Which Cycling Route - 1st time on camino?

Lizremedy · Apr 23, 2019

Want to cycle the Camino later 2019 or spring 2020. We are use to casual mtb riding. I dont know where to start planning. Which is the best recommended route to follow - without being crowded? Can cyclists follow the same paths as hikers, use the same accommodation, etc? What is security like in Spain ie if one chains one's bike up while visiting a church or cafe, will it still be there after? Really appreciate any guidance or advice.

Peregrinopaul · Apr 24, 2019

I think I might be well qualified to answer your question, and I would recommend the Via de la Plata as perfect for a first bike Camino. You can take to the nearby empty roads whenever you feel like it, but the tracks, particularly before the Sanabres section are very bike-friendly, often wide farm tracks, and you don’t cause annoyance to the relatively few walking pilgrims. Accommodation is very easy to find, and there are some wonderful albergues.

Saint Mike II · Apr 24, 2019

Hola @Lizremedy . In 2015 I cycled the Camino Frances (starting in Pamplona). This Camino does have some tough climbing sections: eg the Alto de Perdon; Los Arcos to Logrono has some hills that seem to go on and on; Belorado to Burgos is also a challenge. Most of the Meseta (apart from the Climb west of Castrojeriz) is a relatively moderate event. But from Astorga to Triacastela does have some really tough, long climbs. If you search back through the Bike Camino section you will see my report in detail and also other reports by Newfydog,. Good luck

Peregrinopaul · Apr 24, 2019

Lizremedy said:
What is security like in Spain ie if one chains one's bike up while visiting a church or cafe, will it still be there after?

I’ve never allowed myself to get too paranoid about this, and have had no problem, using only a combination cable lock. That said, I would usually have my bike in view at cafes along the way, and would get my bike safely to my accommodation before sight-seeing in cities.

Lizremedy · Apr 24, 2019

Peregrinopaul said:
I’ve never allowed myself to get too paranoid about this, and have had no problem, using only a combination cable lock. That said, I would usually have my bike in view at cafes along the way, and would get my bike safely to my accommodation before sight-seeing in cities.

Did you take your own bikes or rent? Did you need panniers or just take a backpack?

Lizremedy · Apr 24, 2019

Peregrinopaul said:
I think I might be well qualified to answer your question, and I would recommend the Via de la Plata as perfect for a first bike Camino. You can take to the nearby empty roads whenever you feel like it, but the tracks, particularly before the Sanabres section are very bike-friendly, often wide farm tracks, and you don’t cause annoyance to the relatively few walking pilgrims. Accommodation is very easy to find, and there are some wonderful albergues.

Thanks, if I had my choice I'd walk it to get the full social experience - I hear cycling is rather different? But leave is limited and hubby is a cyclist. I would still like to stick to pathways etc used by pilgrims, not have to use roads. I much prefer pathways and dirt to tar. Is that possible?

Stephen Nicholls · Apr 24, 2019

Whatever you decde, PLEASE have a bell on your bike, and warn walkers when you're approachng from behind.
Then - just enjoy!
Buen camino!

Lizremedy · Apr 24, 2019

Stephen Nicholls said:
Whatever you decde, PLEASE have a bell on your bike, and warn walkers when you're approachng from behind.
Then - just enjoy!
Buen camino!

Thanks we do have bells. Live in Thailand where pedestrians are more interested in phones than traffic. Its quite an adventure getting out!

Mike Wells · Apr 27, 2019

Lizremedy said:
Did you take your own bikes or rent? Did you need panniers or just take a backpack?

First the sales pitch. I am the author of a recently published Cicerone guide to cycling the Camino Frances (ISBN 9781852849696). Inside this you should find the answer to all your questions. Some specifics. If you enjoy moderate off-road riding, go for the waymarked Camino trail, its a great ride. Yes it can be busy with walkers but if you go in October the weather will still be good but the numbers will be well down at least as far as Sarria. Despite what some walking peregrinos think, the whole trail is the Spanish equivalent of a bridleway legally open to pedestrians, cyclists and horsemen. One piece of advice; do not use a backpack as your centre of gravity will be much to high and you will be unstable at slow speeds and in wind. Always use good quality fully waterproof panniers.
Mike (4 times cycling CF in past two years) plus one Ruta de la Plata.

TerriS · Jul 16, 2022

Saint Mike II said:
Hola @Lizremedy . In 2015 I cycled the Camino Frances (starting in Pamplona). This Camino does have some tough climbing sections: eg the Alto de Perdon; Los Arcos to Logrono has some hills that seem to go on and on; Belorado to Burgos is also a challenge. Most of the Meseta (apart from the Climb west of Castrojeriz) is a relatively moderate event. But from Astorga to Triacastela does have some really tough, long climbs. If you search back through the Bike Camino section you will see my report in detail and also other reports by Newfydog,. Good luck

Hi Mike, I’m new to the forum and have really tried to search for your trip report and just can’t find it. I searched by your username and date (Sept 2015 thru
Jan 2016). I would love to read it. Can you provide a link to it?

Saint Mike II · Jul 18, 2022

TerriS said:
Hi Mike, I’m new to the forum and have really tried to search for your trip report and just can’t find it. I searched by your username and date (Sept 2015 thru
Jan 2016). I would love to read it. Can you provide a link to it?

will try1

Gigipete · Friday at 2:05 PM

Hi all, We are a bit concerned about being able to get accomodation as we are cycling the CDN this May/June. I read that pilgrims on foot get priority up to 8pm. We are aiming to arrive each day...

Northern Laurie · Thursday at 11:32 PM

Hi all I am considering cycling the coastal route but wondered if any / many albergues have minimum cycling distances. Eg do I have to ride a minimum amount per day to be able to stay in an...

Rileymcgraw · Friday at 4:14 PM

Hello! I just finished my first walk on El Camino, from Sarria to Santiago, and had a great time watching all of the bikepackers zoom by on the trail. So much so that I've had a sudden interest...

raycanuck · 2024-04-27T22:57:50+0200

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Which Cycling Route - 1st time on camino?

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