Cycling The Camino

[RobbieandGab]

Greetings all...

We fly into Paris from Australia 24th April 2017 for our much longed for cycling of The Camino. We originally thought to take our own bikes, but seems like transporting them is not an easy process, so then we enquired into hiring, too expensive for our budget, so now we have decided to buy (second hand if possible) our bikes upon landing in Paris, and ride The Camino with these purchases, do a bit of sight seeing in Spain, and then find two appreciative recipients to take the bikes off our hands when we continue on to Belgium. Would very much appreciate info on where would be a good spot to buy the bikes in Paris. My husband is a very proficient bike mechanic, so he will fit the bikes to our needs upon purchase...

 

[Deleted member 3000]

New, used, parts, and accessories:
https://www.la-bicyclette.fr/

 

[RobbieandGab]

New, used, parts, and accessories:
https://www.la-bicyclette.fr/

Many thanks, i have sent them an email. I appreciate your help.

 

[RobbieandGab]

We would appreciate any tips and advice for our upcoming trip, many thanks.

 

[newfydog]

You never know what it will take to bring your bikes. We recently brought our bikes to Thailand and back, and they went free both ways. The stated fees are a maximum. Often they just don't collect them.

 

[Saint Mike II]

I can understand your situation - back in Sep 2015 I brought my bike from Oz and whilst it perform floorlessly (better than the rider) I doubt I would recommend bring a bike from Oz again. I understand @newfydog comments and maybe where there are two (or more) experienced travellers it is possible to bring your own. I found the biggest obstical - getting from Madrid to Pamplona - luck the Media Distance train was almost empty and the conductor did not charge for the bike. But the only way to manage (on my own) from Santiago to Madrid was to use a currier company. Again great help from Velocipedo (Rua San Pedro 23 - tel 981-580-260). They may even be able to help with the resale/donation of your bikes. Being bike maintenance handy is also a plus although Spain being a bike-mad country has good bike shops in just about every large town/city. One other piece of advise I did get from a 4 year old edition of the Confraternity of St James (The Cycling Pilgrim) - learn the name of the parts of your bike in Spanish - maybe even print out your own "cheat sheet". Good luck.