Thinking of Cycling? It is your Attitude that counts!

[David]

Hi. There is definitely a belief that one can only cycle the camino on a top rate expensive bike, wearing specialist clothing, handlebars at or lower than the saddle so one is leaning far forward - which causes stress on hands and arms (and stomach muscles) .... but this is only one way at looking at cycling.

For over a hundred years tens of millions of people throughout the world have transported themselves over unmetalled roads and tracks on heavy single speed bikes, wearing only what they were wearing before getting on the bike. Quite a lot of the time using the bikes as heavy load carriers - and they have all got on fine.

A big hill comes? Means going slow or getting off the bike and walking with it for a while.

The truth is that any bike will get you to Santiago on the conditions that 1) you aren't in a hurry. 2) you don't mind walking with it every now and then. It is attitude that is important. No one needs to be super fit (or even fit), they just need a bike and the willingness to go, relaxed, unhurried, and to have fun.

Have a look at this Dutch biking video ..... all sitting comfortable upright, all casual and relaxed, some carrying/towing heavy loads. True, where they are is level, but it is no difference really, a hill? you push up and freewheel down - marvellous.

Also - do you see a helmet? No, not one. A lot of Dutch cycling is separated from traffic but statistics from many countries, including the uk, show that ordinary commuting shows no safety factor with wearing a helmet, whereas race cycling and off road mountain biking does.

So my point - if you want to go cycling to Santiago you don't have to spend big bucks and tog yourself up in special clothing, you don't have to go fast - in fact to enjoy it you shouldn't go fast! - just learn how to do basic repairs, carry some spares, fit a bell, pump your tyres up - and, well, go!

Buen Camino

p.s. Bike stats re cycle helmets
UK Department for Transport Road Safety: http://www.cyclehelmets.org/1230.html
http://www.cyclehelmets.org/1255.html
http://www.cyclehelmets.org/1261.html

 

[mspath]

How right you are David! Fifty-six years ago this summer when 20 years old I biked from London to Rome in 4 months on a 3 speed Raleigh. No helmet, simple clothes and canvas paniers but after walking up the Alps the 80 k descent into Nice was great. Most importantly I learned not only how to patch tyres but the importance of tenacity and the simple pleasure of following a dream to make it come true.

 

[VNwalking]

Somebody recently showed me their new mountain bike...and it cost much more than a good used car!!
My opinion, obviously and I'll own that...but that seemed way 'over the top'.
Somewhere along the line we lost the big picture, and this is a good example...the consumer culture gone crazy.
But since the Camino is a wonderful way to explore simplicity, this post is very refreshing...and very true.

How right you are David! Fifty-six years ago this summer when 20 years old I biked from London to Rome in 4 months on a 3 speed Raleigh.

Fantastic! And not to be rude, mspath, but since you brought it up...you're 76?!? I'm inspired to just keep walking! Thanks.

 

[Arn]

David, I can see the value of cycling on the Camino, especially along the Meseta. The rhythm of slowly pumping the peddles adds to one's ability to reflect and enjoy...also, that breeze past my ears, and the ability to out pace the gnats is a big plus.
Now to the helmet issue, I've never worn a helmet except when trail biking. That said, local Spanish law requires, under certain circumstances, that riders wear a helmet.
Here is the key section:
On the 9th May 2014, it became obligatory only for cyclists of 16 years old or less to wear a helmet at all times. The rest of the existing law stays the same. Adults older than 16 must wear a helmet outside of city centres but are exempt during periods of excessive heat, on steep hills or if they are professional cyclists.

 

[newfydog]

We just started our 7th bike pilgrimage.
We're in Vezelay tonight

Our 20 year old titinium bikes are on their 15 th extended tour and are worth every cent

They fit us perfectly, back and arms at equal angles, not like sitting like at a desk. There is a reason pro riders who are on a bike all day sit like that, and comfort is a big part of it

We wear helmets too. And real real bike clothes. You could call us consumers, snobs or whatever you
like, but we are out here doing it our way and you know, we're really having fun.

 

[David]

Just to say - I wear a helmet - was just producing the stats .... and, regardless of the national culture of Holland, I would never have let my children stand up on the back of the bike! - my point was the relaxed upright, comfortable attitude, on a variety of bikes, some really ancient.

