The Bicycle Adventure Club - Come Ride With Us!

Camino del Cid 2024

May 11th to May 30th

Ride Coordinator: Karen Hass
Report by: John Bokelmann

On this tour, we followed the Camino del Cid, a historic route that traces the journey of the legendary 11th century Spanish knight, Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar – commonly known as El Cid – who fought both with Christian and Muslim armies during his lifetime (based on whoever was willing to pay the most). Stretching across the heart of Spain northwest to southeast, this route offers cyclists a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the country's rich history and diverse landscapes.

Our route, created by our leader Karen Hass and Iberocycle, took us through a captivating tapestry of landscapes from rugged mountains and towering sandstone monoliths, to fertile plains, historic towns, and charming villages. While the typical Camino del Cid route starts in Burgos and ends in Valencia, we began our trip a bit farther north in the quaint village of Santillana del Mar. This route was similar to the 2022 trip providing a coast-to-coast adventure… dipping our back wheels in the North Atlantic Bay of Biscay at the beginning, and our front wheels in the Mediterranean Sea at the end.

Most of the riding was on quiet country roads through the beautiful Spanish countryside where the population is sparse and the people friendly. The scenery was spectacular with many a pasture, roadside and mountain pass abundant with wildflowers. The winding mountain roads in the north offered breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching a mountain summit was unparalleled. As we cycled through the vast plains of Aragon, we were struck by the sheer expanse of the landscape and the beauty of its simplicity.

Our route took us through amazing places including the historic city of Burgos, home to the magnificent Burgos Cathedral – a UNESCO World Heritage site – which houses the tomb of El Cid and his wife, Doña Jimena. On our journey, we stayed in elegant hotels in the larger towns to simple accommodations in remote villages.  Each evening, we celebrated the day’s ride with a happy hour and an update from the Iberocycle crew on the next day’s ride, many with distance and elevation route options. Also discussed was history and geological attributes of the region, and significant places to stop and see along the way.

Our trip concluded in the vibrant city of Valencia, where the ancient meets the modern. After 16 days of cycling through rural Spain, arriving in Valencia felt like stepping into a different world. We celebrated our accomplishment with paella and sangria, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences we had along the Camino del Cid.

Cycling the Camino del Cid route may have presented us with some physical challenges but the sense of camaraderie among our group, and the breathtaking scenery that surrounded us, made every challenge worth it. The moments of triumph at the summit of a mountain pass or the serenity of a quiet cobblestone village square made the journey unforgettable.

Our cycling adventure along the Camino del Cid route was a journey of discovery, both of Spain's rich history and of our own capabilities as cyclists. From the medieval castles of Castile to the orange groves of Valencia, every mile of the trip was filled with wonder and excitement. As we pedaled our way through the heart of Spain, we forged memories that will last a lifetime, leaving us with a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of this remarkable country.