Taking a bike on the train and cycling from Paddington to Twickenham

[jefmcg]

Have fun. And make sure your bike is locked well out of sight: Twickenham is a fairly low crime area, but bicycles are continually stolen from gardens. And the cycle parking around Twickenham Station is a crime hot spot.

Oh, and don't bring a bay tree in a pot, either. A peculiar number of those have been stolen in the last few weeks too, along with the more usual bicycles.

 

[vickster]

And have coffee and cake at Luluz

 

[Cuchilo]

and beer in the Barmy arms

 

[Simontm]

and beer in the Barmy arms

 

[PK99]

In October I'm doing the London to Bath ride organised by the BHF. I live near Bath so I'm going to cycle to the station catch a train to Paddington and stay in Twickenham overnight.

This is the 1st time I'll have taken my bike on the train, how does it work? I guess I need to book that with the ticket but is there generally a charge.

What are the roads between Paddington and Twickenham like on a Saturday afternoon, I've never cycled in London and my usual area is rural but I'm pretty sure I'll be fine I've a bike GPS so I can plan the route but suggestions as to the most bike friendly route would be appreciated The odd thing is that if someone suggested that I drive somewhere in London I'd probably feel a lot more uncomfortable at the prospect!

Thanks
Nic

The TFL cycling route planner is a useful start point. On the odd occasion I have used it, it has been pretty good and when I checked it against routes/areas I know well it did nothing untoward.