ktchnofdngr
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- September '13, June '16, July '21, And July '22
For 2024 Pilgrims: €50,- donation = 1 year with no ads on the forum + 90% off any 2024 Guide. More here. (Discount code sent to you by Private Message after your donation) |
---|
A great response from @Corned Beef.A few comments but others will be along
1. Your choice, consider one with a visor. If renting a bike, bring a known comfortable seat as many might not be.Hey, All.
I’m about to do my 4th Camino, this time by bike, due to ongoing tendon issues in my feet. This year will be unique because I will be biking the shorter walking stages while a friend walks, but the idea of transitioning from a walking pilgrimage to a biking pilgrimage has me a little nervous.
In 2016, I biked the Meseta because of my stupid tendons, so I have a teensy-tiny bit of experience, but this time around, I am taking my own bike rather than renting and could use some advice on what to pack/not pack, figuring out routing, etc.
I’m not really a long distance biker normally, but when your dr. Says you should do this…. I do, however commute by bike to and from work but 4 miles a day isn’t the same. I’m working on further distances, though.
Right now, these are my main questions:
1. Is it better to buy a new helmet when I get to Spain or pack my own?
2. Can I carry on my saddle bags on the plane?
3. How important are bike lights?
4. On some of the more hilly parts, is is feasible to send my bike on and just walk those sections? (Right after Castrojeriz, getting up to the Cruz de Ferro, and climbing to O Cebreiro come to mind).
5. What are some alternatives to bike shorts that might be similar to Skorts?—I highly doubt ANYONE wants to see an overweight middle aged woman in bike shorts, and personally, I’d kind of like to preserve my own dignity and everyone else’s vision from such a sight. But skorts are dang uncomfortable to bike in.
6. What about bike bags for packing your bike on the plane? What have you used, and how do you deal with it while on the Camino?
7.Has anyone ever prayed the rosary while biking? Whenever I’ve walked, I have started my day with one while walking. How feasible is that on a bike?
8. How do you keep from pack expansion? My backpack is right at 12 lbs when I’m walking, but I keep thinking of all the things I could add to my saddlebags….
Any help is appreciated!
Ruth
but given the numbers finishing in Santiago I can't imagine spare bike boxes are in abundance!
Hola SeI’m planning on renting bikes next month, the package includes panniers. I plan to board my plane just using disposable shopping bags. I am also out of shape a bit, and older than middle age, but I think we’ll be ok. If I have to push it up some hills, so be it. When are you on your Camino. My husband and I leave in one month from Burgos. Ultreia
I’m planning on renting bikes next month, the package includes panniers. I plan to board my plane just using disposable shopping bags. I am also out of shape a bit, and older than middle age, but I think we’ll be ok. If I have to push it up some hills, so be it. When are you on your Camino. My husband and I leave in one month from Burgos. Ultreia
Hola Señora1. I am planning on doing el Camino Frances on a bike. Wondering how it went for you, I am also not in the best shape and older than middle age. We are planning to rent, which company did you use? And Do you recommend it? Thank you for your input!I’m planning on renting bikes next month, the package includes panniers. I plan to board my plane just using disposable shopping bags. I am also out of shape a bit, and older than middle age, but I think we’ll be ok. If I have to push it up some hills, so be it. When are you on your Camino. My husband and I leave in one month from Burgos. Ultreia
This is a "Camino de Santiago" forum, not a hiking forum and plenty of the members have cycled the Camino so there is plenty of information to be had on here.Asking a question on a hiking forum about bike touring issues is a bit like asking a rocket scientist about child rearing; he knows what a child is but possibly has little experience of raising one(?) Fortunately there is a sprinkling of bikers on this hikers’ forum. So try a bike touring forum for more advice – Crazyguyonabike (CGOAB) is one, Google will introduce you to 100s more, but don’t worry, “riding a bike is like riding a bike, once learned is never forgotten” haha.
First off travelling with a bike is a PITA, travelling by bike is sublime. So if you have not experienced travelling with a bike maybe rethink. OK so you can get a lift to the airport but once in Spain that bike box has to be lugged / dragged out of the terminal…. and further, you get my drift? However using your own bike that fits, has all the necessary accessories, the saddle, the pedals, the bars you find comfortable wins over a rental bike. I often debate with myself but always bring my own. Use a cardboard box from your LBS (they’ll even pack your bike), source one from Correos in Santiago for your return.
What to pack; as little as possible, take the basics and if you find there is some essential missing buy it locally. If you’re packing your own bike just add your helmet to the box – write a packing list then remove half the stuff on the list. Saddle bags / panniers can be considered hand-baggage if within the airlines weight limits. Bike lights are not essential but I like to use a rear LED light when on the road; Spanish drivers are generally bike friendly, Portuguese drivers less so. Bike shorts, do you mean lycra niks / padded bike shorts? Endura make great bike shorts for MTB / touring riders – wear niks underneath if you need them.
Don’t stress about climbing hills, that’s what gears are for. Just choose a low gear, get in the zone and keep spinning. Music helps, get a Bluetooth speaker and use your phone to play some inspiring tunes; Bruce Springsteen has got me up a few hills. Also set targets, I use an altimeter and might stop for a rest after climbing say 250m but you could stop every Km or two, every 15 minutes, every lamp-post or every black cat; whatever gets you up the hill.
