Cycling and the practicalities

[Acdaws]

I struggled to find the answers to some simple questions so thought I would add what I learnt...

I did the Northern route

1. The bike

An 'All road' bike or touring bike. 34mm Pirelli H Gravel tyre set up tubeless. Frame bag, rear pannier rack with just a waterproof rucksack rather than panniers. Two snack bags on the handlebars. Wore a camelback.
Bike lock and cable - sold secure Gold

2. Clothes

Two cycling shorts - bib and brace
Two cycling tops
One wind proof cycling jacket
Pair of hiking shorts
Two normal t shirts
Cycling specific Gravel shoes
Birkenstocks
Two pants
Two pairs cycling socks
Down jacket
Gloves
Sleeves
Waterproof top

*I wanted to feel normal at the Albergue and clean hence the non cycling specific stuff

I bought a pack of dry bags for about £10 from Amazon. I used these to separate out the contents of the rucksack and they also acted like compression sacks.

Red - first aid kit
Green - Down jacket
Black - normal clothes
Blue - cycling clothes

I did take a lightweight sleeping bag but, didn't really need to

3. Flying with your bike.

I flew with Vueling to Asturias airport. I used a cardboard box from a local bike shop to box the bike. The only stipulation from Vueling was that it was less than 2.4m long and you can't have any lithium batteries. Given they partner with BA who seem to set exact dimensions I thought this was wrong but, no. Paid £40 x 2 for the privilege. No one questioned the size of the box and yes I put other things in the box to reduce my carry on luggage.

I removed the chain and rear derailleur. I was worried the derailleur would get damaged and it's a critical part so didn't want to risk it. A quick link for the chain made that relatively easy.

4. Arrival

I timed it so that I could build my bike up at the airport and then cycled to an Albergue 6 miles away whilst it was still daylight. This was handy because it gave me the chance to make sure the bike worked.

The cardboard box was handed over to a friendly cleaner. We both knew it was going to get left by the side of a bin....

5 Albergues

This is the negative of taking a bike. Will it be secure...

I poured over Gronze and selected Albergues on the basis of whether there was any storage. I sent emails and was very fortunate in that this never became an issue.
Was I ever turned away in favour of walkers? No. But, I deliberately avoided the Frances knowing that was the busiest route.

6. Santiago

The Spanish post office (Correos) embarrasses the Royal Mail. Friendly and cheap.

Can I store my bike in the post office for a few days? Yes. 6 euros per day

Can I buy a bike box? Yes, 15 euros. It's not great quality but it does the job.

Located next to the cathedral it is also simple to find.

The only annoying thing is that they don't have an office at the airport so you can't post it to the airport or get a box at the airport.

7. Getting to the airport

I'm tight. I really don't like paying.

I was told that the bus wouldn't take a bike
Cab was a possibility but it's only 8 miles and I'm tight...

I folded the bike box until I was able to strap it to my back. I looked like a ninja turtle and it was sketchy riding but, the Spanish roads are practically empty so I felt okay. I did get some funny looks though.

8. Negatives

One walker told me at an Albergue that they felt cycles and walkers should be separate. Bikes shouldn't go on the trails. Not sure if they have had that chat with the Spanish who likely use the paths more often than just the once? having said this when the Northern joined the french I did prefer the roads because it did get crowded on the paths. Also, some fairly ignorant ebikers on an organised tour blasted down a path full of walkers.

I would say that as a cyclist you lose some of the obvious camaraderie.

Hope this helps anyone planning a cycling tour

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

@Acdaws, thanks for your valuable contribution - I'm sure it will be of use to others in the future.

 

[Cork_Karl]

I struggled to find the answers to some simple questions so thought I would add what I learnt...

