Cycle Cuba Challenge

22 April – 4 May 2009
£199 registration fee plus £2150 sponsorship

Sponsored bike ride to send vital musical equipment to Cuban schoolchildren at National Music schools and performing artists throughout the island. Supporting the Music Fund For Cuba, a registered charity first established in memory of Kirsty MacColl in 2001. Exhilarating 350km ride to the salsa beat from Sancti Spiritus to Remedios. Unique invitation to attend May Day Rally in Plaza de la Revolución.

We have run an annual sponsored cycle challenge in Cuba since 1999. Many intrepid challengers have taken part in these events and successfully raised funds for vital educational and medical aid projects in Cuba, including over 10,000 asthma inhalers to a children’s hospital, a specialist Braille printer and speaking watches to a school for visually impaired children. This year, all proceeds will go to Music Fund for Cuba. The Music Fund for Cuba is a registered charity (Reg 1096283) supported by the Cuba Solidarity Campaign and first established in memory of Kirsty MacColl in 2001. Monies raised will go towards purchasing essential musical and educational equipment for young Cuban school children. Many essential items are in short supply, including guitar strings, ballet shoes and paper for music scores. The cycle group will deliver the aid directly to a school for visually impared children in Havana where we will be guaranteed a rousing reception from the school salsa band.

Cycle Cuba Challenge runs 350 kilometres from Sancti Spíritus, one of Cuba’s 7 original Spanish towns, to Remedios, on the rugged Atlantic coast, and there is a day’s hike to the Caburní Falls deep in the Escambray Mountains. The route passes through Trinidad, Cuba’s best preserved colonial town and a UNESCO World Heritage site, dips and falls alongside the turquoise blue Caribbean to Lake Hanabanilla, high in the Escambray Mountains, onto Santa Clara, site of Che Guevara’s evocative mausoleum and historic victory against Batista’s troop train. The route passes through dramatic scenery and along quiet rural roads with opportunities to experience vibrant Cuban culture at first hand. From the finishing line we return to Havana, the salsa capital of the world, and to celebrate a wonderful group achievement we have received a special invitation to take part in the May Day Rally in Revolution Square with its iconic images of Che Guevara, addressed by Raúl Castro and attended by over 1 million Cubans.

To be part of Cycle Cuba Challenge simply complete and return the registration form with your registration fee of GBP199. You will then need to raise the minimum sponsorship level of GBP2150. We will give you plenty of fundraising tips and we’re only a phone call away if you need any help.

*** 2 people booking together can register for only GBP99 per person ***

Go on, grab the opportunity of a lifetime and register today. When you are cycling through a beautiful rural Cuban landscape by day and dancing to an intoxicating salsa rhythm by night you won’t regret it. Cycle Cuba Challenge is a great way to be involved in delivering vital educational equipment direct to visually impaired Cuban school children.

The tour costs include return flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick direct to Havana, UK Departure Tax, Cuban Tourist Card (visa), 11-night’s accommodation based on two people sharing twin rooms with en suite facilities, entrance to all visits and excursions (other than those marked as optional) and all meals listed in the itinerary. There are comprehensive back up and support services throughout the Challenge.

• A dedicated support team including a cycle tour manager, a fully qualified mechanic and doctor (who work with the Cuban national cycle team) and an English speaking Havanatour guide.
• 100% vehicle support, including front and rear support vehicles and a vehicle that will pass up and down the day’s route. You will be able to take a lift at any point if you get tired.
• Hike to the Caburní Falls, deep in the Escambray Mountains.
• Transfers in air-conditioned coaches.
• Luggage and spares parts carried on support vehicles.
• 4L of bottled water per cyclist per cycling day.
• Detailed route descriptions and daily briefing sessions.
• Hotel accommodation based on two people sharing a twin room with en suite facilities. The hotels are equivalent to UK 2/3/4 star standard and all, except one, have swimming pools.
• Full board (except 3 lunches and 2 evening meals), including pack lunch on cycle days.
• Specialist visits to National Music school, Policlínico (local health care centre) and a local Committee for the Defence of the Revolution meeting.
• Guided cultural and historical visits, including Manaca-Iznaga Tower, Casa de la Trova a traditional Cuban music venue, Trinidad city tour, Che Guevara’s mausoleum and a visit to Old Havana’s rich colonial heritage.
• A celebratory evening meal at the end of the challenge.
• A special invitation to attend May Day Rally in Revolution Square.

