Ciclo Temba
In a nutshell, the Ciclo Tembla TransCuba or TC is a (little) more laid-back, but equally rewarding version of the more physically demanding TransCuba tour. The Ciclo Temba adventure begins in Holguin, where we’ll gather in preparation of next day’s bus trip to Baracoa, a boisterous seaside town with a seductive bohemian vibe.
Starting near Baracoa, we cycle eastward on the sunny, semi-arid east coast to finish the day in the serenely beautiful village of Caimanera, nestled on the shores of Guantanamo Bay…
By the time we arrive back in Havana, nearly two weeks later, we will have pedalled countless hundreds of kilometers on (mostly) good roads, rambling through verdant valleys, gently rolling hill countrysides, sugar cane plantations, a semi-tropical rain forest, and along breezy coastal plains.
As well as the cities of Santiago de Cuba, Las Tunas, Camaguey, Sancti Spiritis, Trinidad, Cienfuegos, and Pinar del Río, we will encounter many charming and vibrant towns, small and large — and get to meet some of their friendly residents.
With the exception of the last ridden portion of the tour (from Pinar del Rio to Maria la Gorda) each day in the saddle will be 100 kilometers or less. Of course, any rider wishing a break can hop on or off the bus, at any time.
A road bike or touring bike is the choice of most riders on the Ciclo Temba, but a gravel or cyclocross unit is an excellent option.
“Temba” is a Cuban word used to describe an attractive middle-aged woman. And a “Disco Temba” is a popular dance night event. So the Ciclo Temba TC in a way, is the two-wheeled version of a Disco Temba. It’s fun, and there is a place for every rider.