Bicycles and trains have been best pals since way back. If you want to get farther faster than your pedals can take you, a train is the easiest way to go.
No looping routes. No car-spotting. You can ride from one station to another and return by rail, easily doubling your range.
Maine has never been known for its mass transit, but here are two trains able to transport the cyclist in the classic tradition:
- Amtrak’s Downeaster line runs from Boston’s North Station to Portland, Maine. For a $5 reservation, they allow bicycles on and off at the stops in Boston, Wells and Portland. Back in May, we took the trip from Portland to Boston. It was really easy. The bikes traveled in the lounge car. So did we.
- The Maine Eastern Railroad is a seasonal train that runs from Brunswick to Rockland. They accept bicycles at no additional charge. We haven’t tried this line yet, but I hope to before the season ends.
If you need further inspiration to introduce your bike to a train, check out this fantastic promotional video from 1950′s British Railways – Part1 and Part 2.
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Hey. you guys are cool. I just moved to Augusta to work on a campaign to help protect Moosehead Lake from over development by the country’s largest land owner. i really need a bike for a couple months. i found your blog because i was trying to figure out what the Slavophile Society was, because i saw that rad sign you posted a picture of this weekend. where are you based out of? know anyone that would lend me and my roommate a bike through the end of November? any sweet rides i should take around the Kennebec area if i ever get my paws on some pedals? thanks and stay supa fresh.
By: Rachel Tybor on October 9, 2007
at 2:33 am
Hi Rachel,
I don’t know the Augusta area that well. But the Maine DOT has some nice bike tours in that area. And there is a new rail trail along the Kennebec, too.
I’ll email you directly about the bike loaner…
By: jfink on October 9, 2007
at 11:21 am