Originally uploaded by the red rocket

Yes, now as a fully fledged cyclist, I can get on my high horse about various places not being all that bike-friendly - starting with the trains.

After problems with Austrian train guards not letting a group of us on early in our holiday, we found the Hungarians, Poles and Germans far more relaxed and our ride back to London St Pancras went without hitch. Until we tried to board the East Midlands train back to Leicester.

After managing to get our bikes down to London in the first place in a group, we were told by the train guard that the policy was, in fact, to only allow two or three (already ambiguity) on the train at a time because there wasn’t room. So three of the group had to wait another 35 minutes to get the following train. As you can see from the pic, the train was clearly packed (ahem).

East Midlands Trains’ website does advise that bikes should be booked in advance, but doesn’t say what the policy is. So, EMT, perhaps you could be a bit clearer (and maybe flexible) for bike travellers. Mini moan over.

Update (27 May): or rather no update - I’ve not heard back from East Midlands Trains. Surprise surprise.