TO SECURE YOUR PLACE:

• Please ensure that you have fully read and understood the enclosed literature, including Conditions of Entry and Havanatour Booking Conditions.
  
  Complete, sign and return the following:
  Registration form
  Medical questionnaire
  Havanatour booking form
  Non-refundable GBP199 registration fee (cheque made payable to Music Fund for Cuba)
  To: Simon Bull, Tours Manager, Cuba Solidarity Campaign, c/o Unite T&G Woodberry, 218 Green Lanes, London N4 2HB
  
  After receipt of your registration fee we will send you:
  • Sponsorship forms and a detailed fundraising pack including ideas and suggestions to help you reach your sponsorship goal.
  • A suggested training schedule.
  • A pre-departure information dossier including cycling in Cuba guidelines and recommended kit list.
  • Cycle Cuba Challenge T-shirt.
  You will need to bring your own bike and helmet. The cycling is all on road. Mountain and hybrid bikes are ideal for this challenge but a good strong tourer will suffice. We recommend a wide range of gears, with a good low ratio. Full kit and equipment details will be sent to you after registration. You should have experience of cycling on roads and be generally fit and healthy. It is recommended that you follow a training schedule before departure.
  
  Cycle Cuba Challenge is run by Cuba Solidarity Campaign in association with Havanatour (ATOL 4636). Visits can be extended, subject to availability, through Havanatour.
  
  Please do not hesitate to contact us for more information.

  ITINERARY
  CYCLE CUBA CHALLENGE 2009

  TRIP PROFILE
  A fully supported point-to-point road tour in the central provinces of the island. The total cycling distance is approximately 350 kilometres over 5 days. The average distance per cycling day is 70 km and the longest day is 89 km. The route is classified as moderate to challenging. The terrain ranges from undulating to hilly with several steep and demanding climbs and downhill descents. Though many roads are in fair condition you should expect lots of potholes and poor surface conditions on some sections. The roads are tarmac and generally free of heavy traffic. It is suitable for recreational riders and above, or fit and confident novices who are comfortable on a bike. There is a day’s hike to the dramatic 62m Caburní Falls. Mid-level fitness is required, for example running, cycling or swimming 2-3 times a week. Cuba is hot and humid, with average national temperatures of 28ºC in April.

  There is vehicle support at all times, enabling you to take a lift at any point if you get tired.

