Bikes, Boards and Golf Clubs: Getting Bulky Gear to the Terminal Unscathed

Living on the coast has its perks, but lugging all your bulky sports gear to an international runway is a huge pain. Basically, the only way to get your stuff there in one piece without losing your mind is to arrange a Shoreham Airport taxi.

Surf trips, cycling holidays and golf breaks in Spain all but rule out the train. You try to squeeze a giant padded bike box through the train doors, and people look at you like you're crazy. There is no safe place to stow it in the carriage.

Local stations add their own awkwardness. A terrible workout is hauling heavy, oddly shaped gear up and down the steep station footbridges because the elevators are broken. Also, the coastal railroad usually involves you having to change trains at least once, meaning that you have to drag it all twice.

Driving yourself sounds like a decent backup plan, but there are some seriously annoying traffic bottlenecks in Shoreham. If you hit the Norfolk Bridge or the crossing of the River Adur at the wrong moment, you are instantly stuck in a massive tailback. One little fender bender on the coastal road can completely wreck your travel timeline.

That's why it's so smart to have a local driver take over the route. They know the area well enough to avoid that gridlock altogether on the coast. If the main roads are clogged, they can just cut inland, up through the Staining bypass, and hit the northbound freeways with no drama.

A private ride also means you can ask for an estate car or a multi-seater with the seats folded down. Your expensive carbon-fibre bike or fragile surfboards lie flat and are secured in a huge boot. No need to worry about them being squashed or knocked over by heavy suitcases of other passengers.

It's actually surprisingly cheap when you do the math as well. Considering peak-time train fares, the cost of oversized luggage and the general hassle, a Shoreham Airport taxi is surprisingly good value. If you're splitting costs with a travel buddy, it's a no-brainer, essentially.

Load everything into the car, and just before you leave, make sure you've packed your specialized tools in your checked bags. If you happen to leave hex keys for your bike or wax scrapers for your board in your carry-on backpack, they will be taken off you. Get that done at home and you'll sail through security.

Conclusion

Active holidays should be fun, not a logistical nightmare. Get yourself a direct ride. Avoid the annoying traffic jams on the coast and the risk of damaging your expensive gear. You can just sit back, relax and concentrate on the adventure that awaits you when you land.