Can beginner mountain biker ride the Portuguese Coastal Route?

[Scanner]

My friend & I, both women in our 40's, are cycling the Portuguese Coastal Route this year. We are fit and very comfortable cycling, on the road. But we are definitely NOT mountain bikers. Is this a problem? How challenging is the mountain biking? How should we prepare? Any feedback greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Mark Francis Auchincloss]

It's not a problem. I've cycled twice without any problem. However there are various caminos. The shoreline route follows the coast closely so is relatively flat and easy. Th official coastal way where you keep to the yellow arrows does go inland sometimes and has its ups and down through dense woodland and without mountain bikes some stretches will be really difficult without pushing the bike. I recommend you use Luis Freixo's maps see http://www.caminador.es/ for the shoreline route so although there isn't always the signage it's easier with the bikes. I assume you can cycle say 40km a day or a bit more so you can cover two stages rather than one you would do walking ?

 

[Scanner]

Thank you so much for the information. The good news is that we will have mountain bikes so hopefully will be able to manage the inland route, assuming the mountain biking part via that route is not too technical. We should be okay with the ups and downs...we are up for the challenge...but if we have to really know how to mountain bike, well that could be challenging. No problem on the 40 Km or more a day as well. Based on this, does this sound do-able in your opinion?

 

[Scanner]

It's not a problem. I've cycled twice without any problem. However there are various caminos. The shoreline route follows the coast closely so is relatively flat and easy. Th official coastal way where you keep to the yellow arrows does go inland sometimes and has its ups and down through dense woodland and without mountain bikes some stretches will be really difficult without pushing the bike. I recommend you use Luis Freixo's maps see http://www.caminador.es/ for the shoreline route so although there isn't always the signage it's easier with the bikes. I assume you can cycle say 40km a day or a bit more so you can cover two stages rather than one you would do walking ?

Oh and thanks for the maps!!!

 

[Peter Ray]

I was wondering how one gets the passport stamps if you veer off the official coastal route ? Also, I too would prefer to avoid the woodland part and go by the coast but would you have to push the bikes on sandy beaches ? Any help would be appreciated. ( Biking trip planned for this September....Porto to Santiago ) I will look at Luis Freixo's maps closer although I don't speak any Portuguese....but a map is a map ..correct

 

[Mark Francis Auchincloss]

I was wondering how one gets the passport stamps if you veer off the official coastal route ? Also, I too would prefer to avoid the woodland part and go by the coast but would you have to push the bikes on sandy beaches ? Any help would be appreciated. ( Biking trip planned for this September....Porto to Santiago ) I will look at Luis Freixo's maps closer although I don't speak any Portuguese....but a map is a map ..correct

Yes getting stamps is no problem as many of the bars, accommodation etc have their business stamps and are used to seeing pilgrims. But make sure you are following Luis's route and you have lots of options for stamps in Albergues etc in the towns at the end of each stage.

On bike it's along the boardwalks (be careful if they are wet, I fell of lightly 3 times in one morning !),cycle lanes, asphalt country lanes or some off road tracks through woodland (mainly dry but with a few wet/muddy patches). A very pleasant experience by bike with not too much traffic except when going through the small towns on route if you keep to Luis's route. Obviously going through Vigo is more urban and from Redondela the roads get busier. But other road users are generally polite and accident rates are low as drivers are used to cyclists here alot. Luis's maps are in spanish but as you say a map is a map, the names don't change !!

 

[Peter Ray]

Yes getting stamps is no problem as many of the bars, accommodation etc have their business stamps and are used to seeing pilgrims. But make sure you are following Luis's route and you have lots of options for stamps in Albergues etc in the towns at the end of each stage.

On bike it's along the boardwalks (be careful if they are wet, I fell of lightly 3 times in one morning !),cycle lanes, asphalt country lanes or some off road tracks through woodland (mainly dry but with a few wet/muddy patches). A very pleasant experience by bike with not too much traffic except when going through the small towns on route if you keep to Luis's route. Obviously going through Vigo is more urban and from Redondela the roads get busier. But other road users are generally polite and accident rates are low as drivers are used to cyclists here alot. Luis's maps are in spanish but as you say a map is a map, the names don't change !!

Thank-you for taking the time to answer and in depth too....very much appreciated. ... It is difficult to get a sense of the Camino and all the variants when last week it was - 50 below O on the Prairies of Western Canada....I think I am just thawing out....LOL. Thank-you again....