- Time of past OR future Camino
- 2025
Remove ads on the forum by becoming a donating member. More here. |
---|
No need to apologise for wishing to do the camino by bike /e-bike, you have every bit as much right to do so as I do to walk!We are going to bike it the first time, sorry (but we are mindful of walkers). If there are any folks w biking experience…we are trying to settle the pedal assist e-bike or mountain bike options. We are in good health. Starting point is Frances at border (estimated according to the experienced at about 14 days.). Some days we think e-bikes are too much trouble (we have them at home), other days mountain bikes might not be enough. Very much welcome anyone’s thoughts, experiences, direction, even a haiku. We are puzzled
A mountain bike will be plenty for your Camino. I rode the VDLP on a mountain bike and didn’t need more! IMHO you’ll have much greater satisfaction riding a traditional mountain bike rather than a pedal assist e-bike. If obtaining compostela is important to you, then the pedal assisted bike will disqualify you.We are going to bike it the first time, sorry (but we are mindful of walkers). If there are any folks w biking experience…we are trying to settle the pedal assist e-bike or mountain bike options. We are in good health. Starting point is Frances at border (estimated according to the experienced at about 14 days.). Some days we think e-bikes are too much trouble (we have them at home), other days mountain bikes might not be enough. Very much welcome anyone’s thoughts, experiences, direction, even a haiku. We are puzzled
We are going to bike it the first time, sorry (but we are mindful of walkers). If there are any folks w biking experience…we are trying to settle the pedal assist e-bike or mountain bike options. We are in good health. Starting point is Frances at border (estimated according to the experienced at about 14 days.). Some days we think e-bikes are too much trouble (we have them at home), other days mountain bikes might not be enough. Very much welcome anyone’s thoughts, experiences, direction, even a haiku. We are puzzled
Sorry but a pedal assisted bike will not disqualify you as long as you do a minimum of 200k.If obtaining compostela is important to you, then the pedal assisted bike will disqualify you.
Interesting, because it's difficult to answer these sort of open ended questions without more information. Age, experience, are you 100km roadies or 40km trail riders? The CF can be ridden pretty well on anything with wheels, imo an ebike is overkill, there's nothing difficult on this Camino.
@michelle grech I'd be interested to read about your experience on the Primitivo, it's my next ride in a week's time. Hoping it lives up to its reputation. Richard
No need to apologise for wishing to do the camino by bike /e-bike, you have every bit as much right to do so as I do to walk!
There are regrettably a few people who feel rather negatively about ebikes, please don't let any of their comments affect you or detract from your experience.
You have e-bike experience, so you know how to use them properly, which removes the safety concerns some have about them. I presume you have read the various threads under 'Bicycling on the Camino' sub forum, and you are probably aware but Efren Gonzalez also did the camino with an e-bike (I think just last year?) with corresponding videos of course
Buen Camino!
Awesome and thanks for your feedback!It’s a wild path especially the first 3 stages including the hospitales stretch. We pushed a lot but the experience being up there is amazing. I wouldn’t have managed without an ebike. Loved the remoteness of it all and very few pilgrims compared to the francaise. We did it in 7 days. Also took the Verde from Lugo. I would not recommend this for bikers as there are steps to climb. Lots of technical riding required throughout. A beautiful path nonetheless.
We are in good shape, but not "super bikers". We have friends that do the 100mi stuff in short times, we are wanting to move from stop to stop, and enjoy this visit. Looking forward to meeting other travelers too!Interesting, because it's difficult to answer these sort of open ended questions without more information. Age, experience, are you 100km roadies or 40km trail riders? The CF can be ridden pretty well on anything with wheels, imo an ebike is overkill, there's nothing difficult on this Camino.
@michelle grech I'd be interested to read about your experience on the Primitivo, it's my next ride in a week's time. Hoping it lives up to its reputation. Richard
Thank you! Is the Sept-Oct timeframe ok? Or avoid?A mountain bike will be plenty for your Camino. I rode the VDLP on a mountain bike and didn’t need more! IMHO you’ll have much greater satisfaction riding a traditional mountain bike rather than a pedal assist e-bike. If obtaining compostela is important to you, then the pedal assisted bike will disqualify you.
Biking is not an easy way to do a Camino, but, just like walkers, train for your ride and you’ll do just fine. Some days will be relatively flat, others through the rolling countryside of Spain. Plus, a few good climbs thrown in! 14 days of riding sounds just about right. Two stages a day gives you plenty of riding plus the opportunity to smell the roses and arrive pretty fresh at your daily destination. My other piece of advice riding the CF, don’t pick the busiest time of year on the Camino with regard to walkers.
