Today was the day to collect my new (to me) Pino. It was in Wareham, I'm just outside Horsham. For various reasons I elected to go by train, return fare with a Network card is £20.90. The owner expressed his doubts about the wisdom of taking a Pino by train but I've done it many times. The leg from Wareham to Havant is by South Western Rail which is new territory to me. I measured the bike space on the way down, using my calibrated size 11s and was pleased to find out the Pino could just about shrink to fit.
Waiting at Wareham
Safely tucked in on a Class 444 Desiro. South Western Rail's website says
A Class 444 Desiro can carry 6 cycles. They can't carry tandem bicycles or trailers.
Challenge accepted.
All was going smoothly until the train got to Southampton, where it was held as someone, sadly, had been hit by a train farther along the line and the third rail power was off. There was talk of not moving until 1800 and it was not yet three. In the end I decided to leap on a Cross Country diesel heading towards Guildford, getting encouraged by the train supervisor to run to find the bike space. Not sure what class this was, except it had dangly bike spaces, two either side of the corridor by in coach 2. No way does a Pino dangle, so I rammed it in upright and took my seat.
On the way to Guildford.We got caught in some congestion, so I missed my connection. The next was a 3 coach GWR class 165 diesel turbo with no bike spaces, so the Mk1 winning smile combined with standing in the vestibule came into use.
Heading to RedhillLast train of the day was from Redhill back down to Horsham. At last a train I was familiar with, Class 377, nice space by the disabled loo. Except there was a bike and a huge suitcase already there, so more smiling and standing.
The Last LegFinally got home almost six hours after I set off. Here's some more pics of the bike
Comfy seat, with harness. For when the going gets tough
Bouncy fork and hydraulic disc. More new stuffs to learn about
The whole thing
