Willamette Scenic Bikeway

[Elbrento]

Hello.  We are planning a ride next spring on the Willamette Scenic Bikeyway (134 miles) on a tandem bike pulling a BOB trailer.  We will start at the north end and finish in Eugene.  I need to figure out how to get back to the start point (South Portland) to pick up my SUV.  I know the Cascades Amtrak train is an option with the 10 bike slots, but from what I can find out Amtrak will not allow tandems.  Are there any shuttles or other modes of transportation from Eugene to Portland that I can take without having to tear down and box our tandem?  Thanks.

[scottb]

I would check out the bolt bus. I've taken my bike on it before, they stash it underneath with the luggage. I bet they could fit a tandem under there, but I'm not sure. I would check with them first. It's very handy and affordable.

[Alex Phillips]

Boxing a bike on Amtrak is not as difficult at boxing one for UPS or the airlines. The bike boxes sold by Amtrak (cost $10) are quite large. 71 inches by 41 inches by 8.5 inches, though this is probably not long enough for a tandem. You can put up to 50 pounds in the Amtrak bike box (bike only, no other luggage). You have to take the pedals off and might have to take the handlebars off, but that is it. Wheels stay on.

Here is the Amtrak bike page http://www.amtrak.com/bring-your-bicycle-onboard

There is a new company out of Oregon City (a stop on the Cascades Amtrak Train just south of Portland). The company is called the Bike Concierage Thom Batty is the owner. thombatty@live.com 503 314-6095. www.thebikeconcierge.com
He might be able to pick up the bike and you to shuttle you back to Portland. I have worked with him a little bit and he is very organized and helpful.

Please do let me know what you decide to do about getting the tandem back to Portland. I get asked this question quite a bit.

Alex
Oregon State Parks and Recreation Dept.
Bikeways Program Coordinator