 

[Gerry & Heather O'Neill]

Hi David,
We rode the Portuguese Camino last year and yes we would agree it is all in the attitude. We had some challenges but had a great time.
Here is our blog of our trip:
http://portugalcaminobike.blogspot.com.au/

C

 

[JennyH94]

Hi David -

Thanks so much for this thread which has come at a really 'interesting' time for me ... since January I've been putting a lot of effort into bike training for my upcoming bike camino with Saint Mike II this September. However, on 9 April my training came to a halt as I lost control of the bike in windy conditions and fell - breaking my collarbone and scapula. A month after the injury I had to have surgery to pin and plate the collarbone as there had been no knitting of the bones in that period of time.

Since the injury all sorts of negative thoughts have crept in - all concerning the lack of fitness - and worries and sadness that I won't be strong enough to see my dream become a reality.

I do think it's an attitude - your thoughts ring very true ...

"The truth is that any bike will get you to Santiago on the conditions that 1) you aren't in a hurry. 2) you don't mind walking with it every now and then. It is attitude that is important. No one needs to be super fit (or even fit), they just need a bike and the willingness to go, relaxed, unhurried, and to have fun."

I won't be super-fit, even fit, but I do have the willingness to go and to be relaxed (but very careful!), unhurried, and to have fun.

Your thread has given me confidence and encouragement - thanks again.

Cheers - Jenny

 

[mspath]

Jenny,

I am so glad to learn that you are now feeling strong enough both physically and mentally to continue your plans. Of course in today's world helmets MOST definitely are a biking necessity. May your camino dream come true.
Carpe diem and, as always, Ultreia!

Margaret Meredith

 

[newfydog]

Hey Jenny

My wife and I have both broken collar bones at some time. Most experienced cyclists have. Keep up the spirits and rest assured, it will get better!

 

[VNwalking]

Wow, Jenny, a lot of compassionate empathy is coming your way!!
The good thing is that you legs are OK and can continue to be strengthened as the collarbone quietly knits back together. No doubt you've thought of a recumbent trainer?

 

[JennyH94]

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and good wishes. I really appreciate it.

Margaret - I agree with you about the necessity of the helmets. My injury would have been much worse if I had not been wearing one. I will definitely wear my helmet on the Camino. Thank you for your encouragement and I'll seize the day!

Lise - thank you for the gentle hug! I have to talk to Mike about doing a joint blog - it would be a fantastic thing to do. Mike's such a funny person - he's got a terrific sense of humour and the blog would be fun. We'll let you know.

Newfydog - I'm sorry to hear that both you and your wife have had broken collarbones. My physio Glenn told me after the injury that I'm now a fully-fledged member of the cycling fraternity now that I've had a stack! He said you cannot join that exclusive fraternity without having one! I'm keeping up my spirits and am really looking forward to getting back on the bike as soon as it's ok to. Thanks for your positive thoughts.

Viranani - thank you for your compassionate empathy - it's so comforting to have. I have an exercise bike that I'm starting to use now that the pain's receding. I'm doing this with the ok from the specialist and I'm also out walking and feeling much better for it.

Cheers - Jenny

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Hi. There is definitely a belief that one can only cycle the camino on a top rate expensive bike, wearing specialist clothing, handlebars at or lower than the saddle so one is leaning far forward - which causes stress on hands and arms (and stomach muscles) .... but this is only one way at looking at cycling.l

Interesting post David. Riding a bike is a great way to do the camino. Your point about low handlebars is spot on. I always have mine raised right up so that I can ride in a more or less upright position, and so enjoy the scenery.
My first camino, I rode in ordinary clothes and was basically fine, except for getting saddle sore. Since then I've bitten the bullet and gone for padded cycle pants, which make a huge difference.
I'm leaving for the Frances in just over a week and have arranged to buy a second-hand bike in Anglet. Hopefully your premise about bike quality will prove correct.

 

[wayfarer]

Hi David -

Thanks so much for this thread which has come at a really 'interesting' time for me ... since January I've been putting a lot of effort into bike training for my upcoming bike camino with Saint Mike II this September. However, on 9 April my training came to a halt as I lost control of the bike in windy conditions and fell - breaking my collarbone and scapula. A month after the injury I had to have surgery to pin and plate the collarbone as there had been no knitting of the bones in that period of time.

Since the injury all sorts of negative thoughts have crept in - all concerning the lack of fitness - and worries and sadness that I won't be strong enough to see my dream become a reality.

