 | Home > Off Topic > any pilgrims out there? |
 
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| Caterham Member Since: 06 Nov 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 6298   
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We're in the early stages of planning, but a mate and I are looking to cycle the 'Camino de Santiago'
For those that haven't heard of this it's a pilgrim route starting on the French side of the Pyrenees traversing the north of Spain finishing circa 500 miles later in Santiago de Compostela. We aim to stick as much as possible to the route / paths taken by those walking it ie keeping off the roads as much as possible and as such will be on mountain bikes. Generally speaking this appears to take between 8 and 14 days depending on whether it's a challenge or enjoyment and I believe that's taking the 'cycle route' which should be more suitable / quicker for cyclists. We're aiming for 7 days 
Cancer charities are close to my mates heart having recently lost his wife to the disease so he's aiming to do some fund raising. Although I'm keen to help raise some money too as it's a good cause I'd be lying if I suggested anything but being in it for the challenge, fun, pain, scenery, food, experience etc. To keep the speed up we'll be travelling light with the possibility of sleeping out under the stars which in the middle of summer would be less of a problem but as we're looking at early October it's going to be a bit cooler and that combined with travelling light has it's issues. Looking for some advice most notably in terms of logistics since this is a 'one way' trip. We're aiming to travel by car with our bikes to the start at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France but not sure how to get back? The ideal scenario would be a taxi that can carefully return exhausted cyclists and their bikes back to the start for a not dis-similar cost to public transport (the cost of which I have no idea). thoughts, suggestions, recommendations etc gratefully received. |
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27th Apr 2019 8:19am |
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| Caterham Member Since: 06 Nov 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 6298
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thank you for the thoughts kmac.
I did consider that myself and decided not as there would be an extra 1,000 miles of travel and at the end might appreciate simply being a passenger. still on the peripheral of the radar though.  |
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27th Apr 2019 9:09am |
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| PCM Member Since: 25 Jan 2019 Location: North East Posts: 874 
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I’d speak to one of the many tour operators that organise routes with food and accommodation. (Full guided inclusive job is about £2,500)
I’m sure they will (at a cost) help with the transport option only. I will say that in October you’ll be freezing though. You may want to have a rethink on sleeping under the stars as it’ll be more like freezing under the clouds. Either way great trip and a great cause. Go for it. |
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27th Apr 2019 11:01am |
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| Caterham Member Since: 06 Nov 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 6298
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 thank you. and the freezing is my concern too as tent n sleeping bag etc is out of the question.
not so worried during the day as hopefully temp won't be too bad and obviously being on the move should alleviate getting cold - for the most part. |
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27th Apr 2019 11:43am |
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| Countryman2 Member Since: 18 Mar 2018 Location: The North Posts: 53 
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There are hostels for Pilgrims along much of the route. One of the Camino guide books will explain. No need to sleep outdoors.
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27th Apr 2019 6:48pm |
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| Caterham Member Since: 06 Nov 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 6298
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yes and hopefully won't be too busy in Oct. but not sure how frequent they. probably frequent enough if on bike.
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27th Apr 2019 7:10pm |
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| Caterham Member Since: 06 Nov 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 6298
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one way car hire at the end might be the best option?
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28th Apr 2019 2:21pm |
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| L110CDL Member Since: 31 Oct 2015 Location: Devon Posts: 10742
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Good luck with the ride, well worth cause
I cycled from london to Paris to raise money for CLIC, had an awesome time doing it
I would like to donate some money to your cause, let me know when you are up and running to accept some  1996 Golf Blue 300Tdi 110 Pick up.
Keeper. Clayton. |
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29th Apr 2019 8:15pm |
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| Caterham Member Since: 06 Nov 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 6298
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that's very kind Clayton.
I'll try and keep this post updated. I'm on a roll at the moment with my training. Very long way to go but chuffed all the same at the moment. I really do hope the weather is fair and if it is I reckon it'll be tuff but a brilliant ride all the same.  |
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30th Apr 2019 7:14am |
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| L110CDL Member Since: 31 Oct 2015 Location: Devon Posts: 10742
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No worries there Caterham
It sure is all in the training, i found out after the ride that my training was well worth it and enjoyed it more because of it, so keep it up 1996 Golf Blue 300Tdi 110 Pick up.
Keeper. Clayton. |
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1st May 2019 8:14pm |
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| Caterham Member Since: 06 Nov 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 6298
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my training has just jumped from 22 km train route to 33 km. As I said before there's a long way to go but you've got to start somewhere right? bear in mind this is generally speaking off road cycling so somewhat different to road cycling. managing the 22 km loop in 55mins and the 33 km sub 1.30hrs. I'm quite happy with those times but need to keep the pace up and extend the distance as we'll be aiming for circa 120 km per day which if I can find the stamina should be viable in a day. but will my bum put up with the punishment for 7 days on the trot  |
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2nd May 2019 1:39pm |
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| Rashers Member Since: 21 Jun 2015 Location: Norfolk Posts: 3498 
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Ouch
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2nd May 2019 3:45pm |
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| L110CDL Member Since: 31 Oct 2015 Location: Devon Posts: 10742
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Caterham
Make sure you get good shorts / trousers with padding in, i found it helped allot and a good seat as well 1996 Golf Blue 300Tdi 110 Pick up.
Keeper. Clayton. |
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3rd May 2019 8:17pm |
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| Caterham Member Since: 06 Nov 2008 Location: Birmingham Posts: 6298
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yep. just in the process of updating my cycle clothes and shoes. |
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3rd May 2019 8:32pm |
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