[Stomp]

Some time ago I traded in my internal combustion engine, plush seats, and insurance premiums for a much simpler and less expensive two-wheeled vehicle. Living by bicycle alone has been surprisingly pleasant for the most part. There's just one problem: Getting to trailheads. In addition to slowly going mad from the lack of hiking, I have been seeking alternate methods of reaching trails. I ran across this web site, and my interest has been soundly piqued: Backpacking by Bus Therein lies detailed information on how to reach various interesting locales by public transit. The most convenient of them are Snoqualmie and Stevens pass, and thus the PCT. I'm definitely going to have to give this a whack come summer. Have any of you folks tried it? I would also appreciate any suggestions on how a carless person like myself might get into the woods. Are there any organized ride-sharing programs out there? Any tips on hitchhiking? I know I should probably be making use of the Partners board, but posting "Anybody going hiking this weekend? Can I come?" just feels a bit too cheeky.

[polarbear]

I wonder if all these buses have bike carriers on them now.

[El Puma]

You should participate in the "Seeking Hiking Partners" chapter here. I'm sure lots of us going "up there" wouldn't mind at least giving you a ride to the TH if not even hike with you. Your say-so in destinations and the amount of time you'd like to spend would be a bit curtailed, but at least you'd be out there. I wouldn't worry at all about advertising on it! Just mention you're carless and would contribute to the gas fund... (What's the worst thing that could happen anyway - NOTHING!) I admire your complete switchover to the Velo; we have two cars but as I myself ride the bike wherever I can one stays parked most of the time. Family/work situation doesn't allow for complete elimination though. Cheers-

[Bus Ted]

Greyhound also services Manning Park. Once I took the trail from Snoqualmie Pass to Manning and bused home from Canada. You might consider joining a group like the Mountaineers who have good carpool systems set up. There is bus service to a few other places like Darrington, Issaquah Alps. Two bus-friendly hiking sources: books by Harvey Manning like the Footsore series, and Bob Driesbach's book "Seattle Outdoors". Most of the buses servicing King and Snohomish counties have bike racks up front, which hopefully have room for your bike! That really extends the possibilities.

[Stefan]

Here's also an idea. I believe there is bus service to Index--at least I know there is bus service to Goldbar. You can take your bike and daypack to Index via the bus. Get off the bus and take your bike up to Serene Lake trailhead or to Blanca Lake Trailhead (another 10 miles of biking). I recommend a mountain bike though......

[Bushwacker]

Expanding on Stefan's idea is that there is bus service to Skykomish as well. That puts you within striking distance of Foss, Miller, and Beckler areas. BW

[Stomp]

[Backpacker Joe]

I have every June, July, August and most of Sept. off every year. If you need a ride once and a while just ask! TB

[Stomp]

[Stomp]

[Bus Ted]

Dude, like when you sign up for a Seattle Mutineers trip, you also sign up for, like, carpooling. Then, like, you know your carpel tunnel syndrome partners on, say Friday afternoon. Then, like, you hope they are somewhere within striking distance of your way-cool pad. Suhweeeeeeeet! It ain't sweet they want $52/year now though... but I've had several, like, carless dudes on trips. Gnarly.

[Backpacker Joe]

Stomp, just dont forget that I offered! It's up to you to tell me when and where. TB

[Quark]

Flexcar.

[Stomp]

[Quark]

I'm just throwing suggestions out there, because you asked for them. Flexcar isn't expensive considering those who use it don't have monthly car payments and it's not used on a daily basis. It's something to consider when you get tired of always relying on someone else who may or may not be reliable. You may decide to drift, waffle, change your mind at the last minute. I usually don't make set plans very often - I hike when I want to, and where I want to regardless of whether or not anyone else wants to go.