I had the opportunity to ride the three-car set that demonstrated between Portland and Eugene, Ore. May 10-17, 1997.

Ugly or not, it rode well, and the engineer's-eye view from the first-class seating behind the cab was fun to experience.

Because of the demand for seats during the week of runs, I could only get tickets in one direction, northbound from Albany, Ore. to Portland. To get down to Albany, I rode the Coast Starlight, which was so full on that particular day that I had to take a seat in the Sightseer lounge.

Ironically, the same day the demonstration runs began, May 10, was the final day of service for the "Pioneer". I witnessed the final runs in each direction passing through Portland.