2 female cyclists need encouragement!

[michelle grech]

So we are all set to go. All planes, buses, taxis and first few night's albergues booked which should see us setting off from SJPP on our Mountain Bikes on the 6th of May. Even our panniers are packed and ready to go (3 weeks early...but I like to be prepared !!). One thing I need to get over is the fear of first day...I am dreading it. And although we have trained it is creating a mental block. Any non super fit people out there who have done this first step to Roncesvalles and can give us some advice/encouragement? We are planning to stick to the road at this stage plus sending our bags by courier. Any tips will be much appreciated!

 

[wayfarer]

I have great admiration for people who do the Camino on bikes, I think its so much harder than walking. The only advice I can give you is to take it nice and easy the first day and build up as you go along. Oh yes and fit a bell to warn us walkers of your passing. Have a safe and wonderful Camino.
Buen Camino.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Most of the first day is on road. The road is gently graded. You can stay on road all the way, and it will be a manageable grade. So when you hit the top of the pass, turn right toward the Valcarlos route, take the gentle road down to connect with the road into Roncesvalles. It is the better route in wet weather anyways, and you will avoid all the bicycle-difficult parts. The first half-kilometer out of SJPdP will make you doubt that the route is "gentle," but it gets instantly better with only a few stairmaster sections around Hounto and Orisson.

Buen camino!

 

[mspath]

... Any non super fit people out there who have done this first step to Roncesvalles and can give us some advice/encouragement? We are planning to stick to the road at this stage plus sending our bags by courier. Any tips will be much appreciated!

Michelle,

By sticking to the road I trust you mean biking the road from SJPdP to Roncesvalles via
Valcarlos. Be sure to read what other pilgrims and I have written about this Valcarlos alternate in this earlier Forum thread .

I never biked this but often walked it. Take your time and enjoy the views; it is especially meaningful when you FINALLY sight the roof of the new Ibaneta chapel and you are at last 'over the hump' and can descend downhill on the road into the monastery.

Buen Camino,

Margaret Meredith

 

[hecate105]

I haven't done that route but I cycled from Sintra via S de C to Paris and back to the UK. It will be hard, but you will make it. If you are not fit ( I wasn't, overweight, disabled and lazy) you will whine and moan - but you will make it. You may get lost, disillusioned, sunstroked and peeved, but you WILL make it! It will be a time of extreme physical exertion and mental pressure but will also be a time when you meet the most amazing people - pilgrims and locals, when you find your inner resources and test your sense of humour to the nth degree... And you will make it...!

 

[hecate105]

Oh - and be prepared to push your bike if you can't cycle - there's no shame in it at all - unless you are a bloke - in which case you keep pedalling until you expire or get to the top...

 

[wayfarer]

BTW Michelle are you using regular mountain bike tyres or hybrid? You will have to work twice as hard with the regular tyres, I have been told that hybrid tyres are much easier for that trip and if you can get the puncture proof strip it will save you some work.

 

[mgtstorey]

Hi Michelle leaving Leon on bike on May 9th, bit apprehensive too as booked on whim but here goes, hope to meet a few people for drinks at nite on way as travelling alone, best of luck, I booked my bike from bikeiberia as they do ladies bikes, wil deliver to hotel etc

 

[mgtstorey]

Also who did u book to transfer your bags along the way and is it expensive

 

[michelle grech]

Thanks for all the words of encouragement ....really appreciate all the comments and suggestions!

mgtstorey, we are taking our own bikes. Quite a daunting task but we just wanted to do it on our own bikes. We are only having our bag transported on our 1st stage ie SJPP to Roncesvalles and it's costing us €8 each. We booked with www.expressbourricot.com

 

[hecate105]

Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres - 3000 miles and NO punctures...

 

[wayfarer]

Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres - 3000 miles and NO punctures...

Yep those are the ones, have them on my own bike.

 

[David]

Being worried before you go is normal. Being afraid of the first day is normal. You are going into a personal unknown, and your front brain isn't the least swayed by the thoughts of the millions who have safely preceded you! All is well.
I think you mean you are taking the road to Roncesvalles? You will see Camino signs along the road that take you off it and back on again, you can ignore those and keep to the tarmac. If you are keeping to the tarmac (asphalt?) it might be worth pumping up your tyres a bit so you are a bit less sticky - but not too much as the air pressure will be lower up there - don't want to explode your tyres!!!

