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Cycling the Camino!

2/24/2019

4 Comments

 
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After giving up on the idea that my partner would do a cycling trip with me, I've decided to do one alone. It would not be my first solo trip, having toured in Australia back in 2007/2008. That was an epic adventure! Difficult at times, but I never felt unsafe or lonely.

But where would I go this time? And how should I do it? I'm not one for packaged group tours, and yet there is something appealing about not having to make 100 decisions every day. I'm also cognizant of my age (58) and wonder if I can still power up hills in the sun with a loaded bike. Hmmm.

The other day I was having coffee with by buddy Felicity, discussing her plans for a return walking trip to the Camino de Santiago in Spain...and it suddenly dawned on me: I could cycle the Camino!

There are a variety of routes one can take; some even start in France and Portugal, ultimately ending in Santiago de Compostela. Along the way are many affordable & friendly places to stay. This is very appealing, as it would significantly reduce the weight on my bike (camping gear not being needed).

I am thinking September - weather still nice but not hot and not as many pilgrims (travellers of the Camino), and going for a month. Other than that, I need to do some research, on routes, what sights there are to see, what local weather is like, how to get to the starting point, use trains, etc. And, brush up on my Spanish, por supuesto!

I'm pretty excited!

4 Comments
Julius
2/24/2019 05:59:37 pm

Wow - this is so inspiring!

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hydrangea
2/24/2019 10:40:54 pm

well sounds pretty good, what an adventure. think of the people you'll meet!
you can do it!

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bruce mol
3/17/2019 08:35:31 am

Great idea! Maureen and I rode from Porto to Santiago de Comp... last Sept/Oct If you have a month you can easily start in Lisbon. We booked with UTRACKS who provided bikes, maps, luggage pickup, accomodations and some meals. BUT really, if you have your own bike, you don't need maps because the route is so well marked. Just about everyone (but us) were using smart phone apps that had locations of all the places to stay and restaurants. I think that would be the key for self guided. Check out this series of videos of what the scenery looks like https://youtu.be/gECUjb5iv-c
I'd say 80% of what we did was easy to ride on but the Camino is a foot path so occasionally there are stairways and a few boulder paths - you'll see on video. Everyone on the Camino is so friendly and we had the best weather ever.

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Susanna
3/17/2019 10:47:36 am

Thanks for the advice, Bruce! I am leaning toward that route. Still think I can do it without a tour company or smart phone. Orienteering (with a paper map) is part of the adventure. And, there will be plenty of people to ask along the way. I was looking forward to struggling in my limited Spanish, but Portuguese??? Eeesh!

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    Susanna is a super stoked cycling ambassador, educator and advocate in Victoria, BC - the Cycling Capital of Canada!

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