You exceeded my expectations for this trip. Everything was handled smoothly and well. We had a variety of accommodations, some Obviously better than others, the the owners of the casas we stayed in were very accommodating and made up for in kindness what they may have lacked in amenities. We had a variety of tours and th MOST DELIGHTFUL tour leader whose memory for dates and details was beyond compare. He was also encouraging and supportive for those including myself who struggled on a couple of rides. (Due to my lack of cycling ability). I believe the rides were exactly what I expected...challenging for me but not beyond my capabilities.....although there were a few times I questioned that!!!! The drivers were kind and funny. When I mentioned we really liked pineapple...Alexis went and got more! The rooms varied a lot in each hotel and I noted that everyone had "the best room" at least once....I have to think that was intentional....it was the extra little touch that made this trip so truly memorable and special. I am already looking at my next Exodus cycling trip! I would highly recommend it!
The turning wheels on a Cuban odyessy Now.............. the first thing to say is that I am NO cyclist.....well that's not totally true of course as of course I CAN ride a bike and myself and my wife have a reasonable level of fitness, however its not my recreational pastime as was some on our trip.......BUT.....What a holiday. If you are any doubt about your ability to do this, then so long as you have that reasonable level of fitness you should be just fine....and if you feel like riding on the support bus one day or more, then you can do that as well. No problem or aspersion cast from your fellow travellers. The perfect thing is that you get to see the country side as it SHOULD be seen......Up close. Cuba is very beautiful and majestic in places with areas untouched and great vistas. Lovely to see from a bike. The tour starts and ends in Havana and you go East going through some of the most important places such as the historic Bay of Pigs area, World Heritage site of Trinidad, the National park, and the Bustling City's of Santiago and Havana....I'm not going to say all the secrets....I want you to go and find them yourself, but I promise you will NOT be disappointed. The history and beauty of the island is a great mix. You really learn a lot.
The accommodations were great. The owner and his family did not live there, but came by each morning to have breakfast for us and help us get started each day. Nicer than the pictures online. Probably the nicest place in the area. 15 minute walk to the bear restaurants in the area. The walk was safe but Old Havana is a fraction of what it once was. The Cuban people are wonderful but are clearly dealing with a tough situation.