I often cycle past the Cotswolds line during training rides. Because I cycle past the railway so frequently, I had a desire to go on a train and see the countryside from the perspective of the railway rather than bike.
It’ surprising how little I recognised on the train ride. It’s a very different view than from the bike.
I also decided to take my bike on the train. I looked closely at the cycle policy of Great Western Railway. They say you can take bikes on trains, but on busy routes and busy times, they cannot guarantee it. They offer a service for reserving a free slot for your cycle. I bought my ticket late at night so didn’t have chance to book in advance. I thought I would chance my arm and hope I didn’t get refused entry. If I did, I guess I wouldn’t be able to get on train and that would be the end of that.
Kingham, Cotswolds – generally, you get a better view from bike
As it happened there was a slot for quite a few bikes and the staff were helpful in sending me right to end of the platform to get right carriage at head of train.
By Evesham the bike had fallen over and handlebars had got bent, so if you’re taking you’re pride and joy – be careful.
On the train back from Evesham, there was no specific compartment for putting your bike in, you had to lean it against doors. This would be fine, but with the line being single track the platforms were on varying sides, so you had to keep an eye open at stations. (btw: they are redoubling the track to increase capacity – nice to see railways growing after so many decades of decline.)
Evesham is a nice place on the River Avon. Having a bike was pretty handy for getting around the town. I only left myself two hours before next train back so didn’t want to hang around walking. With a bike I could see pretty much everything I wanted (which shows I’m not a great tourist)
Evesham’s a funny place I couldn’t help notice a preponderance of public conveniences and I wouldn’t be surprised if some of them are listed buildings. A sharp contrast to Oxford where they have all been closed due to spending cuts. The nearest you can get to a public convenience in most cities these days is using the third floor on McDonalds. But, in Evesham, you don’t have to worry about getting caught short.
The station at Evesham is surprisingly nice. They’ve made an effort which is great.
Overall Bike on Train
Last week I went to London on the train. I didn’t bother taking a bike because I thought it would be too much hassle. I intended to hire one of the London Cycle hire schemes. However, despite taking my money the cycle hire facilities in Hyde Park resolutely refused me a bicycle. I ended up spending £6 on an underground pass. Next time I will be taking my own. It’s really not much hassle, and you don’t even have to look for a place to lock your bike in Oxford station.
As long as you can reserve a place on space on a train, it’s a really great combination of train and cycle. It makes travelling and sightseeing so much more flexibility. From a train stations, you can really get to many things I’d love to visit.
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