  You cycle at your own pace and together with the programmed cultural visits you will gain an insight into present day Cuban society not available to many tourists. Cuba is the largest island in the Caribbean. It has a diverse and fascinating culture. There is an irresistible blend of dramatic scenery, vibrant colours of a lush tropical landscape and stunning colonial architecture. The images and symbols of the Cuban Revolution mix with left over icons of American 50’s culture. Buicks and Chevrolets, with gleaming chrome and extravagant fins, cruise the streets redolent of an earlier era. An impressive health care system, posters of revolutionary figures and a wealth of rural schools with happy children in their bright reds and whites illustrate more recent events. Imagine fading pastel coloured colonial facades, the infectious laughter of school children and an unstoppable salsa beat playing on the warm breeze and you have the sights, sounds and rhythms of Cuba.
  FLIGHT TIMES
  Outbound: Wednesday 22 April. Virgin Atlantic VS063 departs London Gatwick South Terminal 09:45. Check in at 06:45. Arrives Havana 14:30 local time. Inbound: Sunday 03 May. Virgin Atlantic VS064 departs Havana 17:00. Arrives London Gatwick 06:45 on Monday 04 May. Flight times are subject to final confirmation by the airline.
  ITINERARY
  22 April. Arrive Havana. Transfer to Hotel Plaza in Old Havana. Dinner.
  23 April. Havana. Introductions to the Challenge Support Team and initial Briefing Meeting. Transfer to Sancti Spíritus, one of Cuba’s original Spanish towns with a wealth of lavish colonial buildings and the intriguing Yayabo Bridge. Hotel. Meal Plan: Breakfast, pack lunch and dinner.
  24 April. Sancti Spíritus to Trinidad. 89km. The first day’s cycling includes some steep climbs along the Sierra del Guamuhaya. The landscape is dotted with tall majestic royal palms and Tiñosas, turkey vultures, soaring overhead on the thermal currents. At the lunch stop, we have the opportunity to climb the 44-metre high Manaca-Iznaga Tower in Sugar Mill Valley. In the evening we have an invitation to attend an informal meeting with the Committee for the Defence of the Revolution (CDR) with local families, from grandparents to grandchildren. After welcoming speeches, we will have the opportunity to chat with local families and gain a valuable insight into present day Cuban society and take our first tentative salsa steps. Hotel. Meal Plan: Breakfast, pack lunch and dinner.
  25 April. Hike to Caburní Falls, deep in the Escambray Mountains, Cuba’s second highest mountain range. A steep hike through the lush forest with vibrant layers of colour, it is anticipated that the 3km hike will take 1½hrs on the descent and 2½hrs for the return. Keep a look out for numerous species of birds, including the Tocororo, the national bird, whose feathers reflect the colours of the Cuban flag. In the evening there is an optional visit to Casa de la Trova, a traditional Cuban music venue, to listen to those intoxicating salsa rhythms and add some new steps to our rapidly expanding repertoire. Hotel. Meal Plan: Breakfast, pack lunch and dinner.
  26 April. Trinidad to Guajimico. 57km. On arrival in Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Cuba’s best-preserved colonial town, we tour Trinidad’s picturesque Plazas, quiet inner courtyards and cobbled streets. The route continues to follow the scenic coastal road as it dips and rises through a landscape of lush green fields and grazing cattle. The road crosses several river mouths set in deep, steep-sided gullies. The Sierra del Escambray rises ridge upon ridge on our right hand side and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean lap the shore to our left. We pass several deserted sandy beaches where fishing boats, rustic beach huts and local fishermen’s lobster pots line the water’s edge. At the beach lunch stop you will have time to enjoy the ultimate hedonistic cycling experience; lean your bike against a palm tree, take a dip in the Caribbean and enjoy a rapid spin dry back in the saddle. Hotel. Meal Plan: Breakfast, pack lunch and dinner.
  27 April. Guajimico to Lake Hanabanilla. Ride 69km. We cycle inland along the western foothills of the Escambray Mountains passing through sweet smelling citrus groves and numerous busy, bustling market towns of this rich agricultural region. We will have the opportunity to visit a Policlínico, a local health care centre, and see first hand some of Cuba’s many achievements in the field of health care. A quintessential Cuban landscape with small bohíos (farmhouses) and guajiros (farmers) tending their fields with ox drawn ploughs. There is ample opportunity to sample local homemade Cuban foods and drinks at roadside stalls including guarapa (sugar cane juice), a natural energy booster. You will not be able to get enough into your bike bottle; so drink up before moving on. One final demanding climb takes us up to Lake Hanabanilla. Hotel. Meal Plan: Breakfast, pack lunch and dinner.
  28 April. Lake Hanabanilla to Santa Clara. 55km. Loading the bikes, we cross by ferry to our starting point deep in the Escambray Mountains. The terrain is hilly as we climb through the thickly forested National Park. Passing through an area of sweet smelling coffee plantations we take a final steep descent into the historic city of Santa Clara, where the legendary Che Guevara victoriously intercepted a government troop train in 1958 and heralded an end to the regime of the dictator Batista. We visit the dramatic and evocative bronze statue of Che Guevara, which dominates the Plaza de la Revolución and visit Che’s revered mausoleum. Hotel. Meal Plan: Breakfast, pack lunch and dinner.
  29 April. Santa Clara to Remedios. 80km. The last day’s cycling follows an undulating terrain. Our first stop is the site of Tren Blindado, where Che intercepted Batista’s troop train. Cycling along the single main streets of small rural villages we pass Cuban grandparents, sitting on the verandas of their wooden houses, exchanging memories. Maize dries on the pavements in the hot sun. We share the road with tractors, oxen and shy, smiling cowboys on a cattle drive. After 350 exhilarating kms we reach the finishing line at the leafy central park of a pretty, laid-back Remedios. From here, we transfer back to Havana. Hotel. Meal Plan: Breakfast and pack lunch.
  30 April. Havana. We attend a donation presentation at the school for visually impaired young children where we have the opportunity to meet staff and students and see first hand how the educational equipment will be used. We are guaranteed a rousing reception and gifted musical performance from the school salsa band. Later, we take a fascinating walking tour of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with many impressively restored colonial buildings and historic sites and visit the Museum of the Revolution, including the Granma yacht memorial. Hotel. Meal Plan: Breakfast and lunch.
  01 May. Havana. The group has a special invitation to take part in the May Day Rally, addressed by Raúl Castro and attended by over one million Cubans in Revolution Square, with its iconic images of Che Guevara. A truly inspiring event. That evening, and after 6 days in the saddle, we are rewarded with a glorious opportunity to celebrate a tremendous group achievement at our famous celebratory meal at one of the capital’s finest restaurants and an optional visit to a top salsa nightspot to relax and enjoy the salsa rhythms of Havana. Hotel. Meal Plan: Breakfast and dinner.
  02 May. Havana. Free day for further independent exploration of this fascinating capital city. Hotel. Meal Plan: Breakfast.
  03 May. Havana. Early afternoon transfer to the airport for the return flight, arriving London Gatwick the following day. Meal Plan: Breakfast.
  
