Training for our Trip

We finally booked our next trip. I am so excited to be going to Cuba again with our bikes. Last winter, we joined CanBiCuba for a two-week guided cycling tour which was fabulous. You can read all about that trip here.

This winter we will be taking our bikes and staying at Club Amigo Marea del Portillo an all-inclusive beach resort surrounded by the Sierra Maestra mountains. This resort is located at the end of the South Coast road (our favourite route from the tour). It is quiet, rugged and perfect for cycling. We plan to explore the whole area within a 50 km radius on our bikes. There are plenty of route options. We'll just have to be careful to pack enough water and spare tubes since we'll be on our own this time.

Of course, now that we've booked, it's time to start Training for our Trip. My husband pumped up our tires on our 'trainer' bikes today. Tonight we rode indoors for the first time this winter. We're currently watching season 1 of a series called Longmire. It's a perfect distraction to take our minds off indoor riding. 

Our gym is well equipped with a comfy bed for our poodle, exercise mats, exercise balls, weights and a television. It was actually fun riding tonight. I managed 35 minutes with 10 minutes of stretching while my husband rode the full 45 minutes then finished up with some weight lifting. I think Training for our Trip is the best kind of fun.

 

 

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Bike Tour Bliss with CanBiCuba

We're back from our bike tour with CanBiCuba and I feel amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. It was like I remembered from five years ago, only better, if that's possible. It was a trip full of excitement with lots of activity, good food, drinks and laughs. We had a great time with a terrific group of people. As I sit here thinking about what to say, I'm basking in the memories and feeling the bliss.

Maybe it was so wonderful because I set and met all three of my goals. I wanted to enjoy the rides, avoid crashing and be sociable. My goals were simple and totally focused on fun. It was a vacation after all.

To prepare for riding, my husband and I started indoor trainer workouts in November. We did high intensity intervals once or twice a week for 45-55 mins with an easier ride or two mixed in. I used a heart rate monitor to make sure I was working hard. I wasn't sure how I would do on the hills and long rides but I managed just fine with a little helping hand from my husband and the bus when the going got really tough.

To avoid crashing, I was careful to ride following my husband's wheel and we usually rode ahead so I didn't have to worry about watching other riders. My strategy worked and I didn't crash although I did have a few exciting moments involving hills, speed and really rough roads.

To encourage more social time, I left all my distractions at home. I took no crochet, no books and no gadgets. As it turned out, socializing in Cuba was easy with our group. Everybody was interesting and fun. 

Like I mentioned in my last post, we did this tour five years ago so I knew what to expect. Still my memories were a bit fuzzy omitting much of the detail. I recognized some of the same hotels but some were new. Some of the routes have changed and we couldn't remember the roads properly anyway so would have been lost without guidance. 

Every night, our translator/tour guide Celso (pronounced Selso) would tell us where we were headed the next day then he would repeat the instructions before we set off in the morning. It was perfect because we neglected to bring a copy of our itinerary and with short attention spans/memories, the repeated instructions were much appreciated. 

The routes were intentionally kept simple with as few turns as possible and our bus (#1849) would park at key spots providing a recognizable landmark. We also used our cycle computers to track distance and speed which helped for estimating how far to the next turn or stop. I think we only lost somebody once and not for very long. The locals ended up pointed her in the right direction because they had noticed where the rest of us "milk bottles" in spandex had gone.

I thought you might like an embellished itinerary of sorts along with a few photos so you can see where we went, where we stayed and what we did on this tour (January  24 to February 7, 2015). I kept a journal, as did most people, so it's fairly accurate. Read on and enjoy the ride!

Day 1 - Saturday - overnight at Mirador de Mayabe in Holguin (pick up at airport)

• flew Air Transat from Toronto to Holguin (1 hr late) 
• waited for Air Canada flight (also 1 hr late)
• at hotel by 11:30 p.m. in time for a cold chicken dinner
• plan to assemble bikes before breakfast tomorrow

Day 2 - Sunday - bike to Hotel Sierra Meastra in Bayamo (stay 1 night)

• assemble bikes before breakfast
• group shot in front of the drinking donkey logo
• ready to ride by 9:30 a.m.
• ride to Bayamo starts with a very steep and rough downhill from the hotel
• 80 km ride with the last 25 km being very bumpy
• walking tour of Bayamo in the afternoon (one of the oldest cities in Cuba)
• tomorrow we ride to El Salton in the mountains

