CCE
Cyclists for Cultural Exchange
Cuba 2023
Ever ridden on a bamboo bike?
Experience the beautiful tropical island guided by our local friends Ana-Beatriz, Roberto and some of their riding buddies to get a real feel for this fascinating country.
Cuba
Description
We will enjoy scenic rides through rolling farmlands. Along with our rides, we will swim in cenotes, have a pig roast at Ana's family country farm, swim in a river, have a "Cuban soup" picnic and hike to the top of a limestone mountain. We will also visit renowned botanical gardens and have the option of sailing and snorkeling in the crystal-clear Atlantic warmed by the Gulf Stream.
This is a deep cultural immersion tour. Our accommodations are in local homes, and we will be enjoying local cuisine. On one evening, we will host a party with a band and invite our local friends.
Some of the daily rides are paved and some are not. The terrain is not very hilly. Mountain bikes are ideal, especially if there’s mud. It can rain, but usually not for long, and people are accustomed to providing shelter to travelers to wait out a downpour.
The bamboo rental bikes are non-suspended and run 27.5″ x 2.5″ tires that are perfect for the terrain. Local riders get by with much less.
On hold until future notice.
Eligibility: This trip is open to all cyclists.
Cost: $1000 (double occupancy)
Includes:
7 nights, 8 days all-inclusive in Cuba: Lodging, meals, water, taxi airport transfer. Rides are supported daily with a SAG vehicle, ride leader and mechanic on duty.
Not included:
Airfare to and from Cuba, visa.
Bike rental: A few Cuban-built bamboo mountain bikes are available! Fee: $100.
Flight & visa tips: See below.
Itinerary: See below.
Questions?
Contact the organizer Craig Calfee (craig@calfeedesign.com)
The weather is tropical. Daytime temperatures range between 75-95 F with thunder showers very likely. I do not bring sweaters, but I carry a very light raincoat. Our Cuban cycling friends from previous rides will join us and offer insight and flavor to the experience.
Ana B. is our very able and wonderful hostess at Luz del Norte in Gibara. She and our local cycling friends will ride with us while in the Gibara area. Ana speaks Spanish, English, German and some Italian.
If you are an "A" rider, this will be a very gentle trip. If you are a "C" rider, it will be a little challenging but entirely doable. Basic requirement is that you be able to ride up to 40 miles for two days in a row.
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Itinerary
(7 nights, 8 days)
Day 1
Arrive Holguin Airport (HOG). Taxi or bike ride to Gibara
km: 50
Lunch: Holguin or Gibara, depending on arrival time
Arrivals and Bike fitting. Local rides around town. Program discussion
Dinner: Luz del Norte
Note: On hold until further notice.
Day 2
Ride to Caletones beach town
km: 46
Lunch: Caletones restaurants
Excursion to Taugues and blue cenotes, return to Gibara
Dinner: Luz del Norte
Day 3
Ride to Cesar's shop
km: 35
Lunch: Cesar's bamboo bike shop visit
Country ride on small roads back to Gibara, cave tour
Dinner: Restaurant in Gibara
Day 4
Excursion to Yabazon. Swimming in "Poso del Loro"
km: 50
Lunch: Picnic or restaurant nearby
Ride small roads back to Gibara
Dinner: Restaurant in Gibara
Day 5
Boat across bay, ride to Park Bariay
km: 50
Lunch: TBD
Visit sites around Park Bariay
Dinner: Luz del Norte
Day 6
Open
km: TBD
Lunch: TBD
Dinner: Luz del Norte
Day 7
Ride to Holguin
km: 57
Lunch: Along the route
Nightlife in Holguin with live music
Dinner: "Don Santiago El Escapao" Cuban traditional food
Day 8
Depart
km: 15
Lunch: Holguin
Holguin city tour, craft shopping in La Marqueta market square