Train vs Cyclist on Canal tow path

[whole diary]

[BerkshireBugsy]

Bear with me on this...

On Saturday 7th May my Son (11) is doing a sponsored bike ride (with his scout troop) to raise money for an up and coming scout trip to Jersey. Don't worry I'm not trying to get any sponsorship this is purely down to logistics.

They are cycling from the MadStad to Thatcham a long the Kennet and Avon tow path - as much as is possible.

I will not be riding but wondered about getting pictures where stations are near the canal. I need to look at the distance between Theale and the K&A but I know for the 3 stations west of that they are fairly close.

So I guess my first question is this: If I buy a ticket from Theale to Thatcham can I get off at each station and then get back on the next service? (A variation on Break of Journey I suppose)?

Looking at the timings of the trains I'm not sure this is going to work because (for example) it's about 3.5 miles between Theale and Aldermaston and I haven't worked out how fast they can go....

But anyway will my ticket be valid?

[Chris from Nailsea]

Well, that simply goes to show that one shouldn't make any assumption, merely from the heading, that the text of the post would probably contain a link to a youtube clip showing a train driver doing his best to knock a cyclist into a canal at a footpath crossing, or something. 

I have no idea as to the answer to your question, BerkshireBugsy - but would you please let me know how I may chip in to young BerkshireBugsy's sponsorship bucket?

(Jersey has been a lifetime favourite holiday location of mine). 

[BerkshireBugsy]

Well, that simply goes to show that one shouldn't make any assumption, merely from the heading, that the text of the post would probably contain a link to a youtube clip showing a train driver doing his best to knock a cyclist into a canal at a footpath crossing, or something. 

I have no idea as to the answer to your question, BerkshireBugsy - but would you please let me know how I may chip in to young BerkshireBugsy's sponsorship bucket?

(Jersey has been a lifetime favourite holiday location of mine). 

The youtube video will follow after the sponsored cycling event I have been reliably informed by a cycling friend that I should assume 11kph given the age of my son and his need for toilet/snack/moan breaks etc. I believe that is about 8 mph in Church of England measurements.

I am genuinely touched by your offer of some sponsor ship. Let's see if he does it first of all and then we can sort out a way. You are most kind sir. Every little helps

I have been to one of the channel islands for work (I think it was Jersey) and enjoyed it - the scout troop went last year (he didn't go then) and had a great time.

Having only had the one profile picture since I joined the coffee shop I think it may be time for a change ...

[SandTEngineer]

Add me to the sponsorship list as well

[Chris from Nailsea]

If I buy a ticket from Theale to Thatcham can I get off at each station and then get back on the next service? .... will my ticket be valid?

Yes, I'm sure it will be.  

You're not covering any part of your journey more than once, and there's nothing to say that you can't choose to hop off a train at any station, and hop back on the next one later the same day, when using an off-peak day (return) ticket on a Saturday.

[BerkshireBugsy]

Add me to the sponsorship list as well

I am genuinely touched by this...thank you for your kindness.

[BerkshireBugsy]

Well, Nathaniel aka Niff aka BB jr did it! it took 4 hours to do about 16 miles because they had to go at the pace of the slowest but he didn't moan once so I am very proud of him!