All the above from earlier posters is good stuff - thing is, you really don't have to cycle the steep bits, you can get off and just amble along - it isn't a race, it isn't an endurance test ... just go like the tortoise and look at the view .. you will have all day to go what is really a short distance for a cyclist ... I'm more concerned about you going too fast on the wildly exciting downhill than any theoretical problems you think you may have on the uphill.

Both Spanish and French drivers - including lorry drivers - are pretty good with cyclists. First - they actually see you! Second, they will usually wait until it is properly safe before overtaking you.
If anyone leans out their window, hits the horn and shouts "Brio!" it is a compliment.

Wear a Hi-Viz vest, keep the liquids and carbs up, stop and rest LOTS of times, and you will be fine - but you know that deep down

Buen Camino!!

 

[michelle grech]

I just got some Continental XKings and fit them on. Wish I knew about this before.

 

[wayfarer]

I just got some Continental XKings and fit them on. Wish I knew about this before.

If you are a regular mountain biker you can always use these but for a trip like the Camino they will be hard work. I would still recommend getting the Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres or similar.

 

[David]

I have Michelin World Tours on my bike (but I am a wimp and take it really easy on tracks and walk on rough ground)

 

[newfydog]

I just got some Continental XKings and fit them on. Wish I knew about this before.

That should be a fine tire. Under no circumstances would I consider something like a Schwalbe Marathon plus tire, or even a hybid bike tire. Those are road tires. They would be good for going on road ride, enticingly near to the Camino, but missing it nonetheless.

Bigger fatter, softer, tires are more efficient on any unpaved surface. MTB tires are less efficient on paved roads, but at touring speeds the difference is actually minor.

My wife, over 60 years old, rode from SJPP to Roncevalles, on the trail, without ever getting off and pushing, carrying all her gear. On the way up, she caught and passed some young guys on skinner tires.

Don't be intimidated----you will do just fine.

 

[obinjatoo@yahoo.com]

I did it on a bicycle from the north coast of France. I used a heavy touring bike with wider but slick tires. The whole route is much easier by bicycle... It's a cake walk. I stuck to the path on the first section across the Pyranees and I pushed in a few spots. It's technical even for experienced mountain bikers. You might consider staying in Orison the first night. The road out of SJPP is very steep. I pushed there some too. Once you get past this section in the photo it is a dirt road and although steep not as steep as out of SJPP. I stuck to the foot path pretty much all the way to Leon where I left my bike and walked to Santiago. There is one section right before Alta de Perdon from Pamplona that is very rocky and I took to the highway for a few miles into Puente La Reina as I recall. My memory is fuzzy as to what was where. It was just so bone jarring on the bicycle, my brain was rattling in my head.
The bike allowed me to take some of the more scenic side routes.
Have fun,

 

[obinjatoo@yahoo.com]

Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres - 3000 miles and NO punctures...

What size? I used those I think and they were great! Nice and wide and pretty slick. I'm thinking of putting them back on for my next trip.

 

[obinjatoo@yahoo.com]

I have great admiration for people who do the Camino on bikes, I think its so much harder than walking. The only advice I can give you is to take it nice and easy the first day and build up as you go along. Oh yes and fit a bell to warn us walkers of your passing. Have a safe and wonderful Camino.
Buen Camino.

With the exception of a few short technical sections, cycling the French route is much easier than walking it.

 

[hecate105]

Sorry Obinjatoo - I have no idea what size my tyres - or indeed wheels are! I have a husband for that - at the risk of putting female emancipation back to the dark ages - he fiddles with tyres, brakes and chain oil whilst I whip up a 3 course meal on the old Kelly kettle! It works for us!
Love the photo Newfydog, but have to disagree on the tyres. I always cycle offroad if there's a choice but there are always road sections too. The Schwalbes cope with ease. Whether deep mud in Cornish lanes, open moorland, the broken-bottle-strewn cycle paths of Paris, or even the odd section of motorway (I'm sure that Portuguese widow had it in for us!) ~We have now put them on our dog's trailer and are trying to find a really small one for my walking trailer.... But the important thing is to find gear that works for you and is reliable - so I only give my humble opinion...

 

[susanawee]

So we are all set to go. All planes, buses, taxis and first few night's albergues booked which should see us setting off from SJPP on our Mountain Bikes on the 6th of May. Even our panniers are packed and ready to go (3 weeks early...but I like to be prepared !!). One thing I need to get over is the fear of first day...I am dreading it. And although we have trained it is creating a mental block. Any non super fit people out there who have done this first step to Roncesvalles and can give us some advice/encouragement? We are planning to stick to the road at this stage plus sending our bags by courier. Any tips will be much appreciated!

