Cuba

The winter of 2017/2018

In this solo bike touring video, join adventurer Mike as he begins an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Cuba.

In Part 1 of this multi-part series, Mike rolls out of the vibrant streets of Havana and heads east on a two-wheeled adventure toward Santa Lucía, a small fishing village on the island’s northern coast. With just a bicycle, two pannier bags, and a strong sense of curiosity, he pedals through rolling hills, scenic countryside, and bustling Cuban cities.

Along the way, he stops to experience daily life, connect with locals, and sample the country’s famous Cuban cuisine—offering an authentic look at travel beyond the tourist trail.

This series documents a slow, human-powered journey through one of the most beautiful and unique countries in the world, uncovering hidden gems and real moments that only bike travel can reveal.

Part 2: Leaving Santa Lucía

In Part 2 of this solo bikepacking journey through Cuba, the adventure continues beyond Santa Lucía, the quiet fishing village on the island’s northern coast reached at the end of Part 1.

After departing Havana and riding east across the island, this chapter settles into the rhythm of life on the road. Traveling with only a bicycle, two pannier bags, and a growing sense of confidence, Mike pedals through rolling hills, open countryside, and lively Cuban towns. Each day brings new encounters—roadside conversations, simple meals, and moments that reveal the country far beyond the usual tourist routes.

This part of the journey focuses on slow travel: moving under your own power, embracing uncertainty, and taking the time to experience local culture, landscapes, and food as they come. It’s a reminder that some of the most memorable moments happen between destinations.

Part 2 continues to uncover the hidden gems and authentic experiences that make Cuba such a remarkable place to explore by bike.

Cuba by Bike – Part 3: Holguín to Baracoa 🎄🚴‍♂️🇨🇺

In this third chapter of our Cuba bikepacking journey, we pedal from Holguín to Baracoa—a stretch of rugged coastline, lonely roads, and old-Cuba magic that feels like another world entirely.

Riding through the eastern provinces, towns and villages appear frozen in time. Classic cars drift along the horizon, roosters announce the morning, and the steady hum of bicycle wheels becomes the rhythm of our days. Some roads roll smoothly beneath us; others dissolve into gravel and dust. Every bend brings something unexpected—locals calling out warm greetings, palm-lined vistas, and a quiet, unpolished beauty found far from the beaten path.

Experiencing Christmas in Cuba is a reminder that celebration doesn’t need decorations or shopping malls. Here, it’s about rhythm, community, and shared moments. In Baracoa, tucked between the sea and the mountains, we find warmth in places we didn’t expect—spontaneous salsa beats drifting through the streets, roadside plates of fresh food, and laughter with people who treat you like family, even if you’re only passing through.

This leg of the journey feels slower, deeper, and more human. It’s a reminder that traveling by bike isn’t just about covering distance—it’s about connection, patience, and letting a place reveal itself one pedal stroke at a time.

🚴‍♂️ Cuba Part 4 — New Year’s in Santiago & Rolling West

In this latest vlog episode, we take our Cuba bike trip to the next level — both in tradition and terrain. This episode begins in Santiago de Cuba, one of the island’s most vibrant cities, where we celebrate New Year’s Eve by joining a local event that’s as unique as the culture itself: trying to pull a chicken off a butter-covered wire while riding a horse. It’s an unexpected challenge that captures the playful energy and communal spirit of Santiago, a place steeped in history and Caribbean rhythm.

From there, we hit the road once again on our bikes and follow the island westward, passing through some of Cuba’s most iconic and contrasting landscapes:

📍 Trinidad

A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its cobblestone streets and preserved colonial architecture. Riding into Trinidad, you feel transported back in time as the countryside gives way to rich cultural heritage in every plaza and alleyway.

📍 Bay of Pigs

The road skirts the Zapata Peninsula, leading us to the Bay of Pigs — a region known internationally for the 1961 invasion. As cyclists, we experience both the serene Caribbean coastline and the weight of history embedded in this stretch of road — a stark contrast to the lively streets of Santiago.

📍 Sancti Spíritus

Cruising through central Cuba’s plains and small rural settlements, we make a stop in Sancti Spíritus — one of Cuba’s oldest European-founded cities. Its relaxed pace and colonial squares give a sense of Cuba beyond the tourist hubs.

After these explorations and miles in the saddle, we head back to Varadero. Here we shift into a slower gear: a week of rest with the parents, sandy beaches, and recovery from all the pedaling and cultural immersion.

📹 What to Expect in the Video

Local traditions and New Year’s festivities
Unforgettable roadside moments
Scenic cycling segments across Central Cuba
History and culture from Santiago to the Bay of Pigs
Rest and reflections in Varadero

Whether you’re here for travel inspiration, bikepacking tips, or cultural experiences off the typical route, this episode delivers a mix of adventure and perspective.