Mark Benz
Member
This is my first post on StP, but I've had an account for several years now. I thought it would be fun to share my story.
I had always wanted to ride trains. I dreamed about riding the rails even as a little, little kid. At that time though, I knew it was impossible. About 8 years ago, something changed and hopping seemed like a dim possibility. But the big problem: I didn't know a single person that could teach me. Some kind of mentor would be necessary. Eventually I found this site and I read everything I could. But I was still too scared. The members on StP forums almost always discouraged people that wanted to learn. I decided to never post simply out of fear. I knew that I was an outsider (and for good reason). Over time the dream faded.
About 3 years ago, I went through an awful breakup and my mental health rapidly deteriorated. I needed to get away for my own sake. I flew to Portland to visit an old friend. After about a week in Oregon, I had the strange idea to take some pictures of the yard in the Albina neighborhood. I was wandering around under the red bridge and decided to chat some folks sitting trackside. We kicked it off! They needed to get to Eugene in the morning, but also wouldn't be able to safely drive their own car. I offered to drive it for them. We spent the whole next day together.
The told me that they had ridden trains for about five years. I told them about everything that had happened. The breakup, the obsession with trains, wanting to get away. So they decided to put me on a train to Roseville.
I rode for six months, learning as I went. Eventually I was able to go back home!
Now I ride the rails for a couple months each year! I just got back from my fourth long(ish) trip. Worcester-->Portland--->Denver--->Providence.
And I'm loving life. Honestly, I don't think I would have ever had the courage to ride if I hadn't found this site.
Thanks folks!
I had always wanted to ride trains. I dreamed about riding the rails even as a little, little kid. At that time though, I knew it was impossible. About 8 years ago, something changed and hopping seemed like a dim possibility. But the big problem: I didn't know a single person that could teach me. Some kind of mentor would be necessary. Eventually I found this site and I read everything I could. But I was still too scared. The members on StP forums almost always discouraged people that wanted to learn. I decided to never post simply out of fear. I knew that I was an outsider (and for good reason). Over time the dream faded.
About 3 years ago, I went through an awful breakup and my mental health rapidly deteriorated. I needed to get away for my own sake. I flew to Portland to visit an old friend. After about a week in Oregon, I had the strange idea to take some pictures of the yard in the Albina neighborhood. I was wandering around under the red bridge and decided to chat some folks sitting trackside. We kicked it off! They needed to get to Eugene in the morning, but also wouldn't be able to safely drive their own car. I offered to drive it for them. We spent the whole next day together.
The told me that they had ridden trains for about five years. I told them about everything that had happened. The breakup, the obsession with trains, wanting to get away. So they decided to put me on a train to Roseville.
I rode for six months, learning as I went. Eventually I was able to go back home!
Now I ride the rails for a couple months each year! I just got back from my fourth long(ish) trip. Worcester-->Portland--->Denver--->Providence.
And I'm loving life. Honestly, I don't think I would have ever had the courage to ride if I hadn't found this site.
Thanks folks!