Irish Ferries

[fingers1979]

Hi All,

Travelling across to Dublin in july for a bit of a tour. First time that I have been on the ferry with bike.
I am led to believe that some ferry companies can be a bit heavy handed when strapping down the bike. Has anyone experienced this and if so what the best thing to do to avoid damage occurring to bike.

Cheers Graeme

 

[ambo478]

So strap it down yourself!!

 

[marlin vs]

You'll have no bother, those ferries don't roll even in bad weather.

 

[firebladetrev]

Been on loads of different ferries and some companies strap them down and other prefer you do it. Do forget best way is on side stand strap holding front brake on and pull it down hard onto sidestand. Never had a problem even in very rough weather although i was concerned for the whole of the crossing.

 

[Duck n Dive]

Do it yourself, also use gloves or something to protect the bike where the strap passes over it.

Actually the staff on those ferries are well used to bikes, they'll usually give you the kit to do it yourself, but they will help if you want.

 

[fosters]

I used Irish Ferries 2 weeks ago, Pembroke to Rosslare. Mainly all Polish staff. Bloke on car deck was heavy handed at first. Insisted bike was on centre stand!!!!!!!!! then tried to strap my seat down to point I thought my gel seat and side panels were going to explode!!! I said " stop" Then I grabbed bike and pushed it sideways off the centre stand to prove a point and it nearly fell over. Point proved I put it on side stand, in gear, steering lock on and strapped it down myself. Our language barrier was overcome with a thumbs up from both of us. He chocked the wheels and job done. Even gave me a bit of carpet to put on seat for strap.

On way back 4 days later, same ferry and bloke, he smiles, gives me 2 carpets for my seat and hands me the strap and then strapped the bike next to me as I had done 4 days earlier!!:-0) made me chuckle

Dover Calais Sea France have best system I have used so far, u ride in a recessed channel with both wheels and the front is almost held in place. They then strap bike down as you are sat on it and when you get off its rock solid and going nowhere.@tu*@tu*