Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Pam Bikes]

If anyone is ready to book something before 6/20, here's the link to the 
Amtrak Northeast Summer sale.  
https://www.amtrak.com/promotions/northeast-summer-sale.html?cmp=eml-30250967-Jun2024-JuneInsideTrackNewsletter-bodylink2-AGR
On Monday, June 17, 2024 at 5:15:55 PM UTC-4 aeroperf wrote:

> Now that you’re hooked, note that there is a Google group for Bicycle 
> Touring.
> Here’s one of mine:  
> https://groups.google.com/g/bicycletouring/c/cFpcvUWqzkA
> I live near Atlanta, as does Rich S, so come ride our trail some time. 
>  Amtrak goes to Atlanta, and we’d love to see Peppermint Platy on the Comet.
>
> Then, if you’re looking for something a little farther afield, try this: 
> https://groups.google.com/g/bicycletouring/c/j4AOeY-B-XM
>
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[aeroperf]

Now that you’re hooked, note that there is a Google group for Bicycle 
Touring.
Here’s one of mine: 
 https://groups.google.com/g/bicycletouring/c/cFpcvUWqzkA
I live near Atlanta, as does Rich S, so come ride our trail some time. 
 Amtrak goes to Atlanta, and we’d love to see Peppermint Platy on the Comet.

Then, if you’re looking for something a little farther afield, try this: 
https://groups.google.com/g/bicycletouring/c/j4AOeY-B-XM

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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Leah Peterson]

Pam, I don’t even want a bike hook. I just want that bar outside the restroom forever and always! Tell me how to make THAT happen! Lol…On Jun 17, 2024, at 2:16 PM, Pam Bikes  wrote:I've taken my train on Amtrak.  The various regions operate differently.  Always call when in doubt.  Their system is easier to tell what type of bike service is available.  I've been on the Empire Line, Northeast Regional, Crescent, Carolinian, Palmetto.  All in all, I've enjoyed it.  Let me know if I can ever help answer any questions.  Last time I learned that if you have a bike reservation on the NE regional, look for the bike friendly sticker and those denote which cars have the bike hook.  Not all cars have them.On Monday, June 17, 2024 at 7:17:32 AM UTC-4 Tim Bantham wrote:Thanks for the report Leah! I am taking my bike on Amtrak from Albany to Buffalo later this summer. This will be my first time taking a bike on the train. A friend and I will ride back on the Erie Canal trail. I had planned to ride my Sam Hillborne but you have me thinking why not take the Platy? Gives me something to thing about. TimOn Monday, June 17, 2024 at 5:51:12 AM UTC-4 ascpgh wrote:Leah, your ride report and experiences are charging me up now for my ride today. My last few days have been out the door riding to work at 6am, home between 8:30-9pm. I am guilty of NOT having everything prepped, loaded and laid out this morning but I have a list I scrawled in  moments I snatched my attention away from the work at hand.I caught a vacant night at an Air b&B I really like in Ohiopyle, PA that coincides with a night that the restaurant nearby is open so I booked it. I'll ride to the GAP from home and 80 miles along the Youghiogheny River to the town in the state park for a relaxing evening. I've arrived in the town on "off nights" to this wonderful hiking, biking, fishing, climbing, whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking adventure town. The biggest difference between my ride and Leah's will be the dearth of people on the way. It's Monday (riding back Tuesday) and the western heat dome is settling on us with mid to upper 90°s expected by noon. Except for oddly scheduled through-riders I don't think I'll see many others out on the trail. I have to pack with appreciationt of weather, safe water sources and several 20 mile stretches that are simply out in the woods, off road, along a nice river, where I will be solely responsible for food and drink, sustained function of my bicycle and all contingencies. Coffee's gone, I have to pack and Ike the wonder dog wants to look around the neighborhood before I set out. Trying to get going super early to avoid the heat won't be much of an aid, it's going to get hot but that also stymies my classic lunch plan by rolling through that town too early. Cheers to plenty of safe water and Nuun tabs!Andy CheathamPittsburghOn Monday, June 17, 2024 at 12:31:38 AM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Ok, here’s the video. I’ll switch my IG to public for a few days because that link is the only way I can get a long video to post here. Leah Peterson on Instagram: "I did my first real bike tour this weekend. I have dreamed of and longed to do exactly this. There are so many faers I had to quell along the way. Never having taken Amtrak. Knowing my bike was technically too long for their dimensions, unsure if they would send me away. Showing up to a ride that spanned 3 states and not having anyone to ride with. Leaving my post, as I call it, trusting that my family would be fine.

Leif, a kind man from the Rive List offered to let me join his group of 6 welcoming and experienced cyclists. The leader, Jerry, completed his 10th Le Tour de Shore this year. He had several fun side quests planned. As in, “You can have PB&J at the SAG stop, OR you can come to the brewery with us.”

Yeah, I’m going to the brewery.

Or, “There’s this one little place we should stop for ice cream…” Or, “This is the scenic route out of Chicago…”

There were 2 married couples in the group. We were nearly all the same age. They knew one another thrWatch and share reels with friendsOn Jun 16, 2024, at 3:00 PM, George Schick  wrote:Glad you had a great experience with this ride and that the Amtrak logistics worked out.RE: "...Most people seemed into their own groups and I’m not sure I could have just gotten in one on the fly...", yes, on these organized rides you will find this will largely be the case.  Most of these people probably come from some local club in the area so they stick together accordingly.  Over the 50+ years of serious riding I've done I finally got to the point where I just ignored them and rode at my own pace.  Last organized ride I did, though, was probably '07 and I'm not sure I could to another one unless it was a single day event and limited to 100K.  But I've long since lost my enthusiasm for them and it's unlikely I'll ever ride another.Oh, and now that you've gotten the "bug" don't forget about that website conta

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Pam Bikes]

I've taken my train on Amtrak.  The various regions operate differently.  
Always call when in doubt.  Their system is easier to tell what type of 
bike service is available.  I've been on the Empire Line, Northeast 
Regional, Crescent, Carolinian, Palmetto.  All in all, I've enjoyed it.  
Let me know if I can ever help answer any questions.  Last time I learned 
that if you have a bike reservation on the NE regional, look for the bike 
friendly sticker and those denote which cars have the bike hook.  Not all 
cars have them.

On Monday, June 17, 2024 at 7:17:32 AM UTC-4 Tim Bantham wrote:

> Thanks for the report Leah! I am taking my bike on Amtrak from Albany to 
> Buffalo later this summer. This will be my first time taking a bike on the 
> train. A friend and I will ride back on the Erie Canal trail. I had planned 
> to ride my Sam Hillborne but you have me thinking why not take the Platy? 
> Gives me something to thing about. 
>
> Tim
>
> On Monday, June 17, 2024 at 5:51:12 AM UTC-4 ascpgh wrote:
>
>> Leah, your ride report and experiences are charging me up now for my ride 
>> today. My last few days have been out the door riding to work at 6am, home 
>> between 8:30-9pm. I am guilty of NOT having everything prepped, loaded and 
>> laid out this morning but I have a list I scrawled in  moments I snatched 
>> my attention away from the work at hand.
>>
>> I caught a vacant night at an Air b&B I really like in Ohiopyle, PA that 
>> coincides with a night that the restaurant nearby is open so I booked it. 
>> I'll ride to the GAP from home and 80 miles along the Youghiogheny River to 
>> the town in the state park for a relaxing evening. I've arrived in the town 
>> on "off nights" to this wonderful hiking, biking, fishing, climbing, 
>> whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking adventure town. 
>>
>> The biggest difference between my ride and Leah's will be the dearth of 
>> people on the way. It's Monday (riding back Tuesday) and the western heat 
>> dome is settling on us with mid to upper 90°s expected by noon. Except for 
>> oddly scheduled through-riders I don't think I'll see many others out on 
>> the trail. I have to pack with appreciationt of weather, safe water sources 
>> and several 20 mile stretches that are simply out in the woods, off 
>> road, along a nice river, where I will be solely responsible for food and 
>> drink, sustained function of my bicycle and all contingencies. 
>>
>> Coffee's gone, I have to pack and Ike the wonder dog wants to look around 
>> the neighborhood before I set out. Trying to get going super early to avoid 
>> the heat won't be much of an aid, it's going to get hot but that also 
>> stymies my classic lunch plan by rolling through that town too early. 
>> Cheers to plenty of safe water and Nuun tabs!
>>
>> Andy Cheatham
>> Pittsburgh
>>
>> On Monday, June 17, 2024 at 12:31:38 AM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Ok, here’s the video. I’ll switch my IG to public for a few days because 
>>> that link is the only way I can get a long video to post here. 
>>>
>>> [image: 448492579_1159776728393867_8612724418179187346_n.jpg]
>>>  
>>> Leah Peterson on Instagram: "I did my first real bike tour this weekend. 
>>> I have dreamed of and longed to do exactly this. There are so many faers I 
>>> had to quell along the way. Never having taken Amtrak. Knowing my bike was 
>>> technically too long for their dimensions, unsure if they would send me 
>>> away. Showing up to a ride that spanned 3 states and not having anyone to 
>>> ride with. Leaving my post, as I call it, trusting that my family would be 
>>> fine. Leif, a kind man from the Rive List offered to let me join his group 
>>> of 6 welcoming and experienced cyclists. The leader, Jerry, completed his 
>>> 10th Le Tour de Shore this year. He had several fun side quests planned. As 
>>> in, “You can have PB&J at the SAG stop, OR you can come to the brewery with 
>>> us.” Yeah, I’m going to the brewery. Or, “There’s this one little place we 
>>> should stop for ice cream…” Or, “This is the scenic route out of Chicago…” 
>>> There were 2 married couples in the group. We were nearly all the same age. 
>>> They knew one another thr 
>>> 
>>> Watch and share reels with friends 
>>> 
>>> 
>>>
>>>
>>> On Jun 16, 2024, at 3:00 PM, George Schick  wrote:
>>>
>>> Glad you had a great experience with this ride and that the Amtrak 
>>> logistics worked out.
>>>
>>> RE: "...Most people seemed into their own groups and I’m not sure I 
>>> could have just gotten in one on the fly...", yes, on these organized rides 
>>> you will find this will largely be the case.  Most of these people probably 
>>> come from some local club in the area so they stick tog

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Tim Bantham]

Thanks for the report Leah! I am taking my bike on Amtrak from Albany to 
Buffalo later this summer. This will be my first time taking a bike on the 
train. A friend and I will ride back on the Erie Canal trail. I had planned 
to ride my Sam Hillborne but you have me thinking why not take the Platy? 
Gives me something to thing about. 

Tim

On Monday, June 17, 2024 at 5:51:12 AM UTC-4 ascpgh wrote:

> Leah, your ride report and experiences are charging me up now for my ride 
> today. My last few days have been out the door riding to work at 6am, home 
> between 8:30-9pm. I am guilty of NOT having everything prepped, loaded and 
> laid out this morning but I have a list I scrawled in  moments I snatched 
> my attention away from the work at hand.
>
> I caught a vacant night at an Air b&B I really like in Ohiopyle, PA that 
> coincides with a night that the restaurant nearby is open so I booked it. 
> I'll ride to the GAP from home and 80 miles along the Youghiogheny River to 
> the town in the state park for a relaxing evening. I've arrived in the town 
> on "off nights" to this wonderful hiking, biking, fishing, climbing, 
> whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking adventure town. 
>
> The biggest difference between my ride and Leah's will be the dearth of 
> people on the way. It's Monday (riding back Tuesday) and the western heat 
> dome is settling on us with mid to upper 90°s expected by noon. Except for 
> oddly scheduled through-riders I don't think I'll see many others out on 
> the trail. I have to pack with appreciationt of weather, safe water sources 
> and several 20 mile stretches that are simply out in the woods, off road, 
> along a nice river, where I will be solely responsible for food and drink, 
> sustained function of my bicycle and all contingencies. 
>
> Coffee's gone, I have to pack and Ike the wonder dog wants to look around 
> the neighborhood before I set out. Trying to get going super early to avoid 
> the heat won't be much of an aid, it's going to get hot but that also 
> stymies my classic lunch plan by rolling through that town too early. 
> Cheers to plenty of safe water and Nuun tabs!
>
> Andy Cheatham
> Pittsburgh
>
> On Monday, June 17, 2024 at 12:31:38 AM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Ok, here’s the video. I’ll switch my IG to public for a few days because 
>> that link is the only way I can get a long video to post here. 
>>
>> [image: 448492579_1159776728393867_8612724418179187346_n.jpg]
>>  
>> Leah Peterson on Instagram: "I did my first real bike tour this weekend. 
>> I have dreamed of and longed to do exactly this. There are so many faers I 
>> had to quell along the way. Never having taken Amtrak. Knowing my bike was 
>> technically too long for their dimensions, unsure if they would send me 
>> away. Showing up to a ride that spanned 3 states and not having anyone to 
>> ride with. Leaving my post, as I call it, trusting that my family would be 
>> fine. Leif, a kind man from the Rive List offered to let me join his group 
>> of 6 welcoming and experienced cyclists. The leader, Jerry, completed his 
>> 10th Le Tour de Shore this year. He had several fun side quests planned. As 
>> in, “You can have PB&J at the SAG stop, OR you can come to the brewery with 
>> us.” Yeah, I’m going to the brewery. Or, “There’s this one little place we 
>> should stop for ice cream…” Or, “This is the scenic route out of Chicago…” 
>> There were 2 married couples in the group. We were nearly all the same age. 
>> They knew one another thr 
>> 
>> Watch and share reels with friends 
>> 
>> 
>>
>>
>> On Jun 16, 2024, at 3:00 PM, George Schick  wrote:
>>
>> Glad you had a great experience with this ride and that the Amtrak 
>> logistics worked out.
>>
>> RE: "...Most people seemed into their own groups and I’m not sure I could 
>> have just gotten in one on the fly...", yes, on these organized rides you 
>> will find this will largely be the case.  Most of these people probably 
>> come from some local club in the area so they stick together accordingly.  
>> Over the 50+ years of serious riding I've done I finally got to the point 
>> where I just ignored them and rode at my own pace.  Last organized ride I 
>> did, though, was probably '07 and I'm not sure I could to another one 
>> unless it was a single day event and limited to 100K.  But I've long since 
>> lost my enthusiasm for them and it's unlikely I'll ever ride another.
>> Oh, and now that you've gotten the "bug" don't forget about that website 
>> containing a list of all the rides around Michigan during the Summer months!
>>
>> On Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 11:44:44 AM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Mike, here’s the route: 
>>>

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[ascpgh]

Leah, your ride report and experiences are charging me up now for my ride 
today. My last few days have been out the door riding to work at 6am, home 
between 8:30-9pm. I am guilty of NOT having everything prepped, loaded and 
laid out this morning but I have a list I scrawled in  moments I snatched 
my attention away from the work at hand.

