Word of warning. I've just tried to make a cycle reservation for the London-Southampton train on Saturday - none available for any trains that day. I didn't even bother trying for the ones back on Sunday evening.
I think I'll have to bag the bike up and take it as luggage. Has anyone ever had to do this?
I think I've just answered this for you on the CTC Forum
But for anyone who doesn't frequent it...
SWT have major engineering that weekend with no trains through Basingstoke - the mainline to Southampton - so firstly your train will be diverted via Petersfield/Havant.
That will simply add time to the journey but cycle carriage should still be OK.
I use these lines a LOT with all kinds of bikes and it really isn't a problem. There are no reservations available because I don't believe they are even possible on this route.
The trains are either 4-car blue trains (sorry don't know the proper jargon) which make up either 4, 8 or 12 carriage trains or 5-car white units making up 5 or 10 carriages.
Each 4-car unit takes 2 cycles in an open shared use area next to the 1st Class. In practice a LOT more bikes can fit - I've seen up to six in each 2 bike space!
The 5-car white units making 5 or 10 carriage trains. Each 5-car unit has two dedicated bike areas each taking three bikes, so that's officially 6 or 12 bikes per train.
You shouldn't have any problems just wheeling the bikes on, especially getting on at London where the trains will be empty. Your biggest prob could be inconsiderate passengers blocking the bike area with their luggage. If so pick up a copy of the current SWT mag
E-Motion where a response to a query letter makes it clear that bikes have priority in shared use areas
...An oily chain can help too when there is designer luggage around.
...but I never suggested that; no, not one little bit.
Don't worry. all will be OK.
