Biking the Camino de Norte

[GoodH]

Hi!
A friend of mine and myself will be biking the Camino De Norte in late may- early June. We have hybrid bikes and are planning on biking around 60 km a day (is that reasonable?)

If any one has some tips on the following topics we would love the advice
- wear a backpack? Or just use paniers?
- type of bike lock to use?
-camping or hostels?
-call and book hostels in advance or just show up?
-stick to the trail or follow roads near by?
-time of day that hostels will let us in?
-anything that we should add to our repair kit? (so far we have: 2 extra tubes, tire lever, pump, patches, alan keys)
-anything else that would be helpful

Thanks in advance!

 

[SYates]

I can't answer most of your questions, but I would take a small backpack to carry the valuables around when you are off the bikes. Buen Camino, SY

 

[franco santiago]

hello,
i did the camino de norte with bicycle and walking.
on bici around 90 - 100 km a day is possible. i have on my bici 2 bags in front, one on the top and 2 in the back. all waterproof.
i can`t remember i ever lock my bike, lol
some alberge are welcome pilgrims with bici some not, than i ask people nearby if i can stay with my tent in there garden, very welcome.
if you book a place you have to arrive, but you never now.
on trail if is possible, but always good to know a way on the road.
take care on the way, buen camino

 

[Isca-camigo]

Most private albergues take bikes, the advantage is you can ring ahead. The Albergue de Peregrinos in Irun takes cyclists, Islares, Aviles, Baamonde, Sobrado dox Monxes do as well, there is a probably a few more locally or association run ones who do as well. You usually have to wait in these non profit albergues until they are sure they will not have more walking pilgrims. Cyclists and walkers do share some of the route, but there is places where cyclists are recommended to take alterative ways, usually due to the Camino not being suitable for bikes.
I have not cycled it but know a few people who have, give yourself a lower km average for the Basque country (or to Bilbao).

I have only seen one cyclist come of their bike and that was the stage leading to Gijon, if you go that way be careful there is a rough forest track going downhill, she nearly went over the edge of a dropoff and she had to ground herself to stop it.

And

Buen Camino