cycling the camino - what to do with the bike case?

[boaty]

I'm planning to cycle the Camino next spring and was wondering what other cyclists have done with their bike cases if they have flown with their own bike. I saw one website that suggested posting it on arrival to the end of the route but couldn't find a courier firm that would take it, due to size.
I did think of getting the train from Santiago to Leon at the start of my trip and trying to leave it in santiago somewhere but then i read that i'd need the case for my bike on the trains in spain. Is this right?
I'd rather not hire a bike as it pushes my budget up quite a lot.
All helpful suggestions gratefully received

 

[Saint Mike II]

I'm planning to cycle the Camino next spring and was wondering what other cyclists have done with their bike cases if they have flown with their own bike. I saw one website that suggested posting it on arrival to the end of the route but couldn't find a courier firm that would take it, due to size.
I did think of getting the train from Santiago to Leon at the start of my trip and trying to leave it in santiago somewhere but then i read that i'd need the case for my bike on the trains in spain. Is this right?
I'd rather not hire a bike as it pushes my budget up quite a lot.
All helpful suggestions gratefully received

What type of "bike cases" are you referring too? I brought my cycle from Australia (back in 2015) I obtained a cardboard "bike box" from my local cycle shop (one that had been used to deliver a new bike). After 25 plane hours and a train from Madrid to Pamplona it had serve its purpose and went to recycle. In Santiago I just went to the number one cycle shop (velocpedo!) (its on the camino frances) who organised another box and transport back to Madrid. So as to return the favour I then took my bike back to my local cycle shop to have it serviced after the 650 km ride and let them have that box.

If you have one of those "professional" (re-usable) ones then yes you might need to mail it to Ivar in Santiago. On the question of packing your bike for either a train or bus - then yes you will need to have the bike in a box of some description. If you travel by bus you will need to advise them about the bike and you will be charged a E1 fee to carry the bike - but be careful only 2 bikes usually permitted on the bus.So if you are number 3 your bike may not travel and you don't get your money back. Not sure about which trains do the Santiago - Leon trip that will permit you to bring your bike. But from memory - no bikes on the AVE trains; on the Media Distance trains yes to bikes - but must be less that 1200 mm (4 feet) in length when packed in its box. Best of luck!

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

I think the post office in Santiago has the cardboard shipping boxes for bikes too.

 

[Deleted member 43780]

This web page may help you and others:

http://www.cyclefiesta.com/multimedia/articles/bikes-on-trains-spain.htm

 

[Peregrinopaul]

For my VdLP 2017 I shipped my bike from Australia in a standard EVOC bike bag. Booked the bus from Madrid to Seville on line, and I think paid a 5E fee for the bike. Stayed at Triana Backpackers who forwarded my EVOC to Santiago hotel for me, and it was waiting for me when I arrived.