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Arm yourself with a decent map or
route plan, some water, a high-energy snack bar, banana or
dried fruit etc., and off you go.
Start off with a short tour of your local area, and
gradually build up your stamina until you can comfortably ride
for a few hours in the saddle. Add a decent rear carrier to
your bicycle; some luggage, then you are ready for your first
overnight tour. Why not follow Sustrans formula of cycle
routes for roadies, traffic free fans and rough stuff riders,
along minor roads, canal and rail paths see www.britishwaterways.co.uk.
See www.sustrans.co.uk. check
out the newly launched online shop and pick any of their
routes for a memorable trip. Travelling, meeting new people,
and seeing the country can be a rewarding personal challenge
with the added bonus of keeping fit!
For further a field tours, see what can be achieved by a
dose of determination; read accounts by Josie Dew, Dervla
Murphy, Bettina Selby & Anne Mustoe and check out cycle
magazines such as Cycling Plus & CTC.
Ferry companies transport you and your cycle to the
Scottish Islands, Ireland, Isle of Man, the Channel Islands
& Scandinavia. For a reliable way to get you and your bike
to the best bits of Europe through France to Northern Italy
and Northern Spain check out European Bike Express see www.bike-express.co.uk.
This is a luxury coach and cycle trailer service, which
transports you and your cycle to your chosen destination.
Have fun...but most of all be confident!
Travel & accommodation - Our guide to
France
Arm yourself with a good (lightweight) guide book, maps,
accommodation guides and plan your tour! see
We recommend the Michelin blue departementales series 40
maps
Small to
medium family run hotels situated outside urban areas in
France's lovely villages with set menus and regional
dishes.
Bed
and breakfast guesthouses throughout the regions of France,
incorporating high quality cooking using regional produce.
The Road to Santiago de
Compostela
A thousand years ago the Christian world establish three
main Pilgrimages to Jerusalem, Rome and Santiago de
Compostela, all three remain to this day but nothing has the
same allure as the mystical road to Santiago de Compostela.
The journey is the key to the adventure and is ideally suited
to the cyclist who seeks fulfilment, whether the reason for
travelling is spiritual or just a personal challenge; the road
to Santiago de Compostela is rewarding, cultural and
exciting!
This Pilgrims route is over 1000 years old. It is steeped
with tradition, a classic historical route originating in
France, traversing the Pyrenees and green Spain to reach the
legendary shrine of Santiago (St. Jacques) the patron saint of
Spain in Galicia, Northwest Spain.
There are 4 main routes starting in France from Paris,
Vezelay, Le Puy and Arles; they eventually join together at
Puente la Reina (Queens bridge) in Navarra, Spain, and follow
the classic Camino Frances.
Traditional Pilgrims travel on foot, horseback or bicycle
and can qualify for the coveted Compostela. The idea is that
you aim to arrive on 25th July on the feast of St. James and
when this festive day falls on a Sunday this is a holy year!
Beware, if you decide to embark on this journey within a Holy
Year, demands for accommodation are at their highest;
although, in Spain accommodation is widely available on route.
There are many books available which will give you an
introduction to this Pilgrims route and the Confraternity of
St. James have detailed info and official guides to assist you
with your route plan. www.csj.org.uk
If you are leaving from the UK, European Bike Express
offers an excellent transportation service for you and your
bike and there are regular sailings to Santander and other
ports. Stanford's supply a comprehensive selection of books,
maps and guides; check both European Bike Express and
Stanford's on our links page or click here www.bike-express.co.uk
www.stanfords.co.uk
Wherever you decide to commence your journey the road to
Santiago de Compostela will leave you with a lasting
impression of self-discovery, and a great sense of
achievement!
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