Cycling the Camino is a beautiful alternative to walking. There are many advantages to cycling the Camino, including covering more ground in less time, and it’s easier if you bring children on the Camino.
If you’re considering cycling along the Camino de Santiago routes, we’ve compiled a handy list to address your queries about cycling and your soon-to-be favourite holiday companion: your bicycle!
Cycling the Camino: How it Works
You have decided to cycle the Camino, booked your self-guided holiday, and are now wondering how it will work.
Firstly, we recommend cycling the Camino de Santiago only if you have some experience as a cyclist and are familiar with essential bike maintenance such as changing a tube, fixing the chain if it comes off, or attaching the pedals.
If you are cycling for over a week, we recommend adding rest days, particularly if you are cycling with children. This would allow you to have a day’s rest and explore some of the great cities and towns along the Camino routes, such as Burgos, León, Porto, etc…
Cycling the Camino: Your Bicycle
Your bike will be delivered to your first hotel, ready for the following day: your first day of cycling. The bike will be neatly packed in a box, so the handlebar needs to be straightened, and the pedals need to be attached and secured (instructions included).
It’s essential to inspect your bike before beginning your trip to make sure all is functioning well. Should you notice any issues, please inform us so we can arrange a replacement bike for you, thus preventing any difficulties during your journey. This process is somewhat akin to renting a car.
Once you finish your cycling trip, you can bring your bike back to the bike shop in Santiago de Compostela. You can see the full details in the General Information document included in your Camino Travel Documents.
If mid-tour, you decide you don’t need some of the bike accessories (such as the pannier, etc.), make sure to pack them in your luggage so it can be transferred easily (avoiding additional charges and risk of losing the equipment).
Please do not leave pedals or any other bike accessories behind in your hotel, as you will be charged for loss or damage to equipment.
A minimum period of 3 days (4 nights) applies when hiring a bike for your Camino de Santiago trip with CaminoWays.com.
Cycling the Camino de Santiago: What’s included
Your Camino MTB Standard Bike
- You will get an aluminium 12-gear (1×12) mountain bike with disc brakes and 29-inch wheels, as standard, from a local company. These bikes are specifically designed for the Camino de Santiago terrain.
- They will be adapted to your height (you must give the sales team your exact height, so you are provided with a suitable bike – particularly if you are cycling the Camino with children).
- The bike has a rack, bottle holder, lock, and reflectors.
Pannier Pack
- A bike repair kit will be included inside. (*If you don’t need it, just let us know in 2 months in advance). The repair kit includes a pump, set of tools, spare inner tube, patch kit and as well as a simple label showing you how to carry out essential bike maintenance. It also comes with a bike lock.
- Please note that the panniers are not waterproof, so bringing a dry bag with you for the trip is advisable.
Helmet
- Helmet rental is also included as part of your package, but if you prefer to use your own, please inform our sales team.
- Remember, Spanish legislation mandates that all cyclists use officially sanctioned protective helmets when cycling in non-urban areas. Children under 16 must wear helmets at all times.
- Exceptions are made on extended, steep descents, for medical exemptions, or in extremely hot weather. Not adhering to these rules could lead to a traffic penalty.
If you are cycling the Camino with kids, let our sales team know in advance, as we also have various options. We will also give you suggestions for a children-friendly route/itinerary. We generally suggest covering approximately 25km per day with children.
** Please be aware that your bike does not come equipped with additional accessories such as lights, reflective gear, or phone holders. You are welcome to bring these items with you or acquire them along the route.
More Information About Our MTB Standard Bike:
- Shift Sram SX Eagle 1x12s
- Fork Suntour XCM RL 29″, Regulable, T: 100mm
- Rim 29″
- Frame: Limbo 296
- Fork Suntour XCM RL 29″, Remote pop lock
- Frame: Aluminium
- Front derailleur Sram SX Eagle
- Brakes Shimano MT200, Disco Hidráulico F-160/R-160
- Crank Sram SX Eagle 11-50t
- Pannier rack included
- Safety retroreflectors
Should I clean the bicycle?
