Cycling the Via de la Plata, May 2014 (Advice Needed)

[firmo123]

I’m cycling the Via de la Plata in May this year. I’ve allocated 8 full days to cover the 1,000Km route, and will ride it on a Cyclocross bike.

I’m taking a bivvy bag, and plan to alternate nights wild-camping, and staying in hostels.

Having done a bit of research, there are still questions I have, and would value information and opinions from those that have covered this route in the past:


Navigation: Is there a suitable map?

What is the terrain like? What is the ratio between road/trail, and what sections are mostly road and tarmac?

How much should I expect to pay at each hostel?

What parts of the route would you recommending stopping at (points of interest) to spend a little time? (Instead of rushing through)


What other tips and advice would you give?

 

[Texaloha]

There is a great app. Just search Via de la plata on iTunes Store.

 

[mmm042]

Hi.

I've done the route several times, although on foot. Here are some answers.

Navigation: Is there a suitable map? I'm a journalist and have created an app for Apple and Droid devices. There's also a paper guide available from the Amigos del Camino de Santiago de Sevilla that you can pick up in Seville. In general, the route is well marked. However, there are a few spots here and there that can be a bit confusing.

What is the terrain like? What is the ratio between road/trail, and what sections are mostly road and tarmac? The terrain varies. Mostly you should be find on a cyclocross bike. There are some pretty steep and rocky places where road detours are offered for cyclists. I met one cyclist who always stayed on the trail and walked/carried his bike in those spots. I can't imagine doing that! Without going through the whole trail, some spots that immediately come to mind as having a lot of road/tarmac are the first few miles out of Sevilla, the stretch between Fuenterroble and San Pedro de Rozados -- after you come down from Pico de la Duena, assuming you haven't taken the cyclists' detour before climbing UP Pico de la Duena! -- a stretch before Puebla de Sanabria and the stretches heading into Ourense and Santiago.

How much should I expect to pay at each hostel? Hostels can be donativo on up to probably 10-20 euros. Pensions are maybe 20-ish euros and some quite nice casas rurales can be had for 25-50+.

What parts of the route would you recommending stopping at (points of interest) to spend a little time? (Instead of rushing through) Every major city you'll pass through warrants a day. Definitely Merida, Caceres, Salamanca, Zamora, Puebla de Sanabria, Ourense (great, free hot springs you can access via a fun little tourist train). Don't miss Italica in Santiponce, or the monastery (if it's open). The Caparra Interpretive Center. The church in Santa Marta de Tera. The pilgrim-centric bar in Albergueria. Oseira's monastery. I'm sure I'm missing things.


What other tips and advice would you give? My favorite pieces of clothing: compression socks and arm sleeves. Light, very warm.

Buen Camino!

Melanie

 

[Saint Mike II]

I too intend to cycle part of the VDLP - starting in Salamanca in late August. I saw a post on a part of the forum that broke the this Camino into sections/stages for biker riders. But cannot find it - must be searching incorrectly. (Anyone remember this??)

As to whether you can follow the walking trail exactly Alison Raju in her VDLP Guide (available through Confraternity of St J - UK) advises which sections cyclists should avoid and offers a detour. One such section is the track from Alconetar to Canaveral or Grimaldo. Buen Camino

 

[newfydog]

http://www.caminodesantiago.me/community/threads/cycling-various-caminos-good-better-and-best.16273/

here is a heck of a good blog writen by Davroos, with many photos of the route.

http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-e ... /tpod.html

VDLP 1025 ks ridden in 13 days

Pretty easy in most parts as you are generally just following dirt roads, however there are technical bits and is quite hilly outside of Puebla de Sanabria. Once you enter Galicia, the tracks become rougher, more technical and very up/down.

Beware of the weather on this route. In the summer, it will be scorching, in April, we had snow.

For sites, constant Roman ruins, it is a dream, and the towns are amazing that you will pass through

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola newfydog - thanks for the update and the link. I finally found the section I was after. BTW the second link (blog.travelpod) appears to be broken - or at least I was unable to get to work.
Cheers

 

[Kanga]

I too intend to cycle part of the VDLP - starting in Salamanca in late August.

Let me buy you a beer, Mike, before you go - maybe at the next meet in Sydney. It'll be my exercise in showing grace in the face of extreme provocation. Cyclists, begorra!

 

[newfydog]

Hola newfydog - thanks for the update and the link. I finally found the section I was after. BTW the second link (blog.travelpod) appears to be broken - or at least I was unable to get to work.
Cheers

Yes, weird, because that link is copied out of the first link-----click the first link, hunt down the blog and click on it---it works there!

 

[Carolann]

Well I've finally decided what route to take, don't know how far ill be going but i have all the time in the world, anyone cycling this route in June who will be on their own or in a group and i can join in, would be nice to have a cycling buddy.


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