gringodevil
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- Time of past OR future Camino
- newbie
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We sought out albergues that had the most rooms. That lessened the chance of 5 AM wakeups.I'm not clear how people on this forum are choosing where they are staying--please throw some wisdom my way.
is there some sub-list of bike-friendly albergues?
'veGreetings pilgrims,
I stumbled on this forum and found some great information. On a lark and at the last minute, I am going to ride El Camino about April 1--if there is anyone looking for company, holla!
From what I have been gleaning from this forum, I understand that some or all albergues treat biking pilgrims a bit different from walkers, where you are not allowed to enter until 5pm, but maybe some of the private smaller ones don't discriminate. I found the .pdf list of albergues, and I didn't see any indication on those bike friendly vs. the rest. For people who have rode it, is there some sub-list of bike-friendly albergues? do all private albergues accept bikers at any time, not just after 5pm? Is it not an issue earlier in the season in early April when there are fewer pilgrims?
I'm not clear how people on this forum are choosing where they are staying--please throw some wisdom my way.
Also, from what I read about April, it should be highs of lower 60's--a little brisk, but I am from Alaska and am used to that. Any thoughts from people who have rode around then?
Thanks in advance,
Russell
Hi, if you go to Gronze:
https://www.gronze.com/camino-frances
and have a look at some of the albergues in the towns you may like to stop at, you will see that some of them are bicycle friendly, as they have a:
“Resguardo para bicicletas” (Bicycle shelter)
for example: Albergue Casa Paderborn in Pamplona:
https://www.gronze.com/navarra/pamplona/albergue-casa-paderborn
Just please warn walkers ahead of you that you are approaching. Thank you!
Jill
Hola - from my experience in Sept 2015 (starting from Pamplona) most of the private ones were ok, but even the donativo were accepting if your credenciale showed you had ridden around 40 km that day (two walking stages). Here are a few of the ones I found accommodating:
Puente La Reina : Alb Amatur (when asked they provided a lock-up for the bike); Los Arcos : La Fuente - again I was able to move the bike into their off-street parking - almost fully under cover; Navarrete : Navarrete Centro - here I was able to lock the bike against the outside rails until after 7.30 pm and then put it in the foyer downstairs. In Santo Domingo I stayed at Casa de la Confradia del Santo - its donativo - Euro 7 - if offered more for the bike being under cover and secured but they said that E7 was the amount. Here by the evening we had 8 or 10 bikes - first to arrive got the better positions. My next two stops were hotels - who again provided secure parking. In Castrojeriz I stayed in the camping ground - a friend arranged a discount rate in one of the 4 bed cabins and there was an undercover porch for the bike. So basically the private albergues are the best for bikes, but others will accommodate within reason. Hope this helps. Cheers
Hi Obinjatoo,I've ridden the Camino. Never had a problem at an alburgue. I think that's either a myth OR one cyclist encountered a grumpy, frumpy hospitalero. The other thing I want to point out is:
unless you're in a time crunch or have issues with walking, don't cycle it. The reasons:
1. As far as bike tours go I give it a"meh" much better rides out there especially in Europe.
2. As a pilgrimage it is a vastly more profound as a walk. I've done it twice and walked the second time. As cyclists, we miss out on the community and relationships that are established.
3. It's full of pesky pedestrians. But seriously, many cyclists exhibit zero manners or awareness of walkers. I've had the shit startled out of me by a cyclist that whizzes past with no warning. DON'T BE THAT CYCLIST! Yield to walkers. Walking is far more exhausting than cycling it.
OK, my two cents. Have fun and keep the rubber side down.
Hi Russell, I'm staring in Najera on April 4th, also on bike. I'm slow so you'll bound to catch up to me, lol! See you on the Camino. Magda from Toronto, Canada.