I caught a vacant night at an Air b&B I really like in Ohiopyle, PA that 
coincides with a night that the restaurant nearby is open so I booked it. 
I'll ride to the GAP from home and 80 miles along the Youghiogheny River to 
the town in the state park for a relaxing evening. I've arrived in the town 
on "off nights" to this wonderful hiking, biking, fishing, climbing, 
whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking adventure town. 

The biggest difference between my ride and Leah's will be the dearth of 
people on the way. It's Monday (riding back Tuesday) and the western heat 
dome is settling on us with mid to upper 90°s expected by noon. Except for 
oddly scheduled through-riders I don't think I'll see many others out on 
the trail. I have to pack with appreciationt of weather, safe water sources 
and several 20 mile stretches that are simply out in the woods, off road, 
along a nice river, where I will be solely responsible for food and drink, 
sustained function of my bicycle and all contingencies. 

Coffee's gone, I have to pack and Ike the wonder dog wants to look around 
the neighborhood before I set out. Trying to get going super early to avoid 
the heat won't be much of an aid, it's going to get hot but that also 
stymies my classic lunch plan by rolling through that town too early. 
Cheers to plenty of safe water and Nuun tabs!

Andy Cheatham
Pittsburgh

On Monday, June 17, 2024 at 12:31:38 AM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
wrote:

> Ok, here’s the video. I’ll switch my IG to public for a few days because 
> that link is the only way I can get a long video to post here. 
>
> [image: 448492579_1159776728393867_8612724418179187346_n.jpg]
>  
> Leah Peterson on Instagram: "I did my first real bike tour this weekend. I 
> have dreamed of and longed to do exactly this. There are so many faers I 
> had to quell along the way. Never having taken Amtrak. Knowing my bike was 
> technically too long for their dimensions, unsure if they would send me 
> away. Showing up to a ride that spanned 3 states and not having anyone to 
> ride with. Leaving my post, as I call it, trusting that my family would be 
> fine. Leif, a kind man from the Rive List offered to let me join his group 
> of 6 welcoming and experienced cyclists. The leader, Jerry, completed his 
> 10th Le Tour de Shore this year. He had several fun side quests planned. As 
> in, “You can have PB&J at the SAG stop, OR you can come to the brewery with 
> us.” Yeah, I’m going to the brewery. Or, “There’s this one little place we 
> should stop for ice cream…” Or, “This is the scenic route out of Chicago…” 
> There were 2 married couples in the group. We were nearly all the same age. 
> They knew one another thr 
> 
> Watch and share reels with friends 
> 
> 
>
>
> On Jun 16, 2024, at 3:00 PM, George Schick  wrote:
>
> Glad you had a great experience with this ride and that the Amtrak 
> logistics worked out.
>
> RE: "...Most people seemed into their own groups and I’m not sure I could 
> have just gotten in one on the fly...", yes, on these organized rides you 
> will find this will largely be the case.  Most of these people probably 
> come from some local club in the area so they stick together accordingly.  
> Over the 50+ years of serious riding I've done I finally got to the point 
> where I just ignored them and rode at my own pace.  Last organized ride I 
> did, though, was probably '07 and I'm not sure I could to another one 
> unless it was a single day event and limited to 100K.  But I've long since 
> lost my enthusiasm for them and it's unlikely I'll ever ride another.
> Oh, and now that you've gotten the "bug" don't forget about that website 
> containing a list of all the rides around Michigan during the Summer months!
>
> On Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 11:44:44 AM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Mike, here’s the route: 
>> https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1k9hIzhK3Zfkv06aahXt70nqzcJcL30w&ll=41.73698139329192%2C-87.4057963350737&z=9
>>
>> Valerie, You are the best. Am I a bad person if the color of that Roadeo 
>> rules it out for me? 
>>
>> Scott, how in the world did I cross paths with your wife? She was one of 
>> the only people I spoke to at the start of the ride. Yes, we are planning 
>> another lake shore ride later on. I met up with Sean, who lives in Chicago 
>> and he was begging to make another ride and 

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Leah Peterson]

Ok, here’s the video. I’ll switch my IG to public for a few days because that link is the only way I can get a long video to post here. Leah Peterson on Instagram: "I did my first real bike tour this weekend. I have dreamed of and longed to do exactly this. There are so many faers I had to quell along the way. Never having taken Amtrak. Knowing my bike was technically too long for their dimensions, unsure if they would send me away. Showing up to a ride that spanned 3 states and not having anyone to ride with. Leaving my post, as I call it, trusting that my family would be fine.

Leif, a kind man from the Rive List offered to let me join his group of 6 welcoming and experienced cyclists. The leader, Jerry, completed his 10th Le Tour de Shore this year. He had several fun side quests planned. As in, “You can have PB&J at the SAG stop, OR you can come to the brewery with us.”

Yeah, I’m going to the brewery.

Or, “There’s this one little place we should stop for ice cream…” Or, “This is the scenic route out of Chicago…”

There were 2 married couples in the group. We were nearly all the same age. They knew one another thrWatch and share reels with friendsOn Jun 16, 2024, at 3:00 PM, George Schick  wrote:Glad you had a great experience with this ride and that the Amtrak logistics worked out.RE: "...Most people seemed into their own groups and I’m not sure I could have just gotten in one on the fly...", yes, on these organized rides you will find this will largely be the case.  Most of these people probably come from some local club in the area so they stick together accordingly.  Over the 50+ years of serious riding I've done I finally got to the point where I just ignored them and rode at my own pace.  Last organized ride I did, though, was probably '07 and I'm not sure I could to another one unless it was a single day event and limited to 100K.  But I've long since lost my enthusiasm for them and it's unlikely I'll ever ride another.Oh, and now that you've gotten the "bug" don't forget about that website containing a list of all the rides around Michigan during the Summer months!On Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 11:44:44 AM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Mike, here’s the route: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1k9hIzhK3Zfkv06aahXt70nqzcJcL30w&ll=41.73698139329192%2C-87.4057963350737&z=9Valerie, You are the best. Am I a bad person if the color of that Roadeo rules it out for me? Scott, how in the world did I cross paths with your wife? She was one of the only people I spoke to at the start of the ride. Yes, we are planning another lake shore ride later on. I met up with Sean, who lives in Chicago and he was begging to make another ride and ride further on the Lakeshore path. We just have to nail down a date! Maybe The Lone Wolf and I will take Amtrak this time! Tom, yes, you had better bring a bike! Don’t show your face unless you plan to ride with us! 😁 I did meet nice people, but if it wasn’t for them, I am not sure what I would have done. Most people seemed into their own groups and I’m not sure I could have just gotten in one on the fly. I hope if I do it next year there will be some Chicago List members who would like to transition from Internet Friends to Real Life Friends. Of course I’d love Leif and his wife to join us because everyone would love them. I should probably message Mack’s Bike and Goods in Evanston next time, now that I think about it.Anyway, I’ve got the bug now and it’s going to be hard to get back to Real Life around here.LeahOn Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 12:07:15 PM UTC-4 Valerie Yates wrote:Leah - Fantastic ride report. Your energy is so positive.  Love all the details. While you were away, we found an exquisite drop-bar bike for you: Rich's RoadeoOn Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 9:47:06 AM UTC-6 Scott Marriott wrote:Scott here. My wife was kind of roped into the ride by a friend and she had a lot of fun. I actually mentioned to her that you bike was the idealized version of the bike I'd like for her to ride, but she's resistant to buying a Riv for herself. This one in the picture is a Trek 1984 420L mixte which is a kind of a an odd-ball early trek. (Sadly not Reynolds or Ishiwata, which would have made for a lighter bike.) The one actual direct from Riv item on the bike is the thumb shifter mounted on top of the handlebar close to the stem. Otherwise most of the bike is definitely Riv-spired.  That said when I was picking up yesterday in New Buffalo I was shocked to see so many boring (to me) bikes. It felt like at least 70% of the bikes where some type of Trek Domaine variant, there were a few Surly's and two Gunnar's, but I didn't see any vintage steel which was surprising.  Glad you had a nice ride. Any thoughts on another Chicago group ride?Scott Marriott, Chicago (Hyde Park)On Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 8:21:43 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Hi you guys,I am home from my first real bike adventure. It was pretty darn perfect.I got on Amtrak just great at Kalamazo

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[George Schick]

Glad you had a great experience with this ride and that the Amtrak 
logistics worked out.
RE: "...Most people seemed into their own groups and I’m not sure I could 
have just gotten in one on the fly...", yes, on these organized rides you 
will find this will largely be the case.  Most of these people probably 
come from some local club in the area so they stick together accordingly.  
Over the 50+ years of serious riding I've done I finally got to the point 
where I just ignored them and rode at my own pace.  Last organized ride I 
did, though, was probably '07 and I'm not sure I could to another one 
unless it was a single day event and limited to 100K.  But I've long since 
lost my enthusiasm for them and it's unlikely I'll ever ride another.
Oh, and now that you've gotten the "bug" don't forget about that website 
containing a list of all the rides around Michigan during the Summer months!

On Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 11:44:44 AM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
wrote:

> Mike, here’s the route: 
> https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1k9hIzhK3Zfkv06aahXt70nqzcJcL30w&ll=41.73698139329192%2C-87.4057963350737&z=9
>
> Valerie, You are the best. Am I a bad person if the color of that Roadeo 
> rules it out for me? 
>
> Scott, how in the world did I cross paths with your wife? She was one of 
> the only people I spoke to at the start of the ride. Yes, we are planning 
> another lake shore ride later on. I met up with Sean, who lives in Chicago 
> and he was begging to make another ride and ride further on the Lakeshore 
> path. We just have to nail down a date! Maybe The Lone Wolf and I will take 
> Amtrak this time! 
>
> Tom, yes, you had better bring a bike! Don’t show your face unless you 
> plan to ride with us! 😁 I did meet nice people, but if it wasn’t for them, 
> I am not sure what I would have done. Most people seemed into their own 
> groups and I’m not sure I could have just gotten in one on the fly. 
>
> I hope if I do it next year there will be some Chicago List members who 
> would like to transition from Internet Friends to Real Life Friends. Of 
> course I’d love Leif and his wife to join us because everyone would love 
> them. I should probably message Mack’s Bike and Goods in Evanston next 
> time, now that I think about it.
>
> Anyway, I’ve got the bug now and it’s going to be hard to get back to Real 
> Life around here.
> Leah
>
>
>
>
> On Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 12:07:15 PM UTC-4 Valerie Yates wrote:
>
>> Leah - Fantastic ride report. Your energy is so positive.  Love all the 
>> details. 
>>
>> While you were away, we found an exquisite drop-bar bike for you: Rich's 
>> Roadeo 
>>
>> On Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 9:47:06 AM UTC-6 Scott Marriott wrote:
>>
>>> Scott here. My wife was kind of roped into the ride by a friend and she 
>>> had a lot of fun. I actually mentioned to her that you bike was the 
>>> idealized version of the bike I'd like for her to ride, but she's resistant 
>>> to buying a Riv for herself. This one in the picture is a Trek 1984 420L 
>>> mixte which is a kind of a an odd-ball early trek. (Sadly not Reynolds or 
>>> Ishiwata, which would have made for a lighter bike.) The one actual direct 
>>> from Riv item on the bike is the thumb shifter mounted on top of the 
>>> handlebar close to the stem. Otherwise most of the bike is definitely 
>>> Riv-spired.  That said when I was picking up yesterday in New Buffalo I was 
>>> shocked to see so many boring (to me) bikes. It felt like at least 70% of 
>>> the bikes where some type of Trek Domaine variant, there were a few Surly's 
>>> and two Gunnar's, but I didn't see any vintage steel which was surprising.  
>>> Glad you had a nice ride. Any thoughts on another Chicago group ride?
>>>
>>> Scott Marriott, Chicago (Hyde Park)
>>> On Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 8:21:43 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Hi you guys,

 I am home from my first real bike adventure. It was pretty darn perfect.

 I got on Amtrak just great at Kalamazoo. I rode to the station and got 
 there embarrassingly early. The agent helped me hoist the bike up the 
 steep 
 steps (nearly impossible for just me as the back had three heavy bags and 
 the angle was practically vertical). He gave me premiere parking in the 
 hallway! And he helped lift the bike down those same steep stairs at the 
 ride’s end.

 Leif from this List reached out to me and invited me to ride with a 
 group of his friends (and his wife). They were Chicagoan, experienced 
 cyclists who had their own extras to put on the agenda and were welcoming 
 to add-ons like me. I had never met Leif, but he was as nice as you might 
 imagine and so was his wife. When do you ever decide to travel across 
 state 
 lines with 6 strangers and think that’s a safe idea? Only on a bike tour. 

 The friends rode a variety of bikes, seve

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

Mike, here’s the 
route: 
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1k9hIzhK3Zfkv06aahXt70nqzcJcL30w&ll=41.73698139329192%2C-87.4057963350737&z=9

Valerie, You are the best. Am I a bad person if the color of that Roadeo 
rules it out for me? 

Scott, how in the world did I cross paths with your wife? She was one of 
the only people I spoke to at the start of the ride. Yes, we are planning 
another lake shore ride later on. I met up with Sean, who lives in Chicago 
and he was begging to make another ride and ride further on the Lakeshore 
path. We just have to nail down a date! Maybe The Lone Wolf and I will take 
Amtrak this time! 

Tom, yes, you had better bring a bike! Don’t show your face unless you plan 
to ride with us! 😁 I did meet nice people, but if it wasn’t for them, I am 
not sure what I would have done. Most people seemed into their own groups 
and I’m not sure I could have just gotten in one on the fly. 

I hope if I do it next year there will be some Chicago List members who 
would like to transition from Internet Friends to Real Life Friends. Of 
course I’d love Leif and his wife to join us because everyone would love 
them. I should probably message Mack’s Bike and Goods in Evanston next 
time, now that I think about it.

