Mariposa 1955
New Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Started to bike the Camino in January 207
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I rented a bike from Cycling Rentals in 2017, I assume they are still in business after the Covid pandemic. I walked from SJPdP to Pamplona and they delivered a complete bike set-up to me at my hotel in Pamplona. I returned the bike to a shop in SdC, it was a very seamless operation. I assume they could give you some excellent advice about where to cycle on the Norte. Having walked it, there are some places where you would be off the Camino and riding on paved roads.I want to bike part of the Northern route in 2022, any ideas what part is best to bike and if I can rent a bike and drop at my final bike destination for pick up?
Thanks for your answer. It is obvious you are a true bikerI have done all three routes on foot and in a car.
Your first option is very hilly and on narrow roads with lots of local vehicular traffic.
Your second option is more sane with reasonable grades (except for the switch backs up to Roncevalles) and there is considerably less traffic.
Wow! A bike ride from Oloron-Ste. Marie to Pamplona would be awesome, but the tunnel to Somport would be a real challenge. To get there from Biarritz, the roads are fine or there is rail service via Pau.
Pedelec type ebikes carry the same requirements as a bicycle re obtaining the CompostellaAre you sure that e-bikes are recognized on the Camino, or more specifically, at least for the last 200km (that's the requirement for bicyclists as opposed to 100m for walking)? I don't know, but I'd advise you to check with the Pilgrims Office before going too far down this road.
Yes. As long as you have to pedal as wellAre you sure that e-bikes are recognized on the Camino, or more specifically, at least for the last 200km (that's the requirement for bicyclists as opposed to 100m for walking)? I don't know, but I'd advise you to check with the Pilgrims Office before going too far down this road.
That's good to know. I just wasn't sure.Pedelec type ebikes carry the same requirements as a bicycle re obtaining the Compostella
Barbara thank you very much for your answer. I will look into it!Ok, I have found my route files and can tell you a bit more.
First, the Arles route from Pau is fairly easy and you don't go anywhere near the tunnel, you go over the top. It is a long climb, but very short sections are actually steep. Then it is downhill, quite gently through Jaca to Puenta la Reina. You can go by train to Pau or Oloron Ste Marie.
If you want to go via St Jean that is pretty doable on the Valcarlos route. I did it on a non electric bike and yes, I pushed the bike in places. From Roncevalles there is a short cut avoiding Pamplona which is mostly downhill and brings you out at Gares/Puenta la Reina
If you want a more direct route then you need to get to Andoain, either by riding (you will need to work out the route from Irun, but it's not hard or hilly) or on the little train from Hendaye. You can take your bike. You can also take your bike on the french TER.
There is a slightly grotty pilgrim refuge in Andoain, it is on the Camino of the Basque Interior. Then you use the via Verde La Plazayola, (once a railway line) which has two sections with different names, but it is continuous as far as Irutzun. which has a massive great hotel which is actually very reasonable in price and bike friendly. This far it is uphill from Andoain all the way, but not steep. From Irutzun it is road along the valley of the river Arakil, mostly downhill. I am sure you could branch off to Pamplona if you wanted, but it is actually a nice ride, not busy. Personall I would just slide past Pamplona, which is quite interesting, but there is better. I took two days from Gares to Hendaye.
I have done all of these by bike. or ebike. I'm 65, overweight and lazy.
Forgot to say. There are tunnels on the Plazayola. With lights, not very good ones.
I had checked that one already and it seems to be planned or "under construction". I will look into it again. Thank you very much!I'd suggest you have a look at https://en.eurovelo.com/ev1/from-the-atlantic-to-the-kingdom-of-navarra
It's the planned stage of the EV1 which you would join at Doneztebe/Santesteban and then goes on to Pamplona
or better yet https://eurovelo1spain.com/en/
Mariposa, send me a PM with your email and I will send you the GPX files and a PDF map for the Plazayola and the route from there to Gares/Puente la Reina.I had checked that one already and it seems to be planned or "under construction". I will look into it again. Thank you very much!
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