I’m heading down to check out some biking, beaches and a rail trip. Feel free to join me at any point of the trip. I’m aiming to record it, blog it and generally provide a thorough write up of the whole adventure. To start it off, here’s the logistics plans.
Portland Union Station at Night
On September 4th I’ll be departing, with bicycle packed and recording gear on hand from Portland Union Station. I’ll be boarding the Coast Starlight south bound to Los Angeles. From Los Angeles I’ll make a transfer to the Pacific Surfliner down to Santa Ana.
Once I arrive in Santa Ana I’l detrain and unpack my bike. Somehow I’ll carry the storing container and other material and roll on from Santa Ana Station down to Newport Beach via the Santa Ana River Trail.
From Santa Ana Rail Station to Newport Beach via the Santa Ana River Trail.
Coast Starlight arriving in Portland.
Once I arrive I intend to take a few bike trips here and there, which I’ll record some and write about others. I’m working to line up meeting some riders, coders & transit crew while I’m down. So if you’re anywhere in the Los Angeles metro area between the 6th and 10th of September, let me know and we’ll have some grub with a beer, coffee or other beverage of our choice. If you’re up for riding and interested in showing me trails, routes or other crazy cycling bits, definitely ping me about that too, I’m curious where the routes & runs are for the LA, OC and metro area local riders are. If you’re up for a tour about, hit me at @transitsleuth on twitter.
Surlac
Upon the return trip I’ll bike back out to the station, whip out the tools and re-pack the bike at the Santa Ana Station and then board an early morning Pacific Surfliner back into Los Angeles. From there back aboard to the north bound Coast Starlight, feet up and kicked back, and the following day I’ll arrive back in Portland, Oregon rested and relaxed.
Transit Sleuth 
When I’ve traveled with a full-sized bike, I’ve just asked the baggage bosses to hold the box for me till I went home. So far they’ve always done it. The Surfliners allow unboxed bikes, so you might just leave the box at Union Station. My wife and I have done the Starlight to Portland and back with bikes; awfully nice trip, especially if you get a roomette. We’re going again soon, with Brompton folders this time.
Noted, I might go that route and see if it’ll work. It shouldn’t be that big of an issue to do that with the Box, or just arrive with enough time to put together another box & get the bike in it. I’m pondering getting a bike shipping container of my own, since I travel regularly, it seems like it might be a good investment. It’ll be an adventure whatever decision. I’ll have blog entries coming soon! 🙂
GO GET’UM, Mr. spoke-wheel!!! HO! DAD