I do think it's an attitude - your thoughts ring very true ...

"The truth is that any bike will get you to Santiago on the conditions that 1) you aren't in a hurry. 2) you don't mind walking with it every now and then. It is attitude that is important. No one needs to be super fit (or even fit), they just need a bike and the willingness to go, relaxed, unhurried, and to have fun."

I won't be super-fit, even fit, but I do have the willingness to go and to be relaxed (but very careful!), unhurried, and to have fun.

Your thread has given me confidence and encouragement - thanks again.

Cheers - Jenny

Hi Jenny, sorry to hear this news but delighted to hear you are still going on your Camino. September is a good bit away so you have plenty time to get fit and ready. If the Gods decree we might meet up in September.

 

[JennyH94]

Hi Jenny, sorry to hear this news but delighted to hear you are still going on your Camino. September is a good bit away so you have plenty time to get fit and ready. If the Gods decree we might meet up in September.

Thanks so much Pat for your good wishes - I'll be on the Camino with bells on! (on the bike that is!) - I'm really looking forward to catching up if our dates match up. Fingers crossed.
Cheers from Sydney - Jenny

 

[tyrrek]

Earlier this week I bought 2 cheap second hand hybrid bikes for my girlfriend and I, that I'm going to clean up and give new life to. £50 the pair. "Just for a bit of cycling along the canal", said I. What she doesn't realise yet is that the canals in question are along the Pelgrimspad in Holland. Don't tell her, anyone.
P.S. Any info on cycling pilgrim routes in Holland would be welcome!

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola to David & all pilgrims - bicyclist or bipedalists (those who walk and those who ride). Yes Jenny and I being no longer able to walk more than 5 km per day are now in the lycra brigade.
I totally agree that a pilgrim's attitude to the Camino is paramount to achieving their goal. I have been riding a bike since I was around 6 - so 6 decades ago and have suffered more than the odd scrape - scars to prove it. But fortunately no broken bones - although a collision with a stationary bus in Cambodia in 2006 has resulted in "shoulder problems" that are unlikely to be solved successfully.
As some of you may know I took three goes to reach Uhuru Peak (the 5895 metre summit of Mt Kilimanjaro) and there is a saying on the mountain - its not the altitude of the mountain, its the attitude of the trekker.
So if you are trekking the Camino Frances between Pamplona and Santiago anytime after 4th Sep you will see a couple of senior citizens pedaling their way to the Atlantic Ocean. Buen Camino.

 

[nidarosa]

Speaking of cyclists and attitude - I trust you will all be equipped with and using your bells?

 

[Kaiplentz]

I

Speaking of cyclists and attitude - I trust you will all be equipped with and using your bells?

I am starting my next camino in a couple of weeks time. For the first time on the bike and I am taking the bell off. A friendly Hola and Buen Camino is much more personal than an anonymous ringing of a bell. Of course, I'll be passing foot pilgrims slowly giving me and the other person a chance to react when caught by surprise.

 

[nidarosa]

Yes, but a friendly Hola and Buen Camino is okay when you go past on a wide path - it's when it's narrow, or when there are few people around so we walking folk meander aimlessly, or especially downhill, that I would appreciate being told that you're coming. If you speak to me from behind, close enough so I can hear you, I have no way of knowing if you are walking fast or on a bike - i might even turn around with walking poles at exactly the wrong moment to answer you. If you use a bell there is no doubt. And what if I am hard of hearing, deep in thought or have earbuds in? You even say you'll give "the other person a chance to react when caught by surprise" - when, not if. Please leave the bell on. You can choose not to use it but it's better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it! You're very welcome to add the friendly Hola or Buen Camino as you go past, after the bell has alerted us that you are coming so we can keep to one side or stop for a moment.

 

[VNwalking]

I

I am starting my next camino in a couple of weeks time. For the first time on the bike and I am taking the bell off. A friendly Hola and Buen Camino is much more personal than an anonymous ringing of a bell. Of course, I'll be passing foot pilgrims slowly giving me and the other person a chance to react when caught by surprise.

