Bike arrangements (FGW?) trains Paddington to Reading

[palinurus]

Not sure where to post this, I reckon you commuters might be my best chance. There's touring and expedition, but I'm only going for a couple hours...

Thinking of taking myself and a bike to Reading at the weekend, before I wander down the station and get a ticket and bike booking does anyone know what the arrangement is with bikes on trains leaving Paddington for Reading? What I'm after is where do the bikes go? dedicated compartment which requires tracking down someone with a key or are there storage areas somewhere in the carriages?

 

[jimboalee]

Check the rail operator.
is it First Great Western?

www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/Content.aspx?id=87

It is indeed.

 

[CotterPin]

If you take one of the long distance trains to the West Country or Wales, the cycle carriage is right behind one of the locomotives, usually right at the far end of the platform (but in any event, opposite end of train to first class). You are supposed to book your bicycle onto these trains, but you may be able to get away with it.

From memory, the stopping services don't always have a dedicated bike space but if there is it will be marked on the outside of the carriage. If there isn't, climb one where you can and prop the bike in the vestibule. I don't think you need to book on these services (I certainly never have).

 

[Baggy]

There are dedicated areas on FGW trains from Paddington - Reading, but the last time I used on it was in the guard's van part on one of the engines with no access to the passenger carriages. The train manager will point you in the right direction - I think you probably need to book ahead so I'd give them a ring.

 

[Molecule Man]

You are supposed to book ahead on Furst Great Western, but unless it has changed recently the reservation is free. I have been unable to get my reserved train a couple of times, and the guard has been happy to let me on later trains without a reservation. In fact, the FGW train staff have always been really friendly and helpful in my experience. The guard's van is in the engine unit (usually at the front of the train out of Paddington), so you have to put your bike in, then get back on the train in the next carriage.

 

[jimboalee]

Trains to Penzance from Birmingham only permit TWO bikes per train

That's X-Country....

It was cheaper however, to hire a car.

 

[Molecule Man]

Room for 5 bikes on FGW I think, the van is normally unlocked at the station.

 

[Bodhbh]

On the fast FGW trains there's a guards van that you should in theory book iirc. But there a more local service from Paddington to Reading which takes about in hour and you just lug the bike on the train as a backup.

 

[palinurus]

Thanks all- I just wanted to know what to expect, always makes it easier. As it happens the First Gt Western website appears helpful. I'll go to the station tomorrow and make a booking. The info about the stopping services is useful too- I may be using one of those for another journey early next year.

 

[Arch]

If you take one of the long distance trains to the West Country or Wales, the cycle carriage is right behind one of the locomotives, usually right at the far end of the platform (but in any event, opposite end of train to first class). You are supposed to book your bicycle onto these trains, but you may be able to get away with it.

Just in case anyone reads this and is thinking of travelling by National Express East Coast - the cycle van is usually at the same end as first class. So you get to walk all the way through after you get on, and before you get off. I always try to look as scruffy as possible at this stage, to get my own back on the rich people...

 

[Molecule Man]

Just in case anyone reads this and is thinking of travelling by National Express East Coast - the cycle van is usually at the same end as first class. So you get to walk all the way through after you get on, and before you get off. I always try to look as scruffy as possible at this stage, to get my own back on the rich people...

Glad you brought this up, as it gives me an opportunity to mention that I saw Jimmy Saville in first class on a GNER train (now NE East Coast) to Edinburgh while I was making my way to the bike van. I didn't speak to him, but he was chatting with the guard and was on his way to a hillwalking holiday.

 

[palinurus]

If I have to walk through first class on the way back there's a good chance I'll be covered in mud.

 

[Morrisette]

Just in case anyone reads this and is thinking of travelling by National Express East Coast - the cycle van is usually at the same end as first class. So you get to walk all the way through after you get on, and before you get off. I always try to look as scruffy as possible at this stage, to get my own back on the rich people...

I always 'borrow' a newspaper, and if you're lucky, and they're coming through with the trolley, a cup of tea