The Openwork Foundation Cuba Cycle Challenge 2025: Day 4
By Brian Downton, Downton & Ali
The penultimate ride saw the group travel from Cienfuegos to Hanabanilla on another scorching day, which began with breakfast omelettes and a warm-up led by Simon Jukes and Mike (despite Jukesy’s protests). Well done to Emma for getting back on the bike after her accident yesterday.
The first part of the day was a rollercoaster of hills, and I certainly needed the 24 km stop after all the ups and downs, having missed the earlier break in order to catch up with the crowd.
Lunch break in the coaches with cool air conditioning was very welcome in the heat of the day. But before long, we needed to set out again and take on ‘the big climb’!
We all set off together, but was it 8 km or 9 km (or 15 km according to Sue)? I’m not sure any of us trusted leader Colin’s updates on the distances remaining. But well done to everyone who made it to the top of a tough climb, which reached an 11 per cent gradient at one point! Sasha managed it, despite stressing about whether it was achievable, but was quick to conclude, ‘I don’t mind if I never do that again!’
We arrived at a beautiful reservoir and were relieved to be able to cool down in the pool and enjoy some rain after the hottest of hot days ever. We enjoyed a fruit-themed fancy dress night, which brought out all the puns – who looked a right lemon, and how many bananas in our bunch? (Quite a lot, as it happens).
It was great to relax a bit before the final push to cover over 100 km tomorrow.
Please support us if you can. Every donation makes a difference.