Cycling the Camino de Santiago .

The Camino de Santiago is an ancient institution. For centuries, pilgrims have traveled this sacred route in ill-fitting shoes and without roads to match. Only the richest could be lucky enough to go comfortably on a pack animal.

However, today we can even do the Camino de Santiago from Bicycle. These people are called bicigrinos. But you need to pay attention to a few details! In this article, we'll talk about the positive aspects of making this journey in another mode of transport, what not to miss and, at the end, a suggestion for you! Put your reading in first gear, because we're about to get started!

Doing the Camino de Santiago by bike gives us more time.

Enquanto a caminhar demoramos cerca de uma hora para fazer seis quilómetros, de bicicleta conseguimos percorrer 20, nesse espaço de tempo. Ou seja, se fizermos etapas semelhantes àquelas que sugerimos, no website, chegamos bem mais cedo ao local em que nos esperam os albergues.

This situation allows us to explore the more hidden parts of the Camino de Santiago will, entering places and routes that we would never have imagined at any other time, especially with the constraints of time and tiredness.

We also gained precious time to rest, discovering the best food on this wonderful route and getting to know the good people of these lands.

Better still, in the months when there is the greatest demand for the road, bicigrinos manage to get to the municipal hostels first, which often operate on a "first come, first served" basis.

Speaking of which, let's talk about the best times of year to cycle the Camino de Santiago .

Best times to cycle to Compostela.

As we saw in the article about the stages from Porto to the Galician capital, the best months to cycle to Santiago are May, June and September. For 2 reasons:

1. The weather is milder. The heat is constant in these parts during the summer months. The combination of the strength of the sun and the breeze make for a race that is less affected by the extreme heat.
2. Fewer walkers. Of course, it's good to know that the Camino de Santiago is never done alone. What's more, the more people the better. But with weight and measure. This is because the more people who share this adventure with us, the fuller the restaurants, albergues and other accommodation will be.

Between spring and the end of summer, that's when you should book your trip. Get your legs ready, because you don't even need to save up for a trip to the gym:

It's cheaper to go by bike.

As with all statements, this one comes with a catch. If you have to buy the bike and the equipment - such as clothes and a helmet - then of course it's not going to be a cheap trip, as you're spending more on transportation than on the trip itself.

However, because it's a quicker adventure, spending fewer days (if you want to) on the Camino, you also spend less on food and accommodation. On foot, the metric used is 1 euro per kilometer. By bicycle, since the kilometer is shorter, it's worth less. At the end of the day, you can even go out to dinner in better restaurants, so you don't have any extra money in your wallet.

However, be careful not to eat too much!

To cycle the Camino de Santigo, you need to be in good shape.

If, for many, making the pilgrimage is enough to put one foot in front of the other - there are even many examples of people who didn't even prepare to do the Camino de Santiago - this can't happen on a bicycle.

The Camino de Santiago is as much mental as it is physical, so when cycling it you need to have the ability to concentrate, to be focused at all times, to avoid falls and other accidents.

We also have to be used to making such crossings on two wheels. Not just anyone can spend so many hours sitting in the saddle, climbing mountains and covering 70 kilometers.

But without fear. You don't have to be FroomeYou just need to do some more demanding workouts in the near future.

That and knowing a bit about (bicycle) mechanics.

During the Camino de Santiago, we spent many hours alone in the middle of nowhere. The perfect place to unhook the chain from your companion, of course. The best thing is to understand how to keep a bike rolling. And for that, you need the right tools and equipment, like a first-aid kit for two wheels!

What not to miss in your bike-saving kit!

Swiss Army Knife: These friends from the Alps always come in handy. Whatever the problem, they have a tool for the occasion.  

A tire changer: Or a spatula. This tool is great for emergencies, in case you need to change a tire.

Lubrificante para bicicleta: Vais fazer muitos quilómetros em duas rodas, por isso, tens de cuidar bem do teu transporte. A hidratação é essencial, para ti e para a bicicleta.

Remendos para câmaras de ar e pneus: Para os momentos em que o pneu se rompe. Necessários, mesmo, para travessias mais curtas.

Hand pump: The road wears your bike down, so at some point you'll need to inflate your tires.

What to take?

Já escrevemos um article sobre o que levar no Caminho de Santiago, mas nunca tínhamos falados de bicicletas. Apesar de muitos pontos essenciais se manterem inalterados, como protetor solar, chapéu, calçado confortável, outros têm sempre de ser adaptados para os bicigrinos!

Let's start with the clothes!

Licra! The invention of the (last) century for cyclists the world over. For those who are used to it, you know how important it is to have the elasticity that this material offers pilgrims on wheels. In addition, cycling shorts will also be important and essential for comfort during the journey! This combined with a proper top for navigating the wind, heat or even cold!

A helmet is also important, if not compulsory, to maintain total safety during the journey. They also help protect us from the sun or keep us cool, so make sure you choose this travel companion well.

Sneakers suitable for cycling. Those who don't practice this sport or are regulars on the Tour de France may not even know that this type of footwear exists. However, they will be important to keep you safe from the dirt and water that you may encounter along the way. What's more, you'll often need to leave your means of transport to see the sights, get your certificate stamped or grab a bite to eat. You don't just have to be comfortable when cycling.

And where do I carry my backpack?

At this point, you're probably asking yourself how you manage to carry all this on your back. Well, that's the last place a cyclist should put his goods. The best thing to do is to carry bike panniers (proper backpacks, as the name suggests), so you can move around without too much difficulty.

Cycling the Camino de Santiago .

In short, doing the Camino de Santiago by bicycle is - as with all routes - a moment of adventure and a totally different way of traveling from what we're used to!

And here's the suggestion we promised at the beginning. Answer us one question, please! Have you done the Camino de Santiago by bike? Tell us all about it in the comments!