I've taken Amtrak Cascades from Tukwila to Lacey/Olympia (the station there is volunteer-run!), Seattle to Bellingham (w/ bike), and Seattle to Portland (w/bike). It's a really great experience every time. I *do* kind of miss the re-route they had for a couple years that would take you under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. It was close enough to the water that you could see harbor seals. I'll have to take the route that goes out to Spokane sometime.
Great video! I routinely take the Amtrak from Centralia to Portland when I have to fly out of state. It's super easy to get to the Red Line MAX at Old Town and directly to the Airport from there. Amtrak is super awesome, and the Cascades trains feel great compared to Coast Starlight. BTW - Come on down to Centralia sometime on the Amtrak. Half the cost of the Portland trip because we're the midway point - but the train station is only 7 miles from the eastern terminus of the Willapa Hills Trail. Bikepack it up and get a spot in the hiker/biker sites at Rainbow Falls State Park after exploring the Willapa Hills on bike -- a very peaceful and relaxing journey! Or get a hotel right by the train station and enjoy some of the dining in Centralia. I'm working hard with our local trails coalition to make this a welcoming community for cyclists from out of town!
What did you think of my trip? Would you do something similar? Have you ridden the Amtrak Cascades before? What should I do in Portland? Where should I ride?
I've done it a couple times myself, with loaded touring bikes on my way to the Oregon Coast. A Brompton would be perfect for cruising. Can your Brompton handle gravel? Just looking at the tires I'd say so. I recommend at trip to Forest Park for miles of lovely forested pavement and gravel roads, or head up to Washington Park. Portland is great for cycling. I especially like the hilly west side, and I do mean hilly! Enjoy yourself, but be careful where you go. Not all of Portland is safe or nice for cyclists. Be sure to lock your bike or keep it close.
@@RoyFauntleroy yes, the Brompton handles gravel surprisingly well. Great suggestion, I'll definitely check it out. One big plus of a small folding bike is being able to take it everywhere you go!
You captured the beauty of the Brompton so well -- making the impromptu decision to throw it on the bus just in case. The stress in your voice just melted away after that! I haven't driven in ages because of mine. Bus, subway, train, Brommie. I can get anywhere in my very crowded city (Busan, Korea) faster & cheaper than a car. Can also get up to Seoul on the bullet train in just over 2hrs. I hope you post your rides around beautiful Portland too if you have the time :)
Add a strap to tide the wheel to the curve back of the frame right above when folded and you can extend the seat post to push the bike around and to lift it as well. Great video, very enjoyable to watch.
Hope to make it out there next summer. From the midwest and want to do a big road trip. Spend a month driving around and stopping whenever I feel like it! SO GLAD you caught that bus to get ahead and not have to stress and rush!
Would recommend sitting on the west (water side) of the train heading South. Miss those great rides and the re-opened Japanese Garden is fairly magical up by the famous Rose Gardens! Plenty of connected paths along the river a terrific bridges all along the way. Enjoy! Ps. The Rose hotel is riverside and right by the paths to access a lot of Portland and modestly $........
Wow, I didn't realize the Brompton folds down so small; it's perfect for traveling! For those wondering about taking a regular size bike on Amtrak, it's an additional $10 for your ticket, requires you to get a baggage tag at the train station, and you'll take it to the baggage car when getting onto the train. I look forward to your rides around Portland; so many wonderful neighborhood greenway routes!
The reason I have a Brompton is to bring it on transit. I don't have a car and rely on my Brompton plus transit for most of my travel. Yesterday I had an extra trip after work, so I had the Brommie on a total of four buses and two light rail cars. It's what they're made for. That's why I was surprised that it was your first time. Congratulations on losing your Brompton transit virginity.
First time in the US! 😂 I took it on transit every day when I was in Hong Kong or abroad. I'm guilty of just riding my other bikes whenever I need to get a further distance.
Perfect timing for the video. We just booked a weekend trip to PDX and will be riding the train for the first time. Good to see how spacious it is and much less stressful than driving!
A little surprised you didn't hop on from Tukwila considering where you started biking from. It's probably harder to get to and I would imagine there's less decent bike infra near the Tukwila Station than in Downtown.
Thank you SO much for this video! This video really showcases how the Brompton shines in multi-modal travel situations. I'm going to be riding Amtrak with my Brompton up to New York for the 5 borough bike tour, so it was great to see how well the bike travels with Amtrak. I might not be as lucky as you and get 2 whole seats to myself, so I'm curious, would the Brompton fit in the overhead shelf, or would it have to be handed over to some baggage handlers?
First! Always wanted to say that 😁 I'm glad to see that it's easy to take a bike on the train! What do you think you'd have done if the train was more full? Put your bike overhead? I have plans to take the Amtrak to Portland, but not sure when I'll be able to make that happen. My SO prefers to drive since there are two of us and it's pretty cost effective with >1 person (though waiting in traffic is not fun), so I might have to do it on a solo trip.
