Feb or March on the Frances with a bicycle?

[Bridget and Peter]

I am thinking about taking myself on a solo pilgrimage next year, late winter or early spring. My husband and I have cycled/walked from home (UK) to S de C in stages via the Vezelay and Norte routes, and also walked the Ingles in the first week of March, so not new to pilgimaging, or indeed to the forum, although I've been away for a couple of years!
But my only experience of the Frances is from Arzua, which was horrid after the peace of the Norte and camaraderie of the Norte set. The feeling of being in a conga was overwhelming and not in a nice way. So I thought the best time to do the Frances would be when it is less crowded.
I'm intending to do this by myself, (Peter is well but will be occupied with other things) and on a bicycle. I am now 61, reasonably fit and confident. I'm thinking that starting in Pamplona is probably a good idea, thus avoiding the Pyrenees.
I have the Cicerone guide for cyclists by John Higginson but it is 12 years old. Will it do, with some real maps? Or is there anything better now?
Any thoughts, comments, advice or similar experiences to share, please?

 

[Ajrk]

I am thinking about taking myself on a solo pilgrimage next year, late winter or early spring. My husband and I have cycled/walked from home (UK) to S de C in stages via the Vezelay and Norte routes, and also walked the Ingles in the first week of March, so not new to pilgimaging, or indeed to the forum, although I've been away for a couple of years!
But my only experience of the Frances is from Arzua, which was horrid after the peace of the Norte and camaraderie of the Norte set. The feeling of being in a conga was overwhelming and not in a nice way. So I thought the best time to do the Frances would be when it is less crowded.
I'm intending to do this by myself, (Peter is well but will be occupied with other things) and on a bicycle. I am now 61, reasonably fit and confident. I'm thinking that starting in Pamplona is probably a good idea, thus avoiding the Pyrenees.
I have the Cicerone guide for cyclists by John Higginson but it is 12 years old. Will it do, with some real maps? Or is there anything better now?
Any thoughts, comments, advice or similar experiences to share, please?

Hi Bridget
If you use a smart phone I would recamend an app called TrekRight I found it invaluable and I also brought a copy of Brearleys book of maps which I only studied at night for the next day's cycle. Enjoy the planning
Alan

 

[obinjatoo@yahoo.com]

Why d

I am thinking about taking myself on a solo pilgrimage next year, late winter or early spring. My husband and I have cycled/walked from home (UK) to S de C in stages via the Vezelay and Norte routes, and also walked the Ingles in the first week of March, so not new to pilgimaging, or indeed to the forum, although I've been away for a couple of years!
But my only experience of the Frances is from Arzua, which was horrid after the peace of the Norte and camaraderie of the Norte set. The feeling of being in a conga was overwhelming and not in a nice way. So I thought the best time to do the Frances would be when it is less crowded.
I'm intending to do this by myself, (Peter is well but will be occupied with other things) and on a bicycle. I am now 61, reasonably fit and confident. I'm thinking that starting in Pamplona is probably a good idea, thus avoiding the Pyrenees.
I have the Cicerone guide for cyclists by John Higginson but it is 12 years old. Will it do, with some real maps? Or is there anything better now?
Any thoughts, comments, advice or similar experiences to share, please?[/QUOTE
Why do you want to do it by bike? I've biked it and walked it. If it's a bike ride you want there are better options. As a pilgrimage it's better as a walk.
Peace