Camino Portugues Questions, Cycling...

[LisaAnn]

I will be traveling from Lisbon, October 23, 2015 to Santiago, around November 5. Very likely doing the central route, but still a possibility of the coastal. I'm an avid cyclist and hiker who is currently healing from an injury. Anyway, I still have several questions after reading a lot, both this forum and other sites.

1. Type of bike - Mountain or Touring/Hybrid? I've gone back and forth on this one. I've seen recommendations for a mountain bike, but not sure if that was only related to the coastal route of if that recommendation was for both. I've ridden cobbles on a road bike, so if the reason for a mountain bike is bad roads, I would refer a hybrid. If it's based on being off-road, then I would go for the mountain bike

2. Backpack rather than panniers? I would typically use panniers for a multi day ride, but saw the suggestion of a backpack. Again, this may have been related to the coastal route.

3. Sleeping bag? Necessity? I've seen a couple references about no blankets in the some of the albergues, but others say there are. My liner goes everywhere with me, so I will definitely have that.

4. Travel back from Santiago to Lisbon I'm not having much luck finding bus or train schedules that make sense. I'm thinking it may be easier once there?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Buen Camino!
Lisa

 

[santaremhostel]

Hi Lisa.
Will try to help you the most I can:
1- Type of bike; For what I have seen, Mountain, should be the right choice
2- Backpack or Panniers? All pilgrims that we have welcome on bike, used panniers, honestly, do not remember one with a backpack.
3-Sleeping Bag. No need at all! We do have some left by other pilgrims that you can have it for free.
4- Travel back from Santiago to Lisbon. I believe there is a Bus from Santiago to Porto in Portugal and then you can take the train or bus from Porto to Lisbon.
Take look in http://www.vialusitana.org/ they will help you in what ever you need, including a 24H SOS Number (+351) 915 595 213
In any case, let me know if you need any further assistance.
Bom Caminho.
Mario

 

[dariosilva]

I will be traveling from Lisbon, October 23, 2015 to Santiago, around November 5. Very likely doing the central route, but still a possibility of the coastal. I'm an avid cyclist and hiker who is currently healing from an injury. Anyway, I still have several questions after reading a lot, both this forum and other sites.

1. Type of bike - Mountain or Touring/Hybrid? I've gone back and forth on this one. I've seen recommendations for a mountain bike, but not sure if that was only related to the coastal route of if that recommendation was for both. I've ridden cobbles on a road bike, so if the reason for a mountain bike is bad roads, I would refer a hybrid. If it's based on being off-road, then I would go for the mountain bike

2. Backpack rather than panniers? I would typically use panniers for a multi day ride, but saw the suggestion of a backpack. Again, this may have been related to the coastal route.

3. Sleeping bag? Necessity? I've seen a couple references about no blankets in the some of the albergues, but others say there are. My liner goes everywhere with me, so I will definitely have that.

4. Travel back from Santiago to Lisbon I'm not having much luck finding bus or train schedules that make sense. I'm thinking it may be easier once there?

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Buen Camino!
Lisa

Lisa, I biked the Frances in 2012 on a hybrid. Walked the Portuguese this past May/June. I saw lots of cyclist on the Portuguese on mountain bikes. The Portuguese is much harder on bikes than the Frances. Hybrid would be good but mountain bikes better. Lots of very rough cobble stone and the Roman road is hard on bike riders. Saw some experienced cyclist working very hard. Use panniers. On a bike, a light weight 3 season sleeping bag would be sweet. too much weight for walking. No problem for trains from Lisbon to Santiago and I imagine same in reverse. Take bike on metro out of Porto to Motosinhos. Riding out of Porto would be hellacious. Portuguese drivers do not give much room to walkers and cyclist. If you take the coastal route out of Motosinhos, you will most likely be on good road and a hybrid would be best. Have fun and keep us in touch about your trip.

 

[Gerry & Heather O'Neill]

Hi Lisa,

Our blog may give you a few hints,

http://portugalcaminobike.blogspot.com.au/

Cheers
Gerry & Heather