Good question and I should have shown the extra footage but there's also extra space in some cars for rollers / luggage. Wouldn't be as easy to have full eyes on it the whole time. Or overhead would have definitely worked.
Amtrak’s folding bike policy allows for a larger than carry-on bag, so the bike doesn’t need to fit in the bag limit as shown. I put my folding bike in a bag , not a Brompton, but it is not required, and just put it in the luggage rack. They do not allow the bike to go in the overhead bins. Amtrak has very detailed policies and options for taking folding and regular bike with you on the train. Get out and explore!
I was expecting to see you actually riding the bike from Seattle to Portland as that is the title of your video. I was disappointed but watched it anyway as I have a new Brompton and wanted to see what it was like having it on the train. It’s a miracle the train wasn’t jam packed with people and luggage. I have ridden a Bike Friday folding bicycle across the United States many times and have ridden the train back(I live in Oregon) . Only once did I put the Bike Friday on the train in a bag, instead of the suitcase/ trailer kit, and it was very damaged from other people crushing it with their suitcases and, probably stomping on it to make room for their stuff. With the Brompton, I’m hoping to keep it within eyesight on the train to protect it.
I've taken Amtrak Cascades from Tukwila to Lacey/Olympia (the station there is volunteer-run!), Seattle to Bellingham (w/ bike), and Seattle to Portland (w/bike). It's a really great experience every time. I *do* kind of miss the re-route they had for a couple years that would take you under the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. It was close enough to the water that you could see harbor seals. I'll have to take the route that goes out to Spokane sometime.
Brompton is a very attractive bicycle. I've been riding Brompton for 15 years. If you post a lot of riding videos, I'll watch them.
Great video! I routinely take the Amtrak from Centralia to Portland when I have to fly out of state. It's super easy to get to the Red Line MAX at Old Town and directly to the Airport from there. Amtrak is super awesome, and the Cascades trains feel great compared to Coast Starlight.
BTW - Come on down to Centralia sometime on the Amtrak. Half the cost of the Portland trip because we're the midway point - but the train station is only 7 miles from the eastern terminus of the Willapa Hills Trail. Bikepack it up and get a spot in the hiker/biker sites at Rainbow Falls State Park after exploring the Willapa Hills on bike -- a very peaceful and relaxing journey! Or get a hotel right by the train station and enjoy some of the dining in Centralia. I'm working hard with our local trails coalition to make this a welcoming community for cyclists from out of town!
13 mile ride, 2 hrs to get there, and you passed a speed warning sign riding uphill at 15-17 mph.
Next time, you've got it this! I believe in you!
😂 I definitely would have made it on time I think but wouldn't have been nearly as chill to film haha
What did you think of my trip? Would you do something similar? Have you ridden the Amtrak Cascades before? What should I do in Portland? Where should I ride?
I've done it a couple times myself, with loaded touring bikes on my way to the Oregon Coast. A Brompton would be perfect for cruising. Can your Brompton handle gravel? Just looking at the tires I'd say so. I recommend at trip to Forest Park for miles of lovely forested pavement and gravel roads, or head up to Washington Park. Portland is great for cycling. I especially like the hilly west side, and I do mean hilly! Enjoy yourself, but be careful where you go. Not all of Portland is safe or nice for cyclists. Be sure to lock your bike or keep it close.
@@RoyFauntleroy yes, the Brompton handles gravel surprisingly well. Great suggestion, I'll definitely check it out. One big plus of a small folding bike is being able to take it everywhere you go!
You captured the beauty of the Brompton so well -- making the impromptu decision to throw it on the bus just in case. The stress in your voice just melted away after that! I haven't driven in ages because of mine. Bus, subway, train, Brommie. I can get anywhere in my very crowded city (Busan, Korea) faster & cheaper than a car. Can also get up to Seoul on the bullet train in just over 2hrs. I hope you post your rides around beautiful Portland too if you have the time :)
Add a strap to tide the wheel to the curve back of the frame right above when folded and you can extend the seat post to push the bike around and to lift it as well. Great video, very enjoyable to watch.
Hope to make it out there next summer. From the midwest and want to do a big road trip. Spend a month driving around and stopping whenever I feel like it!
SO GLAD you caught that bus to get ahead and not have to stress and rush!
Sounds great, hope you enjoy it here in the PNW!!! :D Ride a bike here too while you're around
@@BestSideCycling definitely bringing my Brompton on road trip!
Would recommend sitting on the west (water side) of the train heading South. Miss those great rides and the re-opened Japanese Garden is fairly magical up by the famous Rose Gardens! Plenty of connected paths along the river a terrific bridges all along the way. Enjoy! Ps. The Rose hotel is riverside and right by the paths to access a lot of Portland and modestly $........
Thanks for the tips! So much to explore
great that you show that luggage size check thingy
amtrak is a great service, my work takes me up and down the i-5 corridor a lot and its a great ride.
