Just enjoy the camino by bike

[lonelycyclist]

Hi to all. In 2008 I cycled from St J P de P to Finnistere and beyond. It was a last minute decision,I had been going to walk but an old ankle injury didn't seem reliable enough for walking that far. So here's the thing. I bought a cheap trekking bike off ebay and likewise the panniers. Being a walker I was used to travelling light but went fully loaded for camping (which I did frequently ). Was not cycling fit and struggled over the Pyrenees but coming down the other side was amazing. Don't worry, your fitness builds so quickly. After about 400 hundred miles I had rediscovered my waist, not seen since maternity years. Don't get too hung up about how good your bike is or what distance you do each day, the journey soon becomes your life, and what a good one it is too ! I didn't want to get to Santiago, I wanted the journey to last forever.
Going back again this year but I am starting from home on my bike, that being the west of Ireland so plenty of time to enjoy the journey this time.
I didn't follow the walkers route , that's their space, let them enjoy it. Would you want to keep dodging bikes ? I think not.
Maybe see you on the road. Happy cycling.

[Leslie]

Hi,

You say trekking bike? Is that the same as a mountain bike?

I am currently in Dublin, well have been for many years, but will be off to Czech Republic in the next couple of months and biking from there is something I would love to do.

[lonelycyclist]

Hi,

You say trekking bike? Is that the same as a mountain bike?

I am currently in Dublin, well have been for many years, but will be off to Czech Republic in the next couple of months and biking from there is something I would love to do.

Hi. A trekking bike has 700c wheels and higher gearing, that gives you faster road speeds but obviously the down side is you are then limited to roads and gravel tracks, for "off- road" you need a mountain bike. Look out for one with "butterfly" handlebars as these give you different riding positions to avoid stiff and sore muscles if you are doing long days. These bikes are very popular in Germany, that's where mine came from. I am starting out on a trip from Co.Clare to Santiago in the spring if you are interested then look at. crazyguyonabike.com: Bicycle Touring: A place for bicycle tourists and their journals, under companions in the classifieds.
Happy cycling Mandy

[Leslie]

Do you have a journal there - it seems that page is the home?

Any thoughts on the mountain bikes with the bigger wheels? I was thinking of getting one of them.

[Leslie]

Ah, okay I found your journal. Would be great when you start writing if you let us know. All the best.

[lizzie101]

Hi Mandy, sounds like a really good adventure you have planned. I'd love to run away and join you! The Way of St James has been sitting at the back of mind as a thing I want to do for several years now, and this year I'm seriously considering it. I'm in Australia, I do have a trusty hybrid, that I've toured on sitting in my Dad's garage in Glasgow, but probably won't be able to get over to Europe till September. I'm looking forward to following your adventures. Tailwinds be with you!

[Dennis]

Leslie,
I am planning a bike trip in June of 2013. I intend to start, buying bikes in Germany, proceed to France, Italy and conclude in Lisbon to Santiago. You seem knowledgable . Can you recommend routes to take. Can bikes easily be taken on trains? Biking clubs that might help me in planning? Thanks