The Openwork Foundation Cuba Cycle Challenge 2025: Day One
By Thomas Folan, Co-Founder Folan Brookes Financial Consultants
After months of anticipation, a gruelling training regime, and taking the term “all the gear, no idea” to new heights, today marked the start of the Cuban Revolution Cycle Challenge. I was so excited to get on my bike this morning that I went to bed super early last night, today couldn’t come soon enough!
Before we could set off, we needed a proper warm-up. Openwork’s very own Geordie Mr Motivator, Big Dave, put us through our paces with a lively musical routine.
And then we were off… starting from Playa Jibacoa. After a short ride on smooth tarmac, we turned onto what can only be described as a gravel pit full of potholes! I quickly discovered the best way to handle the rough terrain was to take in the surroundings: blue skies, sunshine, and stunning landscapes as far as the eye could see. Honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the Openwork Cycle Challenge experience.
As we pedalled along, we passed local wildlife, cows ambling by, horses grazing, and even a bunch of piglets running along the road!
Keeping fuelled and hydrated was key today, so we stopped at a little shack for non-alcoholic piña coladas, sugar cane, and what I think was peanut butter. Then it was on to lunch, where we sampled the local delicacy of chicken, rice, and beans.
We set off again under the scorching sun. It started gently as we passed through local villages, waving back to the friendly locals lining the roadside. But the fun soon stopped when I turned a corner and saw the longest hill I’ve ever seen, it went on forever! Anyone who says it wasn’t a problem is lying. Luckily, I was cycling alongside Bill, who shared some welcome tips on how not to pass out!
And as the saying goes, what goes up must come down. The reward for that never-ending climb was a glorious descent into Matanzas. We could see the river in the distance as we cruised through the streets, finishing just outside the town centre. From there, we headed to the hotel, where we were greeted with a well-earned, and well-deserved power cut!
Honourable mention goes to Big Dave for keeping Ted safe and not selling him to the highest bidder.
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