Rothar Routes

Cycle routes & pilgrim journeys in Ireland and Europe …..

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Pilgrim Priest

My pilgrimage to Rome in 2010 was strongly influenced by the exploits of St Columbanus, who as I have said in previous posts, is considered to be a native of my own county. That fascinated me no end.

That leaves Jerusalem out there tempting me to get back on my bike. And just as the Carlow connection prodded me to take to the Via Francigena, I find connections between here and Jerusalem drawing me to the cradle of all religions, or at least providing justification for another adventure!

Thanks to Louise Nugent, of Pilgrimage in Medieval Ireland Blog, for a fantastic article about a Carlow Priest, Father Joseph Braughall who made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem in 1821.

The Blog informs that Fr Braughall was granted leave of absence by Bishop Doyle – aka ‘JKL’, (James of Kildare & Leighlin diocese). Where do you think I was born and reared? in JKL Avenue….

And when Fr Braughall lost his papers he wrote to the Presentation Convent appealing for support. My wife went to school in the Presentation…

It’s looking more and more likely that I will be mounting up for Jerusalem this summer!

When i get the chance I will post it up in full.

Manjarin

Letreros en Manjarín

Letreros en Manjarín (Photo credit: compostelavirtual.com)

English: camino de santiago, Cruz de Ferro

English: camino de santiago, Cruz de Ferro (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Map of the route of the "French&...

English: Map of the route of the “French” Way of St. James Español: Mapa de la ruta del Camino de Santiago francés Français : Routes vers St Jacques de Compostelle Deutsch: Karte des “Französischen Weges” nach Santiago de Compostela (Jakobsweg) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Manjarin

Great character and a great spot on the Camino Frances

Tomas is a hospitalero at a place called Manjarin which is the refugio near the Cruz Ferro, the highest point on the Camino.

It’s a beautiful spot but a desolate place in winter time and a valuable refugio for pilgrims walking or cycling in winter or early spring.

His signposts outside are a favourite photo op for many peregrinos.

How do you prepare for the Camino?

The first thing to say is that almost anyone can cycle the Camino. Provided.

By training smartly it is very possible to cycle all the way from St Jean Pied de Port to Santiago.

What does that mean?

Couple of pointers.

Cycle off road whenever you get the chance.

An hour a day is plenty.

Practice on hills. Somewhere like Killeshin or the Nurney Plateau is perfect.

It’s not about speed. If you average 12kms an hour on the trail that’s great.

Fit your bike out with panniers and fill them with anything that will equate to the load you will bring with you.

The easy part is turning  the pedals!

Don’t forget to exercise your upper body.

One of the hardest things is the constant seating position on the bike that leads to stiffness and cramp in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders and back.

So pay attention to exercising the whole body – 10 15 minutes routine will work wonders.

To help avoid some of that soreness, add a set of bar ends to give you another position.

Take a break every hour on the trail.

Don’t worry too much about distance or speed; start early and you can go all day.

Be prepared for the weather and have some clothing such as a poncho to allow you cycle in the rain; work with others into the wind.

It’s all the simple practical things that will make it easy for you.