Looking for others’ thoughts please on current motorbike parking procedure on the Eurotunnel trains, and why we park facing left. Love using their service, however last time we used it with the bikes, the train driver had to apply slightly firmer braking pulling in at the end (nothing major), and some bikes then literally domino’d into each other causing some damage. Would there be more advantage for bikes to park facing right, so that any extra force (caused by unanticipated train braking) is then applied against the side stand? Is the current parking procedure (left-facing) the safest, if train braking can negate the side-stand? After this incident we will try to park up with more space around us in the train (if able of course), should the same happen again. Really interested in people’s thoughts please👍
That is a really interesting point you make. I suspect in their minds, it is better for Eurotunnel to have the bikes pointing to the left because the front wheel is against the kerb and this prevents the bikes rolling forward in the vent of hard braking. They presumably think this is needed because bikes don't have hand brakes. If placed against the right kerb which way would the front wheel face, left or right? If left, putting the wheel against the kerb becomes less effective. If right, then the bike is more upright and could face a problem if the train pulls away quickly. Not sure about that last bit.
The same happened to our group with a sudden braking. My mate’s bike tipped onto mine and lodged in the pannier. Luckily I caught mine before it tipped onto an expensive Audi sports car in front of me. I now take a strap to tie my bike down. Oh, and take a peg to clip your paper sheet to the screen!
Also, remember the Road Traffic Act applies everywhere on site, so resist the temptation to ride from the Passenger Terminal Building to the Passport Check Booths without a helmet on 👍
I put my gloves away at the check in screens otherwise would have been taking them on and off about 10 times. Also for the queues at passport control I switched the engine off and paddled the bike. I didn't fancy starting it every time I inched fowards 2 yards (or 2 meters if you're on the French side). It was boiling hot, I ride an air cooled and have long legs so decided to paddle it. You can be offered a choice of train times at the check in screen so first person to check in makes sure everyone knows which train time to select. There's bike specific lanes but Google Street view has the entire journey through the port if you want to rehearse the lanes.
Hi, As per Gaby83 below, im heading out there in August so was great to have a refresher. Used to go over in a truck many years back so the refresher was so helpful, thank you for taking the time to do this
I remember in the early days of the channel tunnel you had to park your front wheel of the bike into a giant clamp type of thing. But there were only a couple of these on the train, it was a real struggle to get off it on my CBR 1000 loaded up with luggage etc. the modern way is much easier.
@@GaryFrance_Tour1A few of us from the Wiltshire Gloucester area are visiting Normandy in May for the 80th on our HD's, so looking forward to the experience.
@@markstevens501 Nice! I might see you there because I am leading a Tour1 Harley-Davidson tour to Normandy for exactly the same reason on 16-19 May. Have fun and enjoy the ride!
Make sure when entering the train tall riders headroom limit if your on an adventure bike? Also give riders enough space too dismount in comfort. Had many riders getting to close for comfort🤔.
Here's me panicking, I thought I'd have to take loads of documents to the. Check in both passport checking in ticket, license, insurance, bike docs, ffs😂. I've only got small hands 👏
thanks for the video, you mention in the description "do the bikes get strapped down?" but I don't seem to see anything about that? (unless I missed it..?)
I'm considering making the journey alone on my tracer so the video is much appreciated. With regards to comments about the train braking harshly, is this only towards the end or when should you be prepared for this?
Good question. I have been on the Eurotunnel many times (maybe 10 times a year for the last 12 years?) and have never seen a bike falling over due to heavy braking of the train. The trains tend not to brake during the main part of the journey, but only at the end.
Looking for others’ thoughts please on current motorbike parking procedure on the Eurotunnel trains, and why we park facing left. Love using their service, however last time we used it with the bikes, the train driver had to apply slightly firmer braking pulling in at the end (nothing major), and some bikes then literally domino’d into each other causing some damage. Would there be more advantage for bikes to park facing right, so that any extra force (caused by unanticipated train braking) is then applied against the side stand? Is the current parking procedure (left-facing) the safest, if train braking can negate the side-stand? After this incident we will try to park up with more space around us in the train (if able of course), should the same happen again. Really interested in people’s thoughts please👍
That is a really interesting point you make. I suspect in their minds, it is better for Eurotunnel to have the bikes pointing to the left because the front wheel is against the kerb and this prevents the bikes rolling forward in the vent of hard braking. They presumably think this is needed because bikes don't have hand brakes. If placed against the right kerb which way would the front wheel face, left or right? If left, putting the wheel against the kerb becomes less effective. If right, then the bike is more upright and could face a problem if the train pulls away quickly. Not sure about that last bit.
