Clifton CC

Will, take a look at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ and you'll see that there are various options depending on day and time. There are quite a few which go direct so you'd not need to change. If you can't get a direct train, and you really want to ride the last section, you'd need to weigh up whether it was safer after dark doing Leeds-Wistow or York-Wistow (I'd guess the latter). But why not just do the whole journey by train?

Northern are usually pretty relaxed about bikes but since you'd be leaving Manchester at peak time it'd probably be worth booking it on.

PhilBixby wrote:Will, take a look at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ and you'll see that there are various options depending on day and time. There are quite a few which go direct so you'd not need to change. If you can't get a direct train, and you really want to ride the last section, you'd need to weigh up whether it was safer after dark doing Leeds-Wistow or York-Wistow (I'd guess the latter). But why not just do the whole journey by train?

Northern are usually pretty relaxed about bikes but since you'd be leaving Manchester at peak time it'd probably be worth booking it on.

Yea I found that site earlier and planned planned it with national rail, I chose option 3 and it was like 6 quid 50 direct to Manchester, I might give em a ring and see what they say.

I guess I'll have to do it all by train, I'm dissapointed I cant cycle though its a great route and felt like a great achievement even though it was only 62 miles, but I suppose at least getting train I will have energy for saturday run from the square.

PhilBixby wrote:Will, take a look at http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/ and you'll see that there are various options depending on day and time. There are quite a few which go direct so you'd not need to change. If you can't get a direct train, and you really want to ride the last section, you'd need to weigh up whether it was safer after dark doing Leeds-Wistow or York-Wistow (I'd guess the latter). But why not just do the whole journey by train?

Northern are usually pretty relaxed about bikes but since you'd be leaving Manchester at peak time it'd probably be worth booking it on.

If the bike's being booked in advance anyway and Will would prefer a short journey to avoid too much riding in the dark, probably best just to go Transpennine straight through to Selby from Manchester Piccadilly (1 train per hour that goes on to Hull).

Dave

Do I rink about bikes then? Last thing I want is to turn up fine no bike slots available.

"...but since you'd be leaving Manchester at peak time it'd probably be worth booking it on"

Applies whichever rail company it is. If the train's heaving with p***ed-off commuters, the last thing you want is an excuse for the guard to say "sorry mate!"

I'm trying to book a train now, its with Transpennine Express, no changes, any idea how I reserve a bike space? Do I have to ring?

I think you'll probably have to phone - annoying, but they hadn't sorted out online bike booking last time I tried it.

PhilBixby wrote:I think you'll probably have to phone - annoying, but they hadn't sorted out online bike booking last time I tried it.

Yea I phoned em in the end, will phone em to reserve a space then book my ticket as I don't want to pay for a ticket to find no bloody bike space available.

Should I take a bike lock with me for when I park it on the train?

Just sit near it during the journey if you're worried about anyone tampering with it - no-one's going to try stealing it as no-one (unless they know what they're up to and are nicking to order - and they're not going to be looking on trains) is going to steal a roadbike as they're so deeply uncool and unsaleable. And anyway, trains are pretty crime-free (apart from fare-dodging!).

PhilBixby wrote:Just sit near it during the journey if you're worried about anyone tampering with it - no-one's going to try stealing it as no-one (unless they know what they're up to and are nicking to order - and they're not going to be looking on trains) is going to steal a roadbike as they're so deeply uncool and unsaleable. And anyway, trains are pretty crime-free (apart from fare-dodging!).

I see.

Well I hope I don't get on the wrong train, Manchester Picadilly looks complicated!, I mean what if I don't know where to go? I've not been in a train station for years.

Just check for destination and departure time on displays, follow signs to platform, and if in doubt, ask someone who looks vaguely rail-employee-ish. Location of bike storage bit is usually marked on side of train next to doors.

PhilBixby wrote:Just sit near it during the journey if you're worried about anyone tampering with it - no-one's going to try stealing it as no-one (unless they know what they're up to and are nicking to order - and they're not going to be looking on trains) is going to steal a roadbike as they're so deeply uncool and unsaleable. And anyway, trains are pretty crime-free (apart from fare-dodging!).

In fact, train companies will usually insist that you don't lock your bike to any handrails etc. in the carriage - presumably in case you have to leave the service in a hurry for any reason, or vacate the bike space oin certain types of train to make room for a wheelchair user.
Just a quick thought - if going Transpennine and booking ahead to ensure a bike space, Will might be able to get a discounted advance fare.

David

Dave B wrote:

PhilBixby wrote:Just sit near it during the journey if you're worried about anyone tampering with it - no-one's going to try stealing it as no-one (unless they know what they're up to and are nicking to order - and they're not going to be looking on trains) is going to steal a roadbike as they're so deeply uncool and unsaleable. And anyway, trains are pretty crime-free (apart from fare-dodging!).

In fact, train companies will usually insist that you don't lock your bike to any handrails etc. in the carriage - presumably in case you have to leave the service in a hurry for any reason, or vacate the bike space oin certain types of train to make room for a wheelchair user.
Just a quick thought - if going Transpennine and booking ahead to ensure a bike space, Will might be able to get a discounted advance fare.

David

I never got discounted fare, was free for bike space but 9 quid 50 for fare, yesterday it was 6 quid 50

I got it booked, apart there is something called a guard carridge the bike will go in, I asked em if there is somewhere I can sit with it as am scared it'll get stolen, you know, just to be better safe than sorry.

Anyway happy its all sorted, only 2 mile bike ride on friday so I'll be ready for saturday ride from the square, going to do 37 miles on wednesday again to see my fitness levels but have a cold atm.

[quote="willhub"]I got it booked, apart there is something called a guard carridge the bike will go in, I asked em if there is somewhere I can sit with it as am scared it'll get stolen, you know, just to be better safe than sorry.[/quote]

Should be able to sit with the bike no problem on Transpennine as the bike space has fold-up seats in it (for when there are no bikes and so a couple of extra people can site down). Not quite as comfy as the fixed seats with tables, arm-rests, etc. but better than having to stand in the corridor or sit on the floor!

Dave

Hi.

Reason I brought this back up is cause I don't feel it needs another thread.

I'm thinking of cycling back home for Christmas on the 20th December, parents are coming to pick my stuff up but I still plan to cycle back.

Just wonder if it would be abit dangerous? As I go up to the top of the pennines and wonder if it might be full of snow/ very icey?