The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Camino De Santiago

May 11th to May 25th

Ride Coordinator: Albert Balingit
Report by: Molly Mazzella

27 of us set out to ride the pilgrimage route of the Camino de Santiago from Pamplona to Santiago de Compostela following the French pilgrimage route. The tour was coordinated by Albert Balingit and directed and supported by Simon Profitt of Iberocycle. We were bicigrinos (bicycle pilgrims) and each of us received a white scallop shell (symbol of St. James, the patron saint of the pilgrimage) to put on our bikes and a pilgrimage passport where we could collect at least two stamps daily to prove that we had ridden the Camino. Stamps could be obtained anywhere along the Camino: restaurants, churches, cafes, stores, gas stations; we even ran into an enterprising individual who was giving stamps in exchange for a ‘donation’ for some little handmade trinkets. Some participants rode the Camino as a spiritual pilgrimage, while others rode to enjoy Spanish scenery. Because of that, Iberocycle created two daily routes for most days: one that followed the Camino as closely as possible, and one that was off the Camino with added mileage and scenery. The routes following the Camino were on smaller roads and highways, and intersected with the pilgrimage route frequently, and they were mainly pleasant except for a few days of heavier traffic. These routes offered riders a chance to chat with the pilgrims, to visit the historic churches, bridges and buildings that mark the Camino, and of course, to stop for a mid-morning cortado at a cafe! One day we even had the opportunity to taste free wine for pilgrims bubbling from a fountain at a local bodega. The longer routes enchanted riders with the stunning scenery. Everyone enjoyed cycling through the gorgeous Rioja wine region as well as visiting quaint villages and many churches. One cathedral even had two live chickens above an altar, in homage to a miracle performed there. Five of our participants rode e-bikes and created charming ditties to sing at us as they sailed past us going up the hills. Thankfully, there was only one day of fierce climbing; it really got our attention and was the subject of animated conversation during happy hour. But the Spanish food kept us going: we really tucked into our Spanish breakfasts: eggs, tortilla espanola, jamon iberico (thin ham), tocino (bacon), cheeses, breads, cakes, yogurts and cereals, and great cafes con leche. Lunches were often enjoyed at outdoor cafes featuring the Pilgrim Menu where for around 10 euros, one could choose a primero (first course), a main course, dessert, bread and either a bottle of water or wine! Delicious. Dinner provided us with a variety of good Spanish food, too: fish, pasta, beef, and of course, more ham. And the beer….oh, my! Cold and a bit bubbly! Simon prepped us nightly at happy hour with an hour-long audiovisual presentation that gave us information on the next day’s geography, history, culture and important sites to visit. He also discussed the next day’s routes. The hotels he chose for us were by in large very comfortable and beautiful. It was a great tour and we were fascinated by the changes we saw in the many different areas we traversed as we rode from one side of Spain to the other. When we began in the Basque/Navarra area of Pamplona, our small plates were called pinchos and were eaten with a toothpick, and when we ended in Santiago, these same plates were called tapas, eaten with a knife and fork. Such wonderful diversity, food and scenery. Thank you for a wonderful trip, Albert and Simon!