One Napoleon but two variants......

[blind fool]

hi there,

having cycled the Camino already I'm 'familiar' with the Napolean route using the surfaced road from Orisson to the 'Peak' where you venture off road to the right where there is a memorial.
However as I'm sure many of you will know there is a dirt track off to the left which while steep etc does create a 'short cut' and does away with one of the 'switch backs' on the road.
Just trying to understand distances and how much distance might be saved - I appreciate it'll be considerably steeper etc but wonder whether its worth the effort?

buen camino

 

[Peregrinopaul]

I've always biked the road into Roncesvalles and it it is exhilarating.

 

[blind fool]

I've always biked the road into Roncesvalles and it it is exhilarating.

would I be right in thinking you're referring to the Valcarlos route?
glad you enjoyed.

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

 

[blind fool]

thank you for your replies - please forgive me however.
I've just checked on the map and the 'diversion' I was referring to is just before you arrive at Orrison - just wondering if the zig zag dirt track is worth the effort?

 

[CWBuff]

If you do take a diversion to your best calculations what us the time difference?
IMHO anything 15-20 mins is not worth pondering about hence again IMHO it's mot about the distance
As I understand the diversion is longer but safer. My safety worth the extra time

 

[Kathar1na]

the 'diversion' I was referring to is just before you arrive at Orrison - just wondering if the zig zag dirt track is worth the effort?
View attachment 169715

I have no idea whether any cyclists ride up the zig zag footpath and what this would do for erosion. Here is a proper map, perhaps it can help with your decision-making?

 

[blind fool]

thank you very much.
I'm inclined to think there's nothing to be gained (other than hard work and erosion).
thanks again.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

would I be right in thinking you're referring to the Valcarlos route?
glad you enjoyed.

Sorry, I completely misunderstood your post. I was referring to the road from Col du Lepoeder down into Roncesvalles avoiding the short cut through the forest. And no, I didn’t take the path short cut before Orisson.

 

[bananarama]

I have no idea whether any cyclists ride up the zig zag footpath and what this would do for erosion. Here is a proper map, perhaps it can help with your decision-making?

View attachment 169729

I saw walking pilgrims hike up that zigzag while I cycled the D428 - it's crazy steep! Even if you have incredible legs you'll (maybe) loose traction

 

[blind fool]

Sorry, I completely misunderstood your post. I was referring to the road from Col du Lepoeder down into Roncesvalles avoiding the short cut through the forest. And no, I didn’t take the path short cut before Orisson.

as they say - my bad. I didn't explain very well

 

[blind fool]

I saw walking pilgrims hike up that zigzag while I cycled the D428 - it's crazy steep! Even if you have incredible legs you'll (maybe) loose traction

thank you. I think I'll stick to the road - didn't know if I was missing out on anything, but it would appear not

thank you.

 

[howardd5]

hi there,

having cycled the Camino already I'm 'familiar' with the Napolean route using the surfaced road from Orisson to the 'Peak' where you venture off road to the right where there is a memorial.
However as I'm sure many of you will know there is a dirt track off to the left which while steep etc does create a 'short cut' and does away with one of the 'switch backs' on the road.
Just trying to understand distances and how much distance might be saved - I appreciate it'll be considerably steeper etc but wonder whether its worth the effort?

buen camino

I have walked both and my opinion is the road to the right is best. After the climb from SJPP you are not 100% and it’s easy to slip/fall on left while the right is about 1 k longer it’s much safer

 

[blind fool]

thank you.