Maine Cycle Trip - Portland to Calais

[getverticalPV]

hey all -

Myself and a couple friends are trying to plan a self supported tour from Portland to Calias ME on the East Coast Greenway.  We are struggling trying to figure out how to get from our destination to our vehicle at the start.  Any suggestions?  Also any other pointers on the trip would be appreciated. 

Thanks ahead of time!

js

[JayH]

I'm not sure how far the Downeaster Amtrak train runs or if there is a bus that allows bikes, but that would be an option for part of the trip anyway...

maybe email/pm  Sailariel  who is from Belfast, ME (by Penobscot bay)


Jay

[Peaks]

Sorry, Amtrak's DownEaster train only runs as far as Portland (from Boston).

[aggie]

You could rent a small moving van/truck for a one way trip back to Portland.  You could put all your gear in the back and squeeze 3 into the front. 

[Peaks]

I think your best alterntive may be to turn around and bike back.  Amtrak's DownEaster only goes as far as Portland.  There's a bus along the I-95 corridor, so you could return via that once you got to Elsworth or Bangor.  Most towns downeast are too small to have a rental car agency in them.

[aggie]

U-Haul has two locations that rent trucks in Calais.  If you contact one of them ahead of time I'm sure they would a vehicle for you to rent.

[bikepak]

Here's another suggestion.
Bike back to Bar Harbor or to Bangor.
Then rent a car one way with the drop off in Portland.
You'll need to get a bike rack...but this is still cheaper than renting a UHaul.
I'd look on Craigslist and try to buy a used one.
Two bikes on the back and one in the trunk should work.
My friend and I did this (we were able to stuff both bikes in the car so no need for a rack.
One way from Bar Harbor to Rhode Island was $82.
You need to reserve the car in advance to get a good rate.
Hope this helps.