Bicigrino: A person who travels the Camino de Santiago by bicycle.

In 2022, 5.21% of pilgrims decided to embark on the experience of cycling the Camino de Santiago. And, although a priori this may be a “weak” data, the reality is that they represent more than 22,000 pilgrims.

From now on, bicigrinos.

From here, many doubts arise and we will try to answer them throughout this post.

Is my bike suitable?

Well, this will depend on whether your bike is well adapted to road terrain and dirt roads, if you use it regularly and you know that it is perfectly suited to you or if the bike is in perfect condition.

Let’s take it one step at a time.

If you are a good fan of cycling, you are used to cycling for miles and it is perfectly adapted to your needs and it is something that you have more than controlled, we recommend that you take it to a specialized workshop for a tune-up and go ahead!

If you like the bike but you don’t have a good one at home, you can rent one. In Cycling The Camino (https://www.cyclingthecamino.com/es/our-bikes) you have a wide variety of models to choose from. It is a really convenient service, since they take care of taking it to your starting point and pick it up when you finish your adventure.
In addition, of course, you have 24h assistance in case you have any problem with it.

Advantages and disadvantages

Obviously, if you are not used to doing long bike rides, you should train beforehand, just as you would have to do if you were a regular pilgrim who is going to do it on foot.

In any case, cycling this route has a few advantages. We list them for you:

• By bicycle, it is possible to cover longer distances in less time, which allows you to make the journey in fewer days.
• In general, less physical effort is required to cover the same distance than on foot, which makes it more bearable for people with less physical capacity.
• By having a bicycle, you have greater autonomy and can reach places that are not accessible on foot.
• Greater comfort: the bicycle allows you to carry a smaller backpack and lightens the weight on your back.

But we can also talk about other not so positive points:

• Less interaction with other pilgrims: going faster, you may have less time to socialize and meet other pilgrims.
• Less availability of accommodation: some hostels and inns may have less availability of accommodation for bicycles, which can make it difficult to plan the route.

What are the requirements to obtain the Compostela by bike?

To obtain the Compostela on bicycle is required to have completed at least the last 200 kilometers of the Camino de Santiago by bicycle, accredit the route by means of the Pilgrim’s Credential duly stamped in the lodgings or public places through which you have passed during the route and arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela to present the stamped Pilgrim’s Credential. It is necessary to have done the Camino de Santiago with a spiritual or religious motivation. It is important to emphasize that the Pilgrim’s Credential must have been issued by an institution recognized by the Catholic Church, and that the stamping of the same must have been done in the lodgings or public places through which the pilgrim has passed during the journey. In addition, it is advisable to always carry a copy of the Credential in case it is lost or misplaced during the tour. The Compostela is a certificate awarded to pilgrims who have completed the Camino de Santiago, either on foot, on horseback or by bicycle, and is a recognition of the pilgrim’s religious or spiritual motivation. Obtaining the Compostela can be a very valuable souvenir for those who have lived this unique experience.

And by electric bike?

You can also obtain it. The requirements are the same as those mentioned above.