Amtrak service

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Jan on 6/29/2010 11:44:00 AM:

My husband and I are considering riding Amtrak from Sedalia to Kirkwood. We will have 2 bikes and our camping gear. We are concerned that we will not have enough time to get everything on board in the 3 minutes we were told (by Amtrak) we would have at the station. If you have had experience getting on the train at Sedalia, please let me know how it went. Did the bikes go on the same car as you? How easy was it to get them on/off? Thanks for any info that would relieve our anxieties. The Amtrak agent I spoke to was grumpy and not very helpful.

anonymous on 6/29/2010 2:36:00 PM:

We used the service in May. The Amtrak folks were great to work with. True, they do not have a lot of time but they work with you. Just be out there with everything ready to go when the train comes in. If you work with them, they will help you. The bikes actually go in the passenger car fully intact in an open area and your gear just overhead. Enjoy your trip. We are glad we elected to use Amtrak.

Darrell on 6/30/2010 6:27:00 AM:

Not to worry! Having used Amtrak several times, I know they move fast in helping you and your bike get on the train, but they have been courteous in doing so. My suggestion, have everything ready to put on the train, wait off to the side of the others getting on because you will get on last. (Example: I picked up two panniers, trunk and handlebar bags, and they grab the bike and off we went, the train was moving before I found a seat.) Check the literature you get with your tickets or read online, for the particulars on what you can take on the train, weight, size, etc.. No fuel for a stove, get it after the train ride. I have made a point to have a bungie cord at the ready in case it is needed, have used it once. No worries, it's a fun way to see the country side. Enjoy your ride on the Katy.

Laura on 6/30/2010 6:42:00 PM:

It's my experience in taking bikes on Amtrak regularly between Seattle and Portland and once from St. Louis to Sedalia that the phone and ticket window agents are more surly than the personnel on the train. True, Sedalia was a quick stop for the train but the conductor knew we were getting off there and even helped us get the bikes down the narrow steps. I wouldn't worry.

Dennis on 7/6/2010 12:59:00 PM:

Ditto, the conductors on the train are great and very helpful!

kinzuab123 on 7/9/2010 2:46:00 PM:

Conductors were great from Kirkwood to Sedalia. We had three bikes with 3 or 4 bags each. You will need to carry your bike up half dozen steps on to train and down off the train at departure but I also rode Amtrak again from Hermann to Kirkwood and also had the same good experience.they will assist in guiding you on to train and off train.

John on 7/10/2010 8:35:00 PM:

I had a great experience on the train from Kirkwood to Sedalia. I had 4 panniers, a trunk bag and a handlebar bag. I used industrial velcro strips ($8 at Home Depot) to attach the panniers to make the 4 bags 2, left the trunk bag on the back rack and used the strap on the handlebar bag as a carry on. It all went great. I had plenty of time.

Jan from Bryan on 7/12/2010 9:07:00 AM:

Thanks to everyone and their positive comments. We booked our Amtrak tickets yesterday. Now we're just waiting 'til Sept rolls around. We are so stoked about this trip as it is our first attempt at multi-day biking. We bought one of the Burley Nomad trailers and were amazed at how much "stuff" we are able to pack into it. Happy Trails!

Anthony from Kansas City on 7/20/2010 11:02:00 AM:

I have taken the Amtrak before as well. You will be rushed, so have everything ready. It was pouring rain when we loaded, and the conductors did not want to be out there any longer than necessary. We struggled to get our bikes aboard, so the conductors literally through our bags on behind us. I was pretty salty about it at first, but after inspection, nothing was broken. Just be ready, and don't be surprised at the rush.

Nancy on 7/30/2010 8:23:00 PM:

We took the Amtrak from Sedalia to Kirkwood with our two bikes. We had no trouble at all getting the bikes on, and the conductors were very helpful.

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