The Cycling Artist – Camino De Santiago

[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”12635″ img_size=”full” onclick=”link_image”][vc_single_image image=”12639″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]In March and April 2018 I intend to cycle and paint the ancient Pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compestella in Galicia, Spain.

For at least a thousand years pilgrims have made their way across Europe to the Cathedral and the tomb of Saint James the Apostle.

In the middle Ages 250,000 people a year made their way across Europe. Like those ancient travellers I will set off from home to make my way across three countries. The difference is I’ll be on my bicycle carrying my paints with me to create a series of artworks that reflect the journey.

The Cycling Artist
To this end I’ve been wrestling with the questions:
How do I do this?
What will I need?
How do I carry it all?!

For the past six months I’ve been thinking about it, planning how to do it, talking to people who have tried this before. In fact I have a little experience of this adventure from 2012 when my pal and I peddled 300 kms from Leon to Santiago in all weathers. It was such an exhilirating experience I vowed to do it again but to start from home next time!

It’s a journey of at least 2000kms, taking around six to seven weeks, crossing mountain ranges, seas, and vastly differing topography.

The one thing that’s really clear at the minute is that it’s a journey not a race.

How will I cope on my own? Where will I stay? What can I expect?

I do need the right equipment; and to that end I will be riding a new Giant Explore 1. Crossing from Portsmouth to St Malo and back from Santander on Brittany Ferries and staying….well that isn’t clear yet. If you live along the route can I knock on your door?![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]