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There are a lot of questions here, some are perhaps unanswerable, some depend on external factors, some depend on your ability as a cyclist. Guess you're only gonna get the short answers here. First confession; I have not ridden the Frances yet but have mucho touring experience; you have sucked me into a reply because it's a biking question haha.
You haven’t ridden the CF before but your wisdom shines through. I tend to over-plan and over-think. You are correct, it’s only a ride"I’m starting in Burgos and would like to ride as close to the Camino as possible without annoying peregrinos, so hopefully along the road nearby." So, are you gonna ride the Camino or the road nearby? From experience most of the caminos are rideable and from what I've heard the Frances is quite easy (compared say to the Norte or Primitivo) - fit a bell to warn the peregrinos? Don't worry too much about pissing-off a few peregrinos, there are more of them than us eh?
"I’ve consulted different sites and am confused. For example ridewithgps shows taking the Camino between Hornillo del Camino and Hontanas, however the Buen Camino app shows a detour. Same issue heading from Vega de Valcarce to O’Cebreiro. Who do I follow?? " Has it not been said many times that there is not just one camino, perhaps there are as many camino routes as there are peregrinos. The Norte in particular seemed somewhat confusing; follow the arrows, Komoot, Buen Camino or any one of all the other possibilities, choose your own route.
"Also do I need to download the maps in advance or will they work along the way?" Depends which app you're using and whether you use data roaming. From limited experience of camino riding I'd suggest following the arrows but revert to Buen Camino if in doubt.
Hope the suggestions have been helpful, if not then others will provide the answers you seek - perhaps. Final words; don't over-plan, don't over-pack and don't over-think, it's only a bike ride.
Hi SenoraI’m starting in Burgos and would like to ride as close to the Camino as possible without annoying peregrinos, so hopefully along the road nearby. I’ve consulted different sites and am confused. For example ridewithgps shows taking the Camino between Hornillo del Camino and Hontanas, however the Buen Camino app shows a detour. Same issue heading from Vega de Valcarce to O’Cebreiro. Who do I follow??
Also do I need to download the maps in advance or will they work along the way?
Gracias for any helpful suggestions
Thank you for considering that bicycling around mostly walkers can be annoying. It can also be hazardous. Question who has the right of way?I’m starting in Burgos and would like to ride as close to the Camino as possible without annoying peregrinos, so hopefully along the road nearby. I’ve consulted different sites and am confused. For example ridewithgps shows taking the Camino between Hornillo del Camino and Hontanas, however the Buen Camino app shows a detour. Same issue heading from Vega de Valcarce to O’Cebreiro. Who do I follow??
Also do I need to download the maps in advance or will they work along the way?
Gracias for any helpful suggestions
Who has the right of way? No one, really. The Camino does not belong to or prioritize one "type" of person over another, pilgrim or not.Thank you for considering that bicycling around mostly walkers can be annoying. It can also be hazardous. Question who has the right of way?
I like the photos. Do you remember where that part is? I’m sure I’ll be walking that section too!On my second Camino, I was struggling with tendinitis, so in Burgos, I rented a bike and rode from there to Astorga. Because I hadn't planned to bike from the beginning, I just followed the actual Camino trail for most of the way (except for one stretch on the way into Fromista where a very nice gentleman showed me how to use my gears!). As long as you are aware of other pilgrims, there really isn't a problem, and in many places, the Camino is on the side of a road, so you can ride on the road and still greet the walking peregrinos as you pass. There might be a few peregrinos who get a bit upset, but honestly, I never saw that. I will say that there is a WICKED hill as you get onto the meseta. I ended up walking my bike all the way up, and then all the way down. I was in awe of the bicyclers who were able to both go up and down that hill. I was absolutely convinced that I would end up going ass over teakettle if I tried the downhill! View attachment 121599View attachment 121600View attachment 121601
I really wouldn't worry that much.
Ruth
Perfect response to that comment/question Xali1970!!Who has the right of way? No one, really. The Camino does not belong to or prioritize one "type" of person over another, pilgrim or not.
For me the one who has the most difficulty maneuvering has the right of way. I won't argue my "right of way" with a horsebackrider (yes there are a few), a cyclist (on a heavily loaded touring bike or not), someone in a wheelchair or someone on crutches (been there) when on the Camino.