That's great! Haha wish I tried it sooner :)
Great vid, I have put my Brompton on 27 aircraft and hundreds of buses and trains. Yeah, I love my Brompton. Hi from Woodinville WA.
I just love the adventures a folding bike opens up. Great content! Looking forward to future adventures!
Wow, I didn't realize the Brompton folds down so small; it's perfect for traveling! For those wondering about taking a regular size bike on Amtrak, it's an additional $10 for your ticket, requires you to get a baggage tag at the train station, and you'll take it to the baggage car when getting onto the train. I look forward to your rides around Portland; so many wonderful neighborhood greenway routes!
Excellent trip 👏👏👍☘️
I am about buying a c line e-bike soon, very enjoyable video.
The reason I have a Brompton is to bring it on transit. I don't have a car and rely on my Brompton plus transit for most of my travel. Yesterday I had an extra trip after work, so I had the Brommie on a total of four buses and two light rail cars. It's what they're made for. That's why I was surprised that it was your first time. Congratulations on losing your Brompton transit virginity.
First time in the US! 😂 I took it on transit every day when I was in Hong Kong or abroad. I'm guilty of just riding my other bikes whenever I need to get a further distance.
Perfect timing for the video. We just booked a weekend trip to PDX and will be riding the train for the first time. Good to see how spacious it is and much less stressful than driving!
A little surprised you didn't hop on from Tukwila considering where you started biking from. It's probably harder to get to and I would imagine there's less decent bike infra near the Tukwila Station than in Downtown.
Hahaha to be fair, I didn't even really think about it as an option. Though definitely to consider for next time :)
Thank you SO much for this video! This video really showcases how the Brompton shines in multi-modal travel situations. I'm going to be riding Amtrak with my Brompton up to New York for the 5 borough bike tour, so it was great to see how well the bike travels with Amtrak. I might not be as lucky as you and get 2 whole seats to myself, so I'm curious, would the Brompton fit in the overhead shelf, or would it have to be handed over to some baggage handlers?
Thanks for all your great videos! Why not bring the titanium Brompton? I have both titanium and steel Bromptons and often prefer the steel one!
My P Line is still in Hong Kong! Going to use it for my next east Asia trip and then bring it back
First! Always wanted to say that 😁
I'm glad to see that it's easy to take a bike on the train! What do you think you'd have done if the train was more full? Put your bike overhead?
I have plans to take the Amtrak to Portland, but not sure when I'll be able to make that happen. My SO prefers to drive since there are two of us and it's pretty cost effective with >1 person (though waiting in traffic is not fun), so I might have to do it on a solo trip.
Good question and I should have shown the extra footage but there's also extra space in some cars for rollers / luggage. Wouldn't be as easy to have full eyes on it the whole time. Or overhead would have definitely worked.
Amtrak’s folding bike policy allows for a larger than carry-on bag, so the bike doesn’t need to fit in the bag limit as shown. I put my folding bike in a bag , not a Brompton, but it is not required, and just put it in the luggage rack. They do not allow the bike to go in the overhead bins.
Amtrak has very detailed policies and options for taking folding and regular bike with you on the train. Get out and explore!
Thx for sharing! Do you have your P-Line in Portland?
No this is my original c line! The p line is actually in Hong Kong right now
I was expecting to see you actually riding the bike from Seattle to Portland as that is the title of your video.
I was disappointed but watched it anyway as I have a new Brompton and wanted to see what it was like having it on the train.
It’s a miracle the train wasn’t jam packed with people and luggage.
I have ridden a Bike Friday folding bicycle across the United States many times and have ridden the train back(I live in Oregon) .
Only once did I put the Bike Friday on the train in a bag, instead of the suitcase/ trailer kit, and it was very damaged from other people crushing it with their suitcases and, probably stomping on it to make room for their stuff.
With the Brompton, I’m hoping to keep it within eyesight on the train to protect it.
Great video! So if you carry on a Brompton on the Amtrak you don't need to pay the bicycle fee?
Correct no extra fees nor check in
👍 But I use a cover for my H6RD-racing green-Brompton when I am traveling in fast running trains Europe
What is the average speed of people on the Seattle-Portland ride?
Highly depends everywhere from 10mph to 20mph: there's almost everything between the two day riders and one day!
@@BestSideCycling , pheww! Good to know there are 10mph riders!
Where's your P line mate? LOL
Hahaha it's still in Hong Kong, I wanted to use it for one more East Asia trip before I brought it back. This was my original Brompton
@@BestSideCycling come to Singapore soon. I just followed your Strava.
When you come to Hong Kong, let's ride to China.
Haha, 🤣 my other 香港朋友 suggested the same but I will have to get a Chinese visa as I'm only a HK ID holder.
I lived in Suzhou for a few years and riding and bike culture there is great. Several excellent bike shops and riding groups