I did the Northern route

1. The bike

An 'All road' bike or touring bike. 34mm Pirelli H Gravel tyre set up tubeless. Frame bag, rear pannier rack with just a waterproof rucksack rather than panniers. Two snack bags on the handlebars. Wore a camelback.
Bike lock and cable - sold secure Gold

2. Clothes

Two cycling shorts - bib and brace
Two cycling tops
One wind proof cycling jacket
Pair of hiking shorts
Two normal t shirts
Cycling specific Gravel shoes
Birkenstocks
Two pants
Two pairs cycling socks
Down jacket
Gloves
Sleeves
Waterproof top

*I wanted to feel normal at the Albergue and clean hence the non cycling specific stuff

I bought a pack of dry bags for about £10 from Amazon. I used these to separate out the contents of the rucksack and they also acted like compression sacks.

Red - first aid kit
Green - Down jacket
Black - normal clothes
Blue - cycling clothes

I did take a lightweight sleeping bag but, didn't really need to

3. Flying with your bike.

I flew with Vueling to Asturias airport. I used a cardboard box from a local bike shop to box the bike. The only stipulation from Vueling was that it was less than 2.4m long and you can't have any lithium batteries. Given they partner with BA who seem to set exact dimensions I thought this was wrong but, no. Paid £40 x 2 for the privilege. No one questioned the size of the box and yes I put other things in the box to reduce my carry on luggage.

I removed the chain and rear derailleur. I was worried the derailleur would get damaged and it's a critical part so didn't want to risk it. A quick link for the chain made that relatively easy.

4. Arrival

I timed it so that I could build my bike up at the airport and then cycled to an Albergue 6 miles away whilst it was still daylight. This was handy because it gave me the chance to make sure the bike worked.

The cardboard box was handed over to a friendly cleaner. We both knew it was going to get left by the side of a bin....

5 Albergues

This is the negative of taking a bike. Will it be secure...

I poured over Gronze and selected Albergues on the basis of whether there was any storage. I sent emails and was very fortunate in that this never became an issue.
Was I ever turned away in favour of walkers? No. But, I deliberately avoided the Frances knowing that was the busiest route.

6. Santiago

The Spanish post office (Correos) embarrasses the Royal Mail. Friendly and cheap.

Can I store my bike in the post office for a few days? Yes. 6 euros per day

Can I buy a bike box? Yes, 15 euros. It's not great quality but it does the job.

Located next to the cathedral it is also simple to find.

The only annoying thing is that they don't have an office at the airport so you can't post it to the airport or get a box at the airport.

7. Getting to the airport

I'm tight. I really don't like paying.

I was told that the bus wouldn't take a bike
Cab was a possibility but it's only 8 miles and I'm tight...

I folded the bike box until I was able to strap it to my back. I looked like a ninja turtle and it was sketchy riding but, the Spanish roads are practically empty so I felt okay. I did get some funny looks though.

8. Negatives

One walker told me at an Albergue that they felt cycles and walkers should be separate. Bikes shouldn't go on the trails. Not sure if they have had that chat with the Spanish who likely use the paths more often than just the once? having said this when the Northern joined the french I did prefer the roads because it did get crowded on the paths. Also, some fairly ignorant ebikers on an organised tour blasted down a path full of walkers.

I would say that as a cyclist you lose some of the obvious camaraderie.

Hope this helps anyone planning a cycling tour

Thanks for that @Acdaws - really handy list of things to pack!

 

[Skinnybiker]

Nice summary, thanks. What was your all up weight, average kms / day and did you stay every night in albergues?

Riding in Spain & Portugal I've never had issues with bike storage and I have never removed the derailleur for air travel but can understand why you would.

Richard

 

[Acdaws]

Nice summary, thanks. What was your all up weight, average kms / day and did you stay every night in albergues?

Riding in Spain & Portugal I've never had issues with bike storage and I have never removed the derailleur for air travel but can understand why you would.

Richard

Weight wise.. not sure. Possibly 25kg. The boxed bike was 20kg on the airport scales. I carried a back pack on so potentially another 5kg. I'd try and reduce that further next time and I think that would be doable.