Thank you for the slowness and the hola. It can be quite a fright to have someone blow past you with no warning!
[I totally agree with nidarosa. a simple 'ding' from a bell is unmistakable. I liked hearing them because there was never any question as to what I was hearing or where it was coming from. Please consider putting it back on! ]

 

[fellman]

I

I am starting my next camino in a couple of weeks time. For the first time on the bike and I am taking the bell off. A friendly Hola and Buen Camino is much more personal than an anonymous ringing of a bell. Of course, I'll be passing foot pilgrims slowly giving me and the other person a chance to react when caught by surprise.

Hello there when and where are you starting from as I am doing a route very soon

 

[Saint Mike II]

I am starting my next camino in a couple of weeks time. For the first time on the bike and I am taking the bell off. A friendly Hola and Buen Camino is much more personal than an anonymous ringing of a bell. Of course, I'll be passing foot pilgrims slowly giving me and the other person a chance to react when caught by surprise.

If no bell - then the call is "bike passing - left or right" - but a bell/bull horn/musical horn is a lot more effective (imho). Also when approaching a group of pilgrims - say more than 3 be prepared to slow right down or even stop. Pilgrims walking/talking may not really be aware of anyone else being on the Camino. Cheers.

 

[newfydog]

I can ride at walking speed just fine, and I slow down to that speed when passing and say hello in multiple languages. I seldom find the bell appropriate.

 

[newfydog]

Here on the Vezelay trail we passed all of three people the first day, even though we started on a weekend.

 

[wayfarer]

Add one of these to your bike David and you will get to Santiago in no time.

 

[David]

Add one of these to your bike David and you will get to Santiago in no time.

Oh! Want! Want! - though .. did you hear that high pitched sound when it was working?

The first time I lived in France I had a Solex - a bicycle with a drop down petrol motor with a friction wheel that dropped onto the front wheel. So same idea. Was marvellous. Went miles and miles on that. Once from Aix-en-Provence over the mountains to Cannes and back again (had to pedal as well on the steep sections). Think the max speed was 20 mph.
This is the type I had but they are being built new (second pic) - brilliant!

 

[newfydog]

I remember nuns riding those Solex bikes, robes flappin away!

 

[Scotsreb]

My Camino Frances last year (May-June) sadly involved being startled by riders appearing with no warning multiple times. Three times I was brushed/swiped by passing riders coming a wee bit too close and once had a substantial knock.

My experience was that those who rang their bells, seemed to be more polite and considerate.

 

[newfydog]

Three times I was brushed/swiped by passing riders coming a wee bit too close and once had a substantial knock.

My experience was that those who rang their bells, seemed to be more polite and considerate.

To me the bell too often says"move over for me"

I'm at 7 trips, 6000 km without ever even brushing a pedestrian.

 

[Icacos]

To me the bell too often says"move over for me"

I've often felt the same. But recently, while riding my bike and startling a pedestrian when I rang my bell, I stopped to ask her about this, an ongoing Forum dilemma. She said she would prefer to be warned, so I will continue to warn pedestrians of my approach - just give them a bit more warning than I gave this lady. By the way, this lady had close friends who had walked the Camino, but she herself was hoping to walk Britain's Coast to Coast.

 

[David]

I may be wrong - I often am - but don't the Camino cyclists fall mainly into two groups/types? The rainbow clothing tight fitting as if sprayed on Spanish mountain bikers who whizz along as fast as they can, doing their one day or weekend racy event for whom pedestrians are just annoying objects that get in the way, and the cycle pilgrims laden down with panniers and pilgrim hearts who are exactly like the walking pilgrims except that they are on bicycles? Or do I mistake?

 

[jsalt]

Hi, just want to say, on my second camino frances, sometimes the unexpected happens:

Lesson 26 (La Faba): don’t suddenly fall sideways into the main path when you get a stabbing pain in your knee; there could be an unknown cyclist behind, who will crash into you.

 

[newfydog]

I may be wrong - I often am - but don't the Camino cyclists fall mainly into two groups/types? The rainbow clothing tight fitting as if sprayed on Spanish mountain bikers who whizz along as fast as they can, doing their one day or weekend racy event for whom pedestrians are just annoying objects that get in the way, and the cycle pilgrims laden down with panniers and pilgrim hearts who are exactly like the walking pilgrims except that they are on bicycles? Or do I mistake?

There are many hybrids. The worst I saw was a young Spanish guide showing off for the bike tour he was leading. He had panniers but still rode like the walkers were slalom poles. Heck, we wear real bike clothes just because they work so well, but no one would describe us as fast.

