Travelling to Bridgwater

[Slammin Sammy]

Hi everyone,

As you may know, my wife and I are taking the big bird from down under over to the old country in late August. After a few days of general mayhem in London celebrating an Aussie Ashes win (I can dream, can't I?  ), we will head down by train to Bridgwater to pick up her brand new Raven Tour. I will be travelling with my newly built Nomad.

I need some help from my fellow Thorn-lovers in that part of the world:

1) Can anyone recommend a cycle-friendly hotel in Bridgwater that would be convenient to both the railway station and to SJS Cycles? I've researched some good places on the web, but as I will have my bicycle with me, and she will be walking, I don't want to be reliant on maxi-taxies to get us around, so I'd like to be within walking distance if possible. We will spend two nights there, so we can have a full day to shakedown the bike and get set for our tour.

2) I believe I can just roll my bike on to the train at Paddington Station (change in Bristol for Bridgwater). Can anyone please confirm this, or will I need to box/bag it, and/or check it?

Thanks for any advice you can give.

Sam

[Peddrov]

Hi, I can't really help with a hotel, but anything that's close to the train station will be close to SJS, since they are literally 5 minutes by foot from each other. Generally I don't think Bridgwater is very big, so any place within town limits should be very walkable.

In my experience taking bikes on trains in the UK is easy and free, no need to bag it. On some services you may want to reserve a space, because bike space can be limited. Maybe best to go to a staffed train station in London a day or two in advance and buy the tickets there, they can reserve bike space for you if necessary.

[in4]

I recall SJS knowing of a B&B or two near their premises that would probably suit. Send an email, I'm sure they'll help.

UK train tickets prices can be eye-wateringly expensive. Book your tickets in advance if possible and aim for off-peak times. its all here: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/

Regarding the cricket  No, don't tempt me!!!!

[Paul S]

This is the B&B from Thorns FAQ page
http://www.admiralsrest.co.uk/

Agree entirely UK Walk up train fares are horrendous over distance. Book as early as possible! 

[Dave Whittle Thorn Workshop]

http://www.admiralblakegh.com/ are good, they have a cycle lock up too.

[jags]

say dave get my stronglight crankset and bottom bracket posted in the morning theres a good lad.

[Danneaux]

...as I will have my bicycle with me, and she will be walking

"Walking"?!? Sam! That Nomad can carry a heavy load; why not give her a lift? SJS Cycles advise the Expedition rear rack can carry 60kg on surfaced roads when fitted with 6mm bolts....

With best wishes for a wonderful trip,

Dan.

[Dave Whittle Thorn Workshop]

say dave get my stronglight crankset and bottom bracket posted in the morning theres a good lad. Wink

Sadly your talking to the wrong person there, assuming this is a web order? SJS transact, pack and send all those things, not systems I have access too as production supervisor. I'm sure they will do their best though and your order will be sent ASAP 

[jags]

Cheers Dave 

[Slammin Sammy]

http://www.admiralblakegh.com/ are good, they have a cycle lock up too.

Thanks for the tip, Dave! I didn't think to look in the FAQs. The Admiral Blake seems to be just the thing, but they don't seem to be receiving my emails. I'll make a phone call in the morning, their time.

"Walking"?!? Sam! That Nomad can carry a heavy load; why not give her a lift? SJS Cycles advise the Expedition rear rack can carry 60kg on surfaced roads when fitted with 6mm bolts....

Good idea, Dan, although I must hasten to point out that, with the little lady on the back, I'll still have over 10kg surplus capacity - almost enough for her handbag! 

Thanks everyone,
Sam

[NZPeterG]

Good idea, Dan, although I must hasten to point out that, with the little lady on the back, I'll still have over 10kg surplus capacity - almost enough for her handbag! 

Thanks everyone,
Sam

Hi Sam
Very Good   

Pete . . . 

[Mart]

Hi. One tip - if you're travelling from London to Bristol on a weekday avoid any train after 4.00pm as usually packed with returning commuters. Also make sure you go to Bristol Temple Meads rather than Bristol Parkway (different route) so you can catch your connection to Bridgwater.

And look out for the Grommits!!

Martin

[Danneaux]

Hi Martin!

Welcome to the Thorn Cycling Forum!

Thanks for the Bristol-Bridgwater travel tip; though it'll help Sam immediately, it'll also help others in future.

Best,

Dan.

[Mart]

Thanks Dan. Looking to get a Raven, so will no doubt be on here more often once I'm a Thorn rider

Cheers

Martin