17th November, 2010
Day 4 into our Cuban adventure, and we had sufficient warning that today was going to a tough nut to crack. We were told that the distance would not be too much but the steep hills would drain us, and drain us it did.!
We hit the rollercoaster hills section within 20 minutes of riding. And oh yes, it was difficult. It was a bit overcast, that it help us, but nevertheless the humidity factor was quite high. The team really did very well to keep up the momentum.
Stopped for lunch before a strenuous 8 km hill – the last 8 km of the day. Post lunch, as expected it was an intense climb towards our hotel at Hanabanilla. But it was intense determination and team spirit that took us towards the top of the hill, and what a moment it was. Brilliant team effort.!
Our stay over for the night was at Hotel Hanabanilla. A beautiful little hotel besides a reservoir.
Total distance: 60 KM
Difficulty factor: 7
Saddle soreness factor: 4 (perhaps getting used to it by now)
Highlight of the day: reaching the top of the final hill.!
18th November, 2010
Last day of Cuban ride but were told that it would be the toughest of the lot. We were looking at around a total distance of 90 km for the day. Left the hotel early after breakfast, for our final dash towards Trinidad.
Tough day.
Lunch at another Campismo, before an 8 km bus transfer, due to bad roads and steep up and downhill.
But towards the end, before arriving at Trinidad, had a few more excruciating steep hills, that sapped us all of what we had left in us.
But as usual, the team did exceptionally well.
Ann led the way into our final hotel – Ancon resort on the ancon peninsula.
Was a great feeling with few tears shed, but it was indeed a moment of determination and true grit winning over all obstacles put in front of us!
A time to salute the team for being a wonderful family in our journey. Pat on the back to each and every one of you.!
Final day in Trinidad, before we leave back to London on the 20th of November.
Statists:
Total distance: 87 KM
Difficulty factor: 8
Saddle soreness factor: 5
1 comment:
Hey Varun, fantastic pics! I like that one of yours in blue - great smile after a tiresome ride :))
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