Buen Camino.....go well.....

 

[wayfarer]

I'm with you hecate 105, its not mountain bike tyre country for 98 to 99 % of the way.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

Any non super fit people out there who have done this first step to Roncesvalles and can give us some advice/encouragement?

You are getting lots of advice from experience cyclists, so keep that in mind!

 

[newfydog]

I'm with you hecate 105, its not mountain bike tyre country for 98 to 99 % of the way.

Well, experienced cyclists always seem to have strong opinions, so let's go to the laboratory for some facts.

A wider, softer tire will have lower rolling resistance on any unpaved surface. The difference starts out minor on paved roads and becomes bigger the rougher it gets. Many of the quality nobby tires have lower rolling resistance than a slick tire, and the puncture proof strips advocated above creat huge increases in rolling resistance. The Continental x king is one of the best rolling tires out there. Add to that a more comfortable ride, coupled with better control. particularly if it rains, and the choice is simple. One year we had some pretty slick tires and bought new ones after a rain---the improvement was huge on the slippery limestone around Castrojerez. Here's what I wrote in tires after our first two trips:

The route, bike and tires
I looked all over the web trying to figure out if the Camino was best on road or mountain bikes and what tires to use, and never found a decent answer. There are tour groups and road cycling groups riding the route and the paralleling roads who try to make a case for road bikes but I think it would be a big mistake to use anything but a mountain bike with full size mountain bike tires. The route is not difficult mountain biking, more often it is on a dirt road rather than a hiking trail. There is not much pavement, maybe 10% in the first half and 30% for the rest of it. It is a wonderful ride and it would be a shame to miss it by riding the roads. There are people who ride road bikes on paved alternative routes, but unlike France, where the roads are wonderful, much of the route is crowded with high speed truck traffic. We followed the walker's route 95% of the way, and only walked our bikes about 2 km in the entire trip.
I would use a 1.9-2.2 tire with small to medium knobs in the rear and a 1.9- 2.2 mountain bike racing tire with side knobs and a smoother center in the front. The first year we had a 1.5 rear tire with road tread in the rear and a side knob front tire and bought full sized rear tires halfway through the trip. Last year we had mountain bike racing tires with very little tread and were happy until it rained, when we again bought some knobby rear

The concept that a wider softer tire requires less energy always evokes some skepticism. Just google "rolling resistance mountain bike tires" and you'll find plenty of hard data.

Here's a good one:
http://www.mtbonline.co.za/info/mtb-tyre-rolling-resistance.htm

 

[wayfarer]

 

[David]

The thing about tyres is the same for any piece of specialist kit. Those who have chosen will believe that their choice is the best.

 

[tpmchugh]

So we are all set to go. All planes, buses, taxis and first few night's albergues booked which should see us setting off from SJPP on our Mountain Bikes on the 6th of May. Even our panniers are packed and ready to go (3 weeks early...but I like to be prepared !!). One thing I need to get over is the fear of first day...I am dreading it. And although we have trained it is creating a mental block. Any non super fit people out there who have done this first step to Roncesvalles and can give us some advice/encouragement? We are planning to stick to the road at this stage plus sending our bags by courier. Any tips will be much appreciated!

I dont cycle but having seen the number of cyclists pass me on the trail I would offer a few pieces of advice. Get a rear mudguard, get a good bell and have patience when walkers hold you up as they try to pick out the dry spots to walk when the path is muddy. I asked a cyclist why he didnt have a mudguard and he used the extra weight excuse. The amount of mud clinging to his back must have been equal to a lightweight guard and must have been extremely uncomfortable. Have a great time when you do get there, Buen Camino

 

[michelle grech]

ok guys....thanks for the tyre info. I think in the big scheme of things, 15 days cycling the camino, which means not that many kms a day, tyres are not going to make a huge difference to me. To be honest i had a pair of continental double fighter II (hybrid) which I tried over a weekend and the lack of bounce bothered me...so as some said, it is a matter of preference. I prefer a bit of bounce to speed. After all, I'm hardly racing....I'm sure the tyres I have will be fine....but sincerely I'm impressed with how well some have researched the subject and that is why I like these forums!