Bike storage - people seemed to fall over themselves to help.

Distance - I averaged 80km per day. It seemed a good balance between seeing sites and getting to your destination. My timetable meant I could only cycle over 4 days as that was all I could get away. It was also my first time flying with a bike so I wanted some space for contingencies

Timetable
Day 1 - arrive and get to accomodation.
Days 2 - 5 cycle
Day 6 - day in Santiago
Day 7 - travel to airport

I used Albergues for four nights. I fancied some comfort by then. I stayed in a pensioner around the corner from the cathedral.

Rear derailleur - should have mentioned. I have SRAM wireless gears so dialling in the gears wasn't an issue, just screw it back on and plug in the battery. If I had mechanical gears I would have risked leaving it on as it would have been more of a faff.

 

[Liberte55]

I struggled to find the answers to some simple questions so thought I would add what I learnt...

I did the Northern route

1. The bike

An 'All road' bike or touring bike. 34mm Pirelli H Gravel tyre set up tubeless. Frame bag, rear pannier rack with just a waterproof rucksack rather than panniers. Two snack bags on the handlebars. Wore a camelback.
Bike lock and cable - sold secure Gold

2. Clothes

Two cycling shorts - bib and brace
Two cycling tops
One wind proof cycling jacket
Pair of hiking shorts
Two normal t shirts
Cycling specific Gravel shoes
Birkenstocks
Two pants
Two pairs cycling socks
Down jacket
Gloves
Sleeves
Waterproof top

*I wanted to feel normal at the Albergue and clean hence the non cycling specific stuff

I bought a pack of dry bags for about £10 from Amazon. I used these to separate out the contents of the rucksack and they also acted like compression sacks.

Red - first aid kit
Green - Down jacket
Black - normal clothes
Blue - cycling clothes

I did take a lightweight sleeping bag but, didn't really need to

3. Flying with your bike.

I flew with Vueling to Asturias airport. I used a cardboard box from a local bike shop to box the bike. The only stipulation from Vueling was that it was less than 2.4m long and you can't have any lithium batteries. Given they partner with BA who seem to set exact dimensions I thought this was wrong but, no. Paid £40 x 2 for the privilege. No one questioned the size of the box and yes I put other things in the box to reduce my carry on luggage.

I removed the chain and rear derailleur. I was worried the derailleur would get damaged and it's a critical part so didn't want to risk it. A quick link for the chain made that relatively easy.

4. Arrival

I timed it so that I could build my bike up at the airport and then cycled to an Albergue 6 miles away whilst it was still daylight. This was handy because it gave me the chance to make sure the bike worked.

The cardboard box was handed over to a friendly cleaner. We both knew it was going to get left by the side of a bin....

5 Albergues

This is the negative of taking a bike. Will it be secure...

I poured over Gronze and selected Albergues on the basis of whether there was any storage. I sent emails and was very fortunate in that this never became an issue.
Was I ever turned away in favour of walkers? No. But, I deliberately avoided the Frances knowing that was the busiest route.

6. Santiago

The Spanish post office (Correos) embarrasses the Royal Mail. Friendly and cheap.

Can I store my bike in the post office for a few days? Yes. 6 euros per day

Can I buy a bike box? Yes, 15 euros. It's not great quality but it does the job.

Located next to the cathedral it is also simple to find.

The only annoying thing is that they don't have an office at the airport so you can't post it to the airport or get a box at the airport.

7. Getting to the airport

I'm tight. I really don't like paying.

I was told that the bus wouldn't take a bike
Cab was a possibility but it's only 8 miles and I'm tight...

I folded the bike box until I was able to strap it to my back. I looked like a ninja turtle and it was sketchy riding but, the Spanish roads are practically empty so I felt okay. I did get some funny looks though.

