Cycling UK Forum

Folks,
toying with doing the Tour of the Roses (and possibly then extending it), but haven't taken my bike on a train since they stopped having proper luggage vans! Looking at the web site for tickets it would seem that you can't book on Leeds to Morecambe, but I couldn't find any info. as to what you have to actually do with your bike. Can anyone help? How easy is it with a fully loaded bike? Will I need to remove panniers? Also how busy do the camp site get along the route? I'm thinking of doing this the week that includes the bank holiday so I suspect places may be pretty busy...

Thanks for any help

Andy

From Leeds to Lancaster you'll (almost certainly) be on Transpennine Express services. From memory, the train set-up is slightly different on the stretch from Leeds to Manchester (bike area near the loo in the middle of the train) and the stretch from Manchester to Lancaster (bike area usually in Carriage C). A (fairly small) bike symbol on the carriage door indicates where the bike storage area is located. Once you're in, you can just lean your bike against the carriage wall (or against whatever else is already in the space) and secure it with the straps provided. You might find the space occupied by suitcases, buggies, etc, but there's usually enough room to squeeze a bike in, though you might need to remove a pannier or two to keep the aisle clear. Transpennine do take bike reservations (you can book online via the East Coast website, or 'phone them on 0845 600 1674), but I've never been asked to produce a reservation on any of their trains. Conversely, having a reservation doesn't necessarily guarantee that you'll get onto the train: the Leeds-Manchester trains (in particular) can get extremely busy at peak times (there's lots of commuter traffic on that route), and it sometimes just be physically impossible to squeeze a bike onto the train if the carriage is already jam-packed with standing passengers. I'd recommend travelling at a quiet time, if you can.

I've never taken a bike on the Lancaster-Morecambe line, but, from seeing the trains trundle up and down the track, I'd guess that the bike storage is at the end of the carriage (at either the front or rear of the train). Those trains are run by Northern, who don't take bike reservations (but are generally extremely laid-back about allowing as many bikes onto the train as can comfortably fit. Sometimes a few more...)

Northern Rail trains out of Leeds have two bike spaces. The carriage with the bike spaces is indicated by a bicycle sign. Look out for it as the train is pulling in. The other week, I was able to fit my fully-loaded bike (front and rear panniers) into one of the slots beside another bike without having to remove any luggage.

The worst that can happen is that the bike slots will both be full, the guard won't let you put your bike in the pram/wheelchair bit, and you'll have to wait for the next one. I would be prepared to do that, but in reality it's never happened to me. Turn up early before the commuters, get on a direct service (changing at Manchester Piccadilly during peak time would be cyclist hell), pack bacon sarnie, a coffee and the Guardian, and relax If you had a problem you could always consider alternative routes: Leeds --> Blackpool North then catch a local service (or ride) the twenty miles or so to Morecambe.

Yes, try and get on Northern Rail. They go via Skipton. They are very accommodating but you can't book the bike. I've never had a problem and if you avoid peak times you will be fine.

Hi,
That's great, thanks! The trains I was looking at are a direct connection between Leeds and Morecambe (which goes via Skipton and Lancaster) and is run by Northern Rail. As far as I can tell it is not possible to book a cycle on this service (but it sounds like they are pretty relaxed about things, which is good). No idea how busy they get though... So I assume I just wheel my bike up and struggle to get it on board (I assume there are no ramps?), I was a little concerned that there may be some sort of vertical storage system like on some of the other trains but it sounds like this may not be the case? So if anyone has any info on the types of train that Northern use for this line, that would be great!

Thanks again

Andy

PS Has anyone ever ridden Bridlington to Leeds? Any recommendations for a good route?

gloomyandy wrote:

Has anyone ever ridden Bridlington to Leeds? Any recommendations for a good route?

Before offering suggestions, I'll ask about your attitude to main roads.

Also, which bit of Leeds would you be heading for?

gloomyandy wrote:PS Has anyone ever ridden Bridlington to Leeds? Any recommendations for a good route?

If it were me, I would do a fly-by of Drax, Eggborough and Ferrybridge power stations. But then, I am a sad git.

Don't mind main roads too much but would not want to spend the entire journey on them. Will actually be heading south of Leeds (Heckmondwike)....

Thanks for the info on the trains sounds like a direct one is the way to go... How easy is it to manoeuvre a fully loaded bike onto those trains?

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=48404&p=401707&hilit=derwent#p401707
viewtopic.php?f=16&t=58948&p=498255&hilit=derwent#p498255

A couple of earlier threads there with some info (I searched on Derwent because river crossings have a big influence on the route.)

Cycling from Bridlington towards Leeds you'll have the River Derwent to cross. South of Stamford Bridge there's not much that is cycle friendly until the Derwent joins the River Ouse at the Barnby Barrage near Boothberry Bridge. If you go via Stamford Bridge you can retrace the WofR route to York. Instead if you head for the Barnby Barrage there's either a cyclepath to Selby (a bit rough in parts), or alternatively cross Boothferry bridge and go through Airmyn. After a short stretch on A roads you can with care pick up a path on the left after a bridge. You go through a gate near 53.717181 -0.965720 which takes you onto New Ln/Mill Ln then right turn at T junction by river to head west on some quiet flat lanes. This bit of the route is featured in Speakman's book, see below.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Great-Cycle-Rou ... 032&sr=8-3

I cycled 80+ miles Bridlinton to West Yorkshire last year after my WofR and was well knackered ...and not as far as Heckmondwike. Let the train take the strain from York say or add an extra day to your trip?

Michael's Rosy Way from Morcambe to Bridlington
http://www.bikemap.net/route/790457#lat ... ts_terrain

Here's a route I used to negotiate York's cyclepath for part of my return trip. From Copmanthorpe even my bike knows its way home.
http://www.bikemap.net/route/897250#lat ... ts_terrain

edit: for spelling correction

There is a dedicated cycle path all the way from Lancaster to Morecambe (about 3 miles) if it's easier getting the train to Lancaster.

I suggest that unless you want to go through Leeds for some reason, it's best bypassed on the south side. Some main roads are unavoidable if you want a reasonably direct ride.

On that basis, I'd suggest crossing the Aire at Castleford. So if this was me, I'd work out a route from Brid to Sutton-on-Derwent and cross the Derwent there (it's years since I cycled much beyond Pocklington so I'll leave the bit between Brid and the Derwent to others.) The following route may sound complicated and because it's largely on minor roads, it involves some navigating but it's reasonably direct and a good ride by my standards. Once you get into the Heavy Woollen District, you're inevitably on urban roads.

Sutton on Derwent
Elvington
Wheldrake
Esckrick
(short bit of A19 here)
Stillingfleet
Cawood
Thorpe Willoughby
Gateforth
Hillam
Fairburn
Cross the A1(M) at Fairburn and head along North side of Fairburn Ings (probably signed Allerton Bywater/ Castleford but I don't know.)
Left on A656 to Castleford (Not as bad as it sounds and a lot of the locals seem to ride on the footway without problems.) Once you have crossed the second bridge into Cas, turn right and follow that road (Looks like A 6032 on OS) to the traffic-light controlled T junction.
Right onto A 639 towards Leeds. (Again, not as bad as it sounds.)
Immediately after going under the first railway bridge on A 639 (named on the OS as Methley Junction but nothing saying that on the road) turn left on B 6135.
Follow B6135 (be aware of staggered junction with A 642 and left turn at junction in Ouzlewell Green) through the multi-level Lofthouse Interchange to the T junction.
Turn left at that junction, over M62 an turn immediate right.
Take first right which runs generally alongside the M 62
You should then reach the A 650 at a traffic light controlled junction with a large converted textile mill on your left. (If you are lost in the area, it's known locally as Ambler's Mill.)
Straight across A650 at lights and then via Haigh Moor Road to T junction.
Turn right continue to traffic light junction with with A 653
Straight across at junction onto B 6124 (Babes in the Wood Pub. Again, if lost, this is a local landmark)
You are now pointing straight at Heckmondwike and I'm sure it will be signed for the last couple of miles
.
Until I hade my wings clipped with heart disease, this was a section of one of my regular day rides. There are alternatives ranging from the unpleasant A 64 (which has adjacent cycle tracks as far as Tadcaster) to the Trans Pennine Trail. If you have any questions, especially about the area between the Derwent and here, I'll be happy to try and help

Folks,
thanks for the fantastic information and rout suggestions. I rather fancy returning via Boothferry Bridge as it has all sorts of childhood memories for me (we used to go over it when on our way to the seaside!). I think I'd like to split the return from Brid into a couple of days, any suggestions for a good place to stop off for the night? Will have camping gear with me, but if anyone has a good suggestion for a good place to stay (B&B/Hostel or hotel), I wouldn't mind having a night of luxury on my last night...

Andy

gloomyandy wrote:Hi,
That's great, thanks! The trains I was looking at are a direct connection between Leeds and Morecambe (which goes via Skipton and Lancaster) and is run by Northern Rail. As far as I can tell it is not possible to book a cycle on this service (but it sounds like they are pretty relaxed about things, which is good). No idea how busy they get though... So I assume I just wheel my bike up and struggle to get it on board (I assume there are no ramps?), I was a little concerned that there may be some sort of vertical storage system like on some of the other trains but it sounds like this may not be the case? So if anyone has any info on the types of train that Northern use for this line, that would be great!

Thanks again

Andy

PS Has anyone ever ridden Bridlington to Leeds? Any recommendations for a good route?

The NR carriages are old and just have a space to lean the bikes in. You might have to flip up some seats. They have always been quiet when Ive used them but commuter time from Leeds out toward Skipton might be best avoided.

Just recently finished the Way of the Roses and returned by train to St Helens from Bridlington without any problems. I was slightly worried but everything well and the train passed through Leeds. Just try and avoid rush hour as I had to keep moving my bike to let people on and off. The bit from Manchester Picadilly to Lea Green, (St Helens) was the most fiddly.
I cycled to Morecambe from St Helens to avoid the train thingy but need not have worried really.

Cheers barbelfisher.