kfinlay said:
Thanks for all the info guys, turns out we didn't go on 26 Mar as it was pouring down and I didn;t want to sit on a drafty train, cold and wet for an hour only to cycle about 10 miles when I got off - sure way to catch a cold and just not worth it when I need to keep healthy for Etape Caledonia in 5 weeks.
Will keep in mind for future trips though
DRAGHTY?? YOU CYCLE IN DRAGHTS!!
That said, I do notice on the humble EMUs that serve me that if it is either the coldest or wettest day of the year, then there will, without exception, be a window open somewhere. Either that or some idiot is resting their muddy feet on the seats as though they they have sort of medical problem that means that they need to keep their legs suspended. EVERYONE does that now and it pi**es me off as I know that someone else has to sit there next!
The stupid inconsiderate little fu ......ANNNYWAY, moving swiftly on!!
Speaking of the 'leccies that serve me, there is no space as such for bikes, but I found that, if you know what sides all of the platforms will be on during your journey, then you can wedge your bike into the door vestibule (that's that they are called) on the side where there is no platform, changing round when needed.
Experience has told me that the bike can only be a particular way round for it to work properly, otherwise after a few jolts or brake applications, it will fall over onto the floor.
In effect, actually wedge it against the direction of travel so that if the train brakes, the bike will press against the 'leading' wall, as otherwise it will just fall over into thin air and hit the floor, if that makes sense.
Unfortunately people never realise this and I have lost count of the amount of times that I have seen people's bikes clogging up the placce as they are rested against seats instead.
With the bike being at the door of course, you need to be on the ball and change the side it is on if need be, and also, if the train is busy, you will not be popular, but at the same time, if you wedge the bike in properly, then even if the door is opened, then the bike should stay exactly where it is, and not fall out onto the platform.
I did that for years and hardly never had any problems.
