Seattle area STPers

[XMcShiftersonX]

Yes, I stole this from the Spokane post... haha Hope you guys don't mind, but I thought it was a good idea to ask around on here, because we're in need of similar help.

My husband and I wanted to rent some type of Van/Truck just to drive back after STP (to Seattle) and we would like to share it with other people who may also be in need. So far, the people we know who are doing STP have their own ways of getting back, so we've had trouble finding other people to do this with. My husband is doing the one day, and I'm doing the two day. We were planning on heading back to Seattle Monday morning.

Let me know if you're interested!
-Jessica

[Eden]

If you book now you might be able to get tickets for the train! I haven't done it after the STP before, but I have done it. It's a great way to travel. Post STP we've rented a car one way from Portland back to Seattle. It's actually pretty cheap. (less than 2 train tickets, but not nearly as peaceful).

[XMcShiftersonX]

If you book now you might be able to get tickets for the train! I haven't done it after the STP before, but I have done it. It's a great way to travel. Post STP we've rented a car one way from Portland back to Seattle. It's actually pretty cheap. (less than 2 train tickets, but not nearly as peaceful).

We thought about the train, but we would feel uncomfortable leaving our bikes unattended as they are expensive. If there was a way to keep our bikes beside us, that would be nice. How far in advance did you book the car? I'm trying to get an idea of when I need to do it by so that they're not all booked up!

-Jessica

[Eden]

It's been so long since I've done STP I can't say I remember when we made the reservations.... Probably a couple months in advance, whenever we made our hotel reservations. It's nearly impossible to get a bike rack even though some car rental agencies say they are available, but we managed just by using the trunk and back seat. I don't think too many people actually go the car rental route, so I don't think its too hard to get a car. We always stayed and went back on Monday, so that may have made it easier too, but it looks like you are doing that as well.

You might ask around on the Cascade board to find folks who've used the train. From what I understand the bike accommodations are pretty good and the bikes are safe from damage etc. (much better than an airline - you might even be able to rack your bike yourself) I think there are hooks on the baggage car wall to hang the bikes from. There's only a few spots though and if you don't get them you have to box the bike and check it as baggage which is of course a pain and might even cost extra. It's not really worth it then.

[XMcShiftersonX]

Cool!! Well, I think we will contact the train place and ask them about their accomodations and see if that works. Thanks!