PM UTC-4 Valerie Yates wrote:

[George Schick]

Glad you had a great experience with this ride and that the Amtrak logistics worked out.

RE: "...Most people seemed into their own groups and I’m not sure I could have just gotten in one on the fly...", yes, on these organized rides you will find this will largely be the case.  Most of these people probably come from some local club in the area so they stick together accordingly.  Over the 50+ years of serious riding I've done I finally got to the point where I just ignored them and rode at my own pace.  Last organized ride I did, though, was probably '07 and I'm not sure I could to another one unless it was a single day event and limited to 100K.  But I've long since lost my enthusiasm for them and it's unlikely I'll ever ride another.
Oh, and now that you've gotten the "bug" don't forget about that website containing a list of all the rides around Michigan during the Summer months!

[Leah Peterson]

Ok, here’s the video. I’ll switch my IG to public for a few days because that link is the only way I can get a long video to post here. 

On Jun 16, 2024, at 3:00 PM, George Schick <bhi...@gmail.com> wrote:

Glad you had a great experience with this ride and that the Amtrak logistics worked out.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/17f8de09-c4fd-4bc6-bda0-d2bebc99849bn%40googlegroups.com.

[ascpgh]

Leah, your ride report and experiences are charging me up now for my ride today. My last few days have been out the door riding to work at 6am, home between 8:30-9pm. I am guilty of NOT having everything prepped, loaded and laid out this morning but I have a list I scrawled in  moments I snatched my attention away from the work at hand.

I caught a vacant night at an Air b&B I really like in Ohiopyle, PA that coincides with a night that the restaurant nearby is open so I booked it. I'll ride to the GAP from home and 80 miles along the Youghiogheny River to the town in the state park for a relaxing evening. I've arrived in the town on "off nights" to this wonderful hiking, biking, fishing, climbing, whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking adventure town. 

The biggest difference between my ride and Leah's will be the dearth of people on the way. It's Monday (riding back Tuesday) and the western heat dome is settling on us with mid to upper 90°s expected by noon. Except for oddly scheduled through-riders I don't think I'll see many others out on the trail. I have to pack with appreciationt of weather, safe water sources and several 20 mile stretches that are simply out in the woods, off road, along a nice river, where I will be solely responsible for food and drink, sustained function of my bicycle and all contingencies. 

Coffee's gone, I have to pack and Ike the wonder dog wants to look around the neighborhood before I set out. Trying to get going super early to avoid the heat won't be much of an aid, it's going to get hot but that also stymies my classic lunch plan by rolling through that town too early. Cheers to plenty of safe water and Nuun tabs!

Andy Cheatham

Pittsburgh

[Tim Bantham]

Thanks for the report Leah! I am taking my bike on Amtrak from Albany to Buffalo later this summer. This will be my first time taking a bike on the train. A friend and I will ride back on the Erie Canal trail. I had planned to ride my Sam Hillborne but you have me thinking why not take the Platy? Gives me something to thing about.

Tim

[Pam Bikes]

I've taken my train on Amtrak.  The various regions operate differently.  Always call when in doubt.  Their system is easier to tell what type of bike service is available.  I've been on the Empire Line, Northeast Regional, Crescent, Carolinian, Palmetto.  All in all, I've enjoyed it.  Let me know if I can ever help answer any questions.  Last time I learned that if you have a bike reservation on the NE regional, look for the bike friendly sticker and those denote which cars have the bike hook.  Not all cars have them.

[Leah Peterson]

Pam, I don’t even want a bike hook. I just want that bar outside the restroom forever and always! Tell me how to make THAT happen! Lol…

On Jun 17, 2024, at 2:16 PM, Pam Bikes <pamlike...@gmail.com> wrote:

I've taken my train on Amtrak.  The various regions operate differently.  Always call when in doubt.  Their system is easier to tell what type of bike service is available.  I've been on the Empire Line, Northeast Regional, Crescent, Carolinian, Palmetto.  All in all, I've enjoyed it.  Let me know if I can ever help answer any questions.  Last time I learned that if you have a bike reservation on the NE regional, look for the bike friendly sticker and those denote which cars have the bike hook.  Not all cars have them.

To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/12638bec-1b9f-4375-b31e-37729f64c380n%40googlegroups.com.

[Rusty Click]

Fantastic Ride Report Leah!   Your positivity always shines through in your posts.   I've just finished watching your video too.  Looks like an awesome trip.  I noticed a couple of RAGBRAI jerseys in your group.  They'll be riding across Iowa next month.  I'm skipping this year and hopefully riding RAGBRAI with my daughter (again) next year.

Rusty

Pgh, PA

[aeroperf]

Now that you’re hooked, note that there is a Google group for Bicycle Touring.
Here’s one of mine:  https://groups.google.com/g/bicycletouring/c/cFpcvUWqzkA
I live near Atlanta, as does Rich S, so come ride our trail some time.  Amtrak goes to Atlanta, and we’d love to see Peppermint Platy on the Comet.

Then, if you’re looking for something a little farther afield, try this: https://groups.google.com/g/bicycletouring/c/j4AOeY-B-XM

[Pam Bikes]

If anyone is ready to book something before 6/20, here's the link to the Amtrak Northeast Summer sale.  https://www.amtrak.com/promotions/northeast-summer-sale.html?cmp=eml-30250967-Jun2024-JuneInsideTrackNewsletter-bodylink2-AGR