Day 3 - Monday - ride to Hotel El Salton from Sierra Maestra

• ride out of Bayamo at 9 a.m.
• first 45 km is very busy and hectic with traffic
• turn on to quiet hilly road to El Salton, very hot day
• longer, steeper climbs require a bit of walking in the hot sun
• wait in the shade for the bus at km 69 while my husband keeps going
• ride the bus past some of the longer climbs then finish off riding to the hotel
• time to celebrate our accomplishment
  
• my total distance 77 km; my husband's total distance 90 km

Day 4 - Tuesday - another night at Hotel El Salton

• mountain hike with local guide named Ricardo
  
• visited two mountain farms and bought some coffee
• enjoyed seeing the local flora and fauna
• rest day with no biking

Day 5 - Wednesday - overnight at Hotel San Juan in Santiago 

• bus dropped us in a small town called Contramaestra to start the ride 
• rolling hills and a bit overcast so not quite as hot today
• my husband helped push me up some of the longer hills which helped immensely
• stopped for lunch half way to our destination the Basilica at El Cobre
• total distance 60 km to the Basilica 
  
• my husband added 10 km to check out the copper mine further down the road
• got on the bus at El Cobre and rode to our hotel in Santiago
• relaxed by the pool before dinner
• another good day

Day 6 - Thursday - another night at Hotel San Juan in Santiago 

• toured the National Cemetery with Jose Marti tomb, watched the changing of the guards (happens every 1/2 hr)
• walking tour of Santiago
• drinks on rooftop cafe at the Hotel Grande
• delicious lunch at rooftop palador
  
• relaxed by the pool after tour
• rest day for me, no biking
  
• my husband and Dave rode ~50 km to the Dinosaur Park
• our hotel was beside a zoo so we could hear the lions roar at night

Day 7 - Friday - overnight at Hotel Sierra Mar (all inclusive with a beach) 

• the bus dropped us off at the Cemetery near the edge of town to ride to Sierra Mar
• first part of the ride was busy with traffic then the road was quiet with ocean views on the left and mountain up ahead
• missed the bus for water so stopped at beach cafe for local Hatuey beer, refreshing
  
• a pleasant 63 km ride

Day 8 - Saturday - another night at Hotel Sierra Mar (all inclusive)

• another beach day for me
• hung out with Karine who snorkeled to the reef
• I borrowed her equipment to swim but didn't make it to the reef without fins
• my husband joined most of the group for a short 20 km ride to Chivirico
  
• in the afternoon he borrowed Karine's equipment and hotel fins to swim to the reef, got a few photos as proof
  
• delicious traditional Cuban dinner at the reservation restaurant instead of the busy hotel buffet

Day 9 - Sunday - overnight at Hotel Niquero (ride south coast road 112 km total)

• early 8:30 a.m. start on the bikes
• long ride on the coast road today, one of our favourite roads
  
• bus took a 6 hr detour so we had 2 jeeps providing support
• tail wind, lots of climbs, rough roads, crooked bridges, beautiful scenery
• my husband helped push me up most of the long climbs
• stopped for sandwiches and juice provided by Celso (70 km in)
  
• got one flat descending too fast through potholes
• delicious free lunch including a flaming ice cream cake provided by Hotel Mar Del Portillo because they were overbooked and had to cancel our reservation 
  
• drove to Hotel Niquero (guide book stated hotel would be 'gob-smacked' if we stayed there) - it was actually quite nice
• on the way to the hotel stopped at the house where Celia Sanchez lived

Day 10 - Monday - overnight at Hotel Santo Domingo (no beer sold here)

• walked around Niquero before breakfast
• 9 a.m. departure by bus to head to a small town near Santo Domingo
• transfer to 2 jeeps to drive to Villa Santo Domingo with overnight bags
• lunch at Villa Santo Domingo before hiking 3 km up the mountain to La Plata (Fidel's mountain hideout during the revolution)
  
• got photos of the Cuban national bird, saw a clear winged butterfly and my husband got attacked by a mountain crab (latched onto his laces)
• enjoyed a snack at another mountain farm with chicks
  