Routing is easy, follow the peregrinos or use the Buen Camino app, don’t bother with Google Maps in Europe for bike routing, it sucks. Fit a loud bell to the bike – surprised that hasn’t been mentioned.
Finally “pack expansion” (I like the terminology) just don’t go there!! Every Kg you load on that bike has to be ridden up the hills against the force of gravity. One solution is to only use two small panniers, nothing more or use a bike-packing set up; those guys travel super light.
All of this has been covered above by others, I’ve just put it in to a different format. Final, final advice; don’t over plan, don’t over think, don’t over pack and KISS. Buen Camino, Richard
Sorry, I wasn't meaning to be derogatory but the OP was asking mainly bike touring questions (except the rosary question which I didn't fully understand) so the answers might be better sourced on bike touring forums. However there is plenty of bike expertise on this forum. The reply about cotterless cranks and broken spokes is one of those "very unlikely to happen" outlier events; in Europe few tools are required as bike shops are never far away to fix major problems. The one spare I would advocate though is replacement hanger - you never know. Also the OP was May 2022 so guess the ride is done & dusted, wonder how it went? More rides in 2023 - claro. Buen camino.This is a "Camino de Santiago" forum, not a hiking forum and plenty of the members have cycled the Camino so there is plenty of information to be had on here.
I would definitely rent a bike there, unless the cost is prohibitive. I used cycling rentals. Be sure to get a bicycle trail map (roads adjacent to the trail) (trying to ride in sand and gravel is a nightmare). You MUST look for a local biking area, with hills, to practice--and work up to at least 15 miles. You might want to consider capri biking pants. For me, I can't imagine biking except in the flatter areas (meseta). Ideally an electrical bike that kicks in when you give out, would be ideal but I'm not sure these are available--and doubt you could count on regular electrical recharging at nmight.Hey, All.
I’m about to do my 4th Camino, this time by bike, due to ongoing tendon issues in my feet. This year will be unique because I will be biking the shorter walking stages while a friend walks, but the idea of transitioning from a walking pilgrimage to a biking pilgrimage has me a little nervous.
In 2016, I biked the Meseta because of my stupid tendons, so I have a teensy-tiny bit of experience, but this time around, I am taking my own bike rather than renting and could use some advice on what to pack/not pack, figuring out routing, etc.
I’m not really a long distance biker normally, but when your dr. Says you should do this…. I do, however commute by bike to and from work but 4 miles a day isn’t the same. I’m working on further distances, though.
Right now, these are my main questions:
1. Is it better to buy a new helmet when I get to Spain or pack my own?
2. Can I carry on my saddle bags on the plane?
3. How important are bike lights?
4. On some of the more hilly parts, is is feasible to send my bike on and just walk those sections? (Right after Castrojeriz, getting up to the Cruz de Ferro, and climbing to O Cebreiro come to mind).
5. What are some alternatives to bike shorts that might be similar to Skorts?—I highly doubt ANYONE wants to see an overweight middle aged woman in bike shorts, and personally, I’d kind of like to preserve my own dignity and everyone else’s vision from such a sight. But skorts are dang uncomfortable to bike in.
6. What about bike bags for packing your bike on the plane? What have you used, and how do you deal with it while on the Camino?
7.Has anyone ever prayed the rosary while biking? Whenever I’ve walked, I have started my day with one while walking. How feasible is that on a bike?
8. How do you keep from pack expansion? My backpack is right at 12 lbs when I’m walking, but I keep thinking of all the things I could add to my saddlebags….
Any help is appreciated!
Ruth
Hi Ruth, I always use my 10 fingers to say the rosary when on a bike.Hey, All.
I’m about to do my 4th Camino, this time by bike, due to ongoing tendon issues in my feet. This year will be unique because I will be biking the shorter walking stages while a friend walks, but the idea of transitioning from a walking pilgrimage to a biking pilgrimage has me a little nervous.
In 2016, I biked the Meseta because of my stupid tendons, so I have a teensy-tiny bit of experience, but this time around, I am taking my own bike rather than renting and could use some advice on what to pack/not pack, figuring out routing, etc.
I’m not really a long distance biker normally, but when your dr. Says you should do this…. I do, however commute by bike to and from work but 4 miles a day isn’t the same. I’m working on further distances, though.
Right now, these are my main questions:
1. Is it better to buy a new helmet when I get to Spain or pack my own?
2. Can I carry on my saddle bags on the plane?
3. How important are bike lights?
4. On some of the more hilly parts, is is feasible to send my bike on and just walk those sections? (Right after Castrojeriz, getting up to the Cruz de Ferro, and climbing to O Cebreiro come to mind).
5. What are some alternatives to bike shorts that might be similar to Skorts?—I highly doubt ANYONE wants to see an overweight middle aged woman in bike shorts, and personally, I’d kind of like to preserve my own dignity and everyone else’s vision from such a sight. But skorts are dang uncomfortable to bike in.
6. What about bike bags for packing your bike on the plane? What have you used, and how do you deal with it while on the Camino?
7.Has anyone ever prayed the rosary while biking? Whenever I’ve walked, I have started my day with one while walking. How feasible is that on a bike?
8. How do you keep from pack expansion? My backpack is right at 12 lbs when I’m walking, but I keep thinking of all the things I could add to my saddlebags….
Any help is appreciated!
Ruth
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?
We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:
Do you accept cookies and these technologies?