Let us be aware of our surroundings and be considerate of each other. If nothing else it'll keep everyone's blood pressure down
right after Castrojerez.I like the photos. Do you remember where that part is? I’m sure I’ll be walking that section too!
I agree no one has the right away. If someone in front is slower, safely go around.Who has the right of way? No one, really. The Camino does not belong to or prioritize one "type" of person over another, pilgrim or not.
For me the one who has the most difficulty maneuvering has the right of way. I won't argue my "right of way" with a horsebackrider (yes there are a few), a cyclist (on a heavily loaded touring bike or not), someone in a wheelchair or someone on crutches (been there) when on the Camino.
Let us be aware of our surroundings and be considerate of each other. If nothing else it'll keep everyone's blood pressure down
Were you somehow able to know if there were narrow trails in advance, or did you just make that decision on the spot?. I’m asking because I’m transitioning from a walking Camino to a bikeing Camino because of some foot problems.I rode from Pamplona to SdC and have a few observations.
I rarely rode on a narrow trail with walkers since it was uncomfortable for both parties.
TWere you somehow able to know if there were narrow trails in advance, or did you just make that decision on the spot?. I’m asking because I’m transitioning from a walking Camino to a bikeing Camino because of some foot problems.
Thanks, I’ll take a look. It sounds like just the right thing.T
The Spanish guidebook that I used clearly marked the paths that were too narrow, steep, or rocky for cycling and indicated the side roads that were more suitable. I regret giving the book away at the end of the trip, and I cannot locate its title in online searches. However, I just noted a book published in 2019 by the Cicerone Press, a UK outfit that produces travel guides.
Cycling the Camino de Santiago
The Way of St James - Camino Frances
By Mike Wells
Link is below, and they have an e-book option
Cycling the Camino Frances to Camino de Santiago
Describes the Camino Frances variant from St Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela. Includes both a bridleway route (suitable for hybrid bikes) and…www.cicerone.co.uk
Yes. I live in Waterville and sailed out of Rockland for years. Now my boating is mostly coastal canoeing and kayaking, typically a bit farther south from Bath to Port Clyde or over in Deer Isle.Thanks, I’ll take a look. It sounds like just the right thing.
I actually started as a walker but I hurt my leg and am unable to continue for a while on foot. So now I just bought a used mountain bike and am converting my trip.
Pen Bay? I live in Rockland, Maine.
Are you talking about Penobscot Bay in your forum name?
thats the book I've been using to plan my Camino. I start on the 1st of May and cannot wait to get going.T
The Spanish guidebook that I used clearly marked the paths that were too narrow, steep, or rocky for cycling and indicated the side roads that were more suitable. I regret giving the book away at the end of the trip, and I cannot locate its title in online searches. However, I just noted a book published in 2019 by the Cicerone Press, a UK outfit that produces travel guides.
Cycling the Camino de Santiago
The Way of St James - Camino Frances
By Mike Wells
Link is below, and they have an e-book option
Cycling the Camino Frances to Camino de Santiago
Describes the Camino Frances variant from St Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela. Includes both a bridleway route (suitable for hybrid bikes) and…www.cicerone.co.uk
I have done several caminos on tubeless tyres and swear by them. You just need to make sure that sealant has been added - a very simple process. Any puncture will generally seal itself.The bike I bought had tubeless tires, and while I get the impression that they get a lot less flats, it seemed incredibly difficult to repair them if you ever do. At least according to my research on the Internet.
Could you elucidate a little bit? I know nothing about this.I have done several caminos on tubeless tyres and swear by them. You just need to make sure that sealant has been added - a very simple process. Any puncture will generally seal itself.
The sealant comes in standard one-tyre bottles. You deflate the tyre, remove the valve by unscrewing it, and squirt the sealant in. Really easy.Could you elucidate a little bit? I know nothing about this.
What’s the sealant and what is it for? How do you add it?
OK, I understand now. Thank you.Google “Stan’s sealant”. It leaks out of any puncture and seals in place.
This is right before Castrojeritz. And the gentleman in the picture is a guy that taught me how to use my gears on a long ride like this.I like the photos. Do you remember where that part is? I’m sure I’ll be walking that section too!
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