  
  

  CYCLE CUBA CHALLENGE 2009
  CONDITIONS OF ENTRY
  
  Please read in conjunction with the Havanatour Booking Conditions:
  
  

  • You must be at least 16 years old before date of departure.
  • You are required to pay a non-refundable registration fee of GBP199.
  • You agree to raise a minimum sponsorship of GBP2,150. This includes the costs of the challenge. Full sponsorship monies must be paid by 09 March 2009. At least GBP1,075, based on 25 participants and GBP199 registration fee, will go towards purchasing educational equipment and the educational aid campaign.
  • You must be fit enough to undertake the Cuba Cycle Challenge and be prepared to complete a questionnaire regarding your medical history. If you are over 65 years of age or have any medical condition that could be adversely affected by this event you will be required to provide a doctor’s certificate stating that you have a suitable level of health and fitness to participate. A copy must be forwarded to Havanatour UK before departure.
  • You are responsible for ensuring that you have sufficient supplies of any medication that you are taking and all the necessary vaccinations for travel to Cuba. It is your responsibility to take the requisite medical advice.
  • The Cuba Solidarity Campaign and Havanatour reserves the right to refuse entry to any individual who is deemed medically unfit to take part.
  • Participation in the event is at your own risk and you agree to indemnify Cuba Solidarity Campaign and Havanatour against claim for loss of or damage to personal property, accidents, personal injury or death howsoever arising and any claim arising from your own actions.
  • You must provide your own bicycle and cycle helmet. Cycle helmets must be worn at all times whilst cycling.
  • If we are unable to allocate a twin room due to odd numbers of participants, then a single room supplement will be payable by participant placed in a single room.
  • You must obtain appropriate travel insurance, upon the basis that it covers cycle touring. The policy must provide adequate cover for the payment of the costs and expenses relating to medical treatment, repatriation costs, loss of or damage to personal items and claims made by third parties.
  • You must hold a current 10-year passport with at least 6 months to run from the date of departure from Cuba. A Cuban Tourist Card (visa) will be provided to participants.
  • If you cancel, all sponsorship forms must be returned to the Cuba Solidarity Campaign and donations already received to the relevant donors. Monies can be donated to the Cuba Solidarity Campaign if the sponsors agree.
  
