Cycling the Pilgrim Trails

Ten years ago, in September 2002, I packed my bags and bicycle and ventured from Cape Town across to Spain to cycle the Camino de Santiago.  My route followed the traditional walkers pilgrim trail beginning in Roncesvalles in the Pyrenees and ending 12 days later at the Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela.  The journey was1139 kilometres east to west across Northern Spain

It was an incredible adventure, I stayed in auberges that are available to registered pilgrims only.  Each evening there was a sense of homecoming and relief as weary walkers and cyclists arrived , shed their backpacks, headed for hot showers and the nearest Cafe to choose a hearty meal from the "Menu del Dia".  A good night's rest in a dormitory midst snuffles and snores saw pilgrims rise early, heft their packs and begin another day on the trail.  On days that it rained I awoke  to the sound of plastic crackling  as the pilgrims protected their packs and themselves from the elements.

This ride inspired me to ride the Via Francigena - a pilgrim route from Canterbury to Rome 2083 kilometres through England, France, Switzerland  and Italy.  So 10 years later I'm packing my bags and bicycle and venturing across to England to begin what should be another incredible journey.  Keep an eye on this blog for updates as my travels unfold.

I will post details of my planning, news from FTH:K and information on how you can be part of this journey and donate to FTH:K to help educate young deaf actors and create visual theatre for the deaf and hearing alike.  It's wonderful theatre, see their latest production OFFICE BLOCK at the Baxter from 10th to 21st July.  I've seen this production and I can highly recommend it.
Find out more: Click here for the FTH:K Website