Anyway, I’ve got the bug now and it’s going to be hard to get back to Real 
Life around here.
Leah




On Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 12:07:15 PM UTC-4 Valerie Yates wrote:

> Leah - Fantastic ride report. Your energy is so positive.  Love all the 
> details. 
>
> While you were away, we found an exquisite drop-bar bike for you: Rich's 
> Roadeo 
>
> On Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 9:47:06 AM UTC-6 Scott Marriott wrote:
>
>> Scott here. My wife was kind of roped into the ride by a friend and she 
>> had a lot of fun. I actually mentioned to her that you bike was the 
>> idealized version of the bike I'd like for her to ride, but she's resistant 
>> to buying a Riv for herself. This one in the picture is a Trek 1984 420L 
>> mixte which is a kind of a an odd-ball early trek. (Sadly not Reynolds or 
>> Ishiwata, which would have made for a lighter bike.) The one actual direct 
>> from Riv item on the bike is the thumb shifter mounted on top of the 
>> handlebar close to the stem. Otherwise most of the bike is definitely 
>> Riv-spired.  That said when I was picking up yesterday in New Buffalo I was 
>> shocked to see so many boring (to me) bikes. It felt like at least 70% of 
>> the bikes where some type of Trek Domaine variant, there were a few Surly's 
>> and two Gunnar's, but I didn't see any vintage steel which was surprising.  
>> Glad you had a nice ride. Any thoughts on another Chicago group ride?
>>
>> Scott Marriott, Chicago (Hyde Park)
>> On Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 8:21:43 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi you guys,
>>>
>>> I am home from my first real bike adventure. It was pretty darn perfect.
>>>
>>> I got on Amtrak just great at Kalamazoo. I rode to the station and got 
>>> there embarrassingly early. The agent helped me hoist the bike up the steep 
>>> steps (nearly impossible for just me as the back had three heavy bags and 
>>> the angle was practically vertical). He gave me premiere parking in the 
>>> hallway! And he helped lift the bike down those same steep stairs at the 
>>> ride’s end.
>>>
>>> Leif from this List reached out to me and invited me to ride with a 
>>> group of his friends (and his wife). They were Chicagoan, experienced 
>>> cyclists who had their own extras to put on the agenda and were welcoming 
>>> to add-ons like me. I had never met Leif, but he was as nice as you might 
>>> imagine and so was his wife. When do you ever decide to travel across state 
>>> lines with 6 strangers and think that’s a safe idea? Only on a bike tour. 
>>>
>>> The friends rode a variety of bikes, several had drop bars and 2 of them 
>>> were wearing kit. The rest of us were in normal clothes. Almost all of us 
>>> were about the same age, which was really nice as we were all in similar 
>>> stages of life. The group was SO kind and did not make me feel like an 
>>> interloper at all. Accomplished, interesting people, they were enjoyable to 
>>> chat with and I loved hearing about their lives. There were 2 married 
>>> couples in the group and they were very happy to be on their bikes 
>>> together. (Sweet!) This Tour de Shore was the leader’s 10th year doing it, 
>>> and he had prepared fun side quests for us. We took an extra and more 
>>> scenic departure from the city. Instead of eating PB&J at the SAG stop, we 
>>> hit a great brewery for a real lunch. He knew the little food co-op to get 
>>> the good ice cream bars from. These extras made the ride even more exciting.
>>>
>>> They all went camping, but I stayed in a hotel. I met them on the road 
>>> for Day 2 and was so pleased it worked. I had to add an extra 2 miles to my 
>>> route and frantically pedaled to get there in

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Tom Goodmann]

Excellent account, Leah, and very enjoyable to read. I'm not surprised that 
you met friendly folk who took you along, as well as others you met along 
the way; seems like a very good era (again) on which to be on a bike!

Tom 
(who will return to PBE but next time with a bike)

On Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 12:07:15 PM UTC-4 Valerie Yates wrote:

> Leah - Fantastic ride report. Your energy is so positive.  Love all the 
> details. 
>
> While you were away, we found an exquisite drop-bar bike for you: Rich's 
> Roadeo 
>
> On Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 9:47:06 AM UTC-6 Scott Marriott wrote:
>
>> Scott here. My wife was kind of roped into the ride by a friend and she 
>> had a lot of fun. I actually mentioned to her that you bike was the 
>> idealized version of the bike I'd like for her to ride, but she's resistant 
>> to buying a Riv for herself. This one in the picture is a Trek 1984 420L 
>> mixte which is a kind of a an odd-ball early trek. (Sadly not Reynolds or 
>> Ishiwata, which would have made for a lighter bike.) The one actual direct 
>> from Riv item on the bike is the thumb shifter mounted on top of the 
>> handlebar close to the stem. Otherwise most of the bike is definitely 
>> Riv-spired.  That said when I was picking up yesterday in New Buffalo I was 
>> shocked to see so many boring (to me) bikes. It felt like at least 70% of 
>> the bikes where some type of Trek Domaine variant, there were a few Surly's 
>> and two Gunnar's, but I didn't see any vintage steel which was surprising.  
>> Glad you had a nice ride. Any thoughts on another Chicago group ride?
>>
>> Scott Marriott, Chicago (Hyde Park)
>> On Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 8:21:43 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi you guys,
>>>
>>> I am home from my first real bike adventure. It was pretty darn perfect.
>>>
>>> I got on Amtrak just great at Kalamazoo. I rode to the station and got 
>>> there embarrassingly early. The agent helped me hoist the bike up the steep 
>>> steps (nearly impossible for just me as the back had three heavy bags and 
>>> the angle was practically vertical). He gave me premiere parking in the 
>>> hallway! And he helped lift the bike down those same steep stairs at the 
>>> ride’s end.
>>>
>>> Leif from this List reached out to me and invited me to ride with a 
>>> group of his friends (and his wife). They were Chicagoan, experienced 
>>> cyclists who had their own extras to put on the agenda and were welcoming 
>>> to add-ons like me. I had never met Leif, but he was as nice as you might 
>>> imagine and so was his wife. When do you ever decide to travel across state 
>>> lines with 6 strangers and think that’s a safe idea? Only on a bike tour. 
>>>
>>> The friends rode a variety of bikes, several had drop bars and 2 of them 
>>> were wearing kit. The rest of us were in normal clothes. Almost all of us 
>>> were about the same age, which was really nice as we were all in similar 
>>> stages of life. The group was SO kind and did not make me feel like an 
>>> interloper at all. Accomplished, interesting people, they were enjoyable to 
>>> chat with and I loved hearing about their lives. There were 2 married 
>>> couples in the group and they were very happy to be on their bikes 
>>> together. (Sweet!) This Tour de Shore was the leader’s 10th year doing it, 
>>> and he had prepared fun side quests for us. We took an extra and more 
>>> scenic departure from the city. Instead of eating PB&J at the SAG stop, we 
>>> hit a great brewery for a real lunch. He knew the little food co-op to get 
>>> the good ice cream bars from. These extras made the ride even more exciting.
>>>
>>> They all went camping, but I stayed in a hotel. I met them on the road 
>>> for Day 2 and was so pleased it worked. I had to add an extra 2 miles to my 
>>> route and frantically pedaled to get there in time because road 
>>> construction took the bridge out on my route and I was detoured. We made 
>>> good time today and rode pretty fast. We had 41 miles to do and we averaged 
>>> 20.3 mph on mile 35, 19.6 mph on mile 36 and 18.7 mph on mile 38. Not bad 
>>> for day two!
>>>
>>> The scenery was..well, I felt like we were in a movie. A lot of our 
>>> route was on bike paths and quiet roads. We wound our way around the coast 
>>> of Lake Michigan which, if never you’ve seen it, is teal (teal!!!) and like 
>>> an inland ocean. There were grand beach houses and kind townspeople. There 
>>> were wetlands and creeks and swamps and bridges. Serene bike paths under 
>>> tunnels of arching trees. We saw every kind of person riding every kind of 
>>> bike. I wish I had taken photos of the scenery but I dreaded causing a 
>>> wreck so left my phone in its mount. 
>>>
>>> The SAG stops were fun - the first one was a giant pancake breakfast and 
>>> you caught your pancakes on your plate as the cook sent them sailing 
>>> towards you in the air. The facilities were plush and w

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Valerie Yates]

Leah - Fantastic ride report. Your energy is so positive.  Love all the 
details. 

While you were away, we found an exquisite drop-bar bike for you: Rich's 
Roadeo 

On Sunday, June 16, 2024 at 9:47:06 AM UTC-6 Scott Marriott wrote:

> Scott here. My wife was kind of roped into the ride by a friend and she 
> had a lot of fun. I actually mentioned to her that you bike was the 
> idealized version of the bike I'd like for her to ride, but she's resistant 
> to buying a Riv for herself. This one in the picture is a Trek 1984 420L 
> mixte which is a kind of a an odd-ball early trek. (Sadly not Reynolds or 
> Ishiwata, which would have made for a lighter bike.) The one actual direct 
> from Riv item on the bike is the thumb shifter mounted on top of the 
> handlebar close to the stem. Otherwise most of the bike is definitely 
> Riv-spired.  That said when I was picking up yesterday in New Buffalo I was 
> shocked to see so many boring (to me) bikes. It felt like at least 70% of 
> the bikes where some type of Trek Domaine variant, there were a few Surly's 
> and two Gunnar's, but I didn't see any vintage steel which was surprising.  
> Glad you had a nice ride. Any thoughts on another Chicago group ride?
>
> Scott Marriott, Chicago (Hyde Park)
> On Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 8:21:43 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Hi you guys,
>>
>> I am home from my first real bike adventure. It was pretty darn perfect.
>>
>> I got on Amtrak just great at Kalamazoo. I rode to the station and got 
>> there embarrassingly early. The agent helped me hoist the bike up the steep 
>> steps (nearly impossible for just me as the back had three heavy bags and 
>> the angle was practically vertical). He gave me premiere parking in the 
>> hallway! And he helped lift the bike down those same steep stairs at the 
>> ride’s end.
>>
>> Leif from this List reached out to me and invited me to ride with a group 
>> of his friends (and his wife). They were Chicagoan, experienced cyclists 
>> who had their own extras to put on the agenda and were welcoming to add-ons 
>> like me. I had never met Leif, but he was as nice as you might imagine and 
>> so was his wife. When do you ever decide to travel across state lines with 
>> 6 strangers and think that’s a safe idea? Only on a bike tour. 
>>
>> The friends rode a variety of bikes, several had drop bars and 2 of them 
>> were wearing kit. The rest of us were in normal clothes. Almost all of us 
>> were about the same age, which was really nice as we were all in similar 
>> stages of life. The group was SO kind and did not make me feel like an 
>> interloper at all. Accomplished, interesting people, they were enjoyable to 
>> chat with and I loved hearing about their lives. There were 2 married 
>> couples in the group and they were very happy to be on their bikes 
>> together. (Sweet!) This Tour de Shore was the leader’s 10th year doing it, 
>> and he had prepared fun side quests for us. We took an extra and more 
>> scenic departure from the city. Instead of eating PB&J at the SAG stop, we 
>> hit a great brewery for a real lunch. He knew the little food co-op to get 
>> the good ice cream bars from. These extras made the ride even more exciting.
>>
>> They all went camping, but I stayed in a hotel. I met them on the road 
>> for Day 2 and was so pleased it worked. I had to add an extra 2 miles to my 
>> route and frantically pedaled to get there in time because road 
>> construction took the bridge out on my route and I was detoured. We made 
>> good time today and rode pretty fast. We had 41 miles to do and we averaged 
>> 20.3 mph on mile 35, 19.6 mph on mile 36 and 18.7 mph on mile 38. Not bad 
>> for day two!
>>
>> The scenery was..well, I felt like we were in a movie. A lot of our route 
>> was on bike paths and quiet roads. We wound our way around the coast of 
>> Lake Michigan which, if never you’ve seen it, is teal (teal!!!) and like an 
>> inland ocean. There were grand beach houses and kind townspeople. There 
>> were wetlands and creeks and swamps and bridges. Serene bike paths under 
>> tunnels of arching trees. We saw every kind of person riding every kind of 
>> bike. I wish I had taken photos of the scenery but I dreaded causing a 
>> wreck so left my phone in its mount. 
>>
>> The SAG stops were fun - the first one was a giant pancake breakfast and 
>> you caught your pancakes on your plate as the cook sent them sailing 
>> towards you in the air. The facilities were plush and we lacked nothing.
>>
>> The Amtrak ride home did not offer the princess treatment at New Buffalo. 
>> The agent stood by while I tried to hoist the bike nearly vertically (have 
>> you seen how steep the steps are?!) and fully loaded. A bystander lifted 
>> the saddle and I was in. There were two other bikes in the hallway and I 
>> had to put mine against them. But the Backabikes padded the frame and no 
>> paint was chipped.

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Scott Marriott]

Scott here. My wife was kind of roped into the ride by a friend and she had 
a lot of fun. I actually mentioned to her that you bike was the idealized 
version of the bike I'd like for her to ride, but she's resistant to buying 
a Riv for herself. This one in the picture is a Trek 1984 420L mixte which 
is a kind of a an odd-ball early trek. (Sadly not Reynolds or Ishiwata, 
which would have made for a lighter bike.) The one actual direct from Riv 
item on the bike is the thumb shifter mounted on top of the handlebar close 
to the stem. Otherwise most of the bike is definitely Riv-spired.  That 
said when I was picking up yesterday in New Buffalo I was shocked to see so 
many boring (to me) bikes. It felt like at least 70% of the bikes where 
some type of Trek Domaine variant, there were a few Surly's and two 
Gunnar's, but I didn't see any vintage steel which was surprising.  
Glad you had a nice ride. Any thoughts on another Chicago group ride?