• fun evening and dinner at the mountain resort
• nice rest day with no biking

Day 11 - Tuesday - overnight at Casas in Manzanillo 

• take jeeps back to the bus and get ready to ride to Manzanillo
• my husband's front tire was flat so he had to change his tube before starting
• rode together as a group for first 15 km so we wouldn't get lost
• also rough roads for first 15 km but then lovely smooth roads the rest of the way
• Celso pointed us towards Manzanillo and said turn left in 20 km
• fairly direct route 39 km total
• only one person missed the last turn, but she turned back and was directed by locals who had seen where all the other "milk bottles" in lycra had gone
• we gathered at the hotel having drinks until the bus was ready to take us to various casa's in town
• stayed with Mike and Rachel at a casa with 'matrimonial' beds ... very nice
  
• walked around Manzanillo enjoying the sites before dinner 
  
• enjoyed a lovely fish dinner at a lovely large palador in town (Mike had chicken)

Day 12 - Wednesday - overnight at Hotel Las Tunas

• driven to the edge of town to ride to Las Tunas
• a very windy day (head wind or cross wind the whole way)
• met the Las Tunas kids' cycling club at the 52 km mark and rode with them
• the kids are very strong riders
• Lea a 14 year old girl stayed by my side and was so sweet, wish I spoke Spanish
  
• total distance 88 km - exhausting with the wind
• fun backyard pig roast with the kids at the coach's house
  
• gifted donations to the club, fantastic evening

Day 13 - Thursday - overnight at Hotel Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca (all inclusive)

• bus drove us to edge of Holguin to ride to Hotel Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca
• I was still hurting from Wednesday's ride to Las Tunas but loved the ride anyway
• beautiful smooth road with easy long rolling hills
• total distance 55 km at 24.5 k/h
• this was my last ride
• I rode a total of 570 km; my husband rode 700 km ... not bad for February

Day 14 - Friday - Hotel Club Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca

• beach day for Jodi and me
• the rest of the group rode 55 km to a nearby Indian museum
• it was a very hot day, perfect morning for the beach
• Guardalavaca has beautiful white sandy beaches
  
• my husband spent a couple hours packing the bikes after his ride and before lunch

Day 15 - Saturday - Fly out of Holguin to fly home

• our first and only rain day
• it rained at night and poured rain most of the morning
  
• we had to wait for the rain to ease up to move from bar to bar to restaurant
• checked out of our rooms by 12 p.m. and moved our luggage into Celso's room until 4 p.m.
• walked to Brisas to see how it compared to Hotel Club Amigo - it looks nicer
• gathered in the lobby of the 'barracks' as we liked to call our building to wait for the bus 
• loaded up and at the airport by 6 p.m.
• checked in right away although I questioned checking our luggage under an Air Transat sign marked Montreal
• paid extra 20 pesos each for the VIP lounge upstairs (enjoyed red wine, cheese, ham, olives, comfy sofas, tv and quiet time until boarding which was late due to weather in Toronto)
• another perk of VIP lounge, priority boarding ahead of the crowd
• landed in Toronto but out of the airport late as we had to file a lost luggage report
• back home in London by 6:30 a.m. Sunday ... slept until 11:30 a.m. then relaxed for the rest of the day
• as suspected our luggage went to Montreal but was returned at 3 a.m. Monday

I've included a few photos in this post but if you would like to see more you can view our photo album here. To copy any photo, just open it full screen and click on 'more' then 'download photo'. 

This tour named A Tribute to Celia Sanchez organized by CanBiCuba offers a great venue with lots of variety from coastal roads to mountain views. I highly recommend it to travelers who love a bit of adventure. It's truly Bike Tour Bliss with CanBiCuba.

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Two More Sleeps

Two more sleeps and we're off to Cuba on a 2-week bike tour called "A Tribute to Celia Sanchez" with CanBiCuba. We did this tour five years ago so I have a good idea what to expect. If you're interested you can check out our photos from that trip here.

I am so looking forward to a total change of scenery and routine but I'm also a little worried about my fitness and ability to manage the hills and distances. We have been spending 45 mins to an hour on our indoor trainers a few times a week but it does not compare to riding every day for hours outside in the heat. I think that's what makes it so exciting - challenge combined with uncertainty. 

I started packing about two weeks ago and went through everything again last weekend. We can hand wash clothing but things don't always dry overnight and we're on the move almost every day. My challenge is to keep it light and easy to organize but still have everything I need. 

I've been reading about minimalism and wondering how to implement some of the concepts into our lives. This trip provides a good opportunity to practice. There is no way I can travel with only a backpack while biking, hiking, swimming and dressing casually for dinner. After taking this photo I removed 3 pairs of socks but everything else is staying. I think I've done a good job keeping it simple. I'll see how it goes and make adjustments for future trips. 

