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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2014 18:30:58 GMT
Hi has anyone taken there bike on a train only I was thinking about having ago whilst in wales like take the train to one resort or two and then ride back ,is it simple to do ,does one stay with there bike whilst travelling on the train and if not is the bike safe ,or do I need to bag the bike ,I have rang British rail and they were not that helpful I think they must have been busy ,Brian.
youtu.be/KT3YriLZhZE just found this on you tube
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Post by bandit3 on Jun 27, 2014 19:05:15 GMT
Hi @scarrabri if it's any help my stepson came down from London to Dorset on the train with his bike & he had to make a reservation for the bike , it did'nt cost him anything to bring it down here. He was told he could'nt just turn up with it
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Post by Deleted on Jun 27, 2014 19:34:55 GMT
Hi @scarrabri if it's any help my stepson came down from London to Dorset on the train with his bike & he had to make a reservation for the bike , it did'nt cost him anything to bring it down here. He was told he could'nt just turn up with it Hi bandit3 all help is always appreciated my friend, it seems that a reservation is needed in most cases I have just read about a few folk that like your stepson also had to make a reservation and I would love to give it a try as it means I could travel some distance only peddling one way,thanks again best wishes Brian.
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Post by captslog on Jun 27, 2014 22:24:27 GMT
I've no experience of this, but I've seen it discussed elsewhere, and the overall impression I got was that it isn't easy.
I remember someone was told for one journey, something on the lines of....
"yes, you can book a ticket and it is possible to take your bike on the train, BUT we won't know if there is space for it until you turn up on the day"
....which is obviously just useless. I'm certain too, that there were some positives, that was just one that stuck in my mind.
I'll be interested to know how you get on, please be sure to report back. Whereabouts in wales by the way? Are you going in the rainy season (1st July to 30th June) ?
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2014 2:03:15 GMT
I've no experience of this, but I've seen it discussed elsewhere, and the overall impression I got was that it isn't easy. I remember someone was told for one journey, something on the lines of.... "yes, you can book a ticket and it is possible to take your bike on the train, BUT we won't know if there is space for it until you turn up on the day" ....which is obviously just useless. I'm certain too, that there were some positives, that was just one that stuck in my mind. I'll be interested to know how you get on, please be sure to report back. Whereabouts in wales by the way? Are you going in the rainy season (1st July to 30th June) ? Hi thanks for your reply lol its not looking like a good idea at the moment as the more I read up on the subject the more tales of woe there seems to be as you say if its busy on the day there is no guarantee what time you will board the train,which is not what I had in mind lol ,by the way my destination is a little place called Talacre which is where as a young child our whole family cousins uncles and all used to head for a two week break in as you say the rainy season , I always remember the self catering accommodation my father used to book as it resembled the old asbestos type garage but with curtains and a visit to the outside toilet which was called a ducket which was basically a large tin bucket with wood across and non flushable and I am quite sure I have been scarred for life when finding out the contents of that awful tin bucket was used to feed the tomato plants that my father was buying the tomatoes from yuk and he reckoned they were the best he had ever tasted so a drop of rain is like a breath of fresh air ,best wishes Brian.
Talacre post office 1960 sorry about the quality
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Post by erictherat on Jun 28, 2014 8:12:56 GMT
on local trains - just turn up. But, the train doesn't have to take you. just avoid rush hour and it's fine. on older trains there is normally a special area for bikes. on most newer ones shove it by the doors (ask conductor which side has most platforms)
on intercity - you need to reserve, but it is free.
