Cuba

Has anyone here been cycling in Cuba? Me and my girlfriend are taking our bikes out there early next year, and plan to spend about two weeks touring (starting and ending in Havana). We’ve picked up Bicycling Cuba and the Time Out Havana guide, and have found a couple of other cycling-specific bits and pieces online. But still, any advice would be very welcome, especially on worthwhile routes and good places to stay. Thanks...

I'm just back from drinking in Cuba.
Havana = pretty scary.
The roads aren't great condition at all, and I'd say never lose sight of you bike, and hang on to it at all times.
Having said that, glorious country, I'm jealous.

yea i agree, never leave your bike unlocked, even the locals would tell you that...
loads of cobbles but not all are cobbled...

you can hire a single speed from a local for about CUC 1 per day... cheaper if you hire it for longer, etc... the bicycles are usually pretty battered, which adds to the charm, and brakes don't really work that great, but all in all, cycling in cuba is totally lovely!

where else in cuba are you gonig to? i have a Havana lonely planet (sep 07 edition) staring at me in the face now you could have. not sure if there is a later edition than that. it will prob be similar to the time out one you have.

Thread Bump!
I'm heading to Cuba on the 24th Feb for just over 3 weeks.
I plan to see as much as I can, including: Havana, Baracoa, Cienfuegos, Trinidad, and maybe Santiago and Vinales too.
I'd like to spend a few days hiking (day hikes), and a few days at the beach. Anyone have any particular recommendations for nice hiking trails and good beaches (ideally not too touristy)?

I'll be travelling alone, so if anyone has any general advice or recommendations for Casa Particulares, things to do and places to go etc. I'm all ears.

Many thanks,
Matt