Sounds like a good Camino to ride and the Verde as an alternative to the CF from Lugo to Santiago. ThanksIt’s a wild path especially the first 3 stages including the hospitales stretch. We pushed a lot but the experience being up there is amazing. I wouldn’t have managed without an ebike. Loved the remoteness of it all and very few pilgrims compared to the francaise. We did it in 7 days. Also took the Verde from Lugo. I would not recommend this for bikers as there are steps to climb. Lots of technical riding required throughout. A beautiful path nonetheless.
Everyone has a right to their opinion but just in the interest of transparency there are many who share my belief that e-bikes should not be allowed anywhere near a camino (of course I have to exclude Spanish citizenry who pay the taxes to allow the camino to exist), I wish they would not be allowed to sleep in albergues but of course that probably can't be dictated by any but the Spanish or provincial governments. Finally for the life of me I have no idea why any sort of certificate should be given to a rider of any type of conventional bike. This last part about conventional bikes is just my personal feeling and I have no idea how many agree with me.No need to apologise for wishing to do the camino by bike /e-bike, you have every bit as much right to do so as I do to walk!
We did it last year using gravel bikes it gives the best of both road and off road . We doing another stage this year in September.We are going to bike it the first time, sorry (but we are mindful of walkers). If there are any folks w biking experience…we are trying to settle the pedal assist e-bike or mountain bike options. We are in good health. Starting point is Frances at border (estimated according to the experienced at about 14 days.). Some days we think e-bikes are too much trouble (we have them at home), other days mountain bikes might not be enough. Very much welcome anyone’s thoughts, experiences, direction, even a haiku. We are puzzled
Keep in mind that now there are quit a few sections where the paths have deteriorated since he made those videos . It’s been a wet winter and the rain run off has made some sections very rutted and exposed more rocks . We did it in April . It took us 13 days on E-bikes and remember you don’t always need to have the peddle assistance on . We only used it on the hardest steeper sections and believe me there are a few . We ride the Yorkshire Dales off road all the time but it we were still surprised how hard some of the Camino Frances was in places. Happy ridingYes and thank you for your advice! I will look up Efren's videos!
Hola,We are going to bike it the first time, sorry (but we are mindful of walkers). If there are any folks w biking experience…we are trying to settle the pedal assist e-bike or mountain bike options. We are in good health. Starting point is Frances at border (estimated according to the experienced at about 14 days.). Some days we think e-bikes are too much trouble (we have them at home), other days mountain bikes might not be enough. Very much welcome anyone’s thoughts, experiences, direction, even a haiku. We are puzzled
I rode a mountain bike on my first CF and never hope to do that again! I am a cyclist and bike hiker in US, and follow bike rules of etiquette. I learned within an hour I did not enjoy waiting for groups of walkers to move aside, and they certainly did not want me there. I rode the roads as much as possible thereafter. If you bike, stay off the pilgrim path. 11 walking caminos since; I would never consider an ebike, and only a conventional bike in event of serious injury.We are going to bike it the first time, sorry (but we are mindful of walkers). If there are any folks w biking experience…we are trying to settle the pedal assist e-bike or mountain bike options. We are in good health. Starting point is Frances at border (estimated according to the experienced at about 14 days.). Some days we think e-bikes are too much trouble (we have them at home), other days mountain bikes might not be enough. Very much welcome anyone’s thoughts, experiences, direction, even a haiku. We are puzzled
I rode the Camino last year. Hard tail with disc brakes and a rack for your gear will be sufficient. The bike is less important than the mileage you intend to cover. Your mileage will be impacted by weather and the number of people on the trail. I’d also encourage you to walk some stretches. Reach out to me directly and I can share more details if you are interested.We are going to bike it the first time, sorry (but we are mindful of walkers). If there are any folks w biking experience…we are trying to settle the pedal assist e-bike or mountain bike options. We are in good health. Starting point is Frances at border (estimated according to the experienced at about 14 days.). Some days we think e-bikes are too much trouble (we have them at home), other days mountain bikes might not be enough. Very much welcome anyone’s thoughts, experiences, direction, even a haiku. We are puzzled
We are going to bike it the first time, sorry (but we are mindful of walkers). If there are any folks w biking experience…we are trying to settle the pedal assist e-bike or mountain bike options. We are in good health. Starting point is Frances at border (estimated according to the experienced at about 14 days.). Some days we think e-bikes are too much trouble (we have them at home), other days mountain bikes might not be enough. Very much welcome anyone’s thoughts, experiences, direction, even a haiku. We are puzzled
It is one thing to have strong opinions. I have them too and often express them. It is a different thing to brag about not being willing to change an opinion. I'm sorry you don't have the willingness to see misconceptions, past wrongs, or mistaken idea and learn from them. It is a very empowering experience to change and grow. And yes, I recognize the irony of trying to change the mindset of someone who is proud they are unwilling to listen to someone else's experience and perspective and learn/adapt their thinking from that.If there are those of you who would like to tell me what a jerk I am, one of my credos in life is, I couldn't give a rat's a@@ss what you think, it is not going to change what I think, nor do I want to change what you think.
