It's carry on. Regular bike is treated as checked baggage either boxed or stored on the bike rack. Depending on which Amtrak you take, the most they can take on the rack is 6 bikes (Amtrak Cascade, Piedmont and Downeasters) whereas Surfliners take 3. But unlike the airline, the carryon folded bike goes on the baggage rack.

I am envious and inspired by your setup. I am going to do a bit of bike/train touring this summer and your setup is perfect!

That's the term - the "baggage rack." I plan on putting the bikes there. In fact we decided against camping so we could avoid carrying too much and dealing with my trailer or panniers. I'd like to get off the train and be riding within minutes. I have had a lot of experience going with very little and I enjoy it more.

Part of the challenge is to live out of a small backpack for two weeks. When I posed this trip (and baggage limitation) to my daughter for her 13th birthday her eyes lit up and she said "YES!" She is low maintenance (for now) and doing this will allow us to go more places - like NYC (I have a post in "touring" forum on that subject). I wouldn't want to take too much there. Her older sister rode with me for 3,000 miles (on my Ducati) to Newfoundland - with two sets of camping gear and all the other necessary stuff.

Right now we are deciding between 22 and 24 liter packs that we can either wear while riding or strap to the rack.

Can't remember if I put the trip together in one post so here goes - sorry if it is a repeat. Local bus to express bus to Tampa, FL. Bike ride to Amtrak station. Amtrak to Washington DC for some sightseeing by bike. Train up to Cumberland, MD, then on the GAP trail for 3 days to Pittsburgh. Amtrak to Syracuse - ride out to Onieda Lake for a few days. On to NYC for a day or so of "touring" then on back to DC for another visit before back to Tampa - and on home. Maybe a few other stops along the way. 2+ weeks.

Wow that's great and good for you to treat your daughter to a trip like this! Looks like an awesome trip and great destinations. We'll be visiting NYC and the east cost this Sept, so looking forward to that!

As far as backpack is concerned, I like to pack light too. I'm sure you are a sound of wisdom in terms of going with very little. When I experimented with the pack, I tried carrying it but gave it up. Just not comfortable. Then I tried strapping it to the rack and that worked better until I started climbing out of the saddle on hills. Laura Crawford and Russ Roca of Path less pedalled tour with a backpack strapped behind their Bromptons. I saw their contraptions in person in Portland when I met them at the PDX bike show -- very interesting, but you need a Brooks saddle.

You can actually pack less just knowing what you need. I usually carry 2 pairs of everything and just do laundry more often, plus I've been slowly buying functional quick drying and light clothing as seconds in the past years. I like Icebreaker stuff and the new Mountain Hardware down jacket that can pack into the size of a fist have been extremely handy for those cold nights that you need to keep warm. For internet, I use the phone and the Playbook for notes and journals and keep the iPad at home.

The buses here in Germania lack bike racks common in the States. I can board with my folder if it's folded up. Sometimes the driver scowls and gives me a mean look but they don't say anything. Sometimes they mutter something in German and I just shrug and grunt. I usually try to find a seat on the aisle close to the mid door for easy egress and to keep the bike out of the way.

Sounds good. I can try the shrug and grunt next

Really only need room for a few snacks, pair or two of undies, rain jacket, tubes. I tend to wear a pair of shorts that I can ride in, swim in, go to restaurant, etc. Most my stuff is dual or more purposed. We are going to do a few S24Os just so she can get an idea of what to expect and bring. Although I will miss camping I won't miss the prep and carrying of gear. I camp when motorcycle touring to save cash and be close to my bike and gear at night, but with over 100 hp it is not much of an issue. With my power measured in watts instead there is a diff!

Yes, Academy Bus is free to bring your bike in the under stowage compartment.

On King County Metro (Seattle) website it says that folders are welcome,,as long as they will fit under a seat and don't block the aisle. Handy because you can't load a bike at most downtown stops. By the time I ride to the acceptable stop I'm halfway home and may as well keep going. I think my next bike will be a folder.

