Many questions (Birmingham New St/Sherwood Pines)

projectsome
projectsome Posts: 4,478
edited January 2012 in Routes
Does anyone know the cycle policy for Birmingham New St, and how busy it's likely to be between 7-10am on weekends?

Also do they have a seperate bike carriage or is it mixed?

Also do they have bike cleaning facilities at Sherwood Pines? I'm currently keeping my options open for the monthly ride.
FARKBOOK TWATTER Happiness is my fucking mood!

Comments

  • angry_bird
    angry_bird Posts: 3,787
    Depends on the train company, some have separate cycle carriages at the front, in my experience those from Birmingham to Nottingham have a space for bikes in some of the normal carriages. In the past I've just taken my bike onto the train with me and just stood with it by the doors, I've never had any problems.

    Where are you planning on going to/from?
    Angry Bird's offroad bikes
    Winter
    Racey
    Special Favourite

    If in doubt, blame Wiggle.
  • Gazlar
    Gazlar Posts: 8,084
    I presume you will be travelling with Arriva X Country, here's the info
    http://www.crosscountrytrains.co.uk/Cus ... lists.aspx

    General rule of thumb is reserve your bike, most companies let as many on as they can fit, but they have a policy of two bikes guaranteed then if theres room you can bring yours on. At LM we had certain conductors who would strictly adhere to the 2 bikes max rule, even on quiet trains on account they were little hitlers and found it funny when groups of 7 or 8 kids turned up at Cannock with their BMX's that they could not let the majority on. Its free to reserve your bike and they have 2 reservations per train, so get in early (and get in early to get cheapest ticket prices if you choose which trains you are sticking to).

    I presume your route will be Brizzle to Cheltenham or Gloucester then the service that comes from Cardiff up to Notts, with this being the case you will find the first leg will probably be a fairly spacious Voyager with storage like this
    320px-Bristol_Temple_Meads_railway_station_MMB_09_221130.jpg
    xcountryl.jpg

    The second leg will be a 170 (or if you are travelling from New St)
    1272153_5107afa7.jpg
    The Bike storage on these is a little area by the Disabled toilets that doubles up as disabled seating, quite often you will find you have to staand in the doorway with a bike at busy times due to lack of room.

    Between 7 and 10 at New st on a Saturday, it gets busier towards the 9-10 time as shops open so the earlier the better I'd recommend
    Mountain biking is like sex.......more fun when someone else is getting hurt
    Amy
    Farnsworth
    Zapp
  • projectsome
    projectsome Posts: 4,478
    Will be going from temple meads to nottingham, with the only change being birmingham new st.

    I did notice there are at least 3 trains that overlap throughout.
    FARKBOOK TWATTER Happiness is my fucking mood!
  • FODCADEMON
    FODCADEMON Posts: 207
    You can also get the train to Cannock chase from New St. If you get the Rugeley Trent Valley train and get off at Rugeley Town it is just a short ride to the trails. I have made this trip several times and have never had any issues with getting bikes on/off regardless of how muddy they are.
    Just ride.
  • Pedal Head
    Pedal Head Posts: 66
    There's a bike wash at the pines, £2 a go but you'll need a token from the bike shop.
  • composite
    composite Posts: 29
    I work in Central Birmingham and get the train in the evenings all the time from New St up to Cannock, Lichfield and sometimes Barnt Green to ride in the Licky Hills and never had a single problem. Best bit is all the commuters trying to push past you until they realise just how covered in crap you are. :lol:

    I remember 3 of us got the train at New St to go to Cannock. On the way the train picked up 2 groups of kids on BMXs. I counted 14 bikes in the one carriage and all the conductor did was ask for tickets. I reckon they must be used to it though on that route.

Categories