  
  Please note that travel insurance, transfers to and from the departure airport (Gatwick), Cuban Tourist Card (GBP15) and Havana airport departure tax (CUC25 Cuban Convertible Peso as at March 2008) are not included.
  
  

  CYCLE CUBA CHALLENGE 2009
  REGISTRATION FORM
  
  Please complete this form in block capitals. Personal Details.
  Title (Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss)
  Last Name (as on your passport)
  Forenames (as on your passport)
  Name you wish to be called by
  Date of Birth
  Address
  
  
  
  Postcode
  
  Contact telephone number
  E-mail
  
  Passport Details Required
  Passport Number
  Date of Expiry
  Nationality
  
  
  Next of Kin (in case of emergencies)
  Name
  Relationship
  Address
  
  
  
  Postcode
  Contact telephone number
  
  Accommodation
  Accommodation will be in twin rooms allocated on a same sex basis unless you indicate you require a single room. If you wish to share with someone in particular please write his or her name here
  
  Please indicate if you require a single room YES NO £135 supplement payable.
  
  Dietary Requirements
  Do you require vegetarian food? YES NO
  Do you have any other dietary requirements? If so please give details
  
  Insurance
  It is the responsibility of participants to arrange their own personal travel insurance policy, including cycle touring cover. Please indicate on the Booking Form if you require their travel insurance.
  
  Cycle Cuba Challenge T-shirt.
  Please indicate size required. SMALL MEDIUM LARGE XL
  
  Where did you hear about Cycle Cuba Challenge?
  
  
  
  Declaration
  I have read, understood and agree to the Conditions of Entry and Havanatour Booking Conditions. I have enclosed a completed Medical Questionnaire, Havanatour Booking Form and a non-refundable registration fee of GBP199.00 to secure my place.
  
  Signed
  Date
  
  
  Please ensure that you have signed and returned the following
  Registration Form
  Medical Questionnaire
  Havanatour Booking Form
  Registration fee (cheques made payable to Music Fund For Cuba)
  To: Simon Bull, Tours Manager, c/o Unite T&G Woodberry, 218 Green Lanes, London N4 2HB.
  
  

  CYCLE CUBA CHALLENGE 2009
  MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE
  
  The event in which you will be participating is designated as challenging and will require a mid-level of fitness. A suggested training programme will be sent to participants after registration.
  
  Personal details
  Full name
  Date of birth
  Do you have a history of any of the following conditions? If yes, please give details, including frequency, severity and aggravating factors, in the space provided below. Please use a separate sheet of paper if necessary.
  
  1. Raised blood pressure
  2. Heart or circulatory disease
  3. Respiratory disease
  4. Asthma/Hayfever
  5. Epilepsy
  6. Diabetes
  7. Allergies
  8. Joint or back problems
  9. Hearing loss or problems with balance
  Details
  
  
  
  Please list any medication you are currently taking and ensure that you bring enough supplies for the duration of the trip
  
  
  
  Any other relevant medical information
  
  
  
  Are you registered disabled?
  If yes please provide details
  
  
  
  If you are over 65 years of age or have any medical condition that could be adversely affected by this event you will be required to provide a doctor’s certificate stating that you have a suitable level of health and fitness to participate in Cuba Cycle Challenge 2009. Please inform your doctor that you are intending to complete a 350-kilometre cycle ride involving uphill cycling over 5 days and a steep 3km hike. Average temperatures will be in the region of 28ºC. There will be a Cuban doctor with the group throughout the cycling/hiking itinerary and basic first aid supplies.
  
  I confirm that I have understood the need for fitness and to the best of my knowledge this is a true and accurate description of my medical history and current condition. I agree to Cuba Solidarity Campaign releasing this information to the doctor accompanying the event. In the event of illness or an accident on the trip I hereby give permission for medical personnel to initiate medical treatment and notify my next of kin in case of hospitalisation. If my medical condition changes before my departure I will inform Cuba Solidarity Campaign in writing.
  
  This form and your information will be treated as confidential.
  
  Signed
  Date