Hola Russell, full disclosure this is my first Camino and first cycle touring as well
Since I'm starting in Najera, I'm not sure about San Sabastian or Pamplona, I imagine there might be snow in the mountains. I'm sure lots of people here will be able to advise. Happy to answer any other questions.
Hola Magda & welcome to the Forum. If you have a look on the Biking the Camino page you will find looks of useful info for bike pilgrims. Have a look at report from newfydog (as well as yours truly). Happy to answer questions. Safe riding! Just a point - check if the rental bike has a bell, if not bring one of your own - one that does make some noise - and please use it. The walking pilgrims will appreciate your advance warning that you are approaching. Cheers
Thank you! I can't seem to find the "Biking the Camino" page, sorry I'm very new to this forum. And yes, I will definitely bring a bell and I plan to use it.
Thank you!Here is a fast link to the top of the forum topic re biking the camino.
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/forums/biking-the-camino.24/
Hola Russell, full disclosure this is my first Camino and first cycle touring as wellI dont have much time so I'm biking for the first 10 days and walking the last 100km. I rented a bike from Cycling-Rentals to simplify, they drop off at starting point, and pick up when you're done. The Camino pack includes everything including panniers. It's a bit expensive but I'm coming from Canada and it just makes sense to me.
Since I'm starting in Najera, I'm not sure about San Sabastian or Pamplona, I imagine there might be snow in the mountains. I'm sure lots of people here will be able to advise. Happy to answer any other questions.
Ohh there will be loads of trial and error on my side too. I only rented the bike and accessories, not the guided tour, so I'm going freestyle like everyone else.
I think it's reasonable to plan approx 50km per day on average, and still have time to smell the roses, at least that's my goal. But 50km in Toronto is not that unusual for me in the summer so I guess it depends on your fitness level.
As for rain gear, I'm bringing a cycling cape: https://www.alwaysriding.co.uk/brooks-england-cambridge-rain-cape.html
Other than the cape, I plan to layer for cold temp. Thermal shirts, fleece, and a jacket. As well as full finger cycling gloves, cycling hat and fleece hat. Ohh and a light sleeping bag. Hope any of this helps!
Based on your departure date of April 4 then if no snow around the Cruz de Ferro or O'Cebreiro it will, in all likelihood be cool (even cold early in the mornings) so I would support the gloves (full fingered ones) not sure about the shoe cover - but a good pair of warm/thermal socks and even lightweight rain pants. I had a pair and wore them the morning I left Rabanal (at 8.30 just as the sun was rising) but took them off after 30 mins as it was too hot & I was starting to sweat. Buen Camino.Hola Russel,I like your waterproof gloves and shoe cover idea, I guess I'm going back to MEC (Canada's version of REI). Hopefully I'll find something to match my crusader capeAnd I'll look out for your new post, I could always use some more tips. Thanks!
Based on your departure date of April 4 then if no snow around the Cruz de Ferro or O'Cebreiro it will, in all likelihood be cool (even cold early in the mornings) so I would support the gloves (full fingered ones) not sure about the shoe cover - but a good pair of warm/thermal socks and even lightweight rain pants. I had a pair and wore them the morning I left Rabanal (at 8.30 just as the sun was rising) but took them off after 30 mins as it was too hot & I was starting to sweat. Buen Camino.
Thanks Jill i will use this website for help and advice. Thanks for your advice and helpHi, if you go to Gronze:
https://www.gronze.com/camino-frances
and have a look at some of the albergues in the towns you may like to stop at, you will see that some of them are bicycle friendly, as they have a:
“Resguardo para bicicletas” (Bicycle shelter)
for example: Albergue Casa Paderborn in Pamplona:
https://www.gronze.com/navarra/pamplona/albergue-casa-paderborn
Just please warn walkers ahead of you that you are approaching. Thank you!
Jill
Hey JillHi Russell, I'm staring in Najera on April 4th, also on bike. I'm slow so you'll bound to catch up to me, lol! See you on the Camino. Magda from Toronto, Canada.
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