Cycling Camino Norte in May 2013 - Aviles to Santiago. Help?

[popslave76]

Hi all

Well I really do have the Camino bug. Having cycled from Leon to Santiago in 2011 and St Jean to Leon last year, now I think i'm going to try and do the Camino De Norte route. I will be taking my trusty hybrid which has served me well so far...

I can only get 8 days off work so won't be able to tackle the whole lot and am thinking that my best bet is to go from Aviles to Santiago, via Ribadeo.

So my questions are - has anyone done this and if so is it a good idea?

How much more difficult is it than the Camino Frances?

Is May an okay time to do it in terms of decent weather and being able to get into albergues?

Any tips or suggestions?

As always your thoughts and recommendations are hugely appreciated - it was people on this board who made my last two Caminos such a total joy.

Jaime

 

[Davroos]

Are you planning on going off or on road?

 

[popslave76]

Good question! And the answer is i don't know right now... I think that should really have been my first question: should i attempt it on or off road?

I would like to stick to the "true" camino as much as possible and will be on a hybrid bike which is capable of coping with rough track. But if its very tough going (rocks or rivers for example!) I will be realistic and take roads... Advice on whether the trail is tougher on the norte than the frances might sway me of course.

 

[Deleted member 3000]

I would like to stick to the "true" camino as much as possible

That would most likely be the road, then. The Romans built on the best paths, and asphalt was added to accommodate cars. Under all that paving lie the most true routes. There is no way a self-respecting Roman engineer would ever go over the Alto de Perdon, for example. There are too many alternatives that are move compatible with an ox cart.

 

[popslave76]

That's all really helpful, thank you. So it looks like i will be going mostly on the road...

Which brings me to my next questions - has anyone done this route, eg Aviles to Santiago?

Is 8 days generous enough with the time?

Is it a good idea and does anyone have any tips or suggestions?

How much more difficult is it than the Camino Frances?

Is May an okay time to do it in terms of decent weather and being able to get into albergues?

Thanks all - you're amazing!

 

[Davroos]

To be honest, it depends on how fit you are and you also need to hope that nothing goes wrong. I am thinking Irun to Santiago in 8 days, but for me, this is doable. I did the VDLP last year off road in 13 days, and I still had time to take loads of photos !!!

One thing though, this route can be hilly, so be prepared !!!

 

[FutureIslands]

Hi,

I'm going to cycle along the Camino Norte from San Sebastian to Santander in early May.
I have the option of hiring a Touring Bike or a Mountain Bike and would like to know whether anyone has any advice on what my considerations should be?

As I don't know the route I can't tell whether I'll appreciate a presumably lighter and more comfortable touring bike or whether I might find myself wanting to explore coastal paths more suited to a mountain biking.

Thanks for any help!

E