I agree it is important to have an open mind about things. But to me there is nothing open minded about being hit by an e-bike that is speeding along. There are so many places to ride your motorized bike that does not endanger others. When it comes to receiving a Compostela I personally don’t think that riding a bike on a highway orIt is one thing to have strong opinions. I have them too and often express them. It is a different thing to brag about not being willing to change an opinion. I'm sorry you don't have the willingness to see past wrongs and mistakes and learn from them. It is a very empowering experience to change and grow. And yes, I recognize the irony of trying to change the mindset of someone who is proud they are unwilling to listen to someone else's experience and perspective and learn/adapt their thinking from that.
If you don't want to change what we think and don't give a rat's arse what we think then why bother getting into a lather about it and posting here? However, you are correct about your opinion not mattering.Everyone has a right to their opinion but just in the interest of transparency there are many who share my belief that e-bikes should not be allowed anywhere near a camino (of course I have to exclude Spanish citizenry who pay the taxes to allow the camino to exist), I wish they would not be allowed to sleep in albergues but of course that probably can't be dictated by any but the Spanish or provincial governments. Finally for the life of me I have no idea why any sort of certificate should be given to a rider of any type of conventional bike. This last part about conventional bikes is just my personal feeling and I have no idea how many agree with me.
This was not meant to incite, just my opinion which is probably only important to a huge group of people, namely only 1.
If there are those of you who would like to tell me what a jerk I am, one of my credos in life is, I couldn't give a rat's a@@ss what you think, it is not going to change what I think, nor do I want to change what you think.
A. I have just as much right to post as anyone and maybe I like to hear myself talk. Not caring is just my reaction and feelings about some people on this forum who are very closed minded in their open minded and inclusive, give me a hug kind of way. 2. As I told someone else who basically wrote what you did. It is quite a leap of faith you take to state conclusively what I think or don’t think. Even better knowing what would be evidence to make me change a feeling or thought.If you don't want to change what we think and don't give a rat's arse what we think then why bother getting into a lather about it and posting here? However, you are correct about your opinion not mattering.
Some of you seem to forget this is a religious pilgrimage!!!!! So I’m shocked and saddened by some of the intolerant views. Also your comment on “. There are so many places to ride your motorized bike that does not endanger others. ! “. You need to do some research. E bikes here in Europe are restricted. They do not have a twist and go and only offer assistance when the power is on and your peddling up to 15.5 mph when the electric assist automatically turns off . They are no faster than a normal bicycle. The only cyclists we saw that were riding irresponsible on the Camino were clearly locals on mountain bikes with no luggage. You come across as very “ un Christian like in your views . Remember ‘ If God was one of us ‘ just a stranger on his bicycle riding the Camino!!! The route is for all pilgrims whether they be on foot , bicycle or horseback.I agree it is important to have an open mind about things. But to me there is nothing open minded about being hit by an e-bike that is speeding along. There are so many places to ride your motorized bike that does not endanger others. When it comes to receiving a Compostela I personally don’t think that riding a bike on a highway or
Dirt path means a whole lot.
We all have definitions of pilgrimage and spirituality.
I have never heard a rational for a cyclist riding on a Camino pathway that has changed my mind.
I too find it sad for you that you think you have the wisdom and insight to assume you know how open or closed my mind is to new ideas or arguments that may change me. Pretty audacious of you to make these broad assumptions about a person you have never even laid your eyes on. So I guess we are both sad creatures.
Finally may I add one final thing. You make some pretty HUGE assumptions that I am proud of bragging about what I feel. Can you offer any proof of my pride???? Or the mode and my willingness to learn and grow????? Could you please offer some insight to me so I can grow into the person you would like me me to be. For all your criticism of me boils down to one huge judgement. So sad you live your life judging the thoughts and perceived feelings and opinions of those you do not know.
