Big Clem on the Amtrak Surfliner

[Chris Halasz]

For those considering travel on the Amtrak Surfliner, which runs between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, I thought I'd share how an 64cm Clem fits just so into the shorter side of the bike car. 

The opposite side of the car has a longer rack wherein the bikes face one another, and so long as your bike is not interfering with the one it's facing, will provide much more room for a long wheelbase, wonderfully comfortable upright bike (for the perfectly punctilious, the Clem is sporting a 43mm front and 38mm rear tire). The rear tire gets velcro'd to the car, and there's a seat belt type gizmo to secure to the railing. Bring a lock for each bike, and you're requested to remove the panniers - to each his own regarding saddlesacks! 

A few notes for the train ride: 

1. Don't expect help from Amtrak loading your bike, and be ready to go once that train arrives. If two of you are boarding with your bikes, chances are the train is moving before you have the bikes secured. 

2. If budget allows, business class is highly recommended. Business class guarantees you a seat on the train, coach guarantees you space on the train, which means you may be standing and not sitting for the duration. Part of the additional cost provides coffee, water, juice and pastries, and later a box of goodies (trail mix, pretzels, cheese, etc.), and then cold drinks (soda, wine, beer) - all included. The one downside, besides the additional cost: The business class cars are at the opposite end of the train - four cars away - from the bicycle storage car (and does that presume something about cyclists?). There's a kick plate to open the doors as you proceed through the cars. 

3. The train really fills up in L.A., and turns around in L.A., so if you were on the ocean side prior to L.A., you will be on the 'garden' side thereinafter, and if you're getting on in L.A., it may be tough to both load your bike and find a seat right away in coach. 

4. There are senior discounts, and you purchase your bike slot after you purchase you ticket online. 

5. A not horrible selection of food on the train, although we stuck to the snacks! 

6. Some train stations are much nicer than others. 

The ride takes about 30% longer than the same distance in off-traffic driving, and it sure beats driving, and you get a nice bike ride in the morning and then the afternoon to your destination, that is, you get to unwind after hours of enjoying wonderful views, a good book and nice conversation. We traveled on a Friday, and the 5 Fwy was a parking lot as we cruised by on the train. 

I was a little nervous about whether the Clem would fit, and look forward to going again. 

- Chris 

[Pam Bikes]

Great picture and great info.  The train in Quebec was similar.  A stroller had been parked in the space but she moved it when I got on.  I parked my Betty Foy and my boyfriend had his Surly Disc Trucker there as well.

[Menos Joven]

I second that! Great pic and such detailed logistics info. and perspective on train/Riv Central and SoCal tripping. Super informative that a “big” Clem fits; I expect that my future Riv will be sized o in the mid 50s.

[Chris Halasz]

So happy to help! 

@Pam Bikes - isn't it nice when the one you travel with offers a bike you can use to shield yours? 

@ Menos Joven - I was nervous about the fit of the 64cm sized Clem, maybe the longest wheelbase Rivendell? Makes so much sense for the upright positioning! 

- Chris