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Hi,
I'm planning to fly to Pamplona in October and complete the journey to Santiago de Compostela in 12 days. A couple questions I would like to pose to others who've done a similar trip:
- Rent bike or buy? I'm leaning towards renting because it sounds like the quality of rental bike is superior to the ones I'll be able to afford. I'd like to have the ability to lockout the suspension on a mountain bike and I don't think the cheaper mountain bikes I've read about people buying in Pamplona offer that. Has anyone rented in the last 12 months from Pamplona?
- Itinerary? Does anyone have an itinerary for a 12-14 day trip between Pamplona and SDC they wouldn't mind sharing?
- Backpack? I'd like to travel as light as possible with rain gear, a long pair of pants, shorts and three tshirts and toiletries. I'd like a bag that has a waterproof cover. Any recommendations?Thanks in advance for your advice! Daniel
Hi,
I'm planning to fly to Pamplona in October and complete the journey to Santiago de Compostela in 12 days. A couple questions I would like to pose to others who've done a similar
Daniel
Hi DanielHi,
I'm planning to fly to Pamplona in October and complete the journey to Santiago de Compostela in 12 days. A couple questions I would like to pose to others who've done a similar trip:
Thanks in advance for your advice!
- Rent bike or buy? I'm leaning towards renting because it sounds like the quality of rental bike is superior to the ones I'll be able to afford. I'd like to have the ability to lockout the suspension on a mountain bike and I don't think the cheaper mountain bikes I've read about people buying in Pamplona offer that. Has anyone rented in the last 12 months from Pamplona?
- Itinerary? Does anyone have an itinerary for a 12-14 day trip between Pamplona and SDC they wouldn't mind sharing?
- Backpack? I'd like to travel as light as possible with rain gear, a long pair of pants, shorts and three tshirts and toiletries. I'd like a bag that has a waterproof cover. Any recommendations?
Daniel
I will agree the cycling pilgrim has a totally different outlook to the walking pilgrim, especially if you are cycling alone. You do not form those camino families that the walkers tend to do.Why do you want to cycle the Camino? If it's a time constraint then go for it. I'm only asking because I both pedaled and walked on 2 different occasions. Cycling the Camino was a very different experience from walking it. I found walking gave me much more of the experience of pilgrimage. Buen Camino
Its a bit hackneyed but each pilgrims camino is different - even when walking in a loose group, or cycling with partner or best friend. But seeing that friendly face from two days ago maybe all you need to make this day a success.You'll find many opinions here. To me, the Camino is one of the finest bike trips in the world, but a very mediocre walk. With regard to "the experience of a pilgrimage", that is a personal thing, with both bikers and hikers showing a wide range of historical appreciation, religious beliefs etc..
You will be much happier on a bike with bike panniers instead of a backpack.
I just finished biking from Pamplona to Leon a week or so ago. Rented from Bikeiberia and received a quality used mtn bike waiting for me at my hotel (Hotel Eslava) in good condition with Ortlieb panniers. I had a cheap 40 liter backpack which was a pain to stuff in the panniers. My companion brought a waterproof bag such as are used on river trips with shoulder straps and it rolled up nicely to fit in his panniers. We went too far each day and missed a lot on the trip. Next time I will ride less and enjoy more. We tried to stay on the path as much as possible, but I would suggest avoiding places like Alto de Perdon where the path is steep and covered with round rocks. Also, on steep descents, with a rocky gravel path there is a good chance of a fall or injury to a hiker. We pushed the bikes downhill, but not all did so. I found the hikers to be considerate and we did our best not to intrude on their hike, dismounting where appropriate and calling out in Spanish or English (con permiso - coming up on your left, etc.) when coming up behind them. I stayed mostly in hostels because I have a CPAP, but enjoyed the alberques more. The view is stunning, and the people are very kind.Hi,
I'm planning to fly to Pamplona in October and complete the journey to Santiago de Compostela in 12 days. A couple questions I would like to pose to others who've done a similar trip:
Thanks in advance for your advice!
- Rent bike or buy? I'm leaning towards renting because it sounds like the quality of rental bike is superior to the ones I'll be able to afford. I'd like to have the ability to lockout the suspension on a mountain bike and I don't think the cheaper mountain bikes I've read about people buying in Pamplona offer that. Has anyone rented in the last 12 months from Pamplona?
- Itinerary? Does anyone have an itinerary for a 12-14 day trip between Pamplona and SDC they wouldn't mind sharing?