 

[Peregrinopaul]

I may be wrong - I often am - but don't the Camino cyclists fall mainly into two groups/types? The rainbow clothing tight fitting as if sprayed on Spanish mountain bikers who whizz along as fast as they can, doing their one day or weekend racy event for whom pedestrians are just annoying objects that get in the way, and the cycle pilgrims laden down with panniers and pilgrim hearts who are exactly like the walking pilgrims except that they are on bicycles? Or do I mistake?

No you do not!
Thank you David. You have expressed it so succinctly. Yes, we are "exactly like..."

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Hi,
Lesson 26 (La Faba): don’t suddenly fall sideways into the main path when you get a stabbing pain in your knee; there could be an unknown cyclist behind, who will crash into you.

Oh yes! There but for the grace of God...........

 

[newfydog]

Back from our bike pilgrimage, and I can type on something better than an iPhone

Hi. There is definitely a belief that one can only cycle the camino on a top rate expensive bike, wearing specialist clothing, handlebars at or lower than the saddle so one is leaning far forward -.

I wanted to ask where this premice in the first post comes from? I have never seen anyone make such a claim. It seems a bit of a strawman to me.

For over a hundred years tens of millions of people throughout the world have transported themselves over unmetalled roads and tracks on heavy single speed bikes, wearing only what they were wearing before getting on the bike. Quite a lot of the time using the bikes as heavy load carriers - and they have all got on fine.

I agree that any marginal set of clothes, boots or bike has the potential to make it to Santiago, and that the right person with the right attitude will have a great trip.

I started bike tours 40+ years ago, wearing cut off blue jeans and a steel rimmed bike loaded down with motor scooter bags. since then I've moved on to better and better gear, and each step has added to the enjoyment of the trip. Smiling in the rain:

A big hill comes? Means going slow or getting off the bike and walking with it for a while.

Good gear makes a good attitude easier to maintain. Rain, mud, thorns, and mosquitoes are all out there. Those obstacles are easier to surmount with the best gear you can line up.

Smiling on a hard mosquito infested push, A heavy bike would not make this more fun:



Biking a magic tunnel;

 

[David]

↑
"Hi. There is definitely a belief that one can only cycle the camino on a top rate expensive bike, wearing specialist clothing, handlebars at or lower than the saddle so one is leaning far forward -.
I wanted to ask where this premice in the first post comes from? I have never seen anyone make such a claim. It seems a bit of a strawman to me."

It came from you Newfydog, it came from you -

reality check is to take a look at your bike and your clothing my point, and you seem to be perpetually simmering with anger about this, is that anyone of reasonable fitness can do the Camino on just about any bike and wearing whatever they want, including dressing up as a clown if they wish to.
I have never said that cycle pilgrims should do this and have reinforced that by explaining that I have a modern bike - my point is that one can - therefore someone on a small budget can just get a bike and some spares and go and I stand by that.

I find it hard to comprehend that you did your Camino thinking all the time of how you would take specific photos to refute my point - what a waste of time Newfydog, what a waste of time.

I find this contempt, for that is what it is underneath your posts you know, for poor cash-strapped pilgrims who want to cycle the Camino and do not have anywhere near the money that you have spent on bike and gear and clothing rather unpleasant - and would point out that the old or cheaper bicycles are not much heavier than modern off-roaders and at least they have mudguards, unlike your cutting edge cycle with balloon tyres where you get covered in mud when it rains.

As for credentials re your 40+ years - I was one of the principal organisers of the annual London to Brighton bike ride - at one point the largest bike ride in the world. I ran 1,000 mile rides from John o' Groats to Lands End and reverse, Bordeaux to Barcelona, Vienna to Prague, to name just a few - so my background is also cycle rides and cycle tours, though nearly all of mine were to do with raising funds for charities rather than profit.

So please give it a break Newfy, be at peace, with yourself and with me .. I am glad that you enjoyed your 9th Camino - some folk can't even afford one you know.

Buen Camino

 

[newfydog]

Good grief! Dude, I took 900 photos this trip. Not one of them was to prove a point. The "reality check" is that they are simply photos of a couple actually out there on the routes, having a good time.

I'm really sorry you see my recommendations for gear, clothing, and preparation are an affront to anyone. If you can look beyond the working class hero attitude you would find them to be practical for some people. I don't believe I've ever implied anything remotely to the effect that our way is the only way to go. The only place I've seen that stated was in your threads.

