Viva La Cycle Cuba!

Buena Suerte…

On Thursday we say Adios and Buena Suerte to our cyclists flying out from London to take on a 400km cycle challenge across the stunning Caribbean island of Cuba. We have run this challenge for over ten years and it promises to be filled with fun, laughter and of course dancing.

On the trip we will see sights such as the beautiful Jibacoa Beach, cycle through the Yumuri Valley which has picture postcard tropical scenery with open pastures fringed with palm trees. A change in scenery when we cycle in the city of Matanzas, but then back to citrus groves.  We will tour the city of Cienfuegos, a World Heritage site and an important fishing port on Cuba’s south coast. Cycle past the majestic Escambray Mountains before reaching Trinidad. A World Heritage site and famous for its colonial architecture, the traditional methods of transport and cobbled streets give Trinidad the feel of being in a time warp. From Trinidad we will head into a scenic valley with sugar mills and tobacco fields. Stopping at Manacas Iznagas, a former sugar farm which is now a centre for local artisans. Our finishing line will be at the Che Guevara Mausoleum, one of Cuba’s most important revolutionary monuments where we will enjoy a Cuba Libre.

This week we wanted to delve a bit deeper into Cuba and learn more about this interesting Caribbean island. So here are ten things you may not have known about Cuba.

1. The history of Cuba…      

Cuba was inherited by tribes before the landing of explorer Christopher Columbus in 1492, who claimed it for the Kingdom of Spain. Cuba remained a colony of Spain until the Spanish American War of 1898, after which it gained independence as a de facto U.S. protectorate in 1902. Since 1965 the country has been governed by the Communist Party of Cuba.

2. Bacardi rum originated in Cuba…

Bacardi was founded in Cuba in 1862, but the family-run company ended up getting exiled after the revolution. Luckily, they had already built plants in Puerto Rico and Mexico, just in case. Nowadays, you won’t find any Bacardi in Cuba – instead, all your rum needs are covered by Havana Club.

3. Cubas people…

Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean and, with over eleven million inhabitants, the second-most populous after Hispaniola. It is a multi-ethnic country whose people, culture and customs derive from diverse origins.

4. Christmas did not become an official holiday in Cuba until 1997…

Castro – better known as the Grinch – slapped a ban on Christmas when he came to power in 1959. He only put an end to it before the Pope’s visit in 1998.

5. Language…

The official language of Cuba is Spanish and the vast majority of Cubans speak it. Spanish as spoken in Cuba is known as Cuban Spanish and is a form of Caribbean Spanish. Haitian Creoleis the second largest language is spoken by Haitian immigrants and their descendants.

6. Cuba has one of the highest literacy rates in the world...

In Cuba, 99.8% of people over 15 can read and write – and that’s compared to the global adult literacy rate of 84.1%. They really put us to shame with their curriculum, too. Pupils learn things like dance, gardening, health, hygiene and, of course, a bit of revolutionary history. Plus, all school meals and uniforms are free.

7. Its home to the world’s smallest bird and frog…

Tiny wildlife seems to be the norm in Cuba. Not only does it hold the Guinness World Record for the world’s smallest frog, it’s also home to the smallest bird. The Bee Hummingbird grows to a teeny 2 inches, while the Mount Iberia frog is just 10 millimetres in size.

8. Cuban Currencies...

There is more than one official currency in the country of Cuba. While Cuban locals use the Cuban Peso—tourists are given the Cuban Convertible Peso and are unable to use the Cuban Peso. So it’s essential that you have the right currency!

9. Cuban Time...

In Cuba, it’s common that things are a little bit slower pace. Let’s just say the island country runs on “Cuban time” or relaxed time.

10. There has been a McDonald’s in Cuba at Guantanamo Bay since 1986...

It turns out you really can find the golden arches anywhere including Guantanamo Bay. This one is surrounded by barbed wire and only accessible to staff at the base, but it’s the only one on the island.

 Viva la Cuba... 

We hope all of you love Cuba and the cycle as much as we do! If you want to delve a bit deeper into Cuba why not check out our Pinterest board for this beautiful island. 

Feel Inspired? To find out more about Dream Challenges events please visit the website or contact us directly: 

W: www.actionforcharity.co.uk . E: events@dreamchallenges.co.uk T: 01590 646410