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mpj
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Post by mpj on Jun 28, 2014 11:29:11 GMT
I sometimes catch the train to Chester (nearly Wales) and cycle back and Northern Rail seem to be okay. They have a bike storage area in the carriage with rubber straps so that the bikes don't fall over. I think that there is a limit of two or three bikes but, like erictherat says, unless you are in the rush hour that doesn't seem to be a problem (no booking or charge for the bike). I'd definitely go for the "getting the train out and cycling back model" 'cos it makes it much less hit and miss on train times - hourly around here, we are in the sticks :-)
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Post by cacciatorino on Jun 28, 2014 12:42:07 GMT
I'm used to go somewhere by train and come back home by bike, or reverse. If you will come in Italy on holiday, be aware that bikes are allowed at no-cost on almost every regional train (no need for reservation), while it is very difficult to take it on intercity trains or other fast trains.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2014 13:35:52 GMT
on local trains - just turn up. But, the train doesn't have to take you. just avoid rush hour and it's fine. on older trains there is normally a special area for bikes. on most newer ones shove it by the doors (ask conductor which side has most platforms) on intercity - you need to reserve, but it is free. Thank you for your reply my friend ,I will have a go whilst I am away in wales, best wishes Brian.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2014 13:39:17 GMT
I'm used to go somewhere by train and come back home by bike, or reverse. If you will come in Italy on holiday, be aware that bikes are allowed at no-cost on almost every regional train (no need for reservation), while it is very difficult to take it on intercity trains or other fast trains. Wow wonderful pic and again really appreciate the help, just a quick question, does it do any damage to the wheel hanging the bike up, best wishes Brian .
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2014 13:47:14 GMT
I sometimes catch the train to Chester (nearly Wales) and cycle back and Northern Rail seem to be okay. They have a bike storage area in the carriage with rubber straps so that the bikes don't fall over. I think that there is a limit of two or three bikes but, like erictherat says, unless you are in the rush hour that doesn't seem to be a problem (no booking or charge for the bike). I'd definitely go for the "getting the train out and cycling back model" 'cos it makes it much less hit and miss on train times - hourly around here, we are in the sticks :-) Thank you for your reply and the information and when I arrive in wales I will see if I can sort some thing out and see if I can try the train out from prestatyn to some where not to far so as I can manage the peddle back only I need a lot more outings before I can say I am a proper biker, best wishes Brian.
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Post by cacciatorino on Jun 28, 2014 13:49:19 GMT
I'm used to go somewhere by train and come back home by bike, or reverse. If you will come in Italy on holiday, be aware that bikes are allowed at no-cost on almost every regional train (no need for reservation), while it is very difficult to take it on intercity trains or other fast trains. Wow wonderful pic and again really appreciate the help, just a quick question, does it do any damage to the wheel hanging the bike up, best wishes Brian . Normally the hook is protected by a rubber pipe, so no risk to damage the rim due to friction. BTW, you should pay attention to the rear derailleur and to thieves, because the bike is under your own responsability! ;-)
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Post by cosybike on Jun 28, 2014 15:35:44 GMT
I reckon you busk it and see what happens. If inspectors get arsey, my backup plan is a major mechanical which requires taking two wheels off and going home on the train. Look! Hand luggage!
Scotrail is good. SPT trains have huge areas for bikes and disabled access. Even Glasgow to edinburgh express can be accessed without a booking off peak. At peak times yeez takes yer chance. There is now an electric local service from glasgow to edinburgh, and the time penalty of about 15 minutes you will make up being on a bike anyway!!
West Highland line and other rural services are smaller sprinters and should be booked in the summer. Winter time I reckon you'd get on no bother.
Long distance Virging GNER etc, as in most countries booking ahead is the norm.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2014 17:48:48 GMT
I reckon you busk it and see what happens. If inspectors get arsey, my backup plan is a major mechanical which requires taking two wheels off and going home on the train. Look! Hand luggage! Scotrail is good. SPT trains have huge areas for bikes and disabled access. Even Glasgow to edinburgh express can be accessed without a booking off peak. At peak times yeez takes yer chance. There is now an electric local service from glasgow to edinburgh, and the time penalty of about 15 minutes you will make up being on a bike anyway!! West Highland line and other rural services are smaller sprinters and should be booked in the summer. Winter time I reckon you'd get on no bother. Long distance Virging GNER etc, as in most countries booking ahead is the norm. Well that's me convinced as there's enough cyclists on our forum who appear to have used the train and been ok and I will remember the major mechanical plan just in case lol ,thanks very much for the input I really appreciate it, very best wishes Brian
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Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2014 20:34:48 GMT
Just come back from Aberdovey on train with bike. Reserved space at time of booking ticket. All fine no probs. remember to take a lock as you're not always gonna be sat next to your steed used to commute with bike in rush hour, people used to get a bit angsty especially when bike was covered in crud but it was a good way to get them to move down the carriage. Train staff were always fine
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