We're back! and we've done it - cycled 380 kms across Cuba in aid of Article 25.
After 6 months of training Krystyna, Julia and I joined an eleven person team of 10 women and one man to attempt a journey by bicycle from Havana on the North West coast to Trindad on the South East coast. We cycled through wind, rain, the tail end of a hurricane and blistering sunshine. As we cycled through the villages the children would cheer and wave and call 'Ola!' and encourage us on with smiles and waves. In the towns they looked at us as if we were eccentric foreigners but were really friendly when we stopped for breaks and wanted to talk to us about what we were doing.
We were supported by a six-man Cuban team who followed us with a truck providing more encouragement, fresh drinking water and the all important roadside repairs. ( I had three punctures in one morning - in the end they replaced the wheel!) Sometimes it was tough going but Cuba is a beautiful country and cycling is an excellent way of experiencing the diversity of its landscape, its architecture and most importantly, its people, who were so generous in the way they shared what they had.
Its been an extraordinary experience for us and, thanks to all of you who supported us, we will have raised a significant amount of money for Article 25 who support development projects among some of the world's poorest communities. If you haven't yet sponsored us we are still short of our target and its not too late to do so.
Thanks to everyone who supported us with encouragement, training advice, equipment loans, prayer and ,of course, donations. Hope you like the photos.
