Ruta/Camino Del Cid- Anyone have any info or experience?

[pistonbroke]

I'm planning to try this route in the Summer, it runs between Burgos and Valencia in Spain but as this is over 500 miles in a straightish line, we'll probably just do 200-250 miles from Burgos then get the train back. It looks quite scenic and passes through several castles and gorges but I'm a bit concerned that it will be baking hot in early August. Has anyone ridden this, is it suitable for laden cross bikes or would mountain bikes be better? Replies gratefully received.

[jameso]

The terrain and trails could be very different to the Camino Frances walker's trail (passes through Burgos) that we rode, there I was glad of MTB gearing and tyres at times but a cross bike would do OK too. There were plenty of shorter but sharp climbs and over a few hundred miles a bigger tyre was welcome, no need for sus forks though.

[Ray Young]

It will be hot in August. When I cycled out there many years ago I did as the Spanish do, take a siesta during the hottest part of the day and cycle morning and evening. Drink lots of water and cover up, you'll be fine.

[Firmo]

I spent 10-weeks travelling Spain in 2012 (by car, camping), and spent a bit of time in Castile, and between Burgos and Valencia in May/early June.

The temperatures were always early 30's, so in August I'd expect it to be baking hot. You'll need to carry a lot of water, and will probably only be able to bear the heat between 6am-1030am, and 4pm onward.

It'll still be a good ride though, and will pass through some beautiful, rural parts.

From memory, it wasn't the most mountainous terrain. I remember cycling on the GR99 and the GR160 routes and felt completely rattled riding on an old steel MTB. I reckon a CX could cope, but an MTB would give more comfort.