Bikes on trains

littlecherub

Hi folks,
For the first time I am taking my bike on a train.Virgin trains,Aviemore/york return.Booked my bike reservation and my own ticket...eventually and after being tormented by a convoluted voice activated system and then having to do it by phone eventually 'cos you can't book the bike online.Anyway the guy I spoke to didn't know the answer to the following.
Are there bike stands on the train(i am assuming it will go in a guards van) and do I need to lock my bike to a stand or whatever. Any advice would be appreciated.thank you.
Little Cherub

AndyManc

Depends what time of day you are travelling. My local trains have an area within train where you can sit right next to your bike, I'm not sure about virgin ..... , and I don't even think they have 'guard vans' anymore.

If you're near your local station I would pop down and see what the situation is with Virgin.

I never have problems off peak with non virgin trains.

ride_whenever

Virgin trains, you mount them vertically in the guards carrage, I'd take a cable extension and a d-lock to be safe, as I'm sure there is something to lock it to, even if it is just a wheel bracket. Bear in mind you'll need to get it off, so be on the ball at your stop.

littlecherub

Hi guys,
Thanks for the replies.

ansbaradigeidfran

If you'll be on a long, electric Pendolino, then you'll want to aim for coach A to put your bike in. If you have a shorter (4/5 car) diesel Voyager, look for coach F.

See http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/img/twu/seating-plan.pdf for pretty diagrams.

[edit]Oh, and anyone around Wales or the Marches that sees a Class 175 roll up should aim for Coach C, at the door nearest the middle of the train.

The Chingford Skinhead

ansbaradigeidfran wrote:

If you'll be on a long, electric Pendolino, then you'll want to aim for coach A to put your bike in. If you have a shorter (4/5 car) diesel Voyager, look for coach F.

See http://www.virgintrains.co.uk/img/twu/seating-plan.pdf for pretty diagrams.

[edit]Oh, and anyone around Wales or the Marches that sees a Class 175 roll up should aim for Coach C, at the door nearest the middle of the train.

Oh train buff! (I happen to work with lots of them)

Little Cherub - I went on National Express London KX to York. The intercity type trains - pendolinos for Virgin - do have guards vans. Bikes are either in wheel gutters next to a sheffield stand which you lean to (you can lock your bike) or you have to hang it on a hook using the front wheel.

When you get to the station (both ends) speak to a member of staff. They will confirm what end of the train the guards van will be. If the bike is booked they guard should expect you but tell them where you are getting off (even though it is on the ticket attached to your bike). As you approach your destination move down the train to the carriage nearest the van - if the guard isn't next to the van the chances are you will pass him or her and they'll remember you are getting off.

Have fun.

My only other bike on a train experience was a ride to Cambridge and a train back. Three of us got on the commuter type train on the very first carriage so we were not in the way. A bunch of school girls not only decided to get on where are three bikes were blocking the gangway rather than use the other doors - but decided to get off from the same doors two stops down :shock: :roll: Perhaps they just liked seeing three knackered looking guys in shorts have to stack the bikes to let them pass...

littlecherub

Thanks again guys.thanks to chingford skinhead for giving me the info re trains.I had never heard of pendolinos but I have been to the station and had a word now and the staff tell me the bike is stored in a gaurd van hung up from the front wheel.Should be ok now I reckon.Cheers guys.
Little cherub