Just as if we do the Camino de Santiago on foot, the Camino by bike will make us wonder what to take in our luggage. Obviously there will be things between these two modalities that coincide but we will have to carry another type of luggage. In the same way the luggage will depend largely on whether we choose to hire luggage transport, either on our own or included in one of the trips that we organize.
There are several factors to take into account when preparing the luggage that we will carry during the route. Factors such as the type of bicycle, the chosen route, the time of the year, among others, but these are the most important ones.
We will begin by remembering that the luggage will sometimes coincide with both pilgrims on foot and bicigrinos. For this reason you might be interested in reading What should I take with me on the Camino de Santiago?. Here we will explain what to take if you have decided to get on your bike and ride the Camino de Santiago by pedal stroke.
The first thing we must take into account, and we risk to say what it is the most important thing, is to know the type of bike we will take. It is important because it is our way to get to Santiago and the transport in which we will carry our luggage.
BICIGRINO’S LUGGAGE
In addition to what is necessary during the route such as a toiletry bag, a first aid kit or documentation, among other things, in the backpack of the bicigrino will change both clothing and accessories with respect to the pilgrim on foot. We will deal with all the material for cycling, whether it is clothing, complements or accessories for this modality.
Clothing for cyclists
Breathable T-shirts: it is advisable to take two or three depending on the length of the chosen route. Preferably short sleeves if the weather is good. In the case of wearing a long sleeve will help us if it rains because it will prevent the raincoat sticks to our skin.
Jersey: we can alternate with breathable jerseys and can be either short or long. It all depends on the weather and how well we can stand the cold or the heat.
Bib shorts: it is highly recommended to take at least a pair of them and it is better if they are short, as we can wash our clothes in them.
Tights: we advise you to bring a pair of tights to wear over your bib shorts if it rains during the ride so that the rain pants do not stick to your skin if you wear them.
Windstopper jacket: It is essential to always have a windstopper in our luggage.
Booties: More experienced cyclists recommend wearing neoprene booties five or six sizes larger than your shoe size to cover your shoes and ensure you arrive with dry feet at the finish line.
Rain pants and rain jacket: Another popular option is to wear a rain cape although it is not as recommended. May reduce mobility when cycling.
Waterproof boot covers: As we all know, there is no more unpleasant sensation than having wet feet, especially for a long period of time, which is why we consider this element indispensable.
Footwear
Cycling shoes: the ideal shoes for cycling, some that have cleats to be able to be hooked to the pedals. It is also very advisable to get one that also has the sole adapted to be able to walk. At some points we may need to get off the bike to continue on foot.
Resting shoes: we can opt for a normal pair of trainers, to rest our feet after each stage if we want to discover the town where we are. We will also avoid the appearance of blisters or certain discomforts. We recommend that they also have a run-in done.
Sandals: Advisable both for the shower and for our feet to breathe.
Complements
Helmet: An essential accessory for our safety, totally obligatory on the bicycle.
Gloves: Some cycling gloves, some winter ones if the temperature is low and if it’s the opposite some summer ones. They are very useful
Cap / hat: Even if you wear a helmet on your bike, it is advisable to take it with you to protect you from the sun.
Glasses: Glasses will help protect us from the sun and also from mosquitoes, dust, etc.
Pass mountains or scarf around your neck: During each stage and more in the descents, it will help us to protect us from the cold.
Bicycle accessories
Hydration backpacks: we can opt for these backpacks or water bottles, but this option speeds up the hydration during the stage.
Saddlebags: we recommend to carry especially the rear ones to carry your luggage during the Camino. If you choose to hire the Camino and for example we organize it for you, you will only worry about carrying a backpack with something to replenish your strength and water. We will take care of carrying your luggage from stage to stage. However, for those who do it on their own, it will be necessary and compulsory. A front one can be added if the luggage is large.
Elastic octopuses: In case we need to attach any object to our carrier. Some examples of where it would be useful are for carrying a mat or tent.
Front and rear light: We must be visible on the road, especially in low visibility hours. We must remember that many pilgrims and pilgrims on foot make the way.
Padlock: to be able to leave the bike and not worry about it.
Speedometer and heart rate monitor: optional, but if you’re a true cycling and sports enthusiast, you won’t have to be told twice.
Water bottle: Although we carry the hydration backpack is not superfluous to carry a water bottle, some stages are quite long or hard.
Multi-tool kit: if we have any improvisation we must be prepared so a kit to fix the bike is essential. In it we will carry: spare inner tubes (two is recommended), patches for punctures, lubricant, oil and brush for the chain and a multipurpose tool with Allen keys and others necessary for the mechanics of the bike.
We have explained everything we should not miss if we have decided to do the Camino de Santiago on our bicycle. But we must not forget that in our luggage we must carry more things like clothes for after each stage, the toiletry bag, the first aid kit, and documentation. So if you don’t know where to start you can check our blog to find out What should I take with me on the Camino de Santiago?
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