Scott Marriott, Chicago (Hyde Park)
On Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 8:21:43 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
wrote:

> Hi you guys,
>
> I am home from my first real bike adventure. It was pretty darn perfect.
>
> I got on Amtrak just great at Kalamazoo. I rode to the station and got 
> there embarrassingly early. The agent helped me hoist the bike up the steep 
> steps (nearly impossible for just me as the back had three heavy bags and 
> the angle was practically vertical). He gave me premiere parking in the 
> hallway! And he helped lift the bike down those same steep stairs at the 
> ride’s end.
>
> Leif from this List reached out to me and invited me to ride with a group 
> of his friends (and his wife). They were Chicagoan, experienced cyclists 
> who had their own extras to put on the agenda and were welcoming to add-ons 
> like me. I had never met Leif, but he was as nice as you might imagine and 
> so was his wife. When do you ever decide to travel across state lines with 
> 6 strangers and think that’s a safe idea? Only on a bike tour. 
>
> The friends rode a variety of bikes, several had drop bars and 2 of them 
> were wearing kit. The rest of us were in normal clothes. Almost all of us 
> were about the same age, which was really nice as we were all in similar 
> stages of life. The group was SO kind and did not make me feel like an 
> interloper at all. Accomplished, interesting people, they were enjoyable to 
> chat with and I loved hearing about their lives. There were 2 married 
> couples in the group and they were very happy to be on their bikes 
> together. (Sweet!) This Tour de Shore was the leader’s 10th year doing it, 
> and he had prepared fun side quests for us. We took an extra and more 
> scenic departure from the city. Instead of eating PB&J at the SAG stop, we 
> hit a great brewery for a real lunch. He knew the little food co-op to get 
> the good ice cream bars from. These extras made the ride even more exciting.
>
> They all went camping, but I stayed in a hotel. I met them on the road for 
> Day 2 and was so pleased it worked. I had to add an extra 2 miles to my 
> route and frantically pedaled to get there in time because road 
> construction took the bridge out on my route and I was detoured. We made 
> good time today and rode pretty fast. We had 41 miles to do and we averaged 
> 20.3 mph on mile 35, 19.6 mph on mile 36 and 18.7 mph on mile 38. Not bad 
> for day two!
>
> The scenery was..well, I felt like we were in a movie. A lot of our route 
> was on bike paths and quiet roads. We wound our way around the coast of 
> Lake Michigan which, if never you’ve seen it, is teal (teal!!!) and like an 
> inland ocean. There were grand beach houses and kind townspeople. There 
> were wetlands and creeks and swamps and bridges. Serene bike paths under 
> tunnels of arching trees. We saw every kind of person riding every kind of 
> bike. I wish I had taken photos of the scenery but I dreaded causing a 
> wreck so left my phone in its mount. 
>
> The SAG stops were fun - the first one was a giant pancake breakfast and 
> you caught your pancakes on your plate as the cook sent them sailing 
> towards you in the air. The facilities were plush and we lacked nothing.
>
> The Amtrak ride home did not offer the princess treatment at New Buffalo. 
> The agent stood by while I tried to hoist the bike nearly vertically (have 
> you seen how steep the steps are?!) and fully loaded. A bystander lifted 
> the saddle and I was in. There were two other bikes in the hallway and I 
> had to put mine against them. But the Backabikes padded the frame and no 
> paint was chipped. The agent must have felt a little bad because he did 
> help me guide the bike off the train.
>
> A few hot tips from your novice tour-er RivSister.
> 1. Cotopaxi packing cubes. Highest praise! I got everything (full make-up! 
> 3 days of clothing!) into my Backabikes using those cubes. They just make 
> everything fit and they are so convenient. I wanted for nothing.
>
> 2. Kickstan

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Mike Packard]

Thank you for the report, that is so cool. Glad it went so well. 20 mph! I 
could not hang with ya'll.

I would love to know the approximate route. My folks live in central IL and 
would maybe sometime I could ride part of this with them. 

Regards
Mike in Austin

On Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 8:21:43 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
wrote:

> Hi you guys,
>
> I am home from my first real bike adventure. It was pretty darn perfect.
>
> I got on Amtrak just great at Kalamazoo. I rode to the station and got 
> there embarrassingly early. The agent helped me hoist the bike up the steep 
> steps (nearly impossible for just me as the back had three heavy bags and 
> the angle was practically vertical). He gave me premiere parking in the 
> hallway! And he helped lift the bike down those same steep stairs at the 
> ride’s end.
>
> Leif from this List reached out to me and invited me to ride with a group 
> of his friends (and his wife). They were Chicagoan, experienced cyclists 
> who had their own extras to put on the agenda and were welcoming to add-ons 
> like me. I had never met Leif, but he was as nice as you might imagine and 
> so was his wife. When do you ever decide to travel across state lines with 
> 6 strangers and think that’s a safe idea? Only on a bike tour. 
>
> The friends rode a variety of bikes, several had drop bars and 2 of them 
> were wearing kit. The rest of us were in normal clothes. Almost all of us 
> were about the same age, which was really nice as we were all in similar 
> stages of life. The group was SO kind and did not make me feel like an 
> interloper at all. Accomplished, interesting people, they were enjoyable to 
> chat with and I loved hearing about their lives. There were 2 married 
> couples in the group and they were very happy to be on their bikes 
> together. (Sweet!) This Tour de Shore was the leader’s 10th year doing it, 
> and he had prepared fun side quests for us. We took an extra and more 
> scenic departure from the city. Instead of eating PB&J at the SAG stop, we 
> hit a great brewery for a real lunch. He knew the little food co-op to get 
> the good ice cream bars from. These extras made the ride even more exciting.
>
> They all went camping, but I stayed in a hotel. I met them on the road for 
> Day 2 and was so pleased it worked. I had to add an extra 2 miles to my 
> route and frantically pedaled to get there in time because road 
> construction took the bridge out on my route and I was detoured. We made 
> good time today and rode pretty fast. We had 41 miles to do and we averaged 
> 20.3 mph on mile 35, 19.6 mph on mile 36 and 18.7 mph on mile 38. Not bad 
> for day two!
>
> The scenery was..well, I felt like we were in a movie. A lot of our route 
> was on bike paths and quiet roads. We wound our way around the coast of 
> Lake Michigan which, if never you’ve seen it, is teal (teal!!!) and like an 
> inland ocean. There were grand beach houses and kind townspeople. There 
> were wetlands and creeks and swamps and bridges. Serene bike paths under 
> tunnels of arching trees. We saw every kind of person riding every kind of 
> bike. I wish I had taken photos of the scenery but I dreaded causing a 
> wreck so left my phone in its mount. 
>
> The SAG stops were fun - the first one was a giant pancake breakfast and 
> you caught your pancakes on your plate as the cook sent them sailing 
> towards you in the air. The facilities were plush and we lacked nothing.
>
> The Amtrak ride home did not offer the princess treatment at New Buffalo. 
> The agent stood by while I tried to hoist the bike nearly vertically (have 
> you seen how steep the steps are?!) and fully loaded. A bystander lifted 
> the saddle and I was in. There were two other bikes in the hallway and I 
> had to put mine against them. But the Backabikes padded the frame and no 
> paint was chipped. The agent must have felt a little bad because he did 
> help me guide the bike off the train.
>
> A few hot tips from your novice tour-er RivSister.
> 1. Cotopaxi packing cubes. Highest praise! I got everything (full make-up! 
> 3 days of clothing!) into my Backabikes using those cubes. They just make 
> everything fit and they are so convenient. I wanted for nothing.
>
> 2. Kickstands. If and when I get a road bike I can tell you right now it 
> will have a kickstand. I don’t care about the weight or that it’s profane 
> to pollute a pure road bike with one - I have seen too much. People were 
> propping bikes up and I was watching them smash onto asphalt and concrete. 
> No thank you.
>
> 3. Bring food. They ran out of breakfast at our first SAG stop today. We 
> all had enough food to make it through until we could eat. But I’d hate to 
> be out there bonking.
>
> 4. Electrolyte tabs. It was hot enough that one of our group was cramping 
> up. I gave him some Nuun tabs but he must have been pretty behind on his 
> lytes because he was full-body cramping even after taking them.
>
> 5. Arm sleeves. Th

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Kim H.]

@Franco,

For the record, the Clem is almost 80 inches long. Pending on the tire 
height, it could be more. 

Kim Hetzel. 

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 6:26:13 PM UTC-7 franco rinaldi wrote:

> Wonder if a Clem would fit?
>
> Franco Rinaldi 
> c:  646.403.0661 <(646)%20403-0661> 
>
> -Pardon any typos, Siri typed this message-
>
> On Jun 11, 2024, at 9:05 PM, Collin A  wrote:
>
> Here it is! It gives just enough clearance to fully lift the rear wheel 
> and fender off the ground.
>
> 
>
>
> Collin, back in Berkeley
>
> On Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 4:26:40 PM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Oh yes, please send that photo! 🙏
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jun 11, 2024, at 7:22 PM, Collin A  wrote:
>>
>> I take my 51 Joe Appaloosa on the west coast Amtrak a couple times a 
>> week. I’m not sure about the wheelbase differences with a 55 Platy, but no 
>> one on Amtrak is there with a tape measure checking lengths before you hop 
>> on.
>>
>>
>> The bike is objectively “too long” to fit perfectly on the bike racks. The 
>> “hack” to actually get the bike mounted off the ground and not off kilter 
>> is to tie an Irish strap to the upper railing and use that to joist the 
>> bike up a couple inches. This also saves the fenders from getting pinched. 
>>
>> I’ll get a photo when I hop off the train today.
>> Collin “2 hour working commuter” in Dixon at this moment
>>
>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11:31:26 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is 
>>> too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you are 
>>> rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it 
>>> would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after 
>>> the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t 
>>> know what the setup is inside the train cars. 
>>>
>>> If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me 
>>> know. 
>>>
>>> Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but 
>>> that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c 
>>> wheels with the 42mm tires!
>>>
>>> Leah
>>>
>> -- 
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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[RichS]

That's rock star service Leah. I bet you made that agent's day! Have a nice 
trip.

Best,
Rich in ATL

On Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 1:07:47 PM UTC-4 Jason Fuller wrote:

> I have no doubt that your excitement is both evident and refreshing for 
> the employees you're interacting with and will pave the way for a great 
> weekend! It's been years since I took Amtrak with my bike but now I'm very 
> much feeling the itch. I would be taking the Cascades route down to 
> Portland again - such a fun trip and multi-modal travel by train and bike 
> is the BEST. Nothing else compares. 
>
> On Thu, Jun 13, 2024 at 8:39 AM Joe Bernard  wrote:
>
>> The adventure begins! I had a feeling you might get lucky with a roomy 
>> train and helpful helpers in that Michigander way they have about them. 
>> Have a lovely time, Leah! 🙂🙋‍♂️
>>
>> Joe Bernard 
>>
>> On Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 7:51:58 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Guys, they’re being so nice to me! They carried my bike up the steep 
>>> train steps, they told me to put it in a great place. No bags removed. 
>>> [image: image3.jpeg]
>>> [image: image0.jpeg][image: image1.jpeg]
>>> I told the agent I was so excited and thanks for helping me and he has 
>>> been over here 10 times to point out everything he knows about anything. 
>>> This is GREAT!
>>>
>>> Also, check this out. Seen as I wandered the train cars.
>>> [image: image4.jpeg]
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Jun 13, 2024, at 12:33 AM, Timothy Hurley  
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> On the Amtrak trains in the DC/NYC/Boston corridor you have to take the 
>>> front wheel off and hang the bike on a hook. I'm not sure if it's the same 
>>> everywhere, but fenders might be more of a problem than a long bike. I can 
>>> second that the conductors don't care about the dimensions of your bike 
>>> unless it's something crazy. 
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 8:02:00 PM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Yes, Ryan, same thoughts! I’m staying in a hotel. I’m not much of a 
 camper. I feel like the Canucks might think that’s rather weak of me. 🫣

 On Jun 10, 2024, at 6:41 PM, Ryan  wrote:

 yeah if  little Prince platy isn't dialed in yet I'd roll the dice and 
 take the raspberry one that you feel most efficient on. First day of 61 
 miles is not an insignificant distance (100 klicks to us Canucks) with 
 possible wind and heat issues...


 Are you camping or staying in a hotel/motel?

 Have fun

 On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 5:24:50 PM UTC-5 George Schick wrote:

> Thanks for revealing all of the details.  Helps explain the situation 
> better.  Under the circumstances I'd say take the longer Platy and try to 
> deal with the Amtrak conductors at New Buffalo.  Doesn't sound like it'll 
> be much of a problem.
> Oh, and congrats on having a son who's studying physics during the 
> Summer time.  More power to him.
>
> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 4:41:15 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Oh George, do you really want to know these details? Ok, then. 
>>
>> I’m married to a man who is so fun and so yummy and he was going to 
>> drive me to Chicago and we were gonna make a night of it. So I was 
>> taking 
>> my preferred bike. But then he remembered he’s actually flying out of 
>> state 
>> for one of his many engagements and won’t be free to retrieve me in New 
>> Buffalo at the ride’s end. Now I have to rely on our teenage son to get 
>> me, 
>> and he is not thrilled to miss out on a single second of his summer 
>> college 
>> physics study time. Yes, seriously.
>>
>> The little Platy is just not trustworthy yet. It’s got a fender strut 
>> that’s misbehaving and I’m waiting for a new one to arrive. It’s work to 
>> get that thing to really roll, and I like to keep a good clip on long 
>> rides. But the people in New Buffalo are likely a little more low key 
>> than 
>> in a big place like Chicago, and maybe they’d let this pretty, too-long 
>> Platy on board this one time for this one journey. 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jun 10, 2024, at 4:12 PM, George Schick  wrote:
>>
>> Between this post and your previous post requesting a ride partner I 
>> have to admit to being a bit confused.  If the concern is whether or not 
>> you can take that long Platy on Amtrak back to KZoo, how were you 
>> planning 
>> to get from Michigan to Chicago in the first place?  I'd assumed that 
>> you'd 
>> be taking the train on that leg, too, having been dropped off a New 
>> Buffalo.  And if I were you, I'd use your new shorter Platy for this 
>> ride, 
>> since you got it to fit on the train in the first place.  I wouldn't 
>> make a 
>> big deal over the size tires, etc., just use and ride that bike. I'm 
>> sure 
>

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Joe Bernard]

The adventure begins! I had a feeling you might get lucky with a roomy 
train and helpful helpers in that Michigander way they have about them. 
Have a lovely time, Leah! 🙂🙋‍♂️

Joe Bernard 

On Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 7:51:58 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
wrote:

> Guys, they’re being so nice to me! They carried my bike up the steep 
> train steps, they told me to put it in a great place. No bags removed. 
> [image: image3.jpeg]
> [image: image0.jpeg][image: image1.jpeg]
> I told the agent I was so excited and thanks for helping me and he has 
> been over here 10 times to point out everything he knows about anything. 
> This is GREAT!
>
> Also, check this out. Seen as I wandered the train cars.
> [image: image4.jpeg]
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jun 13, 2024, at 12:33 AM, Timothy Hurley  
> wrote:
>
> On the Amtrak trains in the DC/NYC/Boston corridor you have to take the 
> front wheel off and hang the bike on a hook. I'm not sure if it's the same 
> everywhere, but fenders might be more of a problem than a long bike. I can 
> second that the conductors don't care about the dimensions of your bike 
> unless it's something crazy. 
>
>
>
> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 8:02:00 PM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Yes, Ryan, same thoughts! I’m staying in a hotel. I’m not much of a 
>> camper. I feel like the Canucks might think that’s rather weak of me. 🫣
>>
>> On Jun 10, 2024, at 6:41 PM, Ryan  wrote:
>>
>> yeah if  little Prince platy isn't dialed in yet I'd roll the dice and 
>> take the raspberry one that you feel most efficient on. First day of 61 
>> miles is not an insignificant distance (100 klicks to us Canucks) with 
>> possible wind and heat issues...
>>
>>
>> Are you camping or staying in a hotel/motel?
>>
>> Have fun
>>
>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 5:24:50 PM UTC-5 George Schick wrote:
>>
>>> Thanks for revealing all of the details.  Helps explain the situation 
>>> better.  Under the circumstances I'd say take the longer Platy and try to 
>>> deal with the Amtrak conductors at New Buffalo.  Doesn't sound like it'll 
>>> be much of a problem.
>>> Oh, and congrats on having a son who's studying physics during the 
>>> Summer time.  More power to him.
>>>
>>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 4:41:15 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Oh George, do you really want to know these details? Ok, then. 