As far as the "contempt" contempt you perceive that I have for cash strapped people, I guess the internet is a tough medium from which to judge a person. You must have missed the presentation I made to a group of Indonesian mountain bikers on how to set up a workable bike on limited budget.

If you want me to apologize for for wearing real bike clothes and riding a bike which holds up through trip after trip, well, sorry, we worked all our life, started our own consulting firm, and now we're enjoying the retirement we earned, doing two to four bike tours a year, and will keep doing so as long as we can. I guess I should just keep my opinions on what works for us on those trips a secret.

 

[David]

I apologise Newfy, I, misunderstood your post, which to me sounded like you were making points, using your bike photos as a presentation of them - you did choose to post on this thread after all and your comments were all in response to me - perhaps it is text over speech again.

I don't think that at heart we are actually in disagreement; we both think the better the bike and kit the more pleasant the experience, though I think you may have misunderstood my premise - that it has somehow annoyed you - that cash strapped cyclists can do the Camino on just about any bike if they are prepared for the extra effort and time.

I wish you well.

Buen Camino

 

[newfydog]

That's ok.
I lied
I took 899 photos of the trip, and there is one I took for your thread. A 99 Euro bike in a French department store, which with the help of St James and a few bike mechanics along the way, could make the trip

Obviously, I wouldn't recommend it if you can possibly line up something else.
---But it exists and I took the photo in case someone is looking for something like that

 

[David]

Good pic Newfydog, it looks exactly like the bike I bought from Decathlon in Logrono that I then cycled to Santiago. (I had an old injury knee flare up on a Camino and could no longer walk with a pack so I went in there and bought the absolutely cheapest bike they had, and it had a female frame too).

I changed the saddle for a soft one, had mudguards and a rack put on it (and a bell!). Bought their cheapest panniers, a pump and some spares and tools. It was tough going at times but it didn't break down once - I didn't even get a puncture. I took it back to the uk and gave it to my daughter who was living in London. It did her perfectly well, without any maintenance at all (I know! she didn't even lube the chain!) or punctures for nearly two years, until it was crushed by a falling beech tree during a storm whilst it was padlocked to a fence.

Hey - you mentioned steel rims - do you remember how frightening it was trying to get those bikes to stop in the rain? Number of times I went pale with fear!

 

[newfydog]

Hey - you mentioned steel rims - do you remember how frightening it was trying to get those bikes to stop in the rain? Number of times I went pale with fear!

Those things tried to kill me!

I was caught in a really hard rain in Germany, so hard that the driver of a van pulled over to offer me a ride. My brakes might as well have been coated in ice. I slammed into the corner of the van and when rolling into the ditch. My body and bike were more or less intact, and I accepted the ride off the mountain.

Alloy rims have enough friction to survive in the rain. On our trip on the Swiss Pilgerweg the rims got so hot on one steep descent that the tires were melting at the rim bead. We had to stop and wait for them to cool over and over on that particular steep but smooth descent. We added a disk brakes to the front when they came available.

Incidentally, that steel rimmed bike was used on the road, and it did have the mudguards you recommend. We agree, they can be pretty nice for road rides in wet places.

On off road rides, we too frequently find the type of mud which rolls up like a giant snowball and even with a wide clearance mtb frame it will pack the forks and drop outs until the wheel won't turn. We end up carrying the bikes past the mud, or retreating to roads, and spending a lot of time scraping it off until the bike can roll again. Fenders pack solid and there is no easy way to get it out.

The hill past Cartrojeriz can have that type of mud. We had to retreat and find a paved alternative there one trip.

 

[Kaiplentz]

And they lived happily forever thereafter.

 

[David]

I think I have finally found THE Camino bike!!!

 

[JennyH94]

I think I have finally found THE Camino bike!!!

View attachment 19337

Hi David - that's not a bike, it's a party! I presume all the canapés are in the bag on the rack!

 

[Albertagirl]

This thread is reminding me of my family history. My parents, newly married, went on a bicycle tour along the Rideau Canal from Ottawa 70 years ago. When I asked my father about the trip, he said that Mother had a proper lady's bike but he had borrowed a heavy delivery bike, I think normally used for grocery deliveries. I have seen such bicycles in Montreal not so many years ago. He said that it was very heavy to peddle and hard on some of his more tender parts. I now have a cheap lady's bike for city use which is probably not much better than what Mother rode, but I don't think I could make it to the corner store on Dad's borrowed delivery bike. Thanks for the memories.