A. I am not a Christian. I was born and practice another religion so sorry about that.Some of you seem to forget this is a religious pilgrimage!!!!! So I’m shocked and saddened by some of the intolerant views. Also your comment on “. There are so many places to ride your motorized bike that does not endanger others. ! “. You need to do some research. E bikes here in Europe are restricted. They do not have a twist and go and only offer assistance when the power is on and your peddling up to 15.5 mph when the electric assist automatically turns off . They are no faster than a normal bicycle. The only cyclists we saw that were riding irresponsible on the Camino were clearly locals on mountain bikes with no luggage. You come across as very “ un Christian like in your views . Remember ‘ If God was one of us ‘ just a stranger on his bicycle riding the Camino!!! The route is for all pilgrims whether they be on foot , bicycle or horseback.
You should be awarded a Blue Peter BadgeA. I am not a Christian. I was born and practice another religion so sorry about that.
B. There are plenty of people who comment that are from other countries and if there are lots of restrictions about the use of Ebikes that must speak volumes for the safety of others who are walking. If you get hit by an Ebike at 15k an hour that could inflict major, major damage,
I am well aware of what pilgrimage means and the importance of solitude and self reflection. Worrying about cyclist not paying attention on a conventional bike or worse yet a heavy ebike can disturb ones contemplative state. You may have seen instances that only locals have been rude or dangerous in their riding habits. That is ONLY your experience. I have walked 8 different Caminos and have walked well over 8,000k on my caminos. This year will be number 9 and I will come close to 10,000K when I am done. So I guess you can say I have a little knowledge and experience with Pilgrimage. There have been far more situations when I have been come up on dangerously by NON Spanish riders. So that is my experience.
Again I beg the question that no one who has negatively commented on. How can you draw any conclusion whatsoever regarding what my knowledge and understanding of Pilgrimage is. Has your own deeply held religious practices allowed you to peer into my soul and know my inner truth? With no knowledge your statement of alleged fact is nothing more than a judgement. Doesn't Jesus have some profound and beautiful things to say about embracing all without judgement and with grace???
Just asking and I anxiously await a reply. No problem sending it to me in a private message. I will sent this in a private message to you in case the moderators feel it is not appropriate here.
The feelings you express are like those of a bruja. You have captured my feelings of thee exactly!!!! One can only hope. Oh and by the way there are many people that have told me I am one of the most fun people they have ever met. My mommy taught me quite well how and where to cross a street or walk where there is traffic, so as much as I appreciate your concern for my welfare, have no fear.You should be awarded a Blue Peter BadgeI’m happy no matter which way people choose to do their pilgrimage. It seems that you have a dislike for riders of E bikes . You’re worried about being run over by a cyclists on the Camino but no mention of being run over by a car or bus when crossing many of the roads along the Camino. Enjoy your next walk and let’s hope our paths never cross as I suspect your a bundle of fun to spend time with . . Ps I don’t send PM’s and I won’t be Reading any messages you send me .
Just to confirm this (pedal assisted bike means electrical bike, correct?) and because new information takes a while before it has reached all the parts of the forum that it ought to reach: A copy of the text of the newest version of the credencial, issued by the Cathedral of Santiago, was posted on this forum a few weeks ago. It says indeed that a requirement for obtaining a Compostela is having made pilgrimage on bike by covering 200 km (excluding electrical bikes).If obtaining compostela is important to you, then the pedal assisted bike will disqualify you.
This was queried at the time because a distinction exists between electrical bikes (which are like an electric moped, you just twist the throttle and go) and pedal assist (which requires the rider to physically pedal).Just to confirm this (pedal assisted bike means electrical bike, correct?) and because new information takes a while before it has reached all the parts of the forum that it ought to reach: A copy of the text of the newest version of the credencial, issued by the Cathedral of Santiago, was posted on this forum a few weeks ago. It says indeed that a requirement for obtaining a Compostela is having made pilgrimage on bike by covering 200 km (excluding electrical bikes).
View attachment 172126
Ah, and since then nobody has found out yet what exactly the Spanish term "bicicleta eléctrica" means and/or those who composed the new text for the credencial had no doubts that it was clear to the Spanish holder of such a credencial what "bicicleta eléctrica" means in concrete terms?The question raised at the time was whether this distinction had been taken into account.
