Route
This is a balance between availability trip time and your preferred roads.
The key area to look carefully at is the Bayonne - Santander section as the most direct cycable route uses national roads that are wide and smooth but used by HGVs and generally follow the industrialised valleys. Even the minor roads can feel quite substantial, and the descents fast.
If time permits a less direct route could avoid some of these sections, but this will add time (days possibly) as the inland route is even more hilly as well as less direct.
The other consideration is when to pick up the Velodyssey #1. Almost the entire section between Royan and Bayonne is on a dedicated tarmac cycle route. It is also flat. So quick time can be made through the pine forests and heath. However, accomodation options are limited and preferably booked ahead.
With planning, the section between St Malo and Royan can use great local roads. The routes through Rennes and Nantes have good cycle paths, just keep an eye out and adapt and join when you can. The cycle paths along the Charente canals are notoriously slippery in wet conditions. I experienced this. They are probably best minimised if on slick road tyres, maybe only used as linking sections.
On the Basque roads some cycle groups had at least one rear light running. I felt safer doing like wise. On french roads, generally cyclists don't use a rear light in daytimes. So I ran my rear radar without the light flashing in France.
River crossings
The cross channel ferry routes are used to taking bikes. Book in advance.
The transporter ferry at Rochefort across the Charente takes bikes. No booking needed but purchase ticket at the booth. Slow so don't hang around if possible.
The ferry at Royan across the Gironde takes bikes. No booking needed, purchase ticket at the booth. Every hour.
The transporter bridge in Bilbao is quick and tickets on the bridge itself or at the machine.
Bike
I encountered a huge array of bikes from basic to higher end tourers but the most impressive was a cyclist who had already completed 5000 km on a basic runabout bike complete with (malfunctioning) hub gears, stand and heavy lock.
Therefore any robust bike will do for a Bikepacker trip like this, just bring the right attitude and sensible objectives and these incredible machines will take you there.
Baggage
This is dependent on whether camping or using hotels, and many personal preferences over where the 'essentials' red line is.
I found a backloader, frame bag, small cycling backpack and tribag should be enough for several days.
The frame bag means only 650ml bottles can be fitted, and may interfere with your legs. For some a front bar bag may be better option and help bike balance. But this is the setup that works for me .
Views differ on the bike backpack. In this I only carried food for the day, valuables and passport, jumper and my light sandals. It is also very useful for shopping in the evening. However it did get uncomfortable after 4hrs or more unless rests every 60 to 90 mins. I found that an acceptable compromise for extra flexibility it gives.
Clothing
Take two sets of cycling gear and a good goretex rain jacket. The rest is up to you.
If suffering from 'day 3' saddle soreness do not give in. Wearing both cycling bibs may help. Use chamois creme. Your mind will adapt and keep positive, even the tough times are part of the formative experience.
Wash your gear each evening in the hotel room, roll in a towel and it will be dry enough in the morning. Do not skip this from your routine.
Shoes
Some say that SPD cycling shoes alone will suffice but I met none on the road taking that approach. I e. Sacrifice space for some light shoes. I took TEVA sandals. I love them but they take valuable space.
Luxury item
Small Bluetooth speaker. Essential for lifting the spirit and elevating the highs.
Luxury item 2
A small sponge for giving the trusty steed some TLC.
Training
The physical part of the trip was not as tiring as I had expected. I had completed a strict 12 week endurance cycling programme building up to 200km per week, and coupled with careful eating lost c 4 kg. If you are already reasonably fit this should be sufficient.
Food and drink
Get your lunch time sandwich from the French boulangerie in the morning. Stock up on snack bars and at the city supermarkets in the evening. Beware Sunday/Monday closures but the minimarket will usually come good.
In Spain best option is to load up at the hotel breakfast bar or stop for lunch. This is another factor for the route plan.
Drink in Spain was always available from free water fountains located in village squares or near a children's play area.
In France small tabacs are generally welcoming and will give free chilled water alongside an expresso. Always ask about bike parking.
Another option is campsites, just walking boldly in and filling up at the nearest water point. I also rinsed the bike drive train at these if desperate.
Accomodation
I'm a big believer in stayingat city centre hotels , IBIS etc, as they are generally used to one night stays by cyclists and other amenities like evening food, minimarket and pharmacies are on hand.
Always ask about secure bike storage however. Don't accept an open car park. Nowadays I am usually offered a luggage storage room, empty conference room etc or the hotel room.
BandB options are ok but they can be less central meaning back on the bike for food. Also as it is their home, the proprietors can be prickly about arrival times, where you leave the bike, etc.
Final thoughts
These are suggestions that may help but set your own goals and don't worry about anyone else. This is your trip and do it your way.
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