 I’m married to a man who is so fun and so yummy and he was going to 
 drive me to Chicago and we were gonna make a night of it. So I was taking 
 my preferred bike. But then he remembered he’s actually flying out of 
 state 
 for one of his many engagements and won’t be free to retrieve me in New 
 Buffalo at the ride’s end. Now I have to rely on our teenage son to get 
 me, 
 and he is not thrilled to miss out on a single second of his summer 
 college 
 physics study time. Yes, seriously.

 The little Platy is just not trustworthy yet. It’s got a fender strut 
 that’s misbehaving and I’m waiting for a new one to arrive. It’s work to 
 get that thing to really roll, and I like to keep a good clip on long 
 rides. But the people in New Buffalo are likely a little more low key than 
 in a big place like Chicago, and maybe they’d let this pretty, too-long 
 Platy on board this one time for this one journey. 
 Sent from my iPhone

 On Jun 10, 2024, at 4:12 PM, George Schick  wrote:

 Between this post and your previous post requesting a ride partner I 
 have to admit to being a bit confused.  If the concern is whether or not 
 you can take that long Platy on Amtrak back to KZoo, how were you planning 
 to get from Michigan to Chicago in the first place?  I'd assumed that 
 you'd 
 be taking the train on that leg, too, having been dropped off a New 
 Buffalo.  And if I were you, I'd use your new shorter Platy for this ride, 
 since you got it to fit on the train in the first place.  I wouldn't make 
 a 
 big deal over the size tires, etc., just use and ride that bike. I'm sure 
 you'll be just fine out there with it.



 On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 1:31:26 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
 wrote:

> Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is 
> too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you 
> are 
> rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it 
> would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after 
> the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I 
> don’t 
> know what the setup is inside the train cars. 
>
> If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let 
> me know. 
>
> Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, 
> but that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Jason Fuller]

I have no doubt that your excitement is both evident and refreshing for the
employees you're interacting with and will pave the way for a great
weekend! It's been years since I took Amtrak with my bike but now I'm very
much feeling the itch. I would be taking the Cascades route down to
Portland again - such a fun trip and multi-modal travel by train and bike
is the BEST. Nothing else compares.

On Thu, Jun 13, 2024 at 8:39 AM Joe Bernard  wrote:

> The adventure begins! I had a feeling you might get lucky with a roomy
> train and helpful helpers in that Michigander way they have about them.
> Have a lovely time, Leah! 🙂🙋‍♂️
>
> Joe Bernard
>
> On Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 7:51:58 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!
> wrote:
>
>> Guys, they’re being so nice to me! They carried my bike up the steep
>> train steps, they told me to put it in a great place. No bags removed.
>> [image: image3.jpeg]
>> [image: image0.jpeg][image: image1.jpeg]
>> I told the agent I was so excited and thanks for helping me and he has
>> been over here 10 times to point out everything he knows about anything.
>> This is GREAT!
>>
>> Also, check this out. Seen as I wandered the train cars.
>> [image: image4.jpeg]
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jun 13, 2024, at 12:33 AM, Timothy Hurley 
>> wrote:
>>
>> On the Amtrak trains in the DC/NYC/Boston corridor you have to take the
>> front wheel off and hang the bike on a hook. I'm not sure if it's the same
>> everywhere, but fenders might be more of a problem than a long bike. I can
>> second that the conductors don't care about the dimensions of your bike
>> unless it's something crazy.
>>
>>
>>
>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 8:02:00 PM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Yes, Ryan, same thoughts! I’m staying in a hotel. I’m not much of a
>>> camper. I feel like the Canucks might think that’s rather weak of me. 🫣
>>>
>>> On Jun 10, 2024, at 6:41 PM, Ryan  wrote:
>>>
>>> yeah if  little Prince platy isn't dialed in yet I'd roll the dice and
>>> take the raspberry one that you feel most efficient on. First day of 61
>>> miles is not an insignificant distance (100 klicks to us Canucks) with
>>> possible wind and heat issues...
>>>
>>>
>>> Are you camping or staying in a hotel/motel?
>>>
>>> Have fun
>>>
>>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 5:24:50 PM UTC-5 George Schick wrote:
>>>
 Thanks for revealing all of the details.  Helps explain the situation
 better.  Under the circumstances I'd say take the longer Platy and try to
 deal with the Amtrak conductors at New Buffalo.  Doesn't sound like it'll
 be much of a problem.
 Oh, and congrats on having a son who's studying physics during the
 Summer time.  More power to him.

 On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 4:41:15 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!
 wrote:

> Oh George, do you really want to know these details? Ok, then.
>
> I’m married to a man who is so fun and so yummy and he was going to
> drive me to Chicago and we were gonna make a night of it. So I was taking
> my preferred bike. But then he remembered he’s actually flying out of 
> state
> for one of his many engagements and won’t be free to retrieve me in New
> Buffalo at the ride’s end. Now I have to rely on our teenage son to get 
> me,
> and he is not thrilled to miss out on a single second of his summer 
> college
> physics study time. Yes, seriously.
>
> The little Platy is just not trustworthy yet. It’s got a fender strut
> that’s misbehaving and I’m waiting for a new one to arrive. It’s work to
> get that thing to really roll, and I like to keep a good clip on long
> rides. But the people in New Buffalo are likely a little more low key than
> in a big place like Chicago, and maybe they’d let this pretty, too-long
> Platy on board this one time for this one journey.
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jun 10, 2024, at 4:12 PM, George Schick  wrote:
>
> Between this post and your previous post requesting a ride partner I
> have to admit to being a bit confused.  If the concern is whether or not
> you can take that long Platy on Amtrak back to KZoo, how were you planning
> to get from Michigan to Chicago in the first place?  I'd assumed that 
> you'd
> be taking the train on that leg, too, having been dropped off a New
> Buffalo.  And if I were you, I'd use your new shorter Platy for this ride,
> since you got it to fit on the train in the first place.  I wouldn't make 
> a
> big deal over the size tires, etc., just use and ride that bike. I'm sure
> you'll be just fine out there with it.
>
>
>
> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 1:31:26 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!
> wrote:
>
>> Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is
>> too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you 
>> are
>> rolling the bike on board, are they reall

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Justin Kennedy]

Wow that's amazing. I had a bike on a luggage car once from NYC to 
Richmond, Va., and it was similar service. I should have mentioned that. 
All depends on what kind of train/cars you get. 

On Thursday, June 13, 2024 at 10:56:35 AM UTC-4 Lucky wrote:

> That’s amazing! What a nice train. Have the best trip!
>
> On Jun 13, 2024, at 07:51, Leah Peterson  wrote:
>
> 
>
> Guys, they’re being so nice to me! They carried my bike up the steep 
> train steps, they told me to put it in a great place. No bags removed. 
>
> 
>
> 
> 
>
> I told the agent I was so excited and thanks for helping me and he has 
> been over here 10 times to point out everything he knows about anything. 
> This is GREAT!
>
> Also, check this out. Seen as I wandered the train cars.
>
> 
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jun 13, 2024, at 12:33 AM, Timothy Hurley  
> wrote:
>
> On the Amtrak trains in the DC/NYC/Boston corridor you have to take the 
> front wheel off and hang the bike on a hook. I'm not sure if it's the same 
> everywhere, but fenders might be more of a problem than a long bike. I can 
> second that the conductors don't care about the dimensions of your bike 
> unless it's something crazy. 
>
> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 8:02:00 PM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Yes, Ryan, same thoughts! I’m staying in a hotel. I’m not much of a 
>> camper. I feel like the Canucks might think that’s rather weak of me. 🫣
>>
>> On Jun 10, 2024, at 6:41 PM, Ryan  wrote:
>>
>> yeah if  little Prince platy isn't dialed in yet I'd roll the dice and 
>> take the raspberry one that you feel most efficient on. First day of 61 
>> miles is not an insignificant distance (100 klicks to us Canucks) with 
>> possible wind and heat issues...
>>
>>
>> Are you camping or staying in a hotel/motel?
>>
>> Have fun
>>
>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 5:24:50 PM UTC-5 George Schick wrote:
>>
>>> Thanks for revealing all of the details.  Helps explain the situation 
>>> better.  Under the circumstances I'd say take the longer Platy and try to 
>>> deal with the Amtrak conductors at New Buffalo.  Doesn't sound like it'll 
>>> be much of a problem.
>>> Oh, and congrats on having a son who's studying physics during the 
>>> Summer time.  More power to him.
>>>
>>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 4:41:15 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Oh George, do you really want to know these details? Ok, then. 

 I’m married to a man who is so fun and so yummy and he was going to 
 drive me to Chicago and we were gonna make a night of it. So I was taking 
 my preferred bike. But then he remembered he’s actually flying out of 
 state 
 for one of his many engagements and won’t be free to retrieve me in New 
 Buffalo at the ride’s end. Now I have to rely on our teenage son to get 
 me, 
 and he is not thrilled to miss out on a single second of his summer 
 college 
 physics study time. Yes, seriously.

 The little Platy is just not trustworthy yet. It’s got a fender strut 
 that’s misbehaving and I’m waiting for a new one to arrive. It’s work to 
 get that thing to really roll, and I like to keep a good clip on long 
 rides. But the people in New Buffalo are likely a little more low key than 
 in a big place like Chicago, and maybe they’d let this pretty, too-long 
 Platy on board this one time for this one journey. 
 Sent from my iPhone

 On Jun 10, 2024, at 4:12 PM, George Schick  wrote:

 Between this post and your previous post requesting a ride partner I 
 have to admit to being a bit confused.  If the concern is whether or not 
 you can take that long Platy on Amtrak back to KZoo, how were you planning 
 to get from Michigan to Chicago in the first place?  I'd assumed that 
 you'd 
 be taking the train on that leg, too, having been dropped off a New 
 Buffalo.  And if I were you, I'd use your new shorter Platy for this ride, 
 since you got it to fit on the train in the first place.  I wouldn't make 
 a 
 big deal over the size tires, etc., just use and ride that bike. I'm sure 
 you'll be just fine out there with it.



 On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 1:31:26 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
 wrote:

> Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is 
> too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you 
> are 
> rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it 
> would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after 
> the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I 
> don’t 
> know what the setup is inside the train cars. 
>
> If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let 
> me know. 
>
> Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, 
> but that bike would not be my choice for a 106

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[luckyturnip]

That’s amazing! What a nice train. Have the best trip!On Jun 13, 2024, at 07:51, Leah Peterson  wrote:Guys, they’re being so nice to me! They carried my bike up the steep train steps, they told me to put it in a great place. No bags removed. I told the agent I was so excited and thanks for helping me and he has been over here 10 times to point out everything he knows about anything. This is GREAT!Also, check this out. Seen as I wandered the train cars.Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 13, 2024, at 12:33 AM, Timothy Hurley  wrote:On the Amtrak trains in the DC/NYC/Boston corridor you have to take the front wheel off and hang the bike on a hook. I'm not sure if it's the same everywhere, but fenders might be more of a problem than a long bike. I can second that the conductors don't care about the dimensions of your bike unless it's something crazy. On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 8:02:00 PM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Yes, Ryan, same thoughts! I’m staying in a hotel. I’m not much of a camper. I feel like the Canucks might think that’s rather weak of me. 🫣On Jun 10, 2024, at 6:41 PM, Ryan  wrote:yeah if  little Prince platy isn't dialed in yet I'd roll the dice and take the raspberry one that you feel most efficient on. First day of 61 miles is not an insignificant distance (100 klicks to us Canucks) with possible wind and heat issues...Are you camping or staying in a hotel/motel?Have funOn Monday, June 10, 2024 at 5:24:50 PM UTC-5 George Schick wrote:Thanks for revealing all of the details.  Helps explain the situation better.  Under the circumstances I'd say take the longer Platy and try to deal with the Amtrak conductors at New Buffalo.  Doesn't sound like it'll be much of a problem.Oh, and congrats on having a son who's studying physics during the Summer time.  More power to him.On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 4:41:15 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Oh George, do you really want to know these details? Ok, then. I’m married to a man who is so fun and so yummy and he was going to drive me to Chicago and we were gonna make a night of it. So I was taking my preferred bike. But then he remembered he’s actually flying out of state for one of his many engagements and won’t be free to retrieve me in New Buffalo at the ride’s end. Now I have to rely on our teenage son to get me, and he is not thrilled to miss out on a single second of his summer college physics study time. Yes, seriously.The little Platy is just not trustworthy yet. It’s got a fender strut that’s misbehaving and I’m waiting for a new one to arrive. It’s work to get that thing to really roll, and I like to keep a good clip on long rides. But the people in New Buffalo are likely a little more low key than in a big place like Chicago, and maybe they’d let this pretty, too-long Platy on board this one time for this one journey. Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 10, 2024, at 4:12 PM, George Schick  wrote:Between this post and your previous post requesting a ride partner I have to admit to being a bit confused.  If the concern is whether or not you can take that long Platy on Amtrak back to KZoo, how were you planning to get from Michigan to Chicago in the first place?  I'd assumed that you'd be taking the train on that leg, too, having been dropped off a New Buffalo.  And if I were you, I'd use your new shorter Platy for this ride, since you got it to fit on the train in the first place.  I wouldn't make a big deal over the size tires, etc., just use and ride that bike. I'm sure you'll be just fine out there with it.On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 1:31:26 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you are rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t know what the setup is inside the train cars. If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me know. Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c wheels with the 42mm tires!Leah



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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Timothy Hurley]

On the Amtrak trains in the DC/NYC/Boston corridor you have to take the 
front wheel off and hang the bike on a hook. I'm not sure if it's the same 
everywhere, but fenders might be more of a problem than a long bike. I can 
second that the conductors don't care about the dimensions of your bike 
unless it's something crazy. 

