Un centenar de personas con discapacidad física, intelectual y sensorial harán el 7 de octubre de 2011, parte del Camino de Santiago en bicicletas adaptadas a sus necesidades. La actividad se desarrollará por octavo año consecutivo, gracias a la Fundación También, al compromiso y la labor de los voluntarios de Solidarios Orange, el apoyo de Xacobeo Galicia, así como la Fundación Repsol, que patrocina el programa de ciclismo adaptado de Fundación También. Según los organizadores, los peregrinos comenzarán su primera etapa este sábado, día 8, que discurrirá entre Fontenlas a Salceda. Tras reponer fuerzas continuarán otros nueve kilómetros desde Ceadoiro hasta Amenal. Ya el domingo 9, saldrán desde Villamayor hacia el simbólico Monte do Gozo, desde donde partirán a la Catedral de Santiago, lugar en el que les recibirá el consejero de Cultura y Turismo de la Xunta de Galicia, Roberto Varela.

Tournride proveerá, por segundo año consecutivo casi 30 bicicletas para que ninguno de los participantes se quede sin cumplir su sueño de entrar en la Plaza del Obradoiro y completar el objetivo de abrazar al Apóstol Santiago.

Physiotherapists’ Professional Association of Galicia and Tournride are providing pilgrims with a handbook of recommendations on how to embark upon the Way of St. James and get the most out of the journey. It contains a series of tips on planning and physically preparing yourself for each part of the journey; choosing the right type of rucksack, and on filling it and how to carry it; the kind of clothing and footwear you should use; the best walking techniques; the importance of hydration; foot care; how to combat fatigue; and what to do if you injure yourself. There is a chapter for people with a disability, and the handbook comes with a guide of the nearest physiotherapy centres to the Camino.

Physiotherapy Manual (spanish-english)

Milky Way, as it travels under the lights of the galaxy to the Atlantic Ocean.  Some argue the path has always been spiritual, following purported Celtic mourning routes to the setting sun. The scallop shell has long been a symbol of both Galicia and the pilgrimage, acting as a sign at refuges and to show the way. Participation in the pilgrimage nearly doubled between 2009 and 2010, bringing tourist dollars into the region. Pilgrims carry a card or “credencial” which gets stamped at every town visited, proof of their pilgrimage. Pilgrims who complete the journey are blessed with a plenary indulgence, which apparently removes their sins. Pilgrims who have walked 100km to the Santiago de Compostela are awarded a certificate, or compostela.

http://www.bbc.com/travel/gallery/20110518-el-camino-de-santiago

“Forget planes and cars: beginner’s guide to travelling by bike”, is the beggining of the article on Lonely Planet new guide about Bike Tour, written by Courtney Cervantes. “Ever thought that self-powered metal thing in your garage – aka your bike – could take you around the world? Because it can! You don’t have to be a world-class athlete to go from strolling through your neighborhood to pedalling the roads of China.

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Luckily bike-travelling isn’t something that you’ll be figuring out on your own. There are tonnes of resources out there, so start researching! To get you going, here’s a guide to some things you need to consider:

• How long do you want to go?
• Where do you want to go?
• What kind of shape are you in?
• Hotels, hostels, or camping?
• What should you bring?
• How heavy a pack can you carry?
• Have you practised?

Click here http://www.lonelyplanet.com/australia/travel-tips-and-articles/76577?affil=fb-fan