- Backpack? I'd like to travel as light as possible with rain gear, a long pair of pants, shorts and three tshirts and toiletries. I'd like a bag that has a waterproof cover. Any recommendations?
Daniel
WOW - One small question - where you on a Camino Pilgrimage or on a cycling tour? You appear to have missed (or omitted reference) to any rest days, but hey it was your holiday decision. CheersWe biked from Roncesvalles 5 years ago. 60 year old male and 56 year old female. We started at the end of April and had some short days due to bad weather. We could probably have done the ride in two days less. These were our overnight stop. Roncesvalles, Cizur Menor, Los Arcos, Azofra, Villafranca de los Montes de Oca, Burgos, Boadilla del Camino, Bercianos del Real Camino, San Martin del Camino, El Acebo, Las Herrerias, Triacastela, Palas de Rei, Santiago. On most of the days we arrived in time for lunch.
I would suggest avoiding places like Alto de Perdon where the path is steep and covered with round rocks. Also, on steep descents, with a rocky gravel path there is a good chance of a fall or injury .... We pushed the bikes downhill,
Regarding backpack vs panniers vs central rack carrier, I think it's a personal choice. If you're not used to riding with panniers then the Camino may not be the best place to start.
Hi Daniel You probaly have all arrangments made by now, I just read your thread to day. If it's any help my web site www.seanoreilly.4t.com has all my Caminos. including a good description of Camino Frances and Fisterra. Its by road however. I skipped Pamplona as the alternative route from Ronchevelles is much nicer and I had visited Panplona previously. Best wishes and Buen Camino.Hi,
I'm planning to fly to Pamplona in October and complete the journey to Santiago de Compostela in 12 days. A couple questions I would like to pose to others who've done a similar trip:
Thanks in advance for your advice!
- Rent bike or buy? I'm leaning towards renting because it sounds like the quality of rental bike is superior to the ones I'll be able to afford. I'd like to have the ability to lockout the suspension on a mountain bike and I don't think the cheaper mountain bikes I've read about people buying in Pamplona offer that. Has anyone rented in the last 12 months from Pamplona?
- Itinerary? Does anyone have an itinerary for a 12-14 day trip between Pamplona and SDC they wouldn't mind sharing?
- Backpack? I'd like to travel as light as possible with rain gear, a long pair of pants, shorts and three tshirts and toiletries. I'd like a bag that has a waterproof cover. Any recommendations?
Daniel
thanks mate i plan to start at saint jean and go to santiago in 3 weeks with rest days and taking my time steadily on a e bike but using no battery for last 200 kilometres and when i can use my legs to get used to pedaling so i be ready for the last 200. Then 6 days to go to fisterre and muxia and back to santiago 4 weeks with minimum 4 rest daysI rented from"Cycling Rentals" In my opinion 12 days is too short. I started in Pamplona, had really horrible rain, cut my trip 450 mile by 100 miles by taking the train part of the way, and still took about 14 days. I could have done it in less, but I wanted to balance tourism, pilgrimage and church services, and talking to other pilgrims. 12 days will be an endurance event in my opinion.
I have done 205 miles (on a USA road trip) in 2 days, so you can do the 450 mile Camino in 12 days. but that would seem to some like an endurance event. If you are really in shape, want to totally avoid the trail, and are willing to put in a few really long days, you can do it in 12 days.
Remember to avoid "over use injuries" you need rest days. You will also need a few flex days for bad weather, unless you are extremely lucky. You might also want to spend a day or to in Pamplonea, Burgos, Leon, Santiago. A pilgrimage is not racing from point a to point b, it is a journey that you savor, reflect on and learn from.
A final thought that I see many avoiding is that for lots of folks, when you arrive in Europe you are jet lagged. I left myself 3 nights over and above my scheduled days to get over jet lag. The idea of being jet lagged and hopping on a bike for a two week marathon endurance event sounds like a sure way to get sick or have an accident.
A backpack is a really bad idea. Carry the weight on a bike rack over the rear wheel or on painners on either side of the rear wheel.....or send your pack ahead by taxi or courier is much better, especially if you really want to move fast over steep hills.
Good luck.
by the way what did you think of the company cycling rentals?thanks mate i plan to start at saint jean and go to santiago in 3 weeks with rest days and taking my time steadily on a e bike but using no battery for last 200 kilometres and when i can use my legs to get used to pedaling so i be ready for the last 200. Then 6 days to go to fisterre and muxia and back to santiago 4 weeks with minimum 4 rest dayswhat do you think mate? Buen Camino
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