Write on the Rail, Sacramento to San Francisco Marathon

WRITE ON THE RAIL 2026!
Join us for our 9th Annual train trip to San Francisco, a fun filled day bracketed by 90 minute writing sessions each direction on the train. This is your chance to both socialize with other writers and to put in three or more hours of focused writing time on a fun day in "The City By the Bay". It's amazing how much writing you can get done with like-minded friends and lots of good creative energy.

PLEASE NOTE: To be fully registered for this even you need to either participate in the purchase of group discounted tickets estimated cost of $47 per person roundtrip or purchase individual tickets approximate cost $67 roundtrip. You will also need $11 min. on a BART Clipper Card. Any other cost would be individual for purchase of food, beverage, etc. Collection of money for ticket Purchases will begin in June, so please watch your email then for subject "Write on the Rail 2026". Group ticket sales will continue to 1 week before the event, unless we reach maximum capacity before then.

When you are ready to COMMIT to ticket purchase (non refundable once purchased in June or July) , email here for instructions:

Tentative Schedule:

8:15 - Suggested Arrival at Sacramento Valley Station. The trains wait for no one, so please allow ample time to avoid being left behind.

8:20- Meet in the boarding area according to posted schedule for Train# on your ticket. Check in with Coordinators by the Tracks.

8:30 - (Est.) Train Scheduled to begin boarding. We will board together and try to find tables to sit in groups together for writing!

8:55 - Departure- Writing Session 1: Write for approx. 1hr. 25 min.

10:25 (est.) - Arrive at Richmond Station. We cross the station and board BART on the other side of the same station.

10:45 (est.) Board Daly City Bound BART Train for 39 Min. Ride to Powell St. Station. Spend another 30 min. writing if you like.

11:25 (Est.) Arrive at Powell St. Station. This station is in the basement of the Westfield San Francisco Shopping Mall. This location offers easy access to the Muni, shopping, Union Square, major cable car stop, and many restaurants.

See the photos section below for updates as the time draws near. There will be a list of suggested activities and recommended places to eat in the city. This material will also be available in both printed and electronic versions the day of the event. Hosts from several of our regular meetings will be on hand for any questions. In previous years participants separated into smaller groups with some sitting and writing in Union Square or a coffee shop, some taking organized walking tours of the city, shopping, or checking out one the many wonderful restaurants. There are a multitude of diverse free or low cost activity choices. Some are always available, like a trip to China Town, ride on a cable car, walk through a cultural center, museum , or the blocks long rooftop garden atop the Transit building. Others may only be happening that day, like a piano concert in the park. We will compile a list for those who want suggestions and welcome your contributions.

Lunch is either on your own or with other writers at a local restaurant or outdoor venue - so many good choices!

5:45 -6:15 PM Gather near Bart Tracks at Powell St. Station for the return trip.
Board Richmond Bound BART train. Visit with friends or get a half hour head start on your writing.

7:15 PM (est.) Board Amtrak Train at Richmond Station for the return trip to Sacramento and get settled for another productive session.

7:30- 9:15 Writing Session 2: Write for 1 1/2 hours

9:15 (est.) Arrive at Sacramento Amtrak Station

A few guidelines for this special Extra-Curricular event:

1. REGISTRATION IS NOT COMPLETE UNTIL YOU HAVE YOUR TRAIN TICKET IN ADVANCE. Instructions on purchase of specially priced tickets will be posted on our message board soon. You can get these anytime via email to WriteOnTheRail@gmail.com
2. We are purchasing group tickets, 6 to a group to take advantage of special pricing. This allows you to register for the trip for just under $50 (exact pricing will be posted when available) . This gets you a roundtrip non-transferable, non-refundable AMTRAK ticket and a trip T-shirt (as long as the supply lasts). You may of course purchase your own full price, refundable Amtrak ticket for est. $67 round trip if you prefer. You will be responsible for your own BART ticket min. $11 or Richmond to SF, roundtrip and any food or activity costs. Senior/student/disabled discount of about 50% on Bart/Muni tickets if purchased in advance.
3. "Non-writer" companions are welcome for the day of fun in the City and may be included in the discount ticket purchases. Please make sure they understand the "Shut Up" part of our writing sessions. Thank you.

Please Note: Many of the hosts in Greater Sacramento Area Shut Up & Write help with this event but software does not allow them all to be listed. Thank you all in advance.