Hi,
A friend and I are hoping to cycle the Camino, Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago, in October. Ideally we want to aim to do it in 12 days, while giving ourselves 2 extra days to rest/explore/catch up if needed (worst comes to worst, we have also another week in Spain after that but we want to use it to rock climb). We both bike a decent amount on city roads, but I'm wondering what the off-road experience and elevation changes are like. What level of fitness/bike experience is needed to do the camino in this time? We have a little over a month and a half- does anyone have any recommendations on how we should train?
Thanks!
It depends on a few factors.....
Are you planning on following the walker's path (or at least as much as possible)? If so, be ready for some places where the ground is very rough, the path is very narrow and some climbs will be walking. Some of the surfaces can be deceptive. Not meaning to scare you, but in a moment of quiet contemplation while cycling on loose stones and sand I fell off my bike dislocating my shoulder, bruising some ribs and losing far more skin than I was comfortable with ;-)
Also, the weather can have a significant impact. Dry earth can turn to mud quickly in heavy rain!
Your average speed on the path will be a lot lower than on the road.
The road is longer, but probably faster and the walkers will appreciate you more! ;-) An added plus is that Spanish drivers are incredibly respectful of cyclists on the road, so there are no worries there.
Of course, you can always combine the two options.
Are you bringing your own bikes or renting there? If your own bikes are they set up for carrying your baggage and is the gearing good for climbing? Are they suitable for a bit of off-road? Get them serviced before you go, especially the brakes and know how to replace brake pads or service disc brakes.
Renting would be clever. There are many shops/companies offering suitable bikes with appropriate racks etc.
There are a couple of heavy ascents, and where the surfaces are poor (think lots of loose stones) riding and indeed walking can be tough - but doable.
I would imagine that most people who are reasonably healthy should be able to cycle the route. Cycling has many advantages - namely the ability to take interesting diversions off the route without expending too much energy.
I would suggest that 12 days may be pushing it - not necessarily from a physical point of view, but from a Camino experience point of view. There is so much to do and see and so many interesting people to meet. I think I did SJPP to Santiago in 15 days then on to the West coast, eventually to Finisterre.
For practice, cycle on all the gravel paths you can. Be comfortable riding a bike with baggage on loose surfaces. And cycle up some hills!
And down some steep ones with your bags!
And always, ALWAYS use your bell, call out and slow down when passing people walking!
If you find the path too hard, you can always take the road. If the hills are too much, you can always throw your bike in a bus! Just don't do what I did on day 1 and try to cycle the walker's route to Roncevalles
I carried the bike more that day than he carried me
Buen Camino
Frank
