06 - Train

Yes, I've already used a loco en route to work, but that was only to legitimise my use of the shuttle bus from the station. Today's mission: to take a train to the station nearest Adastral Park. Where, oh where, would that be?

If in doubt, ask Google, which recommends the use of this Find A Station website operated by thetrainline. Top five results are:

1. Woodbridge, 2.7 miles
2. Orwell, 3.2 miles -- a defunct station near Nacton!
3. Melton, 4.1 miles
4. Derby Road, 4.1 miles -- edge of Ipswich on the line to Felixstowe
5. Westerfield, 4.9 miles -- been there, done that

One timetable check later and I'm out of the house at 7:15am, cycling in a late July shower up to Ipswich station. Pay the nice lady £3.30 for an Anytime Day single to Woodbridge and wheel the bike through the new ticket barriers. There's my transport waiting at platform 1, final destination Saxmundham. Slot my bike into the provided cycle space and grab one of the many free seats to take in the journey. This, you'll remember, is the age of the train.

Quite pleasant to mindlessly sit there, gawping out of the rain-streaked window. First stop Westerfield -- no takers today -- and on we go. Tabletop depicts the Bittern Line up in Norfolk: all the action would appear to be at Hoveton & Wroxham (ask for Roy). Scanning my copy of the National Rail's Cycling By Train leaflet, it says that:

"Ticket holders receive the benefit of the one/ETA cycle recovery scheme ... If your cycle breaks down or is stolen, both you and your bicycle (if appropriate) will be recovered and taken to the nearest station"

That might be handy. Shame that it only applies while travelling by train.

Ah, we're here already, and it's only ten to eight. Looking through the glass, the Whistlestop Cafe looks mighty inviting. Must resist. After all, there's still another 3 miles or so to go until I'm at work. Plenty of cabs outside the station, but time once more to saddle up and pedal down.

Going up Sandy Lane isn't much fun. Going down Sandy Lane is great. Back under the railway line, past the Complementary Health Centre, then a determined push up past the Red Lion, requiring a leonine struggle. Relief when the road levels out at Crown Point, and finally through the gates of Adastral Park at five past eight (stop the clock).

NB Times didn't work out for me to go back the same way, so biked back instead. And got soaked again.

Cost - £3.30 Ipswich to Woodbridge single
Duration - 17 mins (07:32-07:49), then 15 min bike ride to Martlesham Heath

Pros - public transport; relaxing
Cons - slave to the erratic timetable