8. Negatives

One walker told me at an Albergue that they felt cycles and walkers should be separate. Bikes shouldn't go on the trails. Not sure if they have had that chat with the Spanish who likely use the paths more often than just the once? having said this when the Northern joined the french I did prefer the roads because it did get crowded on the paths. Also, some fairly ignorant ebikers on an organised tour blasted down a path full of walkers.

I would say that as a cyclist you lose some of the obvious camaraderie.

Hope this helps anyone planning a cycling tour

Thank you so Much. I'm planning for Via de la Plata-Sanabres mid-March and there isnt much information around.

 

[TommyMcF]

My experience doing the Frances route last month was similar to Acdaw's

Some more observations;
- I also did around 80km per day. It was more difficult than I thought that it would be. I'm used to riding more than that on roads but stuck mainly to the trails. Some of the trails were extremely difficult by bike and I should have read my guide book more carefully to avoid some of the the harder bite. For example, Roncesvalles to Zubiri
- on the small number of occasions when I strayed from the path, I used Google maps for navigating. This generally didn't work and took me to places that were worse than being lost. (eg terrain that was worse than the more difficult parts of the Camino trail, without the benefit of signs). A few days later than I should have, I used road GPX that I had downloaded from Cicerone as back up
- Because the trip was often harder than I thought it would be, I pushed on at a higher pace than planned in case I had to overcome any unforeseen problems later in the trip. As a result, I got to Santiago 2 days earlier than planned so I needn't have been anxious about the time. (10 days from Biarritz to Santiago via SJPDP when I had planned for 12)
- Notwithstanding that I felt some of the trails were difficult, I was glad that I stuck with them because they made the experience more enjoyable than I think that the roads would have been. Especially the interaction with other pilgrims.
- I never came across any friction between cyclists and walkers. Everyone seemed to get on very well with each other
- I packed a similar selection of clothes to Acdaws but I think that they made up less than 50% of the weight in my bag. The bike lock and various necessary tools made up for most of the other 50%. I should have cut back on some things by taking fewer/ lighter toiletries and medical supplies, a lighter power bank and I probably didn't need the ipad that I carried
- I stayed for 3 of the last 4 nights in hotels following a frustratingly noisy experience in an albergue. Most albergues I stayed I were great and I should have been more resilient...
- I flew home from A Coruña because they had a connecting flight to my home town (I'm not sure why I couldn't connect from Santiago). Iberia staff at a Coruna were really helpful and provided a bike box at the slightly expensive cost of €35. Flying from a Coruña allowed the opportunity to ride much of the Camino Ingles in reverse, which was nice
- The bolts on my pannier rack broke a few miles before Astorga. A kind couple from Australia, one of whom was on an e bike, helped me with my luggage and saved my a lot of trouble. I was probably lucky to be near a city and I got the rack repaired quickly that day. It is helpful that most towns along the Camino have bike shops. (Also, I don't necessarily believe in Karma but the day before that happened, I carried a rucksack for a few miles to help a walker who was struggling and that made me reflect that offering help when others need it promotes an environment where help might be available when you need it yourself)
- I think that you do miss out on important parts of the Camino by riding instead of walking - especially the interaction with other pilgrims. However the opportunity to be selective about where to stop and admire the Camino makes up for that slightly. On balance, I think that I will do the next one by bike too

 

[Peregrinopaul]

My experience doing the Frances route last month was similar to Acdaw's

A very interesting account Tommy, and kudos to @Ackdaws.
I concur with you about 80km per day being far too much. Mind you, I'm approaching 80 now, so obviously my perspective differs. My policy on all my caminos has been to avoid the more difficult sections of track – the descent from Cruz de Ferro and from O Cebreiro in particular. For the first time, this year, I had difficulty on the normally fine track between Tardajos and San Anton. There had been rain the previous night and mud was a real problem. I would also point out that some excellent sections, like after Carrión, I found quite slow because of the gravelly surface. I always use the road when the senda on the Meseta parallels the road.
For the first time, this year, I took the track to Zubiri (because I wanted to see the rock formations) and because I allowed myself plenty of time had no problems.

