Several people have asked about getting back after the ride and/or the Social Forum is over. Here's the information I've collected thus far:
Bike back! A few people have expressed interest in this, so if you want to form a return caravan, let us know and we can connect you with other interested folks.
The Permibus will be driving back to Madison immediately after the Social Forum and they will have room for up to 10 riders. Contact skillstour@gmail.com to let them know you'd like a spot.
Amtrak can carry you from Detroit to Chicago for about $30 on the Wolverine with 3 departures daily. See Amtrak policies for bikes here. You need to pack your bike in a cardboard bike box, which bike stores will gladly give you for free, or check their dumpsters. Be aware that getting the bike in the box requires a couple tools (generally removing one of the pedals and the handlebars). After getting to Chicago, you can take a train to Milwaukee ($22, 2 hours) or take a Metra train to Harvard, IL ($8.50, 2 hours) and bike back to Madison (70 miles).
Megabus has 2-4 departures daily from Detroit to Chicago and tickets start around $15-18. The downside is that they do not take bikes, and their Chicago-Madison route is $27 and drops you off at the Dutch Mill park & ride in the middle of the night.
Greyhound can get you and your bike back to Madison for about $68 with 21 day advance purchase. Check out their bike policies here.
Carpool - there will be cars returning to Wisconsin after the Social Forum, who you might be able to hitch a ride with. Check the Allied Media Conference/USSF ride board or Craigslist.
How are you getting back?
Comments
getting back to Madison from Chicago with bike
Don't forget the VanGalder bus, which leaves several times a day from the AMTRAK station to Madison. They will take your bike for an extra fee.