camino del salvador AND camino primitivo?

[Isabellajov]

Hello!

So this will be my first camino experience. I'm a young female, 21 years old, and would like to bike el camino del salvador+ el camino primitivo by my self. Is this too much? And do you think one are able to do this within 12 days?
Im in quite good shape, allthough I dont usually bike, I do want something challenging. I'm just a bit afraid that this route is for frequent bikers and not for a person in normal conditions. I would really appreciate if you could share your opinions or experiences.
Thank you!!

 

[SYates]

If you don't bike normally it really is difficult to say. Try to do some day trips beforehand to see what a comfortable km average would be for you. Buen Camino, SY

 

[koilife]

I don't think it would be wise to even attempt the San Salvador on a bike unless you are an accomplished mountain biker. Even then, in many sections you would endanger any walkers you came across as many sections are goat tracks on the side of steep slopes.

There are almost no mountain bikers on the Primitivo as well, though it's not as inherently dangerous.

SY's suggestion of shorter day trips is good. Also, you'll find plenty of challenge on the more well traveled Francés, but also far more bike support options if you run into trouble. On the Salvador and Primitivo you'll have almost no safety net.

 

[oursonpolaire]

gronze.com will give you height profiles of each day--- I encountered very few cyclists on the two times I did the Primitivo. About 20km or so of the trail would not be cyclable, but you can do so on nearby roads. As a former cyclist, I can tell you that the Primitivo would require some very impressive thigh muscles. I cannot speak for the Salvador but you would likely be able to get bike support in Oviedo or Lugo-- most of the other villages are too small to support bike shops.

 

[koilife]

Take the thigh muscles required for the Primitivo and double them for the two hardest stages of the Salvador.

 

[Kiwi-family]

Agree wholeheartedly with what he others have said, BUT I love these two routes and want to suggest you consider walking them! Of course, you'd need more time, but I doubt you'd be disappointed. Or maybe another time if it is impossible now?

 

[HermanTheGerman]

I ride mountain bike regularly; not just flat stuff but steep climbs and fast downhill. I have also walked the del Salvador and the Primitivo and am contemplating doing my next camino on a MTB (perhaps VDLP). I can honestly say however, that there is NO WAY I would consider doing either of these 2 caminos on a bike. Never.

Buen Camino.

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

Hello!

So this will be my first camino experience. I'm a young female, 21 years old, and would like to bike el camino del salvador+ el camino primitivo by my self. Is this too much? And do you think one are able to do this within 12 days?
Im in quite good shape, allthough I dont usually bike, I do want something challenging. I'm just a bit afraid that this route is for frequent bikers and not for a person in normal conditions. I would really appreciate if you could share your opinions or experiences.
Thank you!!

Hi,

Having walked the Salvador, a bike is the last thing I would bring there! You could take the carretera to avoid the hard parts, but I guess that´s not what you want to do on a Camino cause then you´ll miss out on what the Salvador is all about... But Vía de la plata or Camino del Sureste/Levante might suite you better.

/BP

 

[jpflavin1]

Hello!

So this will be my first camino experience. I'm a young female, 21 years old, and would like to bike el camino del salvador+ el camino primitivo by my self. Is this too much? And do you think one are able to do this within 12 days?
Im in quite good shape, allthough I dont usually bike, I do want something challenging. I'm just a bit afraid that this route is for frequent bikers and not for a person in normal conditions. I would really appreciate if you could share your opinions or experiences.
Thank you!!

Isabella:

I do not think anyone actually rides the entire Salvador or Primitivo. There are sections where you must take the roadways. If you intend to do this, I suggest you plan very carefully your route.

That said, I believe it could be done in 12 days with proper planning.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[Bad Pilgrim]

I ride mountain bike regularly; not just flat stuff but steep climbs and fast downhill. I have also walked the del Salvador and the Primitivo and am contemplating doing my next camino on a MTB (perhaps VDLP). I can honestly say however, that there is NO WAY I would consider doing either of these 2 caminos on a bike. Never.

Buen Camino.

It's true: when I think of it, I don't think I a saw any bicigrino on the Salvador during the whole journey.

BP

 

[Al the optimist]

I certainly wouldn't suggest biking the El Salvador. Biking it may well fall in the category of irresponsible if an emergency call-out is required. I found it was quite dangerous on foot in places and definitely not one for the faint-hearted walker never mind biker! Lovely walk and views though to reward the strenuous bits.