 

[michelle grech]

I dont cycle but having seen the number of cyclists pass me on the trail I would offer a few pieces of advice. Get a rear mudguard, get a good bell and have patience when walkers hold you up as they try to pick out the dry spots to walk when the path is muddy. I asked a cyclist why he didnt have a mudguard and he used the extra weight excuse. The amount of mud clinging to his back must have been equal to a lightweight guard and must have been extremely uncomfortable. Have a great time when you do get there, Buen Camino

I doubt I can have a mudguard due to the rack and panniers!

 

[Walsh Camino]

I doubt I can have a mudguard due to the rack and panniers!

Hi Michelle,

We biked our first Camino Frances in Sept 2012 from SJPP. We were in reasonably good shape, on hybrid bikes and took the road route. It was a dreary rainy day and so for us quite a humbling experience with lots of pushing our bikes and getting used to being on the shoulder of a fairly busy road. The drivers were very courteous, so while it is at first alarming, you will get used to it. I wouldn't trade that experience for anything. After that first day, the rest of the trip was no longer scary and I felt like we could tackle anything that was presented. Since it was raining, we did get pretty cold by the time we reached the top and foolishly had not put on our full rain gear. Needless to say, we were "popsicles" by the time we rolled in to Roncesvalles. So just be prepared, take your time and know that it will just keep getting better and better.

We had such a fabulous experience we will be back this September. And I am a HUGE fan of the Marathon Schwalb tires. They roll well on a variety of surfaces (would need to consult my bike to see exactly what model and size) and they seem to be very puncture resistant.

Buen Camino!

 

[newfydog]

The thing about tyres is the same for any piece of specialist kit. Those who have chosen will believe that their choice is the best.

When my information changes, I alter my conclusions. What do you do, sir?”
― John Maynard Keynes

Cyclists are a special cult of independent and self- reliant people. I follow a number of cycling boards, and the conversation there can be particularly evangelical and pointless. When you get advice from one, (including this one) you should always ask if that person enjoys cycling because of, or in spite of their ideas. That is where it is nice to have information from the true geeks of the sport who go out and take measurements, for example:

I prefer a bit of bounce to speed

Actually, that cushy bouncy ride the big tires give you has been measured to give more speed at less effort than the rougher ride of those hybrid tires.

 

[wayfarer]

I always had a mountain bike, a big heavy manly bike with knobby tyres, a manly mans bike even, and then I decided to treat my self and get a lightweight mountain bike that I could lift onto the bike rack of the camper without risking a hernia, so I went to the bike shop in the nearest city to me which was run by a retired professional cyclist and told him what I wanted. He first asked me what type of biking I did, was it all heavy duty mountain biking, no I said some road and lots of trails mostly in France. He then shocked me by saying that I did not need a mountain bike at all and certainly not one with big manly knobby tyres like my last one but a hybrid bike with hybrid tyres, he could indeed sell me a lightweight mountain bike for a few hundred euro extra but I did not need it and to prove his point he had me ride around the car park on the mountain bike and then on the hybrid, it took about half the effort on the hybrid and so I said farewell to my manly mountain bike and went with the hybrid which I still use in France, Spain and Portugal when touring in the camper. Most of the bikes I see on the Camino are hybrid so he can't have been all wrong, but at the end of the day its what works for you is all that counts. Thats all I really have to say on the issue except have a great Camino Michelle and be safe.

 

[newfydog]

I always had a mountain bike, a big heavy manly bike with knobby tyres, a manly mans bike even,.

I wouldn't want that either. Your "manly bike" may have been a pig, but you can find bad hybrids as well . Our mountain bikes are titanium, as light as any hybrid made, lighter than most road bikes. The tires we use are similar to the continental x kings, they don't have "Big manly knobs", and even though the are 1.9-2.2 inches wide, they weight under 600 grams (the x king is 620 grams). The Schwalbe Marathon plus which seems popular is less than 1.5" wide and weighs a whopping 970 grams. A light mountain bike with the same weight as a hybrid, with fatter, lighter tires than a hybrid will have more control and use less effort if you actually do your comparison on the trail instead of a lap around the parking lot.

I have eight bikes. They have tires ranging from 17 mm 160 psi on a bike I use for road racing bike to a 4.0 inch 8 psi tire I have on my fatbike, which is for snow and sand. They all have their place in the world, and you will have more fun if you pick the right one for the surface.

Anyway, back to the original poster, who wanted some encouragement, I say fear not! You are heading out on gear set up very similar to the bikes my wife and I keep in Europe, on which we've covered over 10,000 km of pilgrimage trail. You should have a great trip.