Camino de Santiago by Bike
(SCMB) France-Spain – Camino de Santiago Bike
The following is a basic checklist to help you with your packing. We recommend using the layering principle of clothing for predominantly warm climatic conditions during the day. Good padded cycling shorts are essential.
Your bike MUST be at least a mid level Mountain Bike such as a Specialized Rockhopper or Trek 6500. Front suspension is essential. It is vital that your bike is THOROUGHLY SERVICED and in perfect working condition before the trip.
PERSONAL CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES
Stiff-soled cycling shoes or SPD’s
Base-layer - short sleeve cycling top (x 1)
Mid-layer - long sleeved cycling top (x 1)
Outer layer - lightweight waterproof jacket
Fleece jacket or jumper
Regular biking gloves
Padded cycling shorts (x 2)
Eyewear - Biking glasses
Cycling helmet - mandatory
Travel and apres biking clothes
Training/Leisure shoes for apres biking
Wash bag, towel, toiletries, including anti-bacterial handwash
Insect repellent
Small padlock (to lock trek bag)
Swimwear
Headtorch/Headlamp
Daypack and contents
Cycling daypack (e.g. Camelbak) of at least 15- 20 litres total capacity is recommended
Water bladder - min. 3 litres
Lightweight waterproof top
Multi-tool
Puncture repair kit
Inner tube
Pump
Camera
Sun cream
PERSONAL TOOLS AND SPARES
Note: If you are hiring a bike, you do not need to bring any of this. Although it is still a good idea to take a couple of 26 x 2 inch inner tubes with Presta valves.
You should bring the following with you as a minimum. Whilst not essential, it is a good idea that you familiarise yourself with how to carry out at least some basic repairs e.g. fixing a puncture, changing an inner tube. Naturally the bike guide will always be happy to assist with any repairs, but due to the often remote nature of our trips, being able to carry out a simple repair can save time and inconvenience waiting for assistance.
Tyres – for this trip you will need: 1.9 to 2.2 inch semi-slick tyres suitable for predominantly dry conditions.
Pump
Plastic tyre levers
Spoke key
2 x inner tubes
Liquid chain lube (bottle not aerosol)
Multi-tool with Allen keys
Chain link extractor (if not on multi-tool)
2x puncture repair kits
A rag and brush for cleaning bike and drive train
Spare chain links
Spares specific to your bike if applicable (e.g. disc brake bleed kits, shock pumps etc)
KE tools and spares
On all of our trips we carry a toolkit and a basic range of spares for emergencies. As bikes become increasingly part specific it is impossible to carry a comprehensive range of spares compatible with all makes and models of bike.
Energy Gels/Sports Drinks/Power Bars
Our back up vehicle will carry ample supplies of water, snacks and lunches but if you like a particular energy gel, sports drink or power bar we suggest you bring a selection of your preferred choice along.
Bike Hire
Our local agent can provide Orbea mountain bikes. These have aluminium frames with 24-gears and front suspension. They are available in a range of frame sizes - from 13 to 21 inches. Please refer to Bike Hire in the trip dossier for hire costs. Bike hire includes repair kit, water bottle and pump. Bike hire will be paid locally and does not cover you if you lose the bike or damage it beyond 'fair wear and tear'. Contact the KE office if you want us to reserve a bike for you. Your hire contract will be with our local agent and KE cannot be held responsible for any issues arising from bike hire. These bikes are fitted with flat pedals and if you normally ride ‘clipped in’ you will need to take your own shoes and pedals. You might also choose to take your saddle, which will go a long way towards making the hire bike feel like your own bike. You must also take your bike helmet, which you will wear whenever you are biking.
Please do not hesitate to call us for further advice about what to bring or any other aspect of this trip. We are more than happy to offer you the benefit of our experience. Further helpful information can also be found in the Your Bike, Baggage Allowances, Climate and Travelling with Your Bike sections of the detailed trip dossier.
