WELCOME TO SPANISH CYCLEPATHS

What sort of bikes do people ride?
You name it, they're riding it. They'll ride fifteen year-old clunkers that have been repainted twice; road bikes; tandems; recumbents; tandems with recumbent and upright combinations; mountain bikes with street tires.... It really doesn't matter what kind of bike you ride as long as you're comfortable on it. If you're touring, make sure that you can spend hours riding the bike without developing neck, wrist or back pain (which means using a bike with a more compact frame, so you're not leaning over too much). A good quality bike, even borrowed or second-hand (no €99 specials from the local bargain store!) equipped with solid components and a good once-over by your local mechanic will serve you well Richard A. Lovett's <i>The Essential Touring Cyclist</i> (Ragged Mountain Press) features excellent information on how to select and buy a touring bike that's best suited to your needs.

Don't I have to buy special or expensive clothing?
Riding is much more pleasant if you invest in at least two pairs of cycling shorts. Most cyclists find that the combination of regular underwear and athletic clothing grinds into a person's nether regions; after an hour extremely uncomfortable chafing occurs. Cycling shorts don't have to be expensive. Many of the sports superstore chains in Europe sell very basic models for about €10...perfect if you aren't sure you want to make the investment in expensive gear. If you're going to be cycling during the cooler months, wind protection is essential. Many people know that Spain is a mountainous country, but there's a reason why those mountains are thick with eolic generators. Strongly recommended are rain pants (which have windbreaking qualities), with a pair of cycling shorts underneath, and shirts which help wick the moisture away from your skin, to avoid that clammy feeling when the wind picks up. From the waist up, it's a matter of choice: Some people prefer to wear regular cotton t-shirts, so that their perspiration keeps them cool; others love the sleek feeling of being dressed in the latest technical fabrics. The key is to be comfortable and warm enough, but not so warm that you risk heat stroke - a definite risk in Mediterranean countries.
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