We spent a little over a year researching the camino prior to our camino. This was done through a variety books, web sites and meetings. We joined the confraternity of St. James, which was a great source of information and support. I have included all of the relevant sources that we used in either the bibliography or links sections.

The CSJ will also be able to provide you with all the information that you need about getting a "Pilgrim's Passport" that you will need if you wish to stay in the albergues or to get your Compostela at the end of your pilgrimage.

We chose to cycle the camino on ordinary mountain bikes, without suspension, they were relatively inexpensive but served our purpose. In hindsight I would certainly say that the better the bike that you take the more comfortable your journey will be. I now think that a hybrid bike would be a sensible, low cost alternative.

We carried with us a small selection of simple tools and spare parts, things can and do break at the most inconvenient moments. The CSJ cycling guide gives a good suggested list.

Take the very minimum amount of luggage with you, we thought that we had, however after only two days we were able to send a large box of things that we could manage without onto Santiago.

Do the maximum amount of training that you can before hand, if you not prepared you will suffer too much to enjoy all of the wonderful places that you will visit on the camino. I cycled to work (12 - 13 miles) on a reasonably regular basis for 4 to 5 months prior to going and I still found it hard work. In the Midlands area of England where I live there are plenty of hills to train on but no mountains, and there is a tremendous difference.