On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 8:02:00 PM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

> Yes, Ryan, same thoughts! I’m staying in a hotel. I’m not much of a 
> camper. I feel like the Canucks might think that’s rather weak of me. 🫣
>
> On Jun 10, 2024, at 6:41 PM, Ryan  wrote:
>
> yeah if  little Prince platy isn't dialed in yet I'd roll the dice and 
> take the raspberry one that you feel most efficient on. First day of 61 
> miles is not an insignificant distance (100 klicks to us Canucks) with 
> possible wind and heat issues...
>
>
> Are you camping or staying in a hotel/motel?
>
> Have fun
>
> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 5:24:50 PM UTC-5 George Schick wrote:
>
>> Thanks for revealing all of the details.  Helps explain the situation 
>> better.  Under the circumstances I'd say take the longer Platy and try to 
>> deal with the Amtrak conductors at New Buffalo.  Doesn't sound like it'll 
>> be much of a problem.
>> Oh, and congrats on having a son who's studying physics during the Summer 
>> time.  More power to him.
>>
>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 4:41:15 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Oh George, do you really want to know these details? Ok, then. 
>>>
>>> I’m married to a man who is so fun and so yummy and he was going to 
>>> drive me to Chicago and we were gonna make a night of it. So I was taking 
>>> my preferred bike. But then he remembered he’s actually flying out of state 
>>> for one of his many engagements and won’t be free to retrieve me in New 
>>> Buffalo at the ride’s end. Now I have to rely on our teenage son to get me, 
>>> and he is not thrilled to miss out on a single second of his summer college 
>>> physics study time. Yes, seriously.
>>>
>>> The little Platy is just not trustworthy yet. It’s got a fender strut 
>>> that’s misbehaving and I’m waiting for a new one to arrive. It’s work to 
>>> get that thing to really roll, and I like to keep a good clip on long 
>>> rides. But the people in New Buffalo are likely a little more low key than 
>>> in a big place like Chicago, and maybe they’d let this pretty, too-long 
>>> Platy on board this one time for this one journey. 
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Jun 10, 2024, at 4:12 PM, George Schick  wrote:
>>>
>>> Between this post and your previous post requesting a ride partner I 
>>> have to admit to being a bit confused.  If the concern is whether or not 
>>> you can take that long Platy on Amtrak back to KZoo, how were you planning 
>>> to get from Michigan to Chicago in the first place?  I'd assumed that you'd 
>>> be taking the train on that leg, too, having been dropped off a New 
>>> Buffalo.  And if I were you, I'd use your new shorter Platy for this ride, 
>>> since you got it to fit on the train in the first place.  I wouldn't make a 
>>> big deal over the size tires, etc., just use and ride that bike. I'm sure 
>>> you'll be just fine out there with it.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 1:31:26 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is 
 too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you 
 are 
 rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it 
 would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after 
 the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t 
 know what the setup is inside the train cars. 

 If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me 
 know. 

 Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but 
 that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c 
 wheels with the 42mm tires!

 Leah

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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Leah Peterson]

Hi Friends, I looked at your excellent photos and posts in between patients at work today. I’m really, really hoping not to have to take off the front wheel or hang the bike. I’m aiming to just part it somewhere and tie up with John’s straps if need be. BUT, I thought it best to practice tonight. The thing is that every time I try to do anything mechanical, some little hiccup will get me stuck and then I go running to the shop. What I wouldn’t give for a mentor nearby! First up: refreshing sealant. It’s going to be in the 80s, and I’m nearly due for more sealant. The front tire went fine. I have got it down to where I don’t spill a drop of sealant. I even manage to keep the sealant out of the valve stem. The front tire went fine. Then came the rear tire. For the first time, I heard a small “pop.” What was that? I poured in my sealant and went to reinflate. Nothing but hissing and bubbling out the sides of the tire. I bet this is what they call the bead unseating, I thought. I started to panic, but I figured if it could so easily be shifted out of whack, it should be easy to shift back. Pump air, spin tire. Repeat. I heard another “pop” and the tire began to reinflate! I spun that tire a bunch of times, hoping the sealant would SEAL and it did! Next, I had to undo the front brake. They are new Paul brakes, and when I looked at the noodle, I couldn’t dislodge it the way my old V brakes worked. Then suddenly, I found that joint in the Paul - it’s really clever, isn’t it? I had never even noticed it. Got that released, and unplugged the dyno. Then I went to pull the front wheel. That was also easy. Then I put the wheel back on and got the dyno port and the silver wing of the skewer all lined up how I like. Ok, great. Pulled the bike from the stand and SQU. Brakes making horrid sounds. I remembered someone telling me I could pull on the brake noodles and it wouldn’t move them, so the only other thing I could think of was maybe I didn’t seat the wheel in the dropouts? With the bike on the ground I loosened the wheel and bounced the tire. Re-did everything and no more noise! Tire is holding air and dyno is working. Stoked. STOKED over here.Putting dinner on and then packing the Backabikes. Will see about getting the bike up on the rear wheel later!This is such an adventure!LOn Jun 12, 2024, at 12:46 PM, aeroperf  wrote:German stations typically have less than a quarter that many bikes.But most European local trains let you “roll on, roll off”.  Here’s a shot crossing northern Spain, with straps.



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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Ted Durant]

On Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 10:22:18 AM UTC-5 Justin Kennedy wrote:

I recently took my 60cm Platy from NYC to Philly via Amtrak and it fit with 
plenty of clearance both length-wise and tire wise.


And maximal credit for extensive use of Irish straps!

Ted Durant
Milwaukee WI USA 

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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Bob Ehrenbeck]

Leah,

With the front wheel removed and the bike hanging from the rear wheel, 
there'll be plenty of room.  (Also, bags need to be removed from the bike, 
though.) Here's a photo of my Rawland rSogn heading to D2R2 in Vermont. The 
bike has an end-to-end length of 67" with both wheels on. On the return 
trip, I was told that I didn't need to take the front wheel off, and that 
also fit. So, your 55 Platy with a 74" length will fit just fine hanging by 
the rear wheel with the front wheel off. No crew member will measure your 
bike.

Bob E
Cranford, NJ

[image: unnamed.jpg]
On Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at 10:47:12 AM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
wrote:

> Ok. I’m going home after work to practice and then lay in bed all night 
> agonizing over it.
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jun 12, 2024, at 9:26 AM, Brian Forsee  wrote:
>
> You can also use your knee under the saddle and push raise the bike up 
> with one leg while having both hands on the bars. One hand on saddle one on 
> bars works well also.
>
>
> Brian
>
> On Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 8:47:05 PM UTC-5 Lucky wrote:
>
>> Whoa whoa whoa! The saddle is not IN my pants ma’am!
>> My waistband functions like a handle kinda. Best if wearing jeans.
>> Otherwise just use my abdomen to help push the bike up. 
>> I knew this would read poorly LOL! 
>>
>> On Jun 11, 2024, at 18:40, Leah Peterson  wrote:
>>
>> I was with you until the saddle was in my pants! What?!?
>>
>>
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jun 11, 2024, at 9:24 PM, lucky...@gmail.com wrote:
>>
>> 
>> This is how I do it, Leah. Grab the brake levers, stand kind of behind 
>> it, pull the front wheel up and then release the rear brake lever just 
>> enough that the back end can roll forward until the bike is getting 
>> vertical. Stop that action when you’re about to catch the fender on the 
>> ground. Squat down and catch the waistband of your pants under the seat and 
>> stand up using your abdomen/pant waistband to lift the whole bike up. 
>>
>> On Jun 11, 2024, at 18:20, Leah Peterson  wrote:
>>
>> Ok, ok, I gotcha…and pinching the fenders would make me ill. This is 
>> such a good idea. So one Irish strap or a Voile strap should do the trick? 
>> But how, pray tell, does one even get their bike to stand vertical?! I lift 
>> it overhead every day to hang it on the top of my D’vinci rack, but I’ve 
>> never done vertical. Will the train guy help?
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jun 11, 2024, at 9:06 PM, Collin A  wrote:
>>
>> Here it is! It gives just enough clearance to fully lift the rear wheel 
>> and fender off the ground.
>> 
>>
>>
>> Collin, back in Berkeley
>>
>> On Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 4:26:40 PM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Oh yes, please send that photo! 🙏
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Jun 11, 2024, at 7:22 PM, Collin A  wrote:
>>>
>>> I take my 51 Joe Appaloosa on the west coast Amtrak a couple times a 
>>> week. I’m not sure about the wheelbase differences with a 55 Platy, but no 
>>> one on Amtrak is there with a tape measure checking lengths before you hop 
>>> on.
>>>
>>>
>>> The bike is objectively “too long” to fit perfectly on the bike racks. The 
>>> “hack” to actually get the bike mounted off the ground and not off kilter 
>>> is to tie an Irish strap to the upper railing and use that to joist the 
>>> bike up a couple inches. This also saves the fenders from getting pinched. 
>>>
>>> I’ll get a photo when I hop off the train today.
>>> Collin “2 hour working commuter” in Dixon at this moment
>>>
>>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11:31:26 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is 
 too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you 
 are 
 rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it 
 would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after 
 the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t 
 know what the setup is inside the train cars. 

 If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me 
 know. 

 Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but 
 that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c 
 wheels with the 42mm tires!

 Leah

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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Leah Peterson]

Ok. I’m going home after work to practice and then lay in bed all night agonizing over it.Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 12, 2024, at 9:26 AM, Brian Forsee  wrote:You can also use your knee under the saddle and push raise the bike up with one leg while having both hands on the bars. One hand on saddle one on bars works well also.BrianOn Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 8:47:05 PM UTC-5 Lucky wrote:Whoa whoa whoa! The saddle is not IN my pants ma’am!My waistband functions like a handle kinda. Best if wearing jeans.Otherwise just use my abdomen to help push the bike up. I knew this would read poorly LOL! On Jun 11, 2024, at 18:40, Leah Peterson  wrote:I was with you until the saddle was in my pants! What?!?Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 11, 2024, at 9:24 PM, lucky...@gmail.com wrote:This is how I do it, Leah. Grab the brake levers, stand kind of behind it, pull the front wheel up and then release the rear brake lever just enough that the back end can roll forward until the bike is getting vertical. Stop that action when you’re about to catch the fender on the ground. Squat down and catch the waistband of your pants under the seat and stand up using your abdomen/pant waistband to lift the whole bike up. On Jun 11, 2024, at 18:20, Leah Peterson  wrote:Ok, ok, I gotcha…and pinching the fenders would make me ill. This is such a good idea. So one Irish strap or a Voile strap should do the trick? But how, pray tell, does one even get their bike to stand vertical?! I lift it overhead every day to hang it on the top of my D’vinci rack, but I’ve never done vertical. Will the train guy help?Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 11, 2024, at 9:06 PM, Collin A  wrote:Here it is! It gives just enough clearance to fully lift the rear wheel and fender off the ground.Collin, back in BerkeleyOn Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 4:26:40 PM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Oh yes, please send that photo! 🙏Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 11, 2024, at 7:22 PM, Collin A  wrote:I take my 51 Joe Appaloosa on the west coast Amtrak a couple times a week. I’m not sure about the wheelbase differences with a 55 Platy, but no one on Amtrak is there with a tape measure checking lengths before you hop on.The bike is objectively “too long” to fit perfectly on the bike racks. The “hack” to actually get the bike mounted off the ground and not off kilter is to tie an Irish strap to the upper railing and use that to joist the bike up a couple inches. This also saves the fenders from getting pinched. I’ll get a photo when I hop off the train today.Collin “2 hour working commuter” in Dixon at this momentOn Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11:31:26 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you are rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t know what the setup is inside the train cars. If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me know. Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c wheels with the 42mm tires!Leah



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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Brian Forsee]

You can also use your knee under the saddle and push raise the bike up with 
one leg while having both hands on the bars. One hand on saddle one on bars 
works well also.

Brian

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 8:47:05 PM UTC-5 Lucky wrote:

> Whoa whoa whoa! The saddle is not IN my pants ma’am!
> My waistband functions like a handle kinda. Best if wearing jeans.
> Otherwise just use my abdomen to help push the bike up. 
> I knew this would read poorly LOL! 
>
> On Jun 11, 2024, at 18:40, Leah Peterson  wrote:
>
> I was with you until the saddle was in my pants! What?!?
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jun 11, 2024, at 9:24 PM, lucky...@gmail.com wrote:
>
> 
> This is how I do it, Leah. Grab the brake levers, stand kind of behind it, 
> pull the front wheel up and then release the rear brake lever just enough 
> that the back end can roll forward until the bike is getting vertical. Stop 
> that action when you’re about to catch the fender on the ground. Squat down 
> and catch the waistband of your pants under the seat and stand up using 
> your abdomen/pant waistband to lift the whole bike up. 
>
> On Jun 11, 2024, at 18:20, Leah Peterson  wrote:
>
> Ok, ok, I gotcha…and pinching the fenders would make me ill. This is such 
> a good idea. So one Irish strap or a Voile strap should do the trick? But 
> how, pray tell, does one even get their bike to stand vertical?! I lift it 
> overhead every day to hang it on the top of my D’vinci rack, but I’ve never 
> done vertical. Will the train guy help?
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jun 11, 2024, at 9:06 PM, Collin A  wrote:
>
> Here it is! It gives just enough clearance to fully lift the rear wheel 
> and fender off the ground.
> 
>
>
> Collin, back in Berkeley
>
> On Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 4:26:40 PM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Oh yes, please send that photo! 🙏
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jun 11, 2024, at 7:22 PM, Collin A  wrote:
>>
>> I take my 51 Joe Appaloosa on the west coast Amtrak a couple times a 
>> week. I’m not sure about the wheelbase differences with a 55 Platy, but no 
>> one on Amtrak is there with a tape measure checking lengths before you hop 
>> on.
>>
>>
>> The bike is objectively “too long” to fit perfectly on the bike racks. The 
>> “hack” to actually get the bike mounted off the ground and not off kilter 
>> is to tie an Irish strap to the upper railing and use that to joist the 
>> bike up a couple inches. This also saves the fenders from getting pinched. 
>>
>> I’ll get a photo when I hop off the train today.
>> Collin “2 hour working commuter” in Dixon at this moment
>>
>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11:31:26 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is 
>>> too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you are 
>>> rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it 
>>> would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after 
>>> the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t 
>>> know what the setup is inside the train cars. 
>>>
>>> If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me 
>>> know. 
>>>
>>> Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but 
>>> that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c 
>>> wheels with the 42mm tires!
>>>
>>> Leah
>>>
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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[luckyturnip]

