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Fan's Epic 11-Day Amtrak Trek for College Football
20 Dec
Summary
- A dedicated fan traveled 11 days from D.C. to Oregon for a football game.
- The journey involved multiple train routes, facing weather delays and reroutes.
- Unexpected kindness from strangers eased the fan's challenging cross-country trip.
Chris Comerford, an alumnus of James Madison University, undertook an ambitious 11-day Amtrak expedition from Washington, D.C., to Eugene, Oregon, for the College Football Playoff. His journey, which began on December 11th, 2025, aimed to fulfill a long-held desire to travel a specific Amtrak route while supporting his beloved Dukes. The trip commenced with a scenic ride up the Eastern Seaboard, including a stop in New York City, before heading west.
Comerford's cross-country adventure faced significant challenges, notably a severe blizzard in Montana that caused a 12-hour delay on the Empire Builder train. This delay, coupled with flooding and mudslides in Washington state, led to the cancellation of the train's final leg to Seattle. Consequently, Comerford had to reroute, eventually booking a flight from Spokane to Portland to ensure he could reach Eugene in time for the game.
Throughout his arduous trip, Comerford documented his experiences on social media, which led to an outpouring of support from fellow fans and strangers. Offers of rides, laundry assistance, and even a place to stay demonstrated the kindness of people and the unifying power of sports. Comerford's remarkable journey culminated in his arrival in Eugene, ready to cheer on JMU, making the effort worthwhile.
