I love catching the train to New York City.
When Basil and I went on a blitz trip recently, all I took was the Brompton S bag — along with Basil’s ever-present saddle bag, of course, and my helmet.
Most of our regional stations are in pretty awful shape, which is too bad. The tracks work, though, which is what really counts.
When I see other trains passing, or stopped in a station, It makes me think of model train layouts, with trains placed in careful juxtaposition. This is a case of life imitating art, maybe.
Accommodations on Amtrak are much nicer than the decrepit condition of the stations suggests they might be.
Basil wasn’t the only Brompton on the train; this orange B was snugged into the luggage compartment. It’s always thrilling to see another Brompton bicycle!
Once we’d touched base in NYC, and left off the luggage, the first stop was a coffee shop. Basil’s so small that it’s surprisingly easy to get him in and out of even a crowded shop.
It’s not obvious here, but there’s a long line out of sight, to the right. (This is New York — of course there’s a long line!) Basil’s tucked neatly out of the way while I fix my iced coffee.
See the bottle on the counter? It’s leak-proof, and perfect for water or iced coffee on the run. It opens just above the purple sleeve, and conventionally, at the top.
I hand in the bottom portion to be filled, and then add milk through the top once I’ve screwed it together again. Silicone seals keep it from leaking. Its only defect? It’s not green or yellow!
Fortified, we headed out, this time taking the subway and then a bus, to get cross-town, ready to start the day.