My experiences of Virgin Cross Country include constant overcrowding (after stowing the bikes we couldn't even get through to our coach, let alone our seats, for the first hour), insufficient coaches (with an apology each time), failed airconditioning, and refusal to take bikes on the only available direct service that day when no prior booking was available (we almost felt that the 'Train Manager' was waiting for a bribe) resulting in a circuitous route and many changes. All in all, a catalogue of grim travelling experiences.