Salamanca to Merida in 3 days? By bike!

[ChrisMac]

Hola fellow Camino family! I am planning to cycle the Via de la plata in reverse from Salamanca to Merida. Hoping to do it in 3 days. Has anyone had experience of this? It's roughly 270km. I've heard of the merits of the N630 as a route as opposed to the actual Camino route. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance! Buen camino all!!!

Chris

 

[Saint Mike II]

Back in 2013 I walked from Merida to Alcantara (the reseviour). Following the Camino there were sections where even a mountain bike would have difficulties. I have a soft cover guide(circa 2005/2009) by Alison Raju) If I paraphrase her she says the section from Alcantara to Canaveral is a "no go" for even mountain bikes, use the road. Off course since this book published there have been many changes to the Camino on the section you are interested in. The N630 is now a local road with virtually no "through traffic" so you should be OK. If you have walked this Camino then you will have those memories, . Still 90+km per day will be a test, just carry lots of water even in Spring. Buen Camino

 

[Deleted member 43780]

Hola fellow Camino family! I am planning to cycle the Via de la plata in reverse from Salamanca to Merida. Hoping to do it in 3 days. Has anyone had experience of this? It's roughly 270km. I've heard of the merits of the N630 as a route as opposed to the actual Camino route. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance! Buen camino all!!!

Chris

the N630 route is perfect for biking. And you can stay in the alburgues along the way. Have your Walker’s passport so it can be stamped.

if your bike is light. You are fit and not lots of weight dragging along, then should be possible. I have biked some of the N630.
There is a blog by a rider (him and his wife) tellng about the N630 route.

should be easy to find on the web

 

[islandwalker]

Here's a link to a journal by a friend who recently cycled Salamanca to Merida via the N630 in 4 days. It might give you some ideas. Look at Days 6 through 9. He also talks about a good place to stay.
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/Altravespana2019
You can send him questions by using the link on his journal page labeled "Guestbook" in the middle of the white bar across the top of the page. He is very helpful!

 

[Stivandrer]

I was stuck on the N 630 on another stretch and it was one windy, boring day, so research thoroughly ...!

 

[ChrisMac]

Thanks so much guys. Love this forum!