That's my take on it, yes. In the UK the distinction is fairly clear, as per this extract from eco-move.co.ukAh, and since then nobody has found out yet what exactly the Spanish term "bicicleta eléctrica" means and/or those who composed the new text for the credencial had no doubts that it was clear to the Spanish holder of such a credencial what "bicicleta eléctrica" means in concrete terms?
Isn't it then time to find out what is meant by "bicicleta eléctrica" in the new version of the Cathedral's credencial if one has serious doubts about the precise meaning of this Spanish expression and in Spain?I have no idea what the "local law" - in this instance Spain - is.
I have just done exactly as you suggested and came up with 61 pages of information -logically, all in Spanish. As I'm using an iPhone it does not automatically translate, and I'm blowed if I'm going to wade through copying and pasting all of that into my translator app to find the definition which you clearly already know!Isn't it then time to find out what is meant by "bicicleta eléctrica" in the new version of the Cathedral's credencial if one has serious doubts about the precise meaning of this Spanish expression and in Spain?
May I suggest putting "bicicleta eléctrica" site:.es or better even "bicicleta eléctrica" site:.dgt.es into Google Search. DGT is the Direction General de Trafico, which is a Department of the Spanish Ministry of Interior. They have produced a lot of output about the bicicleta eléctrica on their website and it leaves little room for the imagination about which kind of vehicles is meant by these two words in Spanish.
Buen Camino to all, whether they are on foot or not.
Just to clarifyI have just done exactly as you suggested and came up with 61 pages of information -logically, all in Spanish. As I'm using an iPhone it does not automatically translate, and I'm blowed if I'm going to wade through copying and pasting all of that into my translator app to find the definition which you clearly already know!.
Did you ascertain the answer?I'm merely interested in knowing where the Spanish traffic laws allow them to ride.
I'm merely interested in knowing where the Spanish traffic laws allow them to ride.
Huh? Should it be me who finds and posts the answer to the question of where bike riders are allowed to ride under Spanish traffic law?Did you ascertain the answer?
The emphasis and highlights are mine!Isn't it up to those who ride a bike to Santiago and those who make all sorts of claims and complaints about cyclists riding to Santiago to know the traffic rules in Spain? I definitely encourage them to inform themselves and be up to date.
I’ve gone thousands of kilometers on my Brompton, marketed as “made for cities.” Much of that has been on rural paths and/or rough terrain, including Santiago to Cee, Fisterra, and Muxia, from Pamplona to León, from Zamora to La Bañeza, etc. Some of that was unpleasant, but most of it was enjoyable. Also, several times Estella to Logroño on a more conventional “road bike” before I bought the Brompton.will you stick to foot paths- if so this rules out road bikes
Well, I had to carry it up Alto del Perdón, and took the highway rather than that descent. And there was a section in Galicia where I had to walk, because every rock or tree root was like running into a wall. And there was a little bit where the mud would have required a mountain bike or any other type to be pushed or carried. But the rest was fine.Well as they say anything is possible, but I would suggest there are several areas where most people would rule out using a road bike and even less so a Brompton with small wheels.
Both my mate and I took a tumble on the 29" MTBs. Had I been on a Brompton I suspect I'd still be there now pushing it having taken countless tumbles?
Granted there's plenty of places you'd get by on a Brompton but there places we struggled on MTBs
Finally for the life of me I have no idea why any sort of certificate should be given to a rider of any type of conventional bike. This last part about conventional bikes is just my personal feeling and I have no idea how many agree with me.
I can think of numerous replies to this, but only hope your next Camino is better than your last.I couldn't give a rat's a@@ss what you think,
I am sorry about your condition but my opinions are mine and are no better or worse than what you believe. My last Camino was just perfect thank you. If anyone has anything to say they should say it. On the forum or face to face. If it is what you think repeat it. If I or anyone else wants to respond it is their right to do so.If I spend 3 weeks traversing the Camino on my conventional bike, how is that any different than you walking for three weeks? In my case, I ride a bike because I have a spinal cord injury. My partial paralysis does not stop me from walking short distances. I can walk 10 kilometers (with poles) I just can’t do it day after day due to the unevenness of my gait which will result in orthopedic injury. Even so, I will still have to push my bike up steep grades which is doubly hard, I know this from experience on the Portuguese Central Route from Porto. I would joke with people that I am riding the Camino—except I walk only the hardest parts, where I push my fully loaded bike up the hill. I assure you some of my days were much harder than any able bodied walker. But this leads me to the part where I tell you that I didn’t travel the Camino for a certificate… I did get one, though it has not even left the tube it came in.
I can think of numerous replies to this, but only hope your next Camino is better than your last.
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?