While we are away, I will be taking a break from technology and crochet. Internet access is unreliable and expensive on this trip so I'm leaving my laptop behind. I could pack some hooks and yarn but I won't. I plan to socialize and rest when I'm not riding. I wonder if I'll get bored? Maybe I'll pack a book and a little journal just in case.

We are taking a camera but only our little waterproof camera - all part of keeping it simple and easy to carry. I'll be sure to share a few photos and highlights from our trip. 

Before I go, I have a couple more exciting things to share with you. 

This week, for the first time, I decided to crochet a doll without a pattern. I am, in fact, writing the pattern as I go. Even though it's a bit of a creative stretch for me, I am thoroughly enjoying the process. Here is a sneak-peek photo of what I've done so far.

I have finished the legs and body and plan to work on the head next then the arms. I will be sure to show you the finished doll and share the pattern when I get back as I'm pretty sure it won't be done before then. 

OK, here is the last bit of exciting news. I saved the best for last. My Mom and I have booked a trip to Boulder to visit my daughter and her family for a week in March. We traveled together last winter and had a fabulous time. You can read all about that trip here. I can't wait to do it again. I am totally excited and happy to fit in another family visit.

So now I'm back to wondering how I'll manage those hills and long rides in Cuba. Just Two More Sleeps. Wish me luck. 

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More on Motivation

This month I've been thinking more about what motivates people and what motivates me in particular. I think different people are motivated by different things based on individual personalities and goals that may change or evolve over time.

For instance, I love being active and fit but I also like to sit for long periods and crochet or write. When I get caught up in a project, I can easily forget to be active. I might even let other distractions such as laundry, cleaning, social media, tv, food prep or anything else keep me from being active. I might call these distractions "obligations" to make them sound more important but they're really just excuses. 

In my last post I discussed how gadgets such as my Garmin vivofit and cycle computer help with motivation by tracking my activity and progress. This daily accountability is a great tool but doesn't provide the big motivating reason I need to keep me on track. 

When I look at my athletic friends, it seems like a lot of them use races to keep them motivated. They sign up for a race or a series of races, then either train on their own, with a coach or with a group of friends with similar goals. They seem to love it and they love everything about it including the race day excitement.

For me, racing is not motivating. It is totally stressful. I have done a few 'fun' races over the years but I cannot say I enjoyed them. Everybody is very encouraging and supportive yet I still get stressed by the high energy and excitement at these events. Even volunteering at races is difficult for me as I literally 'feel' the tension and don't like it. 

Since racing is not an option for me, I have to come up with another really good reason to be active and get fit in the winter when it is challenging to ride outside. I like to make exercise a practical part of my day so I will continue to bike to work as detailed in this post. In the winter with shorter daylight hours and freezing temperatures, my route changes from park path to road and I refuse to ride on days it might snow since safety can be a concern. 

From experience, I know I need more than just biking to work and walking the dog to stay fit in the winter. I have lots of options. I can ride my trainer (not exciting), jog (it's been a few years), cross country ski (depends on snow), lift weights (we have a home gym) and/or body weight exercises (did I mention we have a home gym?). 

So there are lots of options but how do I make myself exercise regularly in the winter? I need a really good reason and I think I have found one that is perfect for me. My husband and I have been talking about signing up for a 2-week bike tour with CanBiCuba. They have one scheduled to start January 24th, 2015. You can read all about it here. We did this tour in 2010 and loved it. You can view our Picasa Web album photos from that trip here. Even though I was relatively unprepared for the longer distances and climbs, I managed just fine and had a great time.

I made it up this mountain called La Grand Piedra on my own where my husband was waiting to greet me at the top. Full disclosure - I did have to walk a few sections.

We rode this beautiful coastal road (120 km) without support as the bus could not drive this route and ran out of water for the last 25 km. The climbs were long, the vistas were gorgeous and we loved it. This leg of the tour is now supported with a jeep carrying water which is great.

For a change of pace, we also enjoyed some interesting hikes in the mountains in Cuba.

Since I am familiar with the route and know what to expect, I would like to challenge myself to ride a bit better. The last time, my husband helped push me up some (OK a lot) of the mountains but I would prefer to do it on my own and think he would appreciate that as well. Looking back at these photos from