Cuba - Rum Beer and Cigarettes

[Farawayvisions]

Been home for a couple of weeks now and finally got around to getting a post together. This first post is about the trip from Holguin to Gibara. If you've ever thought about bikepacking in Cuba, go soon. I am so glad we went when we did. The heat was tough, 30C and more. Food and drink...
...well read for yourself and find out.

http://www.farawayvisions.com/rum-beer- ... tros-cuba/

[GregMay]

Will have a read! Spent two weeks there last November for our honeymoon with bikes - took off to the less visited areas in the west of the country, it was ace.

[gairym]

Looks great, any off road to be had?

[GregMay]

Looks great, any off road to be had?

Minimal in our experience. They are _quite_ protective of the land as it's been used extensively for farming. However, in certain areas you can go into the back country with a paid guide - but mostly walking/horseriding.

We did spend a lot of time on backcountry gravel roads, but got some very strange looks as we went away from where tourists normally go. It was great. People were friendly, if confused why we were there.

There are some parts of the country where you still just won't be allowed visit. Mainly as there is industry or military near by. Which, for a country that has had to fight very hard to remain independent - I understand. It did lead to one or two...interesting pigeon English and waving contests when trying to explain A) We're not spies B) We've rode here, and yes we know the road isn't on the map.

Fun place. Do go!

[Farawayvisions]

Looks great, any off road to be had?

We went off-road, though many routes were impassable due to the depth of mud. There are miles and miles and miles of tracks and off-road sections, and we were never challenged about where we were going.
I'll explain more later and upload (off-road) pics.
Only restrictions were around Guantanamo Bay and the nickel mines near Moa.

[voodoo_simon]

Read this the other day, great write up, enjoyed reading it. Sounds like a great trip