This is a tricky question to ask, much less find an answer to: I am hoping to set off in about 6 weeks with a friend to cycle el Camino del Norte, including a cut down el Primitivo to el Frances. I am a seasoned cyclist, and Spain is my second home, but I have not walked or cycled this route. As we get closer to committing (yes, you are picking up the vibe) I see that my friend has not really toured, even though she says she has, has never used a toe clip nor really understands their function, and is definitely not a city biker (traffic rider). In addition, she has packed on some weight, has a bit of chronic knee pain and has some cycling "gait" issues that disturb me. We have not even talked about riding in traffic, something I anticipate we'll be needing to do in cities, starting with Madrid, where we'll set up. I already find that she doesn't really know which bike to buy, but plans to learn (quickly). Just writing this out is helping me think this through. My question, then, would be: Should a fast city biker, an assertive city biker, and a seasoned tourer (me) consider a trip like el Camino with someone who has never toured (she rides what I call a baguette bike--a one speed upright cruiser-- a few miles a day. She is strong, eager and easygoing, might force herself to push through, and would make great company, but I don't expect to lack for that. No tickets have been bought--- shall I go sola?