LGW store bike boxes nearby? June 2023

[kluv2cruz]

Hi there! We are flying into Gatwick and would like to store our 2 cardboard bike boxes while we cycle end of May to mid June 2023 for 3 weeks.

We have a warmshowers host lined up to take them in Maidenbower, S. Crawley but that is about 9km from LGW. We have towed them behind the bike for a short easy flat smooth distance of about 5km before, but this may be tempting fate.

We would love to find somewhere closer?

We are staying our last night before flying home at Hilton LGW but they say for security they are unable to store our boxes. The storage company at LGW is expensive. The closest bicycle shop is not able to store them but we could get new boxes from them on our return journey but that just adds an extra layer of stress and what if… and we have large bicycles and not all boxes fit.

Thanks for any wisdom/ suggestions/ offers of garage space!

[MrsHJ]

9km is pretty close for a taxi ride - that’s what I’d do.

[simonhill]

I'd get a taxi.

Alternatively, break the bottom of the boxes. Lie flat then fold into 3 or 4. You can then carry on top of back rack/panniers. Done it a few times. Also, flat packed boxes much easier to store in hotel. Take a good strap or rope to tie up flattened boxes.

[matt_twam_asi]

If a taxi doesn't appeal to you, the 100 bus will get you to Maidenbower... eventually.

[kluv2cruz]

Wasn’t sure a taxi would be big enough for 2 bikes in boxes. But, we may give that or Uber/Lyft a try. Helpful info re bus. Thank you.

[MrsHJ]

You can just ask for one of the big taxis and specify you have 2 large boxes with dimensions- they’ll send one of those big ones for 6+ people. Book it in advance.

[mjr]

https://www.gatwickselfstorage.co.uk/ is 2.5km from the Gatwick milepost under the south terminal and advertises 13 pounds/week for a small first-floor room. Padlock extra.

[simonhill]

What sort of bike box are you talking about (towed behind suggests hard case with wheels). What size?

First thing to know is if those buses take oversize luggage?

Another option is train to Crawley, which knocks a fair bit off the distance and a taxi from there would be much cheaper. There is a £5 airport charge for pick up/drop off.

A normal estate style taxi should take 2 bike boxes, but probably only one pax. The other could get bus if money is an issue.

[kluv2cruz]

Thanks for the good suggestions.