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The
most memorable part of the trip is the interaction with the
different characters we meet on the Camino. Language is not
a barrier. Even with our broken Spanish, it seems that the
exchange of a few basic words develops friendship and a
bond. Below are a few fellow pilgrims that will always be
remembered.
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That's
Alfredo, second from the right (with the walking stick). He
walked the whole route from the French side of the border.
On some days, he walked as fast as we biked.
He had one
interesting tale. At one point, he was so tired - crying and
ready to give up. An elderly priest in a black robe appeared
out of nowhere. He talked to him and inspired him to finish
the route. On our last meeting in Santiago, we found him
sitting at the plaza admiring the beauty of the church. He
is already planning his next pilgrimage to Jerusalem. His
words that stick to mind are "I've seen the
light".
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That's
Otto, the smoking, "Coke drinking" mechanic from Brazil. He
taught us that walking your bike can be as fast as riding it
up. On the last day of riding, we tried it. The method
works!
Otto's
approach teaches us that you don't need a fancy expensive
bike or a fancy outfit to ride the Camino. Cycling is 10%
bicycle and 90% bicyclist. It's the cyclist, not the
cycle.
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Spain's
version of the 3 Stooges. Funny and witty, they were more
than willing to change hats (literally) for pictures at
Rabanal del Camino. Try at your own risk their secret to
walking the Camino &endash; " Vino para Buen
Camino"
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That's
Sir George. He forfeited the trip to aid a fallen comrade.
We finally met up with him in Santiago. For such a deed,
they granted him the Compostel - proving he too was a
pilgrim. St James does work in magical ways!
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With
another Holy year coming in 2004, we hope to do the Camino
from the start. We hope that you readers can join us then.
The best lesson we learned from this trip is that cycling is
not about getting from point A to B - it's about
experiencing the journey between A & B.
Happy
Cycling!
J
Gaerlan - Gaerlan Custom Cycles
http://www.gaerlan.com
"home of
travel bikes and bike travels"
(415)362-3866:
(415)677-8943 fax
JFreewheel@aol.com
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