cycle info

[sam lucas]

I am cycling from Ponferrada to Santiago in the first week in October. I would appreciate a couple of concerns answered by those who have done this on a bike.

What is the weather likely to be in the first week of October
I have an electric bike but am still concerned over the steep climb to O'Cebreiro.

I am a fit 73 year old and cycle up hill and dales for 30-50 miles some days.

Any info on this would be helpfull. Thanks

 

[William Marques]

One cannot say what the weather will be like but rain and sun are both probable snow almost certainly not.

The cycle route to O Cebreiro is a long uphill but if you stick to the road not steep - make sure your battery is fully charged.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

I am cycling from Ponferrada to Santiago in the first week in October. I would appreciate a couple of concerns answered by those who have done this on a bike.

What is the weather likely to be in the first week of October
I have an electric bike but am still concerned over the steep climb to O'Cebreiro.

I am a fit 73 year old and cycle up hill and dales for 30-50 miles some days.

Any info on this would be helpfull. Thanks

Hi Sam , as stated by William .
And don't forget to ring your bel when you want to pas us walkers.

Wish you a wonderful time and a Buen Camino,Peter.

 

[sam lucas]

One cannot say what the weather will be like but rain and sun are both probable snow almost certainly not.

The cycle route to O Cebreiro is a long uphill but if you stick to the road not steep - make sure your battery is fully charged.

Thanks William. Really helpful.

 

[t2andreo]

Does anyone know, for official, if electric assist bicycles are considered bicycles or motorized transport?

The former are eligible for a Compostela on finishing 200 kilometers. Riders of the latter is NOT eligible for a Compostela, regardless of miles traveled. The equivalent device would be a gasoline powered moped with pedals. This was the former policy.

I AM familiar with electric assist bicycles and have ridden them, with pleasure, in Belgium. I am also a regular volunteer at the Pilgrim Office. When I was last there in May, I saw several groups of cyclists, where at least one member of the group used an electric assist bicycle. I neglected to inquire then.

My month-long volunteer duty starts late next week, So I will learn then if the Pilgrim Office has taken an official position on this. Once I learn that, I will report back.

 

[Felipe]

I walked the first days of October, two years ago. It was mostly pleasant, cold in the mornings with some light rains, but sunny by noon.
But as we were approaching Vega de Valcarce and Ruitelan, climate went from bad to freakish, with heavy rain and strong wind gusts. We decided to take the paved road from Ruitelan to Piedrafita do Cebreiro (that's the village, down the valley), and then reconnect with Camino in O Cebreiro. That was what many cyclists were doing; it is a road with scarce traffic, not dangerous, and not a difficult climbing. Consider it a "just in case" option.
Buen camino!

 

[SYates]

What is the weather likely to be in the first week of October
I have an electric bike but am still concerned over the steep climb to O'Cebreiro.
...

Weather - Pretty much everything, sorry - sun - rain - rain - more rain - or more sun, no blistering heat, but if you are unlucky even a snowflake.

Electric Bike - If you want to get a Compostela, just don't mention it is electric ;-)

Buen Camino, SY

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola @ Sam Lucas: the weather in Galicia can, and does change, every day, sometimes twice in the one day. I cycled Pamplona to Santiago back in Sep 2015. There is a road alternative from Las Herrerias to O 'Cebreiro (and it is steep in the section leading to Laguna. Do not expect to be able to follow the walkers Camino - there are road alternatives. Have a look back in the biking camino section (search for my posts). Cheers

 

[mspath]

For ways to bike O Cebreiro check this earlier forum thread
https://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/biking-la-faba-and-o-cebreiro.28544/

Buen camino!