 

[TommyMcF]

A very interesting account Tommy, and kudos to @Ackdaws.
I concur with you about 80km per day being far too much. Mind you, I'm approaching 80 now, so obviously my perspective differs. My policy on all my caminos has been to avoid the more difficult sections of track – the descent from Cruz de Ferro and from O Cebreiro in particular. For the first time, this year, I had difficulty on the normally fine track between Tardajos and San Anton. There had been rain the previous night and mud was a real problem. I would also point out that some excellent sections, like after Carrión, I found quite slow because of the gravelly surface. I always use the road when the senda on the Meseta parallels the road.
For the first time, this year, I took the track to Zubiri (because I wanted to see the rock formations) and because I allowed myself plenty of time had no problems.

I used the road for most of the the way where it runs adjacent to the Camino across the meseta and for the descents into Ponferrada and at O Cebreiro. Also, for much of the ascent on those two hills.

 

[ParisOslo]

My experience doing the Frances route last month was similar to Acdaw's

Some more observations;
- I also did around 80km per day. It was more difficult than I thought that it would be. I'm used to riding more than that on roads but stuck mainly to the trails. Some of the trails were extremely difficult by bike and I should have read my guide book more carefully to avoid some of the the harder bite. For example, Roncesvalles to Zubiri
- on the small number of occasions when I strayed from the path, I used Google maps for navigating. This generally didn't work and took me to places that were worse than being lost. (eg terrain that was worse than the more difficult parts of the Camino trail, without the benefit of signs). A few days later than I should have, I used road GPX that I had downloaded from Cicerone as back up
- Because the trip was often harder than I thought it would be, I pushed on at a higher pace than planned in case I had to overcome any unforeseen problems later in the trip. As a result, I got to Santiago 2 days earlier than planned so I needn't have been anxious about the time. (10 days from Biarritz to Santiago via SJPDP when I had planned for 12)
- Notwithstanding that I felt some of the trails were difficult, I was glad that I stuck with them because they made the experience more enjoyable than I think that the roads would have been. Especially the interaction with other pilgrims.
- I never came across any friction between cyclists and walkers. Everyone seemed to get on very well with each other
- I packed a similar selection of clothes to Acdaws but I think that they made up less than 50% of the weight in my bag. The bike lock and various necessary tools made up for most of the other 50%. I should have cut back on some things by taking fewer/ lighter toiletries and medical supplies, a lighter power bank and I probably didn't need the ipad that I carried
- I stayed for 3 of the last 4 nights in hotels following a frustratingly noisy experience in an albergue. Most albergues I stayed I were great and I should have been more resilient...
- I flew home from A Coruña because they had a connecting flight to my home town (I'm not sure why I couldn't connect from Santiago). Iberia staff at a Coruna were really helpful and provided a bike box at the slightly expensive cost of €35. Flying from a Coruña allowed the opportunity to ride much of the Camino Ingles in reverse, which was nice
- The bolts on my pannier rack broke a few miles before Astorga. A kind couple from Australia, one of whom was on an e bike, helped me with my luggage and saved my a lot of trouble. I was probably lucky to be near a city and I got the rack repaired quickly that day. It is helpful that most towns along the Camino have bike shops. (Also, I don't necessarily believe in Karma but the day before that happened, I carried a rucksack for a few miles to help a walker who was struggling and that made me reflect that offering help when others need it promotes an environment where help might be available when you need it yourself)
- I think that you do miss out on important parts of the Camino by riding instead of walking - especially the interaction with other pilgrims. However the opportunity to be selective about where to stop and admire the Camino makes up for that slightly. On balance, I think that I will do the next one by bike too

The first OP paid 15 euro for his box and you paid 35.

My advice would be that you send an email to few bike stores in the city of your arrival asking to keep a box for you. Most stores will reply and tell you to contact them a week prior to your arrival. On arrival go to the store mentioning the name of the person you were in contact with. They will be happy to give you a free box or tell you to comeback in a day or two. This year I did the Frances from Paris.