I debated the question for years and finally bought one (or 5?) and I have really enjoyed it. Only had it a couple of days, but I have adjusted to it quite quickly. The family went for a ride together last night and we really enjoyed it.

We ride together often on 700c bikes, but for some reason this was much easier, felt safer, and we zipped around town effortlessly. Folded them up and stored all five in the same space that we would have stuffed to full sized bikes into in the garage.

I'm sitting at a local brewpub at the moment - no lock on the Mezzo, just folded rear end. Simple.

Me and one daughter will likely hop on the bus next weekend for a two day trial run (bus, ride, hotel, reverse) to get ready for our big summer trip.

I tried the local bus service on Wednesday and got the folder on without a hitch. The bus driver didn't bat an eye. I did have to play with the bike position until I got it wedged so it would not roll around. Really convenient and because of me not taking a space in the front rack another rider was able to use it (two total).

Also, I studied the rack and the 16" wheels may fit out front. There is a "keeper" for the front wheel that causes any size bike to stay to one side of the rack (unlike some that essentially center the bike in the rack). That may allow the control arm to rest on the top and front of my tire (just in front of the fender). I'll try it out another day.

Because the racks on the buses are usually full? Or does Metro not allow it? (New rule? It's been 15 years since I lived in Seattle, and often used the bus racks, but sure don't remember that one).

My folding bicycles (especially the little Brompton & completely separated Jetstar) are allowed inside the bus' passenger cabin. Providing that the bike is well hidden inside a bag/slipcover. If the driver/conductor/transit security even gets a tiny hint of pedal or metal, out you go. They apparently lose the ability to read English should they be challenged by a twit-in their eyes-bike user. I once had a in-service bus pass me by because he saw my folded up bike beside me.

Here is the Los Angeles area MTA Bicycle rules guide link: https://www.metro.net/bikes/

A small tip: Do not use the bike racks on the bus. There is a small chance of a bike theft (grab & go) or the bus pulling away before you get a chance to unload your bike. Keep it with you always and treat it like the valuable product it is.

Thanks you - I have reviewed some of the information found in the links you attached and forwarded some of that to my contact at our transit agency. I also offered to provide them with a demonstration of how the Mezzo will fit on the bus.

I am hijacking my own thread a bit, but relative to your backpack discussion I am not sure which to go with, but have narrowed the selection down to an Osprey Syncros 20 liter for me and 15 liter for her (https://www.rei.com/product/828404/os...pack-100-fl-oz) or one REI pack for each of us (https://www.rei.com/product/827110/rei-flash-18-pack). I like the suspension system of the Osprey because it keeps the pack off your back and therefore less sweat. However, that same suspension (and the internal frame) might give us a hard time when it comes to securing the pack on the bikes (like they do on apathlesspeddeled - I do have a Brooks). The Osprey has a couple of cool features (like a helmet keeper and rain cover), but the REI is way cheaper and might be better for use as a pillow or item to rest against whilst waiting or, well, while resting...

I have a thread in "touring" that discusses the internet/GPS/phone options as well. All in line with keeping the number of things we bring to a minimum and keeping the weight down. Right now I am experimenting with carrying the IPAD for WiFi access (no need for it via cellular lines) and GPS (I bought the MotionX app and playing with that). I'd like to know where lodging and restaurants are while we are out on the bikes.

Sometimes I think half the fun is planning the trip. However, I have found that so much going into the details and schedules can be thrown for a loop when reality hits while travelling. My last motorcycle trip was amazing, but if I had to do it all over again I would not have scheduled so many stops, with so many people along the way, and so many miles. This came to me a couple of times, but when I was still 900 miles from my next meet up, but only 10 hours to get there I realized that would not work. The bike (Ducati) will do that speed, but I won't!. You live and learn.

Hey! My local transit service, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority, has just emailed me and said that folders are now allowed on local bus service! Just need to keep them clear of the isles.

It's official now. No more need to be concerned over getting stranded or worrying about the bus driver telling you not to board.

That is great!!

Thanks for the input - and help. I sent a few links that you all gave me.