Yes, if you are cycling the Camino and your bike becomes muddy after your ride, it’s advisable to clean your bicycle daily.
Cycling the Camino: Support
We have carefully planned the distances you will cover by bike on the Camino, taking into account the nature of the terrain, type of track, and other circumstances, such as the fact that the trail is shared with walkers in most cases.
If you feel the distances for your Camino cycle are too short or long, talk to our sales team when planning your trip. There is probably a good reason behind the mileage chosen; just ask us!
The Camino de Santiago routes cover thousands of miles, so it is difficult to have someone on the ground at all times but relax. It runs smoothly all the time!
CaminoWays.com has a 24/7 assistance number should you need assistance and advice (this number is provided with your booking/travel documents); we also provide you with a support number from the bike provider. While we cannot send someone to repair your bike on the Camino trail, our trusted providers will give you as much support as possible.
Your bike has a kit for essential repairs such as flat tires and punctures. In the unlikely event that you have a second puncture, we can provide you with the contact details for the closest bike repair shop (you will be responsible for repair costs).
If you are in a remote area and don’t feel like walking, we can also get your contact details for local taxi drivers (a taxi transfer will be at your own cost).
When cycling the Camino, it is vital to remember that you are sharing the tracks with walkers, so be mindful and respectful to other pilgrims, whether on foot or on wheels.
Surcharges
Please make a note of surcharges that will be charged should any of the following occur:
- Theft or loss of bicycle MTB Standard Bike: €1,000
- Theft, damage or loss of panniers: €30
- Theft, damage or loss of helmet: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of tool kit: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of bicycle lock: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of handlebar bag: €15
- Theft, damage or loss of saddle gel cover: €15
- Late return fee per each day that the customer exceeds the return date stated in the booking agreement – MTB standard: €23
- MTB bicycle collection at the customer’s hotel rather than a shop (if you finish in Santiago): €35
Enjoy the Camino ride!
For more information about cycling the Camino, please don’t hesitate to contact us. To stay up-to-date with our latest news, blogs and webinars, check out our Facebook or Instagram pages.
You mentioned that it is best to bring charger in case it is needed along the trip, are there accessible DC outlets along the way for public use?
What is the average duration of cycling the Camino from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port to Santiago di Compostela ? Is this the best route for cycling?
Hi Kevin, usually you will charge the bike at night in your hotel and you should not need to charge it throughout the following day. However, the charger will be in your saddle bag so you can always ask in a cafe or restaurant should the need arise, but it’s not likely. There are no official charging outlets on the route.
The French way is the best route for cycling and you would be doing about 40km a day. You can find more information about the route here: https://caminoways.com/camino-frances/camino-frances-from-saint-jean-to-santiago
Feel free to contact us if you have any more questions!
Do you provide bikes for the Portuguese Camino starting in Porto?
Hi Peter, thanks for your message. Yes, we do, you can find the route here: https://caminoways.com/camino-portugues/camino-portugues-coastal-cycling
My husband and I are taking the primitivo route on e-bikes starting in Oviedo. He saw somewhere online that said this is an expert route. We have ebikes but would not consider ourselves experts. We chose this route as we wanted to get the original perspective (as much as possible), but we are also both 54 years old and thought the ebike would make this easier, with more time to explore the towns along the way. Are we under-estimating the difficulty? Any advice is appreciated!
Your choice to explore the Primitivo route on e-bikes is a wonderful way to experience the Camino. While e-bikes offer assistance, it’s important to remember that the Primitivo route involves mountainous terrain with uphill and downhill sections. Managing the e-bike’s battery effectively is crucial, as draining it excessively might make the bike heavy to maneuver manually. Familiarize yourselves with the e-bike’s features, plan your battery usage wisely, and be prepared for varying terrain. This way, you can make the most of your journey and enjoy the towns along the route. If you have specific concerns, feel free to reach out to us for guidance. Happy trails!