CCE
Cyclists for Cultural Exchange
CCE Cuba 2024
Ever ridden on a bamboo bike?
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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.
CCE Cuba Tour Fall 2024
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.
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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.
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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.
Dates: November 12 - 21, 2024
Number of participants: 10
Bamboo retal bikes will be available ($100)
Eligibility: This trip is open to all cyclists.
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Cost: $900 (double occupancy)
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Video of a previous trip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFX63OdaRaE
Some of the daily rides are paved and some are dirt. 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.
Includes:
10 days, 9 nights all-inclusive in Cuba: Lodging, meals, water, taxi airport transfer. Rides are supported daily with a SAG vehicle, ride leader and mechanic on duty.
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Not included:
Airfare to and from Cuba, visa.
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Bike rental: A few Cuban-built bamboo mountain bikes are available! Fee: $100.
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Flight & Visas:
There are direct flights from Miami (MIA) on American Airlines to Holguin (HOG) Flying through Havana may be a better option from other locations but booking the Havana to Holguin flight (Air Cubana) may need the services of a travel agent outside of the USA or with connections in Cuba.
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Tourist visas can be usually be purchased at the airport departing for Cuba for $50. For American citizens, select the People to People license on the affidavit. Cyclists for Cultural Exchange is the organization that will be responsible for meeting the requirements under the current rules as per the US Dept. of State. Citizens of other countries will have different visa requirements as per https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Cuba
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Itinerary: See below.
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Questions?
Contact the organizer
Tim Thomas timW.thomas@yahoo.com
Itinerary
(9 nights, 10 days)
Day 1
Arrive Holguin Airport (HOG).
2 pm: Participants will be taken to Casa Luz del Norte by car
Bike fitting. Program discussion
Dinner: Luz del Norte
Day 2
8 am: Ride to Caletones beach
km: 18
Lunch: La Esperanza
Dinner: Luz del Norte
Day 3
8 am: Ride to Cesar's Farm
km: 18
Lunch: Cesar's bamboo bike shop visit
Dinner: Restaurant in Gibara
Day 4
Ride to Silla Gibara
km: 20
river walk, swimming
Day 5
8 am: Ride to Cerro Yabazm
km: 30
river walk, swimming
Day 6
Ceyo Banay Cuba discovery
km: 30
Day 7
9 am: Los Panaderos Cave
bike, walk, swim
Day 8
7 am: Mirador Hotel Holguin
km: 45
two days stay