P and O Ferries

[ChrisB]

We are doing the NW200 in May, have just booked P and O ferries from Cairnryan to Larne and back.

Does anyone have any experience or tips or advice on what I need to think about for the ferry trip, as this is our first time on a ferry.

Thanks

Chris

[mecki]

Usually bikes board first so it pays to get there on time.
Most likely you will have to secure your bike yourself.
You never know what they give you to secure your bike.
Some ferries only provide pieces of rope and if you're no knot expert this can be a bit daunting (and embarrassing) or the tie downs are not in best condition.
Therefore it is a good idea to bring your own tie-down.
Put the bike on the side stand and use a tie down with a towel over the seat.
In most cases this should be enough to stop the bike from moving.
To be safe or if you expect a rough crossing you should also secure the front an back to make sure the bike can't move forward.
Take everything you'll need on board (i.e a change of clothes) when you go to your cabin since nobody is allowed on the car deck during the crossing.

And then just enjoy the trip. ;D

[O.C.]

I've done this exact journey about 40 times over the years

Take a good ratchet of your own, just in case you get chance to use it, and by good I mean substantial..... they do provide ratchets and sometimes secure the bike themselves, I usually secure my own bike and take time to make sure its done thoroughly..the crossings aren't normally that rough, if they are the fast ferry doesn't sail....other bikers on the crossing will help you if you are in doubt

Make sure that you have something to protect the bikes seat from the ratchet strap, I use a piece of old carpet.

Put a band of some sort (maybe cable tie) around the front brake lever, I use a length of boot lace which is easy to put on and take off.

Leave the bike on its side stand and in first gear, and ratchet down to the left side ...so that the bike is pulled onto the side stand.dont overdo the ratcheting though !

You won't have a cabin on this crossing as its only a couple of hours at the most, access to an outside section of the deck is available for smokers if that is your pleasure.

Watch out for speed cameras on the A75 en route to Cairnryan, and that stretch of road can be prone to gusts of wind, last year we endured a terrible return crossing, with the journey home taking twice as long as normal, but that isn't normally the case.

Finally when you get there choose a good place to view, we usually are in the garden of some people who have become chums over many years of watching the N.W 200 and they are just up the Mill Road past York Corner....we won't be visiting this year which is only the second time I've missed in many many years. There's no charge for watching the racing but a programme will cost you about £15. paddock passes and stand seating is available and can be pre-booked.. so its good value

One final thing.....if you haven't been before prepare yourself for some outstanding hospitality and great racing and whatever else you do DO NOT MISS A RIDE UP THE ANTRIM COST ROAD it is truly a great biking experience... Call at the Bushmills distillery its interesting and there's anice Cafe, plus other bikers gather in Bushmills village

Enjoy....you will ~ I guarantee it   ;)
[/b]

[Andy]

Take your time and plan a route to ferry rather than using main roads  :) Finding somewhere to watch races and accomodation are important. Was last there in 2010 and stayed across Lough in ROI

[Martin#30]

Chris,

So glad you posted this. My 40th this year (4th June) coincides with the TT, so I have been trying to organise a trip. No joy as I have left it too late.

But, the NW200 would be an even better experience as I prefer the NW as a race - I had simply not twigged it was in May, and thus near enough to count as a birthday jolly.

Excellent, off to do some research into ferries and accommodation now.

Martin.

[ChrisB]

Thank you all for your wise words. I have been to Northern Ireland before but only working with no time for sight seeing. Looking forward to it. We have booked a cottage on a farm just outside Bushmills, within walking distance of the town and distillery....Up there for thinking! Cheers

[Rusty]

Having read Coneys write up I want to book a place now !  ;D  Sounds brilliant ... did the TT but many years ago now and would like to get back there before too long. I understand Ireland is lovely just never managed to get there.

[O.C.]

Rusty, you really should go there's nowt like it.....it is different to the TT as you well know but the craic and hospitality is truly awesome, and the scenery is great too.

I used to be married to a Larne lass  >:(  so I do know the place very very well and I love it, plus some of my best mates are from N.I and they are always good for a laugh

I'm sad that we won't be at this years N.W 200, but I can't a££ord to do it all

here's an appetiser for ya

http://www.northwest200.org/ 

[Rusty]

Thanks for the link ... you are just making things worse !
Exactly as you say "Just can't afford to do it all" ..... it's on the list so it WILL get done ... BUT no idea when !  ;D

[ChrisB]

Just for interest:
Ferry for 1 bike 2 people £148 return, Cairnryan to Larne.
Ferry for 1 bike 1 person £100 return.
3 bed cottage for 1 week £300.

Of course on top there will be petrol, food and drink, but if a group of 5 or 6 shared the cost, the house price becomes great value. Most people were quoting around £400 to £450 for a 3 bed house for NW200 week.

Last May we paid £250 for a 3 bed cottage in Angers, mid France. For 5 of us it worked out £50 each. Mrs prefers a cottage or house to any other place, well she likes her comforts.

[Martin#30]

ChrisB, any recommendations for companies or websites offering NW200 accommodation?

Thanks,

Martin

[O.C.]

Martin you will need to shop around for your accomodation, which is usually fairly priced, as long as you don't stay in Colerain, Portstewart, Portrush etc where you WILL pay more

try here for discounted ferry deals, I paid £98 (I think) last year return for self, bike and pillion  ;)

http://www.nutttravel.com/

[BigAlan]

Were doing the Manx at the end of Sep, luckily we stay with a friend who just happens to be the leading light on the local radio and commentates on the races, prime position on the circuit and free food and drink.

Excelent all round.

Alan

[ChrisB]

Hi Martin
We just googled cottages in Northern Ireland, or Bushmills, sent emails to a dozen or so places and waited for replies. Almost all places are around £450 for the week. Be aware that a lot of the cheaper places are a long walk to the nearest pub or village, and I guess taxis will be at a premium. We booked the ferry direct with P&O, all the other brokers and agents quoted the same price. Hopefully we will do something similar in July in Scotland.
This is our first trip to NI so can't really give you many tips or comparisons.
We did France last year and booked a brilliant 3 bed cottage near Angers for £250 per week with Cottages4you.

[simbad]

+1 for Nutt Travel; they usually do a better deal. Used them before, very good.