 

[christy wharton]

Just finished another walking Camino (from Porto) and once again so many groups of bikers swooshing by at speed on narrow downhill paths without using or having bells or warnings was most annoying, nerve wrecking and dangerous. This especially applies near the end of a long tiring walk. Some just laughed when I called after them about it. A walker with no clear warning could step the wrong way (Murphy's Law) on their their sudden appearance and be hit. I was splashed with mud and water a few times and forced into scrub and a ditch by one large group. Some of these bikes have all kinds of digital aids and equipment etc. but no bells ad when they have they do not use them. Camino Manners???

 

[Kaiplentz]

As previously mentioned in this thread, I cycled the Camino (Mozarabe and Via de la Plata) without a bell and finished three days ago. I had no issues apart from one occasion on a not so busy country road when a group of about 7 foot pilgrims (obviously taking advantage of the muchila service) took up the whole road not paying attention of possible traffic coming along. I approached in my usual manner slowing down to walking speed and saying my friendly hola, buenos Diaz and Buen Camino. It always worked very well for me and the foot pilgrims and I even engaged in conversation with most people I passed.
However, on this occasion one lady in the group reacted in a total exaggerated and unnecessary manner and was clearly shouting some unpleasant things, which were probably not very lady like. I could hear the Spanish C word and other things.

Yes, I am sure there are cyclists that have no consideration whatsoever, but so are some walkers who are equally just as bad. So it's not only some of the cyclist who have bad manners.

 

[christy wharton]

As previously mentioned in this thread, I cycled the Camino (Mozarabe and Via de la Plata) without a bell and finished three days ago. I had no issues apart from one occasion on a not so busy country road when a group of about 7 foot pilgrims (obviously taking advantage of the muchila service) took up the whole road not paying attention of possible traffic coming along. I approached in my usual manner slowing down to walking speed and saying my friendly hola, buenos Diaz and Buen Camino. It always worked very well for me and the foot pilgrims and I even engaged in conversation with most people I passed.
However, on this occasion one lady in the group reacted in a total exaggerated and unnecessary manner and was clearly shouting some unpleasant things, which were probably not very lady like. I could hear the Spanish C word and other things.

Yes, I am sure there are cyclists that have no consideration whatsoever, but so are some walkers who are equally just as bad. So it's not only some of the cyclist who have bad manners.

But you mentioned you slowed down on the narrow paths, so many of the cycling groups did not not, hence my woosh comment. A proper warning is necessary as in normal cycling practice and law--preferably not a shout. Also stragglers assumed you knew they were coming.

 

[Tia Valeria]

Love the travelling mini-bar . Just back from our Camino we found that the Spanish cyclists we met, or who passed us, were the most polite and helpful riders. (This is not to criticise others, we saw only Spanish riders this year) All passed as as though obeying the rules of the road - ie we were walking facing 'oncoming traffic' Spanish style and they went passed us to our right every time. They slowed down and into single file too even on the wider tracks. Oh that all were so considerate as we have experienced the 'less than polite' type riders at other times.

 

[LVDWD]

Interesting post David. Riding a bike is a great way to do the camino. Your point about low handlebars is spot on. I always have mine raised right up so that I can ride in a more or less upright position, and so enjoy the scenery.
My first camino, I rode in ordinary clothes and was basically fine, except for getting saddle sore. Since then I've bitten the bullet and gone for padded cycle pants, which make a huge difference.
I'm leaving for the Frances in just over a week and have arranged to buy a second-hand bike in Anglet. Hopefully your premise about bike quality will prove correct.

Developed a bad back problem that prevents me walking but not biking, so thinking about biking the Camino. So you had bought a second hand bike. How did you arrange that?

 

[Peregrinopaul]

Developed a bad back problem that prevents me walking but not biking, so thinking about biking the Camino. So you had bought a second hand bike. How did you arrange that?

I bought the bike from a bike hire business in Anglet/Biaritz called Bikeatlantic. They have a website. It was in very good condition.

 

[LVDWD]

I bought the bike from a bike hire business in Anglet/Biaritz called Bikeatlantic. They have a website. It was in very good condition.

Thanks I will check it out.