I’m convinced that this combination of trains + bikes is magical. Magic that disappears with the tether of an automobile. Cars take you where everyone goes, and you see what everyone sees. Trains, bikes, and walking can take you into landscapes you can’t see from a highway.

Train travel is blowing up. Amtrak and passenger trains are gaining popularity. My town, Denton, gets a passenger train next month after a century-long lapse in service. The new train was mostly built for college students and commuting workers, but many will take the train to Dallas and beyond in search of fun. Museums, movies, bars, food, music, sports, etc.

So here’s the next level: take your bike on board. Russ and Laura of Path Less Pedaled just embarked on a new adventure across America by taking their Brompton folding bikes on Amtrak trains. It’s brilliantly relatable and less intimidating than a cross-country bicycle ride. Ride the train a few hundred miles, get off, ride your bike a few more. Russ Roca made a video that demonstrates how to pack a bike for Amtrak. If you want to try it, read Amtrak’s bicycle baggage policy.
Call ahead, if you need to. 1-800-USA-RAIL