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I used bikeiberia summer 2011, renting 5 bikes for family. They were great. Received a discount after my letting them know that we had several spokes break and had to have them replaced. It was not their fault, it was our miss shifting and getting chain rubbing spokes. They also transported extra luggage for us to our final hotel in SC.Hello all,
I have been looking through the posts and different topics on cycling el camino. My family and I were originally planning to walk but due to health issues and time constraints it looks like it will be more feasible to do it via biking. Bringing our bikes from Texas to Spain is not only a hassle but the airlines are charging some hefty fees, so that's out. We are planning on doing El Camino del Norte, and continuing via El Primitivo to SDC. We have about fifteen days, (give or take) to complete our trip, so rather than rushing we will start in Santander, pick up our rented bikes there and get on the road to Santiago. My two questions are as follows-
1. Does anyone have a packing list of what to take with you on a bike? I assume that lightness is the name of the game, but is the list very similar as if we were actually walking it?
2. Any advice on which company or companies stand out for bike rentals? I've looked at bikeiberia, bicigrino, and cycling-rentals. They all seem pretty much the same with bikeiberia being a bit more reasonable (price wise), for a two week rental. Any recommendations or suggestions are welcome.
Thanks in advance. Buen Camino.
I used bikeiberia summer 2011, renting 5 bikes for family. They were great. Received a discount after my letting them know that we had several spokes break and had to have them replaced. It was not their fault, it was our miss shifting and getting chain rubbing spokes. They also transported extra luggage for us to our final hotel in SC.
For packing: 1 pr cycling shorts, 1 pr regular shorts (ck out rivbike.com), 1 pr long or knickers pants (ck rivbike again), several pr smart wool socks, bike shirts maybe 1 or 2, 1 long sleeve shirt/blouse for dress up preferably non cotton and toiletries. As far as shoes, I used a light pair of running shoes. I prefer straps on my pedals. You will be walking you bike a lot. Sunscreen for sure. And any other weight that you can handle, like long sleeve silk t shirt, arm warmers, helmet of course. All of this is just a suggestion... Pack light x3.
Ooops, misspoke. We actually traveled May-June 2012. It rained on us the first three days from Pamplona to Burgos. Of five of us traveling I was the only one to forget my rain jacket....take one. Bikeiberia supplies every two bikes with a tool kit and a spare tube. There are small bike shops in almost all of the larger small towns as well, just ask for a "taller de bicicleta". Taller is pronounced 'tayer'. Bikeiberia will supply toe guards and straps if you ask. We took one suit case to put stuff in that we thought we might need and used a pannier as a carry on. In Pamplona, where we picked up our bikes, we loaded our panniers and put the rest of our clean travel clothes in the suitcase, which Bikeiberia then sent to SC to our final hotel. The bikes from BI also will have a handle bar pack. We took our own helmets. Consider a bright green mesh vest for visibility on roads, although, Europeans are much more bicycle conscious than USA drivers. If you have a favorite saddle take it. I regretted not having taken my well worn Brooks saddle and post. My brother took his and was not as sore at the end of the day as I was. Glad I took monkey butt cream. Also consider quick dry a couple of quick dry camp towels, bath size, a silk sleep sack , and some castile soap for washing out clothes. Water bottles of course and you can buy snacks on the road. I would load my handle bar bag with pasteries and chocolate bars. My wife took her apple gadget to listen to music and text back home. Did I forget camera. I took a battery type so that I would not have to mess with charging. Although it is all in what you want to carry for 500 miles. My daughter took all her electronic stuff that college kids know how to manipulate. She got a simm card in Burgos and used her gps on her phone. The only other thing I can think of to take is a curious mind and open heart....buen camino. ps....we took a day off in Burgos and Leon and a whole half day in Porto Marin. Plan some days off if you can. it will help the body rest and keep you fresh.Thanks for the information.
We have used Bikeiberia to do the Camino Portuguese and the Camino via de la Plata (2012/2013) and we could not recommend them more highly. Prices are good compared to others and their deliver and pick up service is great.Hello all,
I have been looking through the posts and different topics on cycling el camino. My family and I were originally planning to walk but due to health issues and time constraints it looks like it will be more feasible to do it via biking. Bringing our bikes from Texas to Spain is not only a hassle but the airlines are charging some hefty fees, so that's out. We are planning on doing El Camino del Norte, and continuing via El Primitivo to SDC. We have about fifteen days, (give or take) to complete our trip, so rather than rushing we will start in Santander, pick up our rented bikes there and get on the road to Santiago. My two questions are as follows-
1. Does anyone have a packing list of what to take with you on a bike? I assume that lightness is the name of the game, but is the list very similar as if we were actually walking it?
2. Any advice on which company or companies stand out for bike rentals? I've looked at bikeiberia, bicigrino, and cycling-rentals. They all seem pretty much the same with bikeiberia being a bit more reasonable (price wise), for a two week rental. Any recommendations or suggestions are welcome.
Thanks in advance. Buen Camino.
helloI use Ortleib panniers, fully waterproof. I also use a camelback as I want the water as close to me as possible
As for riding the il Primitivo part, I have done this twice. The track is rideable, but you will need to push in a few sections, namely up Hospitales. If you go the other way, you will be pushing as well
Il Primitivo is a lovely ride and if you are fit/strong enough, it can be done in 4 days, but 5 is most probably the best way to go
He
hello
Is it possible to rent these panniers with the bicycle? Also can you tell me how many days it would take to cycle from irún to Santiago de compestela?
Many thanks
I have used Bikeiberia several times, and highly recommend them. Rent the pannieres from them. They will deliver and pick up anywhere.
Hi, Charliemag. We rode from Bayonne in France to Santiago in July 2013. It took us just under three weeks. You can have a look at our adventures at: jackiejohn.co.ukHe
hello
Is it possible to rent these panniers with the bicycle? Also can you tell me how many days it would take to cycle from irún to Santiago de compestela?
Many thanks
I know this is coming in a little late, but if anyone is reading this thread and wants to join in, I am planning to do the Camino del Norte on mountain bike that I'll be renting in Bilbao. Starting from Bilbao as I only have 2 weeks off work. I am planning to start around September 13 or 14th 2015.
I have lived in Northern Spain for a couple years about 13 years ago, and still speak Spanish. I am 34 male and in pretty decent shape and I am coming from Utah.
It's hard finding a friend who can take 2 weeks off work. If anyway would like to join me, that would be great. I am planning 10 days to get to Santiago.
Also if anyone has any good recommendations on anything to do, or see, or stay at, that would be useful as well.
Thanks!
Hi,
Im planning on biking my trip alone this June, how did your trip go?? Did you plan all your stops and where tou woukd stay or dis you just wing it? Any recommendations for do's and don'ts? Did you finish on the Primitivo? I heard that is extra tough on bike, better for walking.
Hope it was a great experience! Thanks in advance!
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