 

[Treskelion]

My experience doing the Frances route last month was similar to Acdaw's

Some more observations;
- I also did around 80km per day. It was more difficult than I thought that it would be. I'm used to riding more than that on roads but stuck mainly to the trails. Some of the trails were extremely difficult by bike and I should have read my guide book more carefully to avoid some of the the harder bite. For example, Roncesvalles to Zubiri
- on the small number of occasions when I strayed from the path, I used Google maps for navigating. This generally didn't work and took me to places that were worse than being lost. (eg terrain that was worse than the more difficult parts of the Camino trail, without the benefit of signs). A few days later than I should have, I used road GPX that I had downloaded from Cicerone as back up
- Because the trip was often harder than I thought it would be, I pushed on at a higher pace than planned in case I had to overcome any unforeseen problems later in the trip. As a result, I got to Santiago 2 days earlier than planned so I needn't have been anxious about the time. (10 days from Biarritz to Santiago via SJPDP when I had planned for 12)
- Notwithstanding that I felt some of the trails were difficult, I was glad that I stuck with them because they made the experience more enjoyable than I think that the roads would have been. Especially the interaction with other pilgrims.
- I never came across any friction between cyclists and walkers. Everyone seemed to get on very well with each other
- I packed a similar selection of clothes to Acdaws but I think that they made up less than 50% of the weight in my bag. The bike lock and various necessary tools made up for most of the other 50%. I should have cut back on some things by taking fewer/ lighter toiletries and medical supplies, a lighter power bank and I probably didn't need the ipad that I carried
- I stayed for 3 of the last 4 nights in hotels following a frustratingly noisy experience in an albergue. Most albergues I stayed I were great and I should have been more resilient...
- I flew home from A Coruña because they had a connecting flight to my home town (I'm not sure why I couldn't connect from Santiago). Iberia staff at a Coruna were really helpful and provided a bike box at the slightly expensive cost of €35. Flying from a Coruña allowed the opportunity to ride much of the Camino Ingles in reverse, which was nice
- The bolts on my pannier rack broke a few miles before Astorga. A kind couple from Australia, one of whom was on an e bike, helped me with my luggage and saved my a lot of trouble. I was probably lucky to be near a city and I got the rack repaired quickly that day. It is helpful that most towns along the Camino have bike shops. (Also, I don't necessarily believe in Karma but the day before that happened, I carried a rucksack for a few miles to help a walker who was struggling and that made me reflect that offering help when others need it promotes an environment where help might be available when you need it yourself)
- I think that you do miss out on important parts of the Camino by riding instead of walking - especially the interaction with other pilgrims. However the opportunity to be selective about where to stop and admire the Camino makes up for that slightly. On balance, I think that I will do the next one by bike too

I’m currently in a very wet Pamplona having started out from SJPDP on 12 Oct (day before my 65th). My biggest mistake on one section was forgetting that Garmin 1040 direct route planning assumes you are MTB (I’m not, a 80% disabled rider sitting in e-trike …), so silly route deteriorated into goat track that was a very energy sapping experience for somebody with 40w legs. Because I also have problems with immune system, I have elected to use my camping car as accommodation so every 50km I do is in reality 25km. Still mostly enjoyed the quiet times, not enjoyed my legs collapsing (but that isn’t news, just fact).

 

[TommyMcF]

The first OP paid 15 euro for his box and you paid 35.

My advice would be that you send an email to few bike stores in the city of your arrival asking to keep a box for you. Most stores will reply and tell you to contact them a week prior to your arrival. On arrival go to the store mentioning the name of the person you were in contact with. They will be happy to give you a free box or tell you to comeback in a day or two. This year I did the Frances from Paris.

The value for money aspect will depend on individual circumstances. Spending €35 at the airport may be more cost effective and more practical than transporting a free box to the airport in a taxi.