Hi. I am traveling to Dublin via Holyhead tomorrow for the first time by bike. Can anyone tell me what I need to bring to secure the bike or are straps provided.
Cheers
Burrenman
Some of the ferries have special Bike clamps…but generally it’s straps/rope and old pillows!
They will have plenty to secure your bike…but it is your responsibility to check it is secure…and don’t forget you can’t get back to your bike once the ship is sailing…oh and put the alarm in valet mode if you have one fitted!
have a great time over the water!
I have always been told to put the bike on it’s side stand (in case yours has a centre stand) because if the crossing is rough the bike can hop off the centre stand where the side stand should just lift up and down - if that makes sense!!
the IOM ferries have 2 proper slots. the first 2 bikes that get loaded on get these so make sure you’re at the front!
If not, they’ll ask you to put it on it’s side stand and pass a rope around the bike to tie it down to a railing or the wall. point is, you don’t need to take anything
Many Thanks
I will bring some straps. 5.30 start then trip through the welsh mountains. It should be a fun ride weather permitting.
Regards
Burrenman
There are a variety of clamp down methods - you’re best to phone the operator to check but the standard UK ferries all supply their own straps.
Method 1:
- Four lock down positions with straps - 2 straps ring around the handle bars and lock down to left and right bolts
- There is a groove and metal plate which springs around your front tyre to lock it down and immobilise it.
- A large pillow over your seat and then 2 straps lock down the pillow and seat from left and right anchoring hooks on the ground.
- You need to use your centre or sidestand
Method 2:
- Wheel clamp technique for front wheel. This requires riding into the U shaped clamp to trap the front wheel.
- Twin straps feed through and lock down two anchoring points left and right
- Anything else is extra
Generally, you will be provided with assistance in getting the bike secured on. You will probably not get much assistance when getting the bike off. Since you’re doing a UK route, you’ll be alright: UK sportsriders tend to be okay and don’t hog and steal as much of the pillows as possible. The cruiser type crowd are really irritating and can steal all the pillows to buffer their bikes on the pillion seat, left and right side of the bikes. That is just so out of order because there are usually only about 5-10 bike spaces per ferry, which means that other riders have no pads to secure down the rear of their bikes.