May 2024 ~ Camino de Santiago (Francés) Guided *CYCLE* Tour/Packing/MTB

The Pilgrimage 

The Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that lead to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, where the remains of the apostle Saint James are said to be buried. The most popular route, the Camino Francés, starts in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France and goes to Santiago de Compostela. 

ᨒ  Cycling the Camino 

Cycling the Camino de Santiago, also known as the Way of St. James, is a relatively new spin on the ancient pilgrimage route that has been travelled by thousands of people for over a thousand years. Even on a bike, it is a journey that is both physically and mentally demanding, but also incredibly rewarding. The journey is a true test of endurance and perseverance that will test you repeatedly. To the victors who complete the ride go the spoils of stunning landscapes, historic towns, amazing friendships, and lifelong achievements.

So if you're considering cycling The Camino, you're not alone. Yes, the purists would have you know that walking is the only option, but for many who simply don't have the time (30+ days) or the trekking endurance to complete it, it's just not a viable option. Certainly alone, and certainly without a guide. 

In saying that, cycling The Camino is its own beast. Yes, riding through the Pyrenees, the Meseta plateau, and the Galician coastline is incredibly idyllic. However carrying 10kg (20lbs) of gear, for 14 days across 800+kms of mixed terrain, will remind you every minute of your journey that you're on a bike and this indeed is a pilgrimage. Such is the nature of Cycling The Camino, that using a Guide makes complete sense. 

• Our guides are ultra-experienced cyclists and can support many needs on your journey.
• Knowing how to deal with emergencies, maintaining your bike, helping with flat tires or other mechanical issues.
• Knowing the best routes, including the best roads to take, which ones to avoid, and reaching hidden tracks only a local would know.
• Knowing local regions and sharing cultural connections will give you authenticity and added value.
• Knowing that bike rentals, accommodation and meals are all taken care of will give you more time to explore.
• Finally, cycling with a guide can also be a great way to meet other cyclists or people with the same adventure criteria as you. Not everyone walks The Camino and even fewer ride it. It's certainly an achievement, and a point of difference, if you can complete it.

(Worth Noting)
The Camino de Santiago is marked with yellow arrows and scallop shells, which guide the way for both walkers and cyclists. The route is generally the same for all modes of transportation, with some exceptions. Some sections of the Camino may be narrow and not suitable for biking, in that case, bikers might need to use alternative routes. Additionally, some towns and cities along the Camino may have restrictions on biking in certain areas, so bikers may need to walk their bikes through these areas. 

ఠ_ఠ   Is it for you?

• Fitness: The full traditional Camino is a very tough but extremely rewarding ride. To complete the ~800km journey you will need good cycling endurance, fitness and little-to-no injuries or chronic pain. There are riding days, with the longest being 100km, but there will be the option to shorter distances when needed. Please note: the tour is suitable for intermediate/experienced cyclists with a good fitness level.
• Carry Weight: Carrying a 10kg (20lbs) bikepack for 14 days over 60-70km/day over mixed terrain is not easy. However, with a good pack, smart load distribution, periodic rest stops and quality rest, this can be managed. Your Guide can assist you and help you manage this every day.
• Strength: The Camino is famous for testing not only your physical strength but equally your mental strength. Many have quit, cut corners and or shortened the trip to the finish. That's what makes the adventure so appealing to complete. (There is the option for electric bikes, but this is not guaranteed and is an extra cost)
• Communal: Accommodation isn't abundant, and many of the sleeping arrangements available will be in simple group rooms, with shared facilities, much like the original ancient pilgrims. Sharing facilities is common and almost cherished as you connect to the land and people undertaking the challenge.
• Responsibility: With cycling comes faster travel which means more options to slow down, speed up and stay longer in areas that interest you. Not surprisingly, with the extra speed comes the responsibility of your own personal safety and considered bike maintenance. Also worth noting is that weather conditions can change the riding adventure completely, and being mindful of rainy or windy days will affect your ride and the surfaces you may ride on.
• History: If you like historic paths, roads, castles, roman ruins, churches and villages where perhaps distant ancestors once walked themselves, you will thrive. if you're fascinated by vineyards, religious sites, cultural artefacts and historic meaning you will absorb every second of your journey. And if you like either being alone or riding with new friends, this tour is open to everyone's own individual needs.
• Cultural: As with new cultural experiences, come other considerations through Spain like religion, dress, language, respect, cuisine etc.
• All interested travellers will be invited to partake in a small video call with our Guide to finalise suitability for this trip. Onboarding with 'Know before you go' and 'What to bring' details will be provided to ensure you are ready and right to go.