Whoa whoa whoa! The saddle is not IN my pants ma’am!My waistband functions like a handle kinda. Best if wearing jeans.Otherwise just use my abdomen to help push the bike up. I knew this would read poorly LOL! On Jun 11, 2024, at 18:40, Leah Peterson  wrote:I was with you until the saddle was in my pants! What?!?Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 11, 2024, at 9:24 PM, luckytur...@gmail.com wrote:This is how I do it, Leah. Grab the brake levers, stand kind of behind it, pull the front wheel up and then release the rear brake lever just enough that the back end can roll forward until the bike is getting vertical. Stop that action when you’re about to catch the fender on the ground. Squat down and catch the waistband of your pants under the seat and stand up using your abdomen/pant waistband to lift the whole bike up. On Jun 11, 2024, at 18:20, Leah Peterson  wrote:Ok, ok, I gotcha…and pinching the fenders would make me ill. This is such a good idea. So one Irish strap or a Voile strap should do the trick? But how, pray tell, does one even get their bike to stand vertical?! I lift it overhead every day to hang it on the top of my D’vinci rack, but I’ve never done vertical. Will the train guy help?Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 11, 2024, at 9:06 PM, Collin A  wrote:Here it is! It gives just enough clearance to fully lift the rear wheel and fender off the ground.Collin, back in BerkeleyOn Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 4:26:40 PM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Oh yes, please send that photo! 🙏Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 11, 2024, at 7:22 PM, Collin A  wrote:I take my 51 Joe Appaloosa on the west coast Amtrak a couple times a week. I’m not sure about the wheelbase differences with a 55 Platy, but no one on Amtrak is there with a tape measure checking lengths before you hop on.The bike is objectively “too long” to fit perfectly on the bike racks. The “hack” to actually get the bike mounted off the ground and not off kilter is to tie an Irish strap to the upper railing and use that to joist the bike up a couple inches. This also saves the fenders from getting pinched. I’ll get a photo when I hop off the train today.Collin “2 hour working commuter” in Dixon at this momentOn Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11:31:26 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you are rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t know what the setup is inside the train cars. If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me know. Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c wheels with the 42mm tires!Leah



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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Leah Peterson]

I was with you until the saddle was in my pants! What?!?Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 11, 2024, at 9:24 PM, luckytur...@gmail.com wrote:This is how I do it, Leah. Grab the brake levers, stand kind of behind it, pull the front wheel up and then release the rear brake lever just enough that the back end can roll forward until the bike is getting vertical. Stop that action when you’re about to catch the fender on the ground. Squat down and catch the waistband of your pants under the seat and stand up using your abdomen/pant waistband to lift the whole bike up. On Jun 11, 2024, at 18:20, Leah Peterson  wrote:Ok, ok, I gotcha…and pinching the fenders would make me ill. This is such a good idea. So one Irish strap or a Voile strap should do the trick? But how, pray tell, does one even get their bike to stand vertical?! I lift it overhead every day to hang it on the top of my D’vinci rack, but I’ve never done vertical. Will the train guy help?Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 11, 2024, at 9:06 PM, Collin A  wrote:Here it is! It gives just enough clearance to fully lift the rear wheel and fender off the ground.Collin, back in BerkeleyOn Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 4:26:40 PM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Oh yes, please send that photo! 🙏Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 11, 2024, at 7:22 PM, Collin A  wrote:I take my 51 Joe Appaloosa on the west coast Amtrak a couple times a week. I’m not sure about the wheelbase differences with a 55 Platy, but no one on Amtrak is there with a tape measure checking lengths before you hop on.The bike is objectively “too long” to fit perfectly on the bike racks. The “hack” to actually get the bike mounted off the ground and not off kilter is to tie an Irish strap to the upper railing and use that to joist the bike up a couple inches. This also saves the fenders from getting pinched. I’ll get a photo when I hop off the train today.Collin “2 hour working commuter” in Dixon at this momentOn Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11:31:26 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you are rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t know what the setup is inside the train cars. If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me know. Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c wheels with the 42mm tires!Leah



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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Ted Durant]

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 8:05:43 PM UTC-5 Collin A wrote:

Here it is! It gives just enough clearance to fully lift the rear wheel and 
fender off the ground.


I hang my bikes vertically in my basement. My fendered bikes hang from 
their back wheels so the rear fender doesn't get crunched. They are 
definitely harder to hang that way. However, if you use a toe strap or 
Irish strap or similar to tie the back of the front wheel to the downtube, 
 you might find it's easier. I stand at the left side of the bike, left 
hand on left fork, right hand at the bottom of the seat tube, squat down 
and lift with your legs, keeping your right arm in tight to keep the bike 
in close to your body. YMMV

Ted Durant
Milwaukee WI USA

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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Franco Rinaldi]

Wonder if a Clem would fit?Franco Rinaldi c:  646.403.0661 -Pardon any typos, Siri typed this message-On Jun 11, 2024, at 9:05 PM, Collin A  wrote:Here it is! It gives just enough clearance to fully lift the rear wheel and fender off the ground.Collin, back in BerkeleyOn Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 4:26:40 PM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Oh yes, please send that photo! 🙏Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 11, 2024, at 7:22 PM, Collin A  wrote:I take my 51 Joe Appaloosa on the west coast Amtrak a couple times a week. I’m not sure about the wheelbase differences with a 55 Platy, but no one on Amtrak is there with a tape measure checking lengths before you hop on.The bike is objectively “too long” to fit perfectly on the bike racks. The “hack” to actually get the bike mounted off the ground and not off kilter is to tie an Irish strap to the upper railing and use that to joist the bike up a couple inches. This also saves the fenders from getting pinched. I’ll get a photo when I hop off the train today.Collin “2 hour working commuter” in Dixon at this momentOn Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11:31:26 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you are rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t know what the setup is inside the train cars. If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me know. Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c wheels with the 42mm tires!Leah



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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[luckyturnip]

This is how I do it, Leah. Grab the brake levers, stand kind of behind it, pull the front wheel up and then release the rear brake lever just enough that the back end can roll forward until the bike is getting vertical. Stop that action when you’re about to catch the fender on the ground. Squat down and catch the waistband of your pants under the seat and stand up using your abdomen/pant waistband to lift the whole bike up. On Jun 11, 2024, at 18:20, Leah Peterson  wrote:Ok, ok, I gotcha…and pinching the fenders would make me ill. This is such a good idea. So one Irish strap or a Voile strap should do the trick? But how, pray tell, does one even get their bike to stand vertical?! I lift it overhead every day to hang it on the top of my D’vinci rack, but I’ve never done vertical. Will the train guy help?Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 11, 2024, at 9:06 PM, Collin A  wrote:Here it is! It gives just enough clearance to fully lift the rear wheel and fender off the ground.Collin, back in BerkeleyOn Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 4:26:40 PM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Oh yes, please send that photo! 🙏Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 11, 2024, at 7:22 PM, Collin A  wrote:I take my 51 Joe Appaloosa on the west coast Amtrak a couple times a week. I’m not sure about the wheelbase differences with a 55 Platy, but no one on Amtrak is there with a tape measure checking lengths before you hop on.The bike is objectively “too long” to fit perfectly on the bike racks. The “hack” to actually get the bike mounted off the ground and not off kilter is to tie an Irish strap to the upper railing and use that to joist the bike up a couple inches. This also saves the fenders from getting pinched. I’ll get a photo when I hop off the train today.Collin “2 hour working commuter” in Dixon at this momentOn Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11:31:26 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you are rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t know what the setup is inside the train cars. If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me know. Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c wheels with the 42mm tires!Leah



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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Leah Peterson]

Ok, ok, I gotcha…and pinching the fenders would make me ill. This is such a good idea. So one Irish strap or a Voile strap should do the trick? But how, pray tell, does one even get their bike to stand vertical?! I lift it overhead every day to hang it on the top of my D’vinci rack, but I’ve never done vertical. Will the train guy help?Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 11, 2024, at 9:06 PM, Collin A  wrote:Here it is! It gives just enough clearance to fully lift the rear wheel and fender off the ground.Collin, back in BerkeleyOn Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 4:26:40 PM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Oh yes, please send that photo! 🙏Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 11, 2024, at 7:22 PM, Collin A  wrote:I take my 51 Joe Appaloosa on the west coast Amtrak a couple times a week. I’m not sure about the wheelbase differences with a 55 Platy, but no one on Amtrak is there with a tape measure checking lengths before you hop on.The bike is objectively “too long” to fit perfectly on the bike racks. The “hack” to actually get the bike mounted off the ground and not off kilter is to tie an Irish strap to the upper railing and use that to joist the bike up a couple inches. This also saves the fenders from getting pinched. I’ll get a photo when I hop off the train today.Collin “2 hour working commuter” in Dixon at this momentOn Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11:31:26 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you are rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t know what the setup is inside the train cars. If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me know. Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c wheels with the 42mm tires!Leah



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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Leah Peterson]

Oh yes, please send that photo! 🙏Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 11, 2024, at 7:22 PM, Collin A  wrote:I take my 51 Joe Appaloosa on the west coast Amtrak a couple times a week. I’m not sure about the wheelbase differences with a 55 Platy, but no one on Amtrak is there with a tape measure checking lengths before you hop on.The bike is objectively “too long” to fit perfectly on the bike racks. The “hack” to actually get the bike mounted off the ground and not off kilter is to tie an Irish strap to the upper railing and use that to joist the bike up a couple inches. This also saves the fenders from getting pinched. I’ll get a photo when I hop off the train today.Collin “2 hour working commuter” in Dixon at this momentOn Monday, June 10, 2024 at 11:31:26 AM UTC-7 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you are rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t know what the setup is inside the train cars. If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me know. Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c wheels with the 42mm tires!Leah



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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Garth]

You could always take your bike(s) down to the local Amrak station and ask 
if you can go onoard a train while it's stopped to see if the  given bike 
will fit. Even if you have to buy a ticket to enter, check the fit, and 
leave before it departs, it's not like it's expensive !  I have no idea how 
long it's stopped for, so do check beforehand ! 
On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 10:41:26 PM UTC-4 DTL wrote:

> Oh it's a hook system, yeah I have run into that on a ferry, and did use a 
> strap because the rear wheel did't come off the ground when the front had 
> been hooked (and this bikes 'dimensions' was 29 x 2.3wheels, 450mm CS, 
> 435mm Reach)
>
> On Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 12:24:00 PM UTC+10 brok...@gmail.com wrote:
>
> Another thing you may want to consider is bringing an extra Voile strap as 
> additional security for hanging your bike on the hook. One time, while 
> returning on Amtrak after finishing the GAP, I discovered that my bike had 
> bounced off the hook at some point. Luckily there was no damage or 
> anything, but I would personally strap my wheel to the hook to avoid that 
> possibility next time.
>
> Brian
> Lexington KY 
>
> On Jun 10, 2024, at 10:03 PM, DTL  wrote:
>
> Even by non-rivendell standards 74 inches end to end isn't that big - a 
> modern gravel bike barely fits (thinking 700c 40mm tires, 440mm chainstays) 
> so add larger tires, or longer reach of a mountain bike and you're plum out 
> of luck.  
>
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>  
> 
> .
>
>

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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[DTL]

Oh it's a hook system, yeah I have run into that on a ferry, and did use a 
strap because the rear wheel did't come off the ground when the front had 
been hooked (and this bikes 'dimensions' was 29 x 2.3wheels, 450mm CS, 
435mm Reach)

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024 at 12:24:00 PM UTC+10 brok...@gmail.com wrote:

Another thing you may want to consider is bringing an extra Voile strap as 
additional security for hanging your bike on the hook. One time, while 
returning on Amtrak after finishing the GAP, I discovered that my bike had 
bounced off the hook at some point. Luckily there was no damage or 
anything, but I would personally strap my wheel to the hook to avoid that 
possibility next time.

Brian
Lexington KY 

On Jun 10, 2024, at 10:03 PM, DTL  wrote:

Even by non-rivendell standards 74 inches end to end isn't that big - a 
modern gravel bike barely fits (thinking 700c 40mm tires, 440mm chainstays) 
so add larger tires, or longer reach of a mountain bike and you're plum out 
of luck.  

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.

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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Brian Turner]

Another thing you may want to consider is bringing an extra Voile strap as additional security for hanging your bike on the hook. One time, while returning on Amtrak after finishing the GAP, I discovered that my bike had bounced off the hook at some point. Luckily there was no damage or anything, but I would personally strap my wheel to the hook to avoid that possibility next time.BrianLexington KY On Jun 10, 2024, at 10:03 PM, DTL  wrote:Even by non-rivendell standards 74 inches end to end isn't that big - a modern gravel bike barely fits (thinking 700c 40mm tires, 440mm chainstays) so add larger tires, or longer reach of a mountain bike and you're plum out of luck. 



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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[DTL]

Even by non-rivendell standards 74 inches end to end isn't that big - a 
modern gravel bike barely fits (thinking 700c 40mm tires, 440mm chainstays) 
so add larger tires, or longer reach of a mountain bike and you're plum out 
of luck. 

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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Melanie]

Leah,

I recently took my Roadeo on Amtrak from New York to Philadelphia. The 
conductors didn’t come after me with a measuring tape. The real issue is 
whether or not the Platy will fit in the vertical “bike closet” at the end 
of the car. You must remove the front wheel and hang the bike on a hook by 
the rear wheel. If it doesn’t fit that way you could ignore the hook and 
just put it in the space loose and it should fit. I found it rather a 
struggle. It’s just not a good system. Either way, you do risk cosmetic 
damage. 

Melanie 

On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 8:02:00 PM UTC-4 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

> Yes, Ryan, same thoughts! I’m staying in a hotel. I’m not much of a 
> camper. I feel like the Canucks might think that’s rather weak of me. 🫣
>
> On Jun 10, 2024, at 6:41 PM, Ryan  wrote:
>
> yeah if  little Prince platy isn't dialed in yet I'd roll the dice and 
> take the raspberry one that you feel most efficient on. First day of 61 
> miles is not an insignificant distance (100 klicks to us Canucks) with 
> possible wind and heat issues...
>
>
> Are you camping or staying in a hotel/motel?
>
> Have fun
>
> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 5:24:50 PM UTC-5 George Schick wrote:
>
>> Thanks for revealing all of the details.  Helps explain the situation 
>> better.  Under the circumstances I'd say take the longer Platy and try to 
>> deal with the Amtrak conductors at New Buffalo.  Doesn't sound like it'll 
>> be much of a problem.
>> Oh, and congrats on having a son who's studying physics during the Summer 
>> time.  More power to him.
>>
>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 4:41:15 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Oh George, do you really want to know these details? Ok, then. 
>>>
>>> I’m married to a man who is so fun and so yummy and he was going to 
>>> drive me to Chicago and we were gonna make a night of it. So I was taking 
>>> my preferred bike. But then he remembered he’s actually flying out of state 
>>> for one of his many engagements and won’t be free to retrieve me in New 
>>> Buffalo at the ride’s end. Now I have to rely on our teenage son to get me, 
>>> and he is not thrilled to miss out on a single second of his summer college 
>>> physics study time. Yes, seriously.
>>>
>>> The little Platy is just not trustworthy yet. It’s got a fender strut 
>>> that’s misbehaving and I’m waiting for a new one to arrive. It’s work to 
>>> get that thing to really roll, and I like to keep a good clip on long 
>>> rides. But the people in New Buffalo are likely a little more low key than 
>>> in a big place like Chicago, and maybe they’d let this pretty, too-long 
>>> Platy on board this one time for this one journey. 
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Jun 10, 2024, at 4:12 PM, George Schick  wrote:
>>>
>>> Between this post and your previous post requesting a ride partner I 
>>> have to admit to being a bit confused.  If the concern is whether or not 
>>> you can take that long Platy on Amtrak back to KZoo, how were you planning 
>>> to get from Michigan to Chicago in the first place?  I'd assumed that you'd 
>>> be taking the train on that leg, too, having been dropped off a New 
>>> Buffalo.  And if I were you, I'd use your new shorter Platy for this ride, 
>>> since you got it to fit on the train in the first place.  I wouldn't make a 
>>> big deal over the size tires, etc., just use and ride that bike. I'm sure 
>>> you'll be just fine out there with it.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 1:31:26 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is 
 too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you 
 are 
 rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it 
 would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after 
 the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t 
 know what the setup is inside the train cars. 

