Bikes plus camping gear on the Metra

Hello,

I'm hoping to take a short weekend camping trip via Metra and bike sometime during the next month or so. I've seen a number of threads here about taking a bike on the Metra, but I'm wondering specifically about the logistics of carrying a bike along with camping gear.

Will I be allowed to stow my bike with panniers and bungeed sleeping bag, etc. attached?

If not, will I be allowed to take these things off the bike and carry them with me on the train? Are there overhead racks or any other kind of storage on Metra cars? (I've only taken the Metra twice and never paid attention to this.)

I have a fairly large front rack that I'd like to use for this trip (it's a 17" x 11" platform). Will I be able to take this bike on the train with this rack attached?

I have read the Metra bike policy but it sounds like a lot of the answers to these questions are at the discretion of the individual conductors, so I'm curious whether other people have tried this and if they have been successful.

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Permalink Reply by Alex Z on October 13, 2013 at 2:29pm

No overhead racks or storage. I don't know about Metra's carry-on bag policy; you might poke around on the non-bike-related parts of the website. I've certainly seen people take big bags on board. Riding at an off-peak, non-rush time will help with all of your potential issues.

Others can speak more about whether you can put a "loaded" bike on Metra; my experience is too limited.

Permalink Reply by Anne B. on October 13, 2013 at 2:35pm

I'm sure others can offer a lot more detail here but my limited experience with this involved me having a tough time carrying a semi-loaded bike up onto the train in a relatively quick fashion. Thankfully I boarded on the first stop of the route so I had a couple extra minutes. If you've got full camping gear in front and back panniers you may need to remove the panniers before loading, depending on upper body strength. I've only done it with back panniers and took them off the bike and had them with me on my lap/the floor, which was uncomfortable but didn't inconvenience anyone but me. 

Permalink Reply by JimmyD on October 13, 2013 at 2:35pm

There ARE absolutely overhead racks on every Metra car, and there are people on Metra almost daily with full-sized suitcases (presumably heading to O'Hare or Amtrack) without issue or concern from the conductors.

I ride Metra twice every day and can confirm this.

However, if you need visual proof, check it out....

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on October 14, 2013 at 2:10am

Ha, I thought those things were, like, footrests. I've never seen them used for luggage.

Permalink Reply by igz on October 14, 2013 at 3:15am

yes, you can bring a loaded bike, yes you can keep it in the designated spot, or yes, you can bring your bags with and stow them. yes, your rack should be fine. remember that ADA passengers do take priority, but thats rarely an issue. and yes, the conductor has discretion, but i have never seen it as an issue.  be aware of any events happening in chicago that might crowd the train (game day?) that might cause a problem getting on or staying on.

but the biggest takeaway is what Anne said.  it aint easy carrying up a loaded bike the steep narrow stairs. if you are strong enough, great. if not, plan to toss the gear in the train and then load your bike. or ask a friendly fellow passenger for help.

happy bike camping!

Permalink Reply by Bob Kastigar on October 14, 2013 at 12:12pm

I've done it, it's better if you can join at an end point. 

I wait until the last to get on or off.  Getting on, I'll toss the panniers and camp gear up, then carry the bike up.  Getting off, at a mid-station, I'll carry the gear off with the rest of the people then go back up to get the bike. 

Once they see what you're doing, the conductors are very accommodating.

Permalink Reply by Mark on October 14, 2013 at 11:15pm

I will premise this with, I'm a conductor on the Union Pacific North line. I have been for 15 years. So I hope I can answer your questions.

Yes, you can take your bike with the panniers and sleeping bag attached, on the train, as long as you can carry it up the steps, and it fits in the designated area, and doesn't delay the train in doing so. As long as you can secure your bike to the bottom rail of the folding seats, and your items don't block the isle.   As others have said, if you do this at the start or end point, you will have more time. Otherwise, being prepared is the key.  If boarding at an outline point, wait for others to disembark first, and then board.  If you have the things detached, toss up the sleeping bag etc, and haul your bike up.  Secure your bike, return to vestibule for your things.  

When disembarking, if your doing so at an outlining point, when the train starts to leave the station before yours.  Move your stuff to vestibule, get bike, wait in vestibule with bike and gear.  Let others disembark first.  Remove your bike, step back on, grab your stuff, and disembark.

Yes, there are overhead luggage racks.  Please use them if your items aren't attached to your bike.  Even if the train isn't busy at the time you get on, it may get busy later in the trip.

Ensure that you aren't on a rush hour train.  Where bikes aren't allowed.  Also, avoid the normal weekend rush, if you can. 

Lastly, If the conductor is at the door, when you are getting on, saying good morning, and being friendly never hurts. You would be surprised how many people ignore us, when we say good morning.

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on October 15, 2013 at 1:43am

Ah! In considering a weekend Metra/biking trip, I have been curious about this. What is the weekend rush?

 

I've had the experience of the inbound BNSF trains being extremely crowded on Saturday afternoons, but that's about the extent of my experience (besides the 6:30am westbound BNSF not being very crowded).


Mark said:

 Also, avoid the normal weekend rush, if you can. 

Permalink Reply by Eli on October 15, 2013 at 9:18am

Wow, thank you for all the responses, this is very helpful. I'm looking forward to trying this!

Permalink Reply by Mark on October 15, 2013 at 9:19am

All the above, as well as people trying to get home for dinner.

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