Cycling In Cuba
Cycling in Cuba is a physical challenge. To enjoy it, you must be athletically fit. If the cycling overwhelms you, you'll be unable to fully appreciate Cuban culture. Though the island is a beautiful place to ride, the primary reason to go cycling in Cuba is to interact with Cubanos. You'll be unable to do that if you're suffering or exhausted.
You're not in shape? You want to go cycling in Cuba? Start building your strength on the bike now. Prepare for big hills, hot weather, and long stretches where you'll be unable to find water or purchase food. To help you surmount these obstacles while cycling in Cuba, there are three items we suggest you bring. You won't find them on the island.
Gastrolyte
Gastrolyte is available in Canada and New Zealand. In the U.S., there are similar products: CeraLyte 70, Cera Sport, Hydra-1, HydraLife, Pedia-Pop, and PediaLyte. Gastrolyte is a combination of carbohydrates and electrolytes: dextrose, potassium chloride, sodium acid citrate, and sodium chloride. Available at pharmacies, it requires no prescription. It's best known for prevention and treatment of diarrhea. It doesn't immediately stop diarrhea but rapidly performs the vital task of replacing water and salts (electrolytes). We, however, use Gastrolyte to treat cramps, a common ailment among long-distance athletes. Though Gastrolyte comes in various forms, we prefer the powder in small sachets. You're supposed to pour it into water, shake to dissolve, then drink. But when an agonizing cramp suddenly strikes, we rip open a sachet of Gastrolyte, pour it down our throat, then chase it with water. It quells the worst cramps instantly. We urge you to carry a big supply of Gastrolyte (at least one sachet per person, per day) when cycling in Cuba, primarily to treat cramps, but also in case of diarrhea.
Power Bars
Decades of researching our hiking guidebooks has enabled us to try many different foods intended to enhance athletic performance. Our favourite is the Honey Stinger Chocolate Almond Pro. But its high protein content makes it more of a meal than an instant energy booster. And it doesn't travel well: the chocolate coating quickly melts in hot weather. So for cycling in Cuba, we recommend Power Bars. Hot weather just makes them more pliable, easier to chew. For a quick shot of sustained energy, we think Power Bars are the best product available. You'll find no athletic-performance foods when cycling in Cuba. Bring lots of Power Bars.
Chamois Butt'r
Hours in the saddle can cause uncomfortable chafing. That's a particularly common malady when cycling in Cuba, where it's hot and dry. Alleviate it by using Chamois Butt'r. It's a non-greasy skin lubricant that helps keep your butt gliding on the saddle instead of rubbing against it. Chamois Butt'r washes off your skin and out of your clothes without a trace. It's available in 8 oz tubes and jars, and 9 ml sachets. Apply it either directly to your skin or to the pad in your cycling shorts. An 8 oz tube should be enough for two people cycling in Cuba for one month.
To learn more about cycling in Cuba, go to http://www.hikingcamping.com/free-cycling-cuba.php, where you can read an insightful travel article written by Kathy & Craig Copeland, initially published in the Calgary Herald.
For a glimpse of cycling in Cuba, go to http://www.hikingcamping.com/photos-cuba.php, where you can see photos from Kathy & Craig Copeland's five-week journey on the island.