UberXL for bailout?
12-18-19, 06:19 AM
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
UberXL for bailout?
My wife and I will be driving down to Venice FL to stay with friends in January, much biking planned. I'm going to then bike from Venice to Jacksonsville and take Amtrak back to Washington DC while my wife visits other friends around FL.
If the weather in DC cooperates, I will just bike home from there. I'm trying to make sure I have some alternatives if the weather does not cooperate - my usual alternative is my wife, who of course won't be around, and some of my other bailout friends will actually be down there with her.
Looks like UberPedal ($5 upcharge for Uber cars with a bike rack) doesn't exist anymore. I'm thinking I can try UberXL and then once someone takes my ride I can call and say "I have a bike" and see what happens. Anyone had good/bad experience doing that?
If the weather in DC cooperates, I will just bike home from there. I'm trying to make sure I have some alternatives if the weather does not cooperate - my usual alternative is my wife, who of course won't be around, and some of my other bailout friends will actually be down there with her.
Looks like UberPedal ($5 upcharge for Uber cars with a bike rack) doesn't exist anymore. I'm thinking I can try UberXL and then once someone takes my ride I can call and say "I have a bike" and see what happens. Anyone had good/bad experience doing that?
12-21-19, 05:22 PM
#2
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I have used Uber before in a pinch while on tour. In my case just took off the front wheel and paniers and put all that in the seat next to me and in my lap. Most drivers likely just want the cash and as long as you are respectful of their vehicle I bet no problems... Only issue may be if you are in a rural area where the Uper/Lyft coverage is sparse... Be sure you are prepared to cover your chain and chain rings to keep grease off of the seats.
12-21-19, 06:53 PM
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Maybe just order the Uber, and when it shows up offer them $20 tip for the extra hassle.
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12-22-19, 03:58 PM
#4
Senior Member
Do you have AAA? Many clubs now offer bike "roadside service" to get you home. Worth checking at least.
Or just take the metro as far as you can from AMTRAK Union Station (up to Wheaton or Glenmont I guess?) and grit it out and ride home even in nasty weather. You're a bike tourist! :-)
Or just take the metro as far as you can from AMTRAK Union Station (up to Wheaton or Glenmont I guess?) and grit it out and ride home even in nasty weather. You're a bike tourist! :-)
12-22-19, 06:33 PM
#5
Member
If you're trying to get home from Union Station, after you get to Glenmont on Metro, both Metrobuses and RideOn buses have bike racks in the front of the bus.
12-23-19, 06:00 AM
#6
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Do you have AAA? Many clubs now offer bike "roadside service" to get you home. Worth checking at least.
Or just take the metro as far as you can from AMTRAK Union Station (up to Wheaton or Glenmont I guess?) and grit it out and ride home even in nasty weather. You're a bike tourist! :-)
Or just take the metro as far as you can from AMTRAK Union Station (up to Wheaton or Glenmont I guess?) and grit it out and ride home even in nasty weather. You're a bike tourist! :-)
If it is just cold or wet, I will put my bike on Metro and go north to shorten the ride. If it is snowing or icy: yes, I am a bike tourist, and have stayed alive doing so by avoiding dangerous conditions!
