Did you know you can go on the Camino de Santiago by bike? WAW Travel will tell you how to organize the pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela! Most pilgrims still go to the Pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela by foot. Of the more than 300,000 pilgrims in 2018, 93% completed the Pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela by foot and 6% by bike. Yet every year there are more and more pilgrims who cycle to Santiago de Compostela. How did that happen? What are the advantages to go on the Camino by bike? How do you prepare? In this blog, WAW Travel will give you all the answers!

 

Camino De Santiago By Bike

Santiago de Compostela by Bike: The Cycling Pilgrimage

As the popularity of cycling the Camino de Santiago increases, it’s important to understand what makes this option appealing and how it differs from the traditional walking pilgrimage. Cycling offers a unique perspective of the journey, allowing you to cover more ground and experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of the Camino in a different way. Before diving into the specifics of how to undertake this journey on two wheels, let’s explore some general considerations and tips that can help ensure a successful and fulfilling cycling pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela.

Question 1: What are the advantages of going to the Camino de Santiago by bike?

Opinions are divided. A pilgrim who walks the Pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela will say that this way you experience the Camino a lot more intensively than going on the Camino de Santiago by bike. But doing a pilgrimage on two wheels also has advantages:

  • Cycling to Santiago de Compostela is an attractive option, because it is faster than walking and because you can still see a lot. If you want to walk from Pamplona to Santiago, you are walking for more than 30 days. Cycling the same camino takes about a week.
  • Going to Santiago on two wheels means you can be a bit less critical of what you bring. The pilgrim who’s walking with a backpack must pay attention to every gram, whilst if you do the Camino de Santiago by bike you will be able to bring a little more things.
  • As a hiker on the Camino, you are more likely to experience physical discomfort. Think of pain in the back, legs and/or blisters on the feet. A well-trained and prepared cyclist can ride a Pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela without any physical discomfort.

Question 2: What is the maximum number of kilometres per day that I can bike on a Pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela?

Deciding to go to the Camino de Santiago by bike takes into consideration very personal and variable factors, so the answer is: it depends!

Experience shows that 60 to 80 km per day can be done with a normally packed bicycle. Remember, you have to take into account that Northern Spain presents a lot of upside downs. 

Question 3: Which bike do I use to cycle a Pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela?

When going to the Camino de Santiago by bike, your vehicle must meet a number of requirements. For example, the frame must be sturdy and stable, especially if you also transport your own luggage on your bicycle. Most pilgrims opt for a so-called trekking bike (also called randonneur), hybrid bike or Ebike. But what is actually the most important for biking a Pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela is a bike that is good and comfortable for you. Make sure your frame size is adjusted to your physique and leg length.

 

Camino De Santiago By Bike

 

Bicycles equipped with the latest gadgets may be fun, but technical masterpieces can break down and the foreign bicycle mechanic does not always have the knowledge and equipment to repair them. Certainly, something to take into account.

If you don’t want to go to an a Pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela with your own bike, you can rent a bike from us. This will be delivered to the hotel on your first night’s stay. Do you end your pilgrimage by bike in Santiago? Then you can leave the bike there at the Post Office. If not, we will pick up your bike at the last hotel where you spend the night. It is also possible to rent an Ebike. That can sometimes be nice if you look up to the hills or have problems with your back.

Question 4: How do I take care of my luggage when going to the Camino de Santiago by bike?

You can, of course, transport these yourself. However, we can also arrange for your luggage to be taken from accommodation to accommodation. You only take your day baggage with you. These can be stored in the special bicycle bags. Also, ensure a balance between left and right and front and rear (about two-thirds of the weight in the rear bags and one third in the front). And unfortunately, no bag is 100% waterproof, so bring some plastic bags to keep your belongings dry.

Question 5: How do I physically prepare myself to go to the pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela by bike?

We know from experience that it is not just about the number of kilometres you can cycle per day. Ultimately, more important is how long you can sit on the saddle. If you can maintain this for at least 6 hours a day in your preparation, you are ready to cycle to Pilgrimage of Santiago de Compostela. Do not start without reasonable cycling condition. Of course you also build up along your pilgrimage route but starting your Camino de Santiago by bike without preparation is not smart. Start training well in advance. Also, make sure you have already cycled with luggage and up and down hills.

Santiago de Compostela by Bike: Concluding Your Cycling Journey

As your exploration of cycling the Camino de Santiago comes to an end, it’s clear that this pilgrimage offers a unique blend of challenge and adventure. Whether you choose to rent a bike or bring your own, the journey promises a mix of physical endurance and spiritual growth. Cycling the Camino is not just about reaching Santiago de Compostela; it’s about the diverse landscapes, the people you meet, and the personal insights gained along the way. As you pedal through the historic paths, each turn brings new experiences and memories that will last a lifetime.

Embarking on a Transformative Adventure

Deciding to cycle the Camino de Santiago is the first step in what promises to be a transformative adventure. As you prepare for this journey, remember that it’s not just about the physical preparation but also about being open to the experiences and lessons along the way. Whether you’re seeking solitude, cultural immersion, or physical challenge, the Camino offers it all. With each pedal stroke, you’re not just moving towards Santiago, but also towards a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you. Buen Camino!