The same happened to our group with a sudden braking. My mate’s bike tipped onto mine and lodged in the pannier. Luckily I caught mine before it tipped onto an expensive Audi sports car in front of me. I now take a strap to tie my bike down. Oh, and take a peg to clip your paper sheet to the screen!
Also, remember the Road Traffic Act applies everywhere on site, so resist the temptation to ride from the Passenger Terminal Building to the Passport Check Booths without a helmet on 👍
Spot on!
Thanks mate, I am planning on going to Europe in August and knowing the procedure beforehand is absolutely great !👍🙂
No problem 👍 Glad you found it helpful.
I put my gloves away at the check in screens otherwise would have been taking them on and off about 10 times. Also for the queues at passport control I switched the engine off and paddled the bike. I didn't fancy starting it every time I inched fowards 2 yards (or 2 meters if you're on the French side). It was boiling hot, I ride an air cooled and have long legs so decided to paddle it.
You can be offered a choice of train times at the check in screen so first person to check in makes sure everyone knows which train time to select.
There's bike specific lanes but Google Street view has the entire journey through the port if you want to rehearse the lanes.
Hi, As per Gaby83 below, im heading out there in August so was great to have a refresher. Used to go over in a truck many years back so the refresher was so helpful, thank you for taking the time to do this
Thanks mate. Really appreciate your time putting this out. Happy travels!
You are very welcome Dave.
I remember in the early days of the channel tunnel you had to park your front wheel of the bike into a giant clamp type of thing. But there were only a couple of these on the train, it was a real struggle to get off it on my CBR 1000 loaded up with luggage etc. the modern way is much easier.
Thank you. Very informative.
Nice vlog Gary 👍
Thanks!
Thank you for a great video! Very helpful for planning our next roadtrip!
Awesome guide Gary very informative.
You ar every welcome Mark. 🙂
@@GaryFrance_Tour1A few of us from the Wiltshire Gloucester area are visiting Normandy in May for the 80th on our HD's, so looking forward to the experience.
@@markstevens501 Nice! I might see you there because I am leading a Tour1 Harley-Davidson tour to Normandy for exactly the same reason on 16-19 May. Have fun and enjoy the ride!
Excellent guide, thanks!
Thanks. 🙂
I didn't realise how huge these terminal sites are.
Really helpful, thank you
Thank you. :-)
I think you answered all questions I had. Cool! Thanks
I'm pleased it help you. 🙂
Spot on. Thanks for posting!
Thank you.
Very handy thanks
Make sure when entering the train tall riders headroom limit if your on an adventure bike? Also give riders enough space too dismount in comfort. Had many riders getting to close for comfort🤔.
Both very valid points. Thanks!
Done this many times
👍good this video✌
Very helpful. Thanks m8.
No proble.Glad you found it helpful.
Here's me panicking, I thought I'd have to take loads of documents to the. Check in both passport checking in ticket, license, insurance, bike docs, ffs😂. I've only got small hands 👏
I’m glad I’ve put your mind at ease! It’s really simple going on the train. 😀
Surprised there are no searches at border control. The French are usually quite strict on that front.
In the hundreds of times I have used the tunnel to get to France, the French customs people have never searched me / me bike.
thanks for the video, you mention in the description "do the bikes get strapped down?" but I don't seem to see anything about that? (unless I missed it..?)
No they do not get strapped down. Gary.
I'm considering making the journey alone on my tracer so the video is much appreciated. With regards to comments about the train braking harshly, is this only towards the end or when should you be prepared for this?
Good question. I have been on the Eurotunnel many times (maybe 10 times a year for the last 12 years?) and have never seen a bike falling over due to heavy braking of the train. The trains tend not to brake during the main part of the journey, but only at the end.
@@GaryFrance_Tour1 thanks for that! I presume the staff make sure there's enough room behind each bike to be able to back up and straighten the bike?
@@Juvie99 Yes, they do.
How did you get booking reference number..l find the tunnell website a nightmare to negotiate
I don't find it too bad. You will be able to work through it.
Hi. Thanks for the video . I have a question for you. If your train is at 12 let’s say , how long before you should get there ? Thanks
Our tour group send to get there about an hour and 20 minutes before departure time. That works well for us.