Epic Weekend Cycling in Havana

Bienvenido a Cuba, Bienvenido a La Habana!
Havana, Cuba’s capital, is a city steeped in history and heritage. Founded in 1519, it’s one of the oldest cities in the Americas, and its historical significance is evident in its architecture, cobblestone streets, and colonial buildings. The city’s historic district, Old Havana (La Habana Vieja), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can stroll through charming plazas, visit colonial-era churches, and admire beautifully preserved buildings that offer a glimpse into Havana’s past.

The adventure is on, so this morning we move on from La Habana, heading out to Las Terrazas. A beautiful scenery awaits along today’s route. As we move towards Artemisa, we ride through small communities and small towns, like Jaimanitas, Baracoa, Mariel, Cabañas; etc. In Jaimanitas, we pay a short visit to Fusterlandia. This is an artistic neighborhood located in this seaside town, just west of Havana. Even though its history is a lot more than the sole character of the renowned Cuban artist José Fuster, he transformed the neighborhood into a vibrant and colorful work of art.
We will enjoy a simple lunch en route, always supporting the local entrepreneurs. If you would rather take it easy, the shuttle will be at your disposal. For those wanting to enjoy every single inch of the ride, we will cover up to 60 mi/ 95 km to our destination, Las Terrazas.
Las Terrazas was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1985 due to its well-preserved natural environment. The reserve covers an area of about 25,000 hectares and is home to diverse flora and fauna. Its name comes from the reforestation that took place here between 1965 to 1975, in which some 6 million trees were planted with the Terracing System. Las Terrazas is also known for its sustainable development projects, Community centered. The projects cover everything from eco-tourism, organic farming, and art and crafts initiatives to local workshops and studios of pottery, papermaking, and woodwork.

Today we are heading East instead. Today is beach day! Our plan is to bike along some quiet backroads to a beautiful spot on the northern coast, called Jibacoa. It is not a difficult ride at all, mostly gently rolling ups and downs for some 50 mi. Support bus will be reachable in case you want to call the day. Throughout our ride, we will enjoy a picturesque landscape, lush green, limestone mountains, and rural communities with rather quiet roads. We will enjoy this peaceful and colorful ride, all the way to Jibacoa. A heavenly beach, where we will enjoy lunch and a lovely swim. Tonight, we will enjoy a well-deserved farewell dinner to wrap up all the new experiences and celebrate you, again, for having ridden with us.

This morning we wake up with home in mind, packing and making sure we take back all what we brought, as well as a new approach and perspective on reality. It was surely different, and hopefully this past week will have a lasting impact on us and how we approach life. Thanks for riding with us. Ride for Life, and let’s do it again!