I am going to the AFSC do in Paderborn Germany on 1st November - flying from Stansted - I hear there is free bike parking there - but wonder how safe it is? - any comments / experience?
I was there yesterday the bike parking is excellent, nominated bays, big wide painted bays they are too, a substantial rail to lock your bike to and CCTV/security nearby.
AND ITS FECKIN FREE
I think you can do this at most of the major airports - & it’s free. Last year in September I left the bike for a week at Stanstead, you have to use the Pink Elephant long stay car park, which is the first one you arrive at after leaving the motorway, but is the longest journey by shuttle from the terminal.
I phoned to enquire before hand, they assured me it was very secure & has camera survelance. You squeeze through the gap in the barriers & it is the 1st. car park on the left. Would advise to take a lock & cover, I didn’t & the bike was still ok. I also took 1 of my 2nd best helmets & left it on the helmet lock.
The only other thing is bike gear, quite bulky to have to take that with other luggage on the flight, because I was going to Sardinia, was traveling light anyway, was renting a bike from Alghero & traveling south down the coast. What a gorgeous trip that was, amazing biking roads.
One other thing, if you arrive early in the morning, there is an intercom on the bus shelter, you have to press it & speak to someone to let them know you are there for colllection, I didn’t at first, & stood there like a durbrain for over 15 mins.