I'm planning on a trip to Florida in February. The two options I've researched are taking my 07 Ultra on the auto train from Lorton. Va to Sanford, Fla and cruising around fora week, or flying to Miami and renting a bike for a week. Cost wise, it makes sense to put my bike on the train. About a grand for round trip for two and the bike. It would cost that much to rent an Ultra for the week. Anyone have any good/bad experiences either way? Thanks!

 

Why not just buy some heated gear and ride? I've ridden to Daytona 6 or 7 time at the end of February. Once you get into the middle of North Carolina, you have usually seen all of the extreme cold.

 

I dont have personal experience with this, however in November, I was in Miami and ran accross two couples that used the train. They had nothing but good to say about the service. They said the train folks took great care of the bikes (two SE Ultras). They boarded at 4pm one day and arrived at 9 am the next.

Hope this helps

 

A buddy of mine in Florida used the Auto Train to get he and his bike to Virginia for one of our rides a few years back. The Amtrak folks didn't secure his bike very well and it ended up falling into the bike/pallet next to his, resulting in some minor cosmetic damage. As long as the Auto Train has been running I have to imagine that that is a rare occurrence, but it obviously does happen.

Renting would be ok, though I think most riders would prefer to have their own scoot. I know I would.

You could always ride... ;-)

 

I'm checkin' into the autotrain as well around that time. I'm headin' for Daytona though. We were gonna' do it last year but things got tight and could'nt make it. What little I've heard about the train is that it's about as roomy as ridin' a bus unless you shell out some serious dough for a suite.

lookin' forward to hearing some replies from folks that have actually rode the "daytona express"

 

For me, if I can't have the whole journey on my bike it wouldn't matter. It is always nice to have your bike on a trip, but if you don't plan to ride it to your destination then I don't know if it makes a difference what you ride once you get there. I have used the HOG Fly and Ride program twice. Once to Arizona and the other in Washington. Both expereriences were fantastic and while the money ($100 first 6 days, 7th day no additional charge) a day seemed a bit steep in the end it was well worth it. For one, it is NOT your bike so you are not putting miles on it or having to spend money on the maintenance before and after the trip. If it breaks down then you don't have to pay for it. Finally you can ride it anyway you want to and not have to worry much about it.

This past summer my wife and my buddy and his wife went on a trip from Florida through the Blue Ridge and SkyLine. Me and my wife rode our bikes the whole round trip. However my friend and his wife went up to New York and rode back down to Lourton (sp?) and put their bike on the AutoTrain. They were happy with the experience and it allowed them to see a bit more in the same amount of time than we did. However for us, we enjoyed being able to say we rode our bikes the whole way.

So, it is 6 of one, half a dozen of the other.

ps. Tip - If you fly and ride, FedEx your stuff down to the dealership. It sure makes it easier than trying to manage it on the airplane.

 

Haven't done it personally, but hadmet a gentleman and his wife during this past Biketoberfest who hadused the Autotrain and talked nothing but good about the whole experience and they took real good care of their motorcycle.

Whichever way you decide on, please share your experience on the forum.

I personally would prefer to be cruising around on my own motorcycle. The Autotrain sounds like a nice option.

 

My wife and I took our bikes from Sanford to Lorton on the Autotrain in May 2002. We then rode Skyline Drive/Blue Ridge back to New Smyrna Beach Florida.

Was a great experience andthe train took good care of our bikes. We got a small sleeper cabin which allowed us to have a nice sit down dinner in the dining car that night.

 

Lorton to Daytona Beach Via I-95 is about an 11 1/2 hour ride...non-stop.
I used to live in Arlington which is just north of Lorton and made the
trip numerous times. To try and ride in Feb.....? You take your chances. Even
Florida can be 'chilly' then (sometimes 30's at night.....50's daytime). Right now, as I type this.....it is 70 degrees in Daytona, but you never know.
Sanford is just a short ride from Daytona......andOrlando. Heck, the Space Center is a short ride....so is St. Augustine!
Whichever way you make it down here, you are sure to have plenty of stories to tell.
Let us know before you leave....some of us may even meet you at the station!!!!! LOL

Chuck

 

I wish they had more stations that would accommodate the Auto Train.