Cycling Cuba 2007

On Feb 17 my friend Annette and I set out at the Vancouver airport with our bikes all bandaged up, tires deflated, handlebars turned and ready for flight. Neither of us had much cyling experience and I certainly never have ever changed a flat tire even though I'd had my bike for 15 years.

Preparation pays off! Things one must bring (and we're soooo glad we did!): cycling computer, bike shorts, gatorade powder, cliff bars (power bars), wet wipes:), earplugs (oh those roosters and dogs!), water purifiers and of course sun screen!


Experiences in brief: No injuries, one flat (the second one doesn't count....), 560 km cycled, 2 horseback trips, one cave swim, a few mohitos and countless Bucanero's (local beer), 3 teenie tiny jelly fish stings, one big sting ray, fantastic sunsets, quiet beaches, days we survived on icecream and bread: 2, Flamigo sightings: 1, numerous turkey vultures would circle us ("we're not dead yet!"), turtle (yum), cigar:1, near death experiences with cows/bulls: 2 (in my mind), occasional dehydration, great sleep everynight despite lumpy beds, mosquitoes, noise etc, one bike race with the egg man, and great casa particulares hospitality!

The route! Juan Gualberto Gomez airport to Varadero and then a little cycling on the pensinsula, 4 days to cross to Trinidad to the south/east, a few days in Trinidad, then by bus to Havana, a day of cycling around Havana, bus to Vinales, cycled around this beautiful region before making our way back to Mantanzas by bus and then cycling to Juan Gualberto Gomez airport! 560 km in total. Gastrointestinal issues limited us a little ..... therefore the bus:)

Outline of Mogotes in Vinales

Vista of Vinales Valley

I wasn't able to upload any more photos to this site so if you wish to see more then just click on the flickr photo link to the right. Enjoy! Would be happy to talk to anyone if they wish to do this trip. I plan on going again as there is much more to see and cycling is the way to see it!