Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Jaguey Grande to Matanzas
Hello all
This is the Tres Amigos version of leaving Jaguey,as the rest of the group took off to Veradero like horses to the barn. (Beach,beer,and Rum punch in this case ).
After my delicious breakfast at Casa Maria(where we all had a grand feast the night before),we toured the heart of town,took some photos and headed Northward towards Jovellanos. We passed seemingly endless Citrus Groves,many Fincas(Co-op farms),and an interesting Secondary school and adjoining Ball courts.
We stopped to load up on water and Naranjo ,and enjoyed some made to order street pizza in Jovellanos,then pressed on.
Barry and I enjoyed a nice lunch in Coliseo (or Limonar,I cannot remember),while Kirk explored the local township searching for an elusive item. As the picture shows,good value to be had eating with locals and carrying local currency "Cubanos" (20=$1.00 can ). We had a tasty 270gm pork steak and a forgettable spaghetti for about $1.25 Can.They even threw in a free dessert.
Arrived in Matanzas about 2pm,and first stop was to introduce Barry to the local Locksmith,in case he kept with recent tradition of stealing/forgetting keys from the Casas. We found a great watering hole on Matanzas Bay and met Frank,a Can guy who lives in Matanzas and Havana. We grilled him for info on area and Habana ,while enjoying a couple cold Cristal.
Kirk had a reservation for us in Matanzas,so we proceeded to find Casa"La Villa Sonada",soon known as Armando's Place to us. Great location right across street from "Dollar Store",and 5 blks from Parque Centro. They were good enough to let Kirk do his daily spoke change right in the Lobby,and had cold beer at the ready for us.Only problem was there was only 1 room avail,so I stayed a few blocks away,but returned to enjoy the delicious dinner and breakie that Armando and Delisa put together for us. First class Seafood dinner on a beautiful,calming,plant covered terrace. For less than $20.00 Can each,with ample beer and wine.
We were pleasantly stuffed,and waddled down to the main square to get a feel of the town and stretch our legs. An early night to prepare for what could be a long day tomorrow.
This is the Tres Amigos version of leaving Jaguey,as the rest of the group took off to Veradero like horses to the barn. (Beach,beer,and Rum punch in this case ).
After my delicious breakfast at Casa Maria(where we all had a grand feast the night before),we toured the heart of town,took some photos and headed Northward towards Jovellanos. We passed seemingly endless Citrus Groves,many Fincas(Co-op farms),and an interesting Secondary school and adjoining Ball courts.
We stopped to load up on water and Naranjo ,and enjoyed some made to order street pizza in Jovellanos,then pressed on.
Barry and I enjoyed a nice lunch in Coliseo (or Limonar,I cannot remember),while Kirk explored the local township searching for an elusive item. As the picture shows,good value to be had eating with locals and carrying local currency "Cubanos" (20=$1.00 can ). We had a tasty 270gm pork steak and a forgettable spaghetti for about $1.25 Can.They even threw in a free dessert.
Arrived in Matanzas about 2pm,and first stop was to introduce Barry to the local Locksmith,in case he kept with recent tradition of stealing/forgetting keys from the Casas. We found a great watering hole on Matanzas Bay and met Frank,a Can guy who lives in Matanzas and Havana. We grilled him for info on area and Habana ,while enjoying a couple cold Cristal.
Kirk had a reservation for us in Matanzas,so we proceeded to find Casa"La Villa Sonada",soon known as Armando's Place to us. Great location right across street from "Dollar Store",and 5 blks from Parque Centro. They were good enough to let Kirk do his daily spoke change right in the Lobby,and had cold beer at the ready for us.Only problem was there was only 1 room avail,so I stayed a few blocks away,but returned to enjoy the delicious dinner and breakie that Armando and Delisa put together for us. First class Seafood dinner on a beautiful,calming,plant covered terrace. For less than $20.00 Can each,with ample beer and wine.
We were pleasantly stuffed,and waddled down to the main square to get a feel of the town and stretch our legs. An early night to prepare for what could be a long day tomorrow.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Made it to Cienfuegos
Quick update with no pictures as we have limited access and very little time. We have had an interesting adventure so far and will update when time permits. We are all safe in Cienfuegos and managed to pick up a German rider along the way so now we are 8. Heading out to Playa Giron in the morning and if all goes well, we will arrive Varadero Thursday afternoon.
We have had some mechanical break downs on the way with flat tires, broken spokes and Barry was missing an axle on arrival into Santa Clara as it was lost enroute. Days are hot and the occasional rainy start but manage to find accomodation in a Casa each night. Food is actually been quite good and the Cerveza has been better.
Presently at a local restaurant and waiting for our food to be served.
We have had some mechanical break downs on the way with flat tires, broken spokes and Barry was missing an axle on arrival into Santa Clara as it was lost enroute. Days are hot and the occasional rainy start but manage to find accomodation in a Casa each night. Food is actually been quite good and the Cerveza has been better.
Presently at a local restaurant and waiting for our food to be served.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
We are on our way
The clock has finally counted down in our favor and we are gathered in YVR starting on the beverage consumption portion of the journey. The flight to Toronto leaves in 1 1/2 hours arriving shortly after 6 am. We have a 3 hour layover before our flight to Santa Clara Cuba. On arrival plans are to assemble the bikes and ride from the airport to the Casa and then off for a couple of Cristals before we hit the road early Saturday morning.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
We are down to 23 days and counting. Bikes are prepped, plans have been formulated and the excitement is building. The summer and fall included mini training rides through Vancouver, Fort Langley and the odd trip across the Golden Ears bridge. The 7 of us confirmed riders are going to get together for wings at the "station" next Tuesday for some last minute discussions and practicing up for the alcohol consumption portion of the journey. There may be issues on updating the blog while on route in Cuba due to limited Internet access but we will do our best. This years ride should be just as exciting as the last so stay tuned for updates.
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