Train idea sounds cool...unfortunately, my buzz was killed after reading the replies.

As far as shipping, good idea if you're short on time. We shipped back from Sturgis for that reason. I'm probably going to plan a trip to the West Coast where shipping is involved for part of it. I recommend riding out and shipping back. Why you ask? Because shippers can be late in getting them to you. This could mess up a trip if you are there to pick it up to start your trip...and the bike isn't there. Happened to us, on the way home from Sturgis. 3 bikes...2 different routes/trucks...both were later than promised. Also, if the bike is damaged in shipping, probably more preferable to fix it at home than deal with it at the start of a trip. Just my

 

I also have been wondering about the auto train that runs from norton,va. To sanford,fl. Can you take your motorcycle in the back of your pick up and only be charged for the price of your truck or do you have to pay for your bike also

 

The bike has to be strapped to Amtrak's pallet, afaik.
If nothing else, I'm guessing the over-height charge would apply.

 

The truck would probably be over height and they might not take it at all.

 

One option that has been discussed is trailering the bikes to a location such as Denver. From Denver you are on vacation. Long term parking is not expensive for your tow vehicle while on vacation. It would not be a horrible day trip from St. Louis to somewhere in Colorado.

 

Here it is . . . http://www.amtrak.com/auto-train-you...-stuff-and-you

 

As a fellow railroader I'll second that, the railroad was built on delays.

 

10 of us went to fall week at Daytona, 800 miles from Baltimore, return we did Amtrack, it takes the same amount of time as riding and about the same cost when you factor in food and one hotel night. It was a fun expierence. Left at about 4pm, free dinner and a bar car for drinks, sleep all night wake up for free breakfast and arrived in Lorton Va about 9am.

 

I called about the Auto Train today.

Just in case y'all may be interested, the rate vary by date.

The cheapest rate from the VA to FL stations is on September 7th.

Two people, 1 bike with an overnight "roomette" with AAA discount is $440.
Two peope, 2 bikes with an overnight "roomette" with AA discount is $564.
These are "todays" rates and will increase the longer you wait to reserve.

By bike, this shortest route is 811 miles and 11.5 hours.

We may do it just to say "we did it once" but we have 2 bikes so it would be a bit more for us.

For those with "limited" vacation time.
I have trailered our bikes on many trips and had my wife fly to meet me.
The cheapest way of doing this it to book flights early and to larger airports.
On some trips, we have re-loaded the bikes and trailered to a secondary location for another "scenic loop" before reloading the bikes and dropping her off at the airport for the return trip home.
I've also learned to use motels that offer airport shuttle services.

Depending on the length of my drive, I add a day or two to the drive just in case I have a breakdown, and believe me, that was a very wise idea during my drive to Albqquerque, NM in 2004.

 

X2

You can usually travel as fast or faster than train service will get you there at a fraction of the costs. Besides there is never a bad day when yo are on your bike and making miles.