The same day I picked the van up from Bilbo's I took it home, packed it full of mountain bikes, surfboards and kit and headed off to Wales to visit some friends. It was a great way to really find out if the van would do what I bought it for. And the answer was emphatically yes.
It was a sinch to stack the bikes and boards in the back. No need to take any wheels off, just slide the bikes in, turn the front wheels sideways and they just fit. A quick hook up to the rear loading lash and to the rear seat headrests using bungees and the bikes were secure and didn't move around during the whole ride. I can see I'll need to have a think about how to secure them if we're away and have taken the rear seats out however!
The first long drive of the van was an absolute pleasure. The driving position, especially with the arm rests, is like being in an armchair and being sat up that high makes it all less stressful as you can see what is going on ahead much easier. I definitely missed cruise control however and that upgrade has moved much higher up the list of future modifications as a result!
We arrived at the Severn Bridge toll faster and much more refreshed than expected and joined the queue. As we moved up to the barrier the man punched us in as a class 2 vehicle - with a toll of £10. He then spotted the seats in the back and dropped the toll back down to £5. Result. Remember to leave the seats in when taking the van to Wales whenever possible!
The next day three of us loaded our bikes and gear into the van and set off for Afan bike park. We had a very wet ride around the hills and forests and then came back to the carpark. The van proved its use again as we were able to clamber into the back to get changed in some privacy and out of the rain. We then loaded up the bikes and got into the front. Swivelling the front seats around we had a sociable lunch with the three of us all sat together facing each other, rather than all looking the same way. Small touch but a nice one.
Upon getting home we cleaned out the van. It was dead easy with the floor being rubber and simple to sweep out. Also my seats are currently covered with vinyl which makes them a little sticky to sit on but they cleaned up in seconds from all the dirt on them from biking. Very handy!
Overall the first voyage was a great success. We spent more cash on diesel than we would have done in our car, of course, but it was the little touches which made a difference - being able to shelter and change inside, being able to just throw the bikes inside without sticking a bike rack on, being able to swivel the seats for a more sociable lunch. These were all good things.
The next big test will be when we take it camping! Hopefully the end of the month...
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