Hi everyone, I just learned about these forums after doing some google searches to research freight lines and do some research on how the freight systems work.
I've been a part of the punk and hardcore scene growing up and met a bunch of kids who travel around via train hopping, hitch hiking etc.. I've been on the road with bands before, flew signs in desperate situations like breakdowns and times when we got ripped off at a gig. For the most part we'd sleep in the van, crash at a punk house somewhere or sleep in the grass on the side of a rest stop or something.
I've always wanted to ride trains, I grew up next to the tracks and often times they slow down right at the end of my street, slow enough to safely catch on the fly for sure. Rode a few across town around 13/14 and would jump off when they start going faster.
Anyway, there's always been something holding me back from pursuing this, some kind of life priority in the way where I need to stay put in town, go to work etc.. But I am now deciding to take some time to myself while I can and just get out and travel for a few months. I don't have kids, no car/payment, my lease is ending for the room I'm renting right now, I have money saved/will be getting a nice tax return.. Now's the perfect time for me to pursue this dream.
As for my ideal route, I'm looking to catch a train west from Boston area. A buddy of mine told me there's CSX straight shots to Chicago from a couple of yards in E. MA area. From Chicago I'd like to hit Denver (would love to ride trains through the rockies. I imagine the scenery is amazing, been out there a few times in my time previously on the road with bands). After Denver, I want to head west-ideally to Oakland/SF area. Hangout around Oakland and San Francisco for a few days and take it in.. Maybe find a low key spot to camp or simply just sleep in the street somewhere or under a bridge. From there I'm looking to head north to Seattle-maybe stopping in Portland OR, maybe not.. I have a few friends there I haven't seen in years but we don't talk much anymore... Either way it's a cool little charming city to spend a day in wandering around. From Seattle I want to take the "hi-line" route I've heard so much about. Supposed to be beautiful and Montana is the only continental state I haven't been through. Eventually the hi-line spits you out at Minneapolis, from here I figure I'll make my way back home down to Chicago and take an eastbound train back toward E. Massachusetts.
I would definitely love to have company along this trip, although I'm pretty content traveling alone it might be nice to have someone who's actually experienced as a guide. I'm a pretty laid back guy.. I like to get drunk, but I'm not an idiot/slob.. Smoke weed, occasional psychedelic.. Personally I stay away from hard drugs. Going to punk/hardcore shows, playing music, really into art, photography, film, music (hardcore, metal and punk.. But I pretty much listen to everything).. Not a crazy person, not obnoxious, am pretty OK to be around.. Not a jerk. Genuinely just want to have a good time and get along with people always.
If anyone is in these areas or would be interested in meeting up/traveling/hanging please let me know!
I've been a part of the punk and hardcore scene growing up and met a bunch of kids who travel around via train hopping, hitch hiking etc.. I've been on the road with bands before, flew signs in desperate situations like breakdowns and times when we got ripped off at a gig. For the most part we'd sleep in the van, crash at a punk house somewhere or sleep in the grass on the side of a rest stop or something.
I've always wanted to ride trains, I grew up next to the tracks and often times they slow down right at the end of my street, slow enough to safely catch on the fly for sure. Rode a few across town around 13/14 and would jump off when they start going faster.
Anyway, there's always been something holding me back from pursuing this, some kind of life priority in the way where I need to stay put in town, go to work etc.. But I am now deciding to take some time to myself while I can and just get out and travel for a few months. I don't have kids, no car/payment, my lease is ending for the room I'm renting right now, I have money saved/will be getting a nice tax return.. Now's the perfect time for me to pursue this dream.
As for my ideal route, I'm looking to catch a train west from Boston area. A buddy of mine told me there's CSX straight shots to Chicago from a couple of yards in E. MA area. From Chicago I'd like to hit Denver (would love to ride trains through the rockies. I imagine the scenery is amazing, been out there a few times in my time previously on the road with bands). After Denver, I want to head west-ideally to Oakland/SF area. Hangout around Oakland and San Francisco for a few days and take it in.. Maybe find a low key spot to camp or simply just sleep in the street somewhere or under a bridge. From there I'm looking to head north to Seattle-maybe stopping in Portland OR, maybe not.. I have a few friends there I haven't seen in years but we don't talk much anymore... Either way it's a cool little charming city to spend a day in wandering around. From Seattle I want to take the "hi-line" route I've heard so much about. Supposed to be beautiful and Montana is the only continental state I haven't been through. Eventually the hi-line spits you out at Minneapolis, from here I figure I'll make my way back home down to Chicago and take an eastbound train back toward E. Massachusetts.
I would definitely love to have company along this trip, although I'm pretty content traveling alone it might be nice to have someone who's actually experienced as a guide. I'm a pretty laid back guy.. I like to get drunk, but I'm not an idiot/slob.. Smoke weed, occasional psychedelic.. Personally I stay away from hard drugs. Going to punk/hardcore shows, playing music, really into art, photography, film, music (hardcore, metal and punk.. But I pretty much listen to everything).. Not a crazy person, not obnoxious, am pretty OK to be around.. Not a jerk. Genuinely just want to have a good time and get along with people always.
If anyone is in these areas or would be interested in meeting up/traveling/hanging please let me know!
