Train travel with a tandem

[fredswifesue]

We have a Schwinn tandem bicycle and are traveling by Amtrak from LaCross, WI to Pasco, WA.  We have been told we need to purchase two bicycle boxes when we get to the boarding station and put them together to hold our bike.  I am wondering if we could purchase or make a cardboard box of our own before we go to the station and even get it on as one of our checked luggage items?  And how protected does the bike have to be within this box?  Do they really toss them on a train as they do on a plane?

[aggie]

I've traveled a couple of times with my bike on Amtrak.  I buy one of their bike boxes since it is so much easier to buy it there and box up the bike at the station.  The only thing I have to do is remove and zip tie my handlebars and remove the pedals.  The bike then goes into the box and I seal it with packing tape.  I place my name and address at several places on the box.  I've watched them load and unload my bike and I've never seen them "throw" it.  My bike has arrived in the same condition as I packed it.  However one time the rear quick release did work a hole in the box.  I think this was due to the box laying on the floor of the baggage car.  Traveling by train is so much more relaxing than flying but slower.  Given a choice I'd take the train with my bike over flying anytime.  I'm a premier category flier so I fly a lot for business but I'd still rather take the train.

Bike boxes/service are only available at stations that have baggage service.  They charge $15 for the box and $5 handling fee.  Unfortunately you can't get on or off the train with your bike at any stop that isn't listed has having baggage service.

[whittierider]

Relevant earlier topic:
http://www.adventurecycling.org/forums/index.php?topic=3542.0

[BrianW]

I've shipped three high-end tandems (two Santanas and a Co-Motion) across the country using AMTRAK and it's always worked out well. I use two of their boxes, slid together. Turn the handlebars and remove the pedals and you are good to go. As others have noted, you can only use stations with manned (or womaned!) baggage service. Not all stations have this. I shipped my tandems unaccompanied (i.e., as freight), so I can't comment on traveling with the tandem. But I imagine it would be just as easy. From Philadelphia to LA, it cost me around $130 to ship the tandem, which included insurance for $2500, the boxes, and the shipping fee. Pretty reasonable for a tandem. And, it got there in just a few days.