Reviews of 6 books about cycling in Cuba
My name is Peter Marshall. Born in Scotland, I got to be the founder of CanBiCuba, now Bicycle Breeze. I am a lifetime cyclist and now reside in Havana, Cuba. Being a former racer, I have organized racing and touring events for over 30 years and am now dedicated to promoting cycling to the youth of Cuba. All my events here in Cuba are in aid of youth cycling clubs throughout the island. Having spent 20 years cycling the roads of Cuba, I have seen more of Cuba than most Cubans and know this land very well. This are my honest opinions on 6 books I have read about cycling and touring through Cuba. If you are coming here in the future and want to be prepared or just trying to learn more I hope this helps you find your way.
Bicycling Cuba: 50 Days of Detailed Ride Routes from Havana to Pinar Del Rio and the Oriente, by Wally and Barbara Smith
Bicycling Cuba by Wally and Barbara Smith has been my go to book for years, with well detailed routes that have stood the test of time. The casa particular details are possibly well out of date; no matter we now have AirBnB here in Cuba backed up with internet. Things change at a snail’s pace here and this has held the book’s relevance. The details are as reliable as our old American Chevys, Buicks, Packards and Fords.
Lonely Planet Cycling Cuba Paperback, by Rosa Jordan
From the Publisher:
“Cycling Cuba” steers riders along 42 of Cuba’s best cycling routes, and offers a wealth of suggestions to make the journey a smooth and exciting experience. Cyclists will be seduced by the vibrant Latin culture, amazing scenery and lush tropical beaches of this island country.
From Peter Marshall:
A long-time favorite guide book, I have refereed to this book over the years it is well prepared by one of the world’s leading travel guide publishers. Often unavailable because of demand, this book is a good investment.
Cycling Cuba, by Tomas Belcik
Available on Amazon, this is a well written and detailed book about a guy doing a self guided tour in Eastern Cuba. It doesn’t have all the pertinent travel details you will find in Lonely Planet’s cycling Cuba. However it is a well detailed version of a great cycle route in Eastern Cuba. I suppose we will need to wait until Tomas returns for more routes. Buy this one if you have a self guided route from Holguin to Baracoa, then onto Guantanamo and Santiago, in mind. I liked the read and the details of the route are accurate.
Cycling Castro's country, by Kevin Foster
The story of a young man who makes a simple cycle ride, more complicated by involving and seeking unnecessary permission from the president of the Cuban Cycling Federation, the governing body for competitive cycling, here in Cuba. Simply to ride a bizarre bicycle across Cuba.
If you are looking for bicycle touring information on the subject of bicycle touring in Cuba. This volume has nothing to offer.
Cuba by bike: 36 Rides Across the Caribbean's Largest Island, by Cassandra Brooklyn
The most recent addition to my Cuba cycling guidebook library, it is possibly the best book to date. Good routes, good Photos and good advice about 36 rides, here in Cuba. This is a good book to cycle Cuba with.
Cuba the forbidden island, by Pat and Cat Patterson
A confusing read, they seemed to get their notes mixed up in Cienfuegos when they start to refer to a hotel in Santiago. The read was good but the facts are sketchy, the distance between Trinidad and Cienfuegos is greatly over stated. There are some good history notes about the revolutionary leaders, but if you are looking for a travel guide, there are better books out there.