(Worth Noting)
Advantages of bikepacking vs traditional bicycle touring

Bikepackers typically carry much lighter loads, so touring in mountainous areas is physically less demanding. Navigating rough terrains such as sand, rocks, steep inclines, and river crossings is easier with a bikepacking set-up. Of course, riders can tackle all sorts of off-pavement surfaces on a touring bike equipped with racks and panniers, but it’s clearly going to be a bit harder with the additional weight and bulkier set-up. 

Bikepacking bags are better for aerodynamics, so you’ll be faster than someone with a pannier set-up carrying the same weight. Being narrower and having their gear up higher off the ground,  bikepackers avoid bag strikes and are better equipped for singletrack. Racks and panniers tend to rattle and shake on rough roads, but bikepacking set-ups are smoother and less noisy. Some cyclists also believe bikepacking set-ups look a little cooler and more rugged than panniers. 

When did the bikepacking movement begin? Adventurous folks have always ridden their bicycles on rough roads in remote places. Cyclists used to do it fully- loaded with panniers and now they have a choice between panniers and bikepacking gear. In 2007, bikepacking pioneer Eric Parsons of Alaska-based Revelate Designs designed the first lightweight and functional frame bags. Early adopters of the bikepacking style of touring include Cass Gilbert, Pikes on Bikes, Lael Wilcox,  and Joe Cruz.

Disadvantages of bikepacking.

A cut in comfort.Bikepackers can not carry as much gear as cyclists with panniers.  If you switch to a bikepacking set-up, you will have to carefully streamline your gear and cut out a few of the extra comforts. This can be a good thing because minimalist touring means you have less stuff to worry about. 

May spend more en route. Since bikepackers have less carrying capacity, they tend to spend more money on food and lodging. When we biked the Great Divide Route in 2016 with full-loaded panniers, we were able to carry food for up to a week and did not need to shop at pricey general stores in small towns or eat meals in restaurants along the way. Most bikepackers we encountered along the GDMBR regularly re-supplied at convenience stores and ate meals in restaurants along the way.

Packing is trickier. It’s very easy to stuff your gear in panniers and forget about it. With a bikepacking set-up, good organization is essential. Bikepackers tend to have stuff strapped on their bikes in all sorts of ways and this could be a problem if you encounter rain.  Easily accessible and visible gear might also tempt unsavoury sorts to snatch stuff off your bike. With a little experience, most bikepackers soon work out an efficient packing system.

♡  Why we love it!

• The greatest: It is considered one of the great walks of the world or is it the best ride?
• Time: For some, it's simply a time thing. Being able to complete the journey in 7 days makes it more appealing to a world that has no time.
• Aspect: Cycling allows you to take in beautiful landscapes in a different way than walking. It's arguably more dynamic and exciting for those who like to push themselves and like moments of adrenalin.
• Independence: Even with a Guide, cycling can also give you a level of independence and freedom, as you can set your own pace and itinerary.
• Relief: A bikepack offers more flexibility, relief and convenience than having to carry a backpack on your shoulders.
• Cultural: It has been an ancient pilgrimage route since the Middle Ages, and has been an important part of European culture for centuries. Many people find the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of those who have gone before them to be a powerful and meaningful experience.
• Beauty: It passes through some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes in Europe, including the Pyrenees mountains, the Meseta plateau, and the Galician coastline.
• Community: It is a popular route, and many people find that walking it in the company of other pilgrims creates a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose
• Physical & mental: It is a long and demanding walk, but many people find that the physical challenges of the journey are well worth the rewards. The journey also allows for a lot of introspection, reflection and self-discovery.
• Spiritual: It is a pilgrimage, and many people find that the journey has a spiritual significance for them. The endpoint of the journey is the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, a cathedral that holds the relics of the apostle St. James. Many people find that reaching this destination is a deeply moving and meaningful experience.
• Symbolic: The Camino shell icon that will guide you on your journey towards the Spanish sea is omnipotent. The shells, specifically the scallop shell, have been associated with the Camino for centuries and are often worn by pilgrims as a sign of their journey. They can also be found marking the trail and decorating buildings along the way.
• Tradition: The traditional countryside of Galicia passes through quaint hamlets, ancient bridges, Roman ruins, and beautifully preserved horreos.
• Cuisine: The unique Galician specialities like traditional octopus, world-renowned cheese and did we mention wine?
• Finishing: Galicia's Celtic history as you make the traditional Queimada drink and feel a sense of accomplishment upon reaching Santiago de Compostela and collecting your Camino certificate.