Author Topic: AMTRAK, V.S. BOB trailers  (Read 8140 times)

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Offline freightbike

AMTRAK, V.S. BOB trailers
« on: March 14, 2008, 06:41:40 pm »
 Hi Guys. I have some questions about traveling on Amtrak with bob trailers and specifically the CELLO system. I've so far had good luck with shipping my BOB trailer on amtrak in a large cordura duffle bag. I take the wheel, fender, off and reverse the fork. I put a shipping block in the dropouts. The resulting package with some gear added fits under the 36 inch length and under 50 lbs, the bike goes in to one of their boxes. So far I've had pretty good luck with this except for the time amtrak lost my bike for two days. As well as the possibility that amtrak won't have a bike box at the station for me to use.(and won't reserve or obtain one for me). It seems that it's up to the baggage supervisor at the time whether or not it's okay to ship the trailer this way. When I tell them it's a bike trailer, they'll say it has to be in a case, ie. box, carton, etc. I point out to them that it fits under the criteria and has no sharp points or pokes and is easy to pick up move around, so far, they have accepted it. I fear some day I'll get a baggage guy with a "tude" and get screwed. On the Katy trail there is a train you can take out or back but they won't allow trailers.(they have reserved racks for 3 bikes) Does any one know of problems with amtrak baggage concerning the Cello system? Also with the cello system, will the use of the BOB 28 fork fit it?   Thanks  MORG
May the wind at your back always smell like home.
                  MORG

Offline JimF

AMTRAK, V.S. BOB trailers
« Reply #1 on: March 15, 2008, 12:29:44 pm »
Amtrak is not bike friendly, at least in my area on the east coast. I've contacted them on a number of occasions regarding transport of bikes and my trailer, with discouragement. I have a Cello and had no problem with airlines or shipping via FedEx and UPS. You may want to contact Josh of Wandertec (josh@wandertec.com) for suggestions as well as answering the fit question. Good luck.