INFORMATIVO - CAMINHO DE SANTIAGO FRANCÊS DE BIKE - MAIO DE 2023

Summary

This video chronicles Jesner Mayago's personal journey of cycling the Camino de Santiago. Through four episodes, he details the preparation, planning, and gear choices that contributed to his successful pilgrimage. He discusses his bike, physical preparation, and essential gear, including bags, food, and hydration. Jesner shares his experience with the Camino’s challenges, including navigating the terrain and adapting to local food and culture. His insights into his daily routine, including the crucial support from videos, colleagues, and his physical training, make this journey relatable and inspiring for fellow pilgrims and adventure seekers.

Takeaways

• 😀 The journey to Santiago de Compostela was motivated by gratitude after recovering from a serious accident and COVID-19 while hospitalized.
• 😀 The trip was planned for May, during spring, a season with pleasant temperatures and minimal rain, making it an ideal time for cycling.
• 😀 Jesner Mayago used a regular bike, weighing 15 kg, with 10 kg of luggage, totaling a 25 kg load. The bike was robust and comfortable for long distances.
• 😀 The bike was rented from Bikeline Europa, which provided excellent customer service, including support for bike maintenance throughout the journey.
• 😀 Jesner took two backpacks with essential items, including a passport, money, and other documents for safety, along with a mix of clothes for different weather conditions.
• 😀 The planned route was shared through Google Drive with detailed information, including GPX files for GPS users. The route followed the official signs for the Camino, making it difficult to get lost.
• 😀 The trip took 11 days of cycling, covering 13 planned stages. There was flexibility in the journey to accommodate various encounters and adjustments.
• 😀 Physical preparation involved intense training before the trip, but the journey is doable even without being perfectly fit, especially with an electric bike.
• 😀 The food along the Camino was fantastic, with affordable and delicious menus of the day, offering a mix of local delicacies, including cured ham (jamón) and cheeses.
• 😀 The hydration system was effective, with plenty of water sources along the route, allowing Jesner to stay well-hydrated throughout the journey.
• 😀 Collaborating with other travelers and watching educational videos were integral to the preparation, with Jesner recommending specific content for anyone planning the trip.

Q & A

Why did the speaker decide to take the Camino de Santiago journey by bike?

The speaker decided to take the Camino de Santiago journey by bike as a form of gratitude after recovering from a serious accident, a nose surgery, and subsequent COVID-19 illness. They were physically fit before the illness and wanted to do something meaningful as a thank you for their recovery.

Why did the speaker choose to travel during May for the Camino de Santiago?

The speaker chose May for the Camino because, based on their research and feedback from others, the weather is pleasant during that time—neither too cold nor too rainy. Additionally, the season of spring makes the surroundings beautiful, and the timing was convenient for their work schedule.

What type of bike did the speaker use for the journey, and how did it perform?

The speaker used a standard, robust bike with a suspension system and a Deore gear set. It was a solid bike that was comfortable for long rides, weighing 15 kg with additional luggage. While the bike was a bit heavy at first, they adapted to it well, and it performed without major issues during the trip.

What kind of support did the speaker receive for the bike rental?

The speaker rented the bike from Bikeline Europa, a service that provided excellent support throughout the trip. The rental came with comprehensive assistance, including help with bike issues, like a flat tire, and recommendations for accommodations. The speaker appreciated the flexibility and Portuguese-speaking support they received.

How did the speaker prepare physically and nutritionally for the Camino de Santiago?

The speaker was already physically fit due to regular cycling and training. They worked with a trainer and a nutritionist to ensure they were in optimal shape for the journey. They followed a strict training plan from January to April 2023, which included avoiding alcohol, although they still enjoyed wine during the trip.

What were the key elements of the speaker's packing for the trip?

The speaker packed essential items including two backpacks—one for everyday items and another for documents. They also packed clothing such as bike shorts, T-shirts, a lightweight pair of pants, a windbreaker, and a rash guard to keep warm. They emphasized packing light but ensuring they had necessary items like food, water, and identification.

How was the food and hydration during the Camino de Santiago?

The food along the Camino was excellent, with a variety of options available, including the popular 'menu del peregrino,' which offered affordable meals. The speaker particularly enjoyed the meats, such as prosciutto, and appreciated the plentiful water sources along the way. They did not face any major digestive issues and stayed well-hydrated.

Did the speaker experience any challenges during the journey?

While the speaker had a well-planned journey, they did face some initial challenges, such as dealing with a flat tire on the second day. However, they quickly solved the issue and did not encounter any further mechanical problems. The speaker also mentioned the logistics of getting to their starting point in Saint-Jean, which was not straightforward.

What kind of accommodation did the speaker use during the trip?

The speaker stayed in municipal and private hostels along the Camino, which helped keep the cost of the trip manageable. The average daily cost, including meals, was around 30 to 40 euros, though this could vary based on personal spending, such as enjoying wine or other extras.

How did the speaker interact with other pilgrims on the Camino?

The speaker met several fellow pilgrims along the way, including a Chilean woman named Lourdes and an American named Phil. They shared experiences, traveled together at times, and made new connections, which enriched the journey. The speaker also mentioned that they stayed in touch with some pilgrims after the trip.