Cycling Cuba, departing 17th October 2010

Hi Kayloulou  After linking into various other 17th of October Cuba postings and accidently scaring some none cyclists - who are currently petrified that their bus tour around Cuba is going to involve more effort than they ever envisaged - I have come to the conclusion that there is more than one trip going to Cuba on the 17th of October. I can only hope that I am now linking into the correct one….I will be joining the cycle trip (please don’t tell me there is more than one cycling trip leaving on the 17th) with my wife Nicky. Our Exodus history is a cycling trip to Rajasthan in 2007 (I think we went on the correct one but I’m now having doubts).   As way of introduction I covered the India trip in my Blog - you may or may not be interested in reading it - I won't be offended if you aren't,   I appreciate that the BlackLOG is not for everyone and certainly not for the faint hearted where grammar and spelling is concerned (My old English teacher would describe it as a place where English goes to curl up and die But what did he know, he predicted I would not pass English in a million years. He was so shocked he forgot to congratulate me…..) 

http://the-blacklog.blogspot.com/2008/01/preparation-for-blackslog-ride-across.html 

http://the-blacklog.blogspot.com/2008/01/blackslog-part-two-continuing-our.html

http://the-blacklog.blogspot.com/2008/01/my-name-is-b-mr-b-rajasthan-vol-3.html

http://the-blacklog.blogspot.com/2008/02/blackslog-rajasthan-vol4.html

http://the-blacklog.blogspot.com/2008/02/blackslog-rajasthan-vol5-possibly.html

http://the-blacklog.blogspot.com/2008/02/blackslog-rajasthan-vol6-they-think-its.html 

looking forward to meeting you

Niel

 

Hi Kay and Niel, I'm also on this trip. This will be my 3rd cycling trip with Exodus - others were Croatia in 2007 and Vietnam last year which were both amazing, but I'm really looking forward to visiting Cuba as it's been on my wish list for a long time. I can't believe it's only 4 weeks away! How are the preparations going for you both??

Orla

Hi Niel and Orla

Thanks for the responses and phew, glad I won't be on my own!  This is my 'maiden' cycling trip with Exodus, however, training has been going well .. I've done lots of cycling on a regular basis since February of this year so feel fit enough, although slightly nervous of the hurricane season in Cuba!!  I can't believe it's only 4 weeks away either and beginning to think about what to pack.  Very much looking forward to meeting you.  Since both of you have previously done a cycling trip(s) with Exodus, what one golden tip would you give me?

Best wishes,

Lou

 

Kay 

 My golden tip is get a camel backpack or similar – they come in all shapes and sizes, depending if you want to carry anything with you other than water. It means that you can drink while you ride without having to stop…..  

Hi Orla

 It sounds like you are the experianced one - I must admit that I really wanted to visit Cuba before Catro departs stage left (or possibly right after his interview recently saying communism has failed). I think he should survive for the next few weeks at least.

Niel    

 

I'd agree a Camelbak is very useful especially if it's really humid when you drink lots of water and handy for carrying some basics like sun cream (being Irish that's essential for my fair skin type!!), tissues or hand sanitiser although with group stops every 15-20km you never have to wait too long to access your things on the bus. But it's also handy to loop your camera through because my tip would be to keep your camera handy at all times. You'll see some amazing scenery and sights of day to day life as you cycle through the country - that's based on previous experience and I'm sure Cuba will be no different!

I hope we'll miss the hurricane season too, but I saw someone recommend www.stormpulse.com on one of the other posts, which might be worth keeping a check on...

Hi guys, Nice to meet other people on the trip. Like yourselves I am looking forward to the trip as Cuba has been on my list for sometime and I wanted to visit the country before Castro dies and it all changes. I have previously been mountain biking in the Canadian Rockies and in Northern Spain but these were some time ago. I have been training for a while now both on my bike and down the gym. Definatley recommend a camelbak, one of the best investments I have made. Now just to work out what to pack! Looking forward to seeing you all. Phil