Paul from Quincy, IL on 9/22/2015 4:29:07 PM:
@Majahonke:
"there are spots for 6 bikes" Everything I've read, including the two articles on the Adventure Cycling site say 8.
"Bike service is not available at all stops" Similarly, everything I've read says all stops. Nothing at Adventure Cycling seems to contradict that.
I did a test booking from Waterloo, In to Alliance, OH for 8 people in late October. It limited me to 7 bikes; one space must already have been booked.
The AC site did say: you need to "arrive 30 minutes prior to train departure to allow time to transport the bike to the baggage car". Practically speaking, with the exception of DC and Chicago, and possibly Pittsburgh, that means get there when the train arrives. If you get there earlier, and they let you onto the platform, position yourself to the rear of the expected train. In Cumberland, that would be to the left as you face the tracks.
For DC and Chicago, that means get there when they begin the boarding process, which is usually 30 minutes before departure. They won't let you onto the platform before that. Normally, they board seniors, disabled, and those with children first. I doubt they will add bicycles to the priority boarding list. That's not too bad since the bike car will be the last one on the train, and the one nearest the gate.
It will be interesting to find out how they handle the sleeping car passengers' "kindergarten walk" from the Acela (DC) and Metropolitan (Chi) lounges to the train.