 If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me 
 know. 

 Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but 
 that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c 
 wheels with the 42mm tires!

 Leah

>>> -- 
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the 
>>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit 
>>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/HbITA9JmOC0/unsubscribe
>>> .
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>>>  
>>> 
>

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Ryan]

I did a fair bit of camping and self-supported touring in Manitoba with a 
small club in my mid-to-late 30sglad I had the experience because I 
never camped as a kid...including camping in some truly terrifying 
thunderstorms...maybe God protects children and fools...:( 

Later when I did 2-day rides for MS150 in my 60s I stayed in the motel then 
the very nice lakeside hotel in Gimli (Icelandic community) with absolutely 
no shame

I'm looking forward to hearing about your weekend...I'm sure you'll make a 
lot of new friends

On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 7:02:00 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

> Yes, Ryan, same thoughts! I’m staying in a hotel. I’m not much of a 
> camper. I feel like the Canucks might think that’s rather weak of me. 🫣
>
> On Jun 10, 2024, at 6:41 PM, Ryan  wrote:
>
> yeah if  little Prince platy isn't dialed in yet I'd roll the dice and 
> take the raspberry one that you feel most efficient on. First day of 61 
> miles is not an insignificant distance (100 klicks to us Canucks) with 
> possible wind and heat issues...
>
>
> Are you camping or staying in a hotel/motel?
>
> Have fun
>
> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 5:24:50 PM UTC-5 George Schick wrote:
>
>> Thanks for revealing all of the details.  Helps explain the situation 
>> better.  Under the circumstances I'd say take the longer Platy and try to 
>> deal with the Amtrak conductors at New Buffalo.  Doesn't sound like it'll 
>> be much of a problem.
>> Oh, and congrats on having a son who's studying physics during the Summer 
>> time.  More power to him.
>>
>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 4:41:15 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Oh George, do you really want to know these details? Ok, then. 
>>>
>>> I’m married to a man who is so fun and so yummy and he was going to 
>>> drive me to Chicago and we were gonna make a night of it. So I was taking 
>>> my preferred bike. But then he remembered he’s actually flying out of state 
>>> for one of his many engagements and won’t be free to retrieve me in New 
>>> Buffalo at the ride’s end. Now I have to rely on our teenage son to get me, 
>>> and he is not thrilled to miss out on a single second of his summer college 
>>> physics study time. Yes, seriously.
>>>
>>> The little Platy is just not trustworthy yet. It’s got a fender strut 
>>> that’s misbehaving and I’m waiting for a new one to arrive. It’s work to 
>>> get that thing to really roll, and I like to keep a good clip on long 
>>> rides. But the people in New Buffalo are likely a little more low key than 
>>> in a big place like Chicago, and maybe they’d let this pretty, too-long 
>>> Platy on board this one time for this one journey. 
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Jun 10, 2024, at 4:12 PM, George Schick  wrote:
>>>
>>> Between this post and your previous post requesting a ride partner I 
>>> have to admit to being a bit confused.  If the concern is whether or not 
>>> you can take that long Platy on Amtrak back to KZoo, how were you planning 
>>> to get from Michigan to Chicago in the first place?  I'd assumed that you'd 
>>> be taking the train on that leg, too, having been dropped off a New 
>>> Buffalo.  And if I were you, I'd use your new shorter Platy for this ride, 
>>> since you got it to fit on the train in the first place.  I wouldn't make a 
>>> big deal over the size tires, etc., just use and ride that bike. I'm sure 
>>> you'll be just fine out there with it.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 1:31:26 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>>> wrote:
>>>
 Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is 
 too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you 
 are 
 rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it 
 would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after 
 the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t 
 know what the setup is inside the train cars. 

 If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me 
 know. 

 Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but 
 that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c 
 wheels with the 42mm tires!

 Leah

>>> -- 
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the 
>>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit 
>>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/HbITA9JmOC0/unsubscribe
>>> .
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>>>  
>>> 
>>> .
>

Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Leah Peterson]

Yes, Ryan, same thoughts! I’m staying in a hotel. I’m not much of a camper. I feel like the Canucks might think that’s rather weak of me. 🫣On Jun 10, 2024, at 6:41 PM, Ryan  wrote:yeah if  little Prince platy isn't dialed in yet I'd roll the dice and take the raspberry one that you feel most efficient on. First day of 61 miles is not an insignificant distance (100 klicks to us Canucks) with possible wind and heat issues...Are you camping or staying in a hotel/motel?Have funOn Monday, June 10, 2024 at 5:24:50 PM UTC-5 George Schick wrote:Thanks for revealing all of the details.  Helps explain the situation better.  Under the circumstances I'd say take the longer Platy and try to deal with the Amtrak conductors at New Buffalo.  Doesn't sound like it'll be much of a problem.Oh, and congrats on having a son who's studying physics during the Summer time.  More power to him.On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 4:41:15 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Oh George, do you really want to know these details? Ok, then. I’m married to a man who is so fun and so yummy and he was going to drive me to Chicago and we were gonna make a night of it. So I was taking my preferred bike. But then he remembered he’s actually flying out of state for one of his many engagements and won’t be free to retrieve me in New Buffalo at the ride’s end. Now I have to rely on our teenage son to get me, and he is not thrilled to miss out on a single second of his summer college physics study time. Yes, seriously.The little Platy is just not trustworthy yet. It’s got a fender strut that’s misbehaving and I’m waiting for a new one to arrive. It’s work to get that thing to really roll, and I like to keep a good clip on long rides. But the people in New Buffalo are likely a little more low key than in a big place like Chicago, and maybe they’d let this pretty, too-long Platy on board this one time for this one journey. Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 10, 2024, at 4:12 PM, George Schick  wrote:Between this post and your previous post requesting a ride partner I have to admit to being a bit confused.  If the concern is whether or not you can take that long Platy on Amtrak back to KZoo, how were you planning to get from Michigan to Chicago in the first place?  I'd assumed that you'd be taking the train on that leg, too, having been dropped off a New Buffalo.  And if I were you, I'd use your new shorter Platy for this ride, since you got it to fit on the train in the first place.  I wouldn't make a big deal over the size tires, etc., just use and ride that bike. I'm sure you'll be just fine out there with it.On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 1:31:26 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you are rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t know what the setup is inside the train cars. If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me know. Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c wheels with the 42mm tires!Leah



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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Ryan]

yeah if  little Prince platy isn't dialed in yet I'd roll the dice and take 
the raspberry one that you feel most efficient on. First day of 61 miles is 
not an insignificant distance (100 klicks to us Canucks) with possible wind 
and heat issues...

Are you camping or staying in a hotel/motel?

Have fun

On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 5:24:50 PM UTC-5 George Schick wrote:

> Thanks for revealing all of the details.  Helps explain the situation 
> better.  Under the circumstances I'd say take the longer Platy and try to 
> deal with the Amtrak conductors at New Buffalo.  Doesn't sound like it'll 
> be much of a problem.
> Oh, and congrats on having a son who's studying physics during the Summer 
> time.  More power to him.
>
> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 4:41:15 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Oh George, do you really want to know these details? Ok, then. 
>>
>> I’m married to a man who is so fun and so yummy and he was going to drive 
>> me to Chicago and we were gonna make a night of it. So I was taking my 
>> preferred bike. But then he remembered he’s actually flying out of state 
>> for one of his many engagements and won’t be free to retrieve me in New 
>> Buffalo at the ride’s end. Now I have to rely on our teenage son to get me, 
>> and he is not thrilled to miss out on a single second of his summer college 
>> physics study time. Yes, seriously.
>>
>> The little Platy is just not trustworthy yet. It’s got a fender strut 
>> that’s misbehaving and I’m waiting for a new one to arrive. It’s work to 
>> get that thing to really roll, and I like to keep a good clip on long 
>> rides. But the people in New Buffalo are likely a little more low key than 
>> in a big place like Chicago, and maybe they’d let this pretty, too-long 
>> Platy on board this one time for this one journey. 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>>
>> On Jun 10, 2024, at 4:12 PM, George Schick  wrote:
>>
>> Between this post and your previous post requesting a ride partner I 
>> have to admit to being a bit confused.  If the concern is whether or not 
>> you can take that long Platy on Amtrak back to KZoo, how were you planning 
>> to get from Michigan to Chicago in the first place?  I'd assumed that you'd 
>> be taking the train on that leg, too, having been dropped off a New 
>> Buffalo.  And if I were you, I'd use your new shorter Platy for this ride, 
>> since you got it to fit on the train in the first place.  I wouldn't make a 
>> big deal over the size tires, etc., just use and ride that bike. I'm sure 
>> you'll be just fine out there with it.
>>
>>
>>
>> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 1:31:26 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
>> wrote:
>>
>>> Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is 
>>> too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you are 
>>> rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it 
>>> would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after 
>>> the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t 
>>> know what the setup is inside the train cars. 
>>>
>>> If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me 
>>> know. 
>>>
>>> Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but 
>>> that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c 
>>> wheels with the 42mm tires!
>>>
>>> Leah
>>>
>> -- 
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the 
>> Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this topic, visit 
>> https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/HbITA9JmOC0/unsubscribe
>> .
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>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/49cb1fce-d36c-482d-9cbe-b76cce79816dn%40googlegroups.com
>>  
>> 
>> .
>>
>>

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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[George Schick]

Thanks for revealing all of the details.  Helps explain the situation 
better.  Under the circumstances I'd say take the longer Platy and try to 
deal with the Amtrak conductors at New Buffalo.  Doesn't sound like it'll 
be much of a problem.
Oh, and congrats on having a son who's studying physics during the Summer 
time.  More power to him.

On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 4:41:15 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:

> Oh George, do you really want to know these details? Ok, then. 
>
> I’m married to a man who is so fun and so yummy and he was going to drive 
> me to Chicago and we were gonna make a night of it. So I was taking my 
> preferred bike. But then he remembered he’s actually flying out of state 
> for one of his many engagements and won’t be free to retrieve me in New 
> Buffalo at the ride’s end. Now I have to rely on our teenage son to get me, 
> and he is not thrilled to miss out on a single second of his summer college 
> physics study time. Yes, seriously.
>
> The little Platy is just not trustworthy yet. It’s got a fender strut 
> that’s misbehaving and I’m waiting for a new one to arrive. It’s work to 
> get that thing to really roll, and I like to keep a good clip on long 
> rides. But the people in New Buffalo are likely a little more low key than 
> in a big place like Chicago, and maybe they’d let this pretty, too-long 
> Platy on board this one time for this one journey. 
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Jun 10, 2024, at 4:12 PM, George Schick  wrote:
>
> Between this post and your previous post requesting a ride partner I have 
> to admit to being a bit confused.  If the concern is whether or not you can 
> take that long Platy on Amtrak back to KZoo, how were you planning to get 
> from Michigan to Chicago in the first place?  I'd assumed that you'd be 
> taking the train on that leg, too, having been dropped off a New Buffalo.  
> And if I were you, I'd use your new shorter Platy for this ride, since you 
> got it to fit on the train in the first place.  I wouldn't make a big deal 
> over the size tires, etc., just use and ride that bike. I'm sure you'll be 
> just fine out there with it.
>
>
>
> On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 1:31:26 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! 
> wrote:
>
>> Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is too 
>> long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you are 
>> rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it 
>> would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after 
>> the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t 
>> know what the setup is inside the train cars. 
>>
>> If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me 
>> know. 
>>
>> Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but 
>> that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c 
>> wheels with the 42mm tires!
>>
>> Leah
>>
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Re: [RBW] Re: 55 cm Platypus on Amtrak

[Leah Peterson]

Oh George, do you really want to know these details? Ok, then. I’m married to a man who is so fun and so yummy and he was going to drive me to Chicago and we were gonna make a night of it. So I was taking my preferred bike. But then he remembered he’s actually flying out of state for one of his many engagements and won’t be free to retrieve me in New Buffalo at the ride’s end. Now I have to rely on our teenage son to get me, and he is not thrilled to miss out on a single second of his summer college physics study time. Yes, seriously.The little Platy is just not trustworthy yet. It’s got a fender strut that’s misbehaving and I’m waiting for a new one to arrive. It’s work to get that thing to really roll, and I like to keep a good clip on long rides. But the people in New Buffalo are likely a little more low key than in a big place like Chicago, and maybe they’d let this pretty, too-long Platy on board this one time for this one journey. Sent from my iPhoneOn Jun 10, 2024, at 4:12 PM, George Schick  wrote:Between this post and your previous post requesting a ride partner I have to admit to being a bit confused.  If the concern is whether or not you can take that long Platy on Amtrak back to KZoo, how were you planning to get from Michigan to Chicago in the first place?  I'd assumed that you'd be taking the train on that leg, too, having been dropped off a New Buffalo.  And if I were you, I'd use your new shorter Platy for this ride, since you got it to fit on the train in the first place.  I wouldn't make a big deal over the size tires, etc., just use and ride that bike. I'm sure you'll be just fine out there with it.On Monday, June 10, 2024 at 1:31:26 PM UTC-5 Bicycle Belle Ding Ding! wrote:Hi! Quick question. I was looking at Amtrak and I know my 55 Platy is too long - it’s like 74” and the max for Amtrak is 70”. However, if you are rolling the bike on board, are they really very strict? I ask because it would be great to ride the train home from New Buffalo back to Kzoo after the wrap-up of my tour on Saturday. I have never ridden Amtrak, so I don’t know what the setup is inside the train cars. If anyone has successfully wheeled a longwheelbaser onto Amtrak, let me know. Yes, yes, I know this is what my little purple pocket Platy is for, but that bike would not be my choice for a 106 mile road ride. I want my 700c wheels with the 42mm tires!Leah



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