I'll also be toting a brew up kit for a mid ride stop.
I'll need to book a bike space for the return journey from York to Liverpool, if we take the steam train and then ride back to York what time do we anticipate getting there ?
From http://www.atob.org.uk/Bike_Rail.html
http://www.northyorkshiremoorsrailway.com/
Routes:National Rail Network Interchange Grosmont - Pickering
Gauge: Standard - there are few minor roads on this part of the moor, so the railway could be useful
Folding bikes: tick No restrictions Tandems and tricycles: Unknown
All trains have a guard's van, but space varies, so tandems, tricycles or cycling groups are advised to book in advance. Individual cyclists can usually turn up and travel, subject to space being available. The cycle carriage fee is £2 per day, covering any amount of travel.
Tel: 01751 473799
Hmm, should we make a proper booking then? When I emailed to enquire about me, I did ask if I should make a reservation, but the responce was a bit cut and paste and just told me the price, and that space was subject to availability... If we have to reserve, does that mean paying up front? I don't mind, but we'd all have to do it individually I guess. Or could one person just ring them and give them a likely number of people? (yes, I know, I'm fretting again). Or if anyone was happening to pop by, anyway, <innocent whistle> they could make a reservation then, if we've got a good idea of numbers.
Re: getting back to York. The 11am from Whitby gets to Pickering at 12.40. Say leaving Pickering at 1 to allow for faffing. The route that CL found on Bikely is 49 km, 30 miles - probably 3 hours worth of riding, depending on headwinds (grrrrr). So I would say back in York 4ish at the earliest, but allowing for tiredness and stops, maybe more like 5? Does that seem right to folk?
Of course, if anyone is faster, and needs to get back promptly, they are welcome to leave me behind. Similarly, if there is any problem with space, those with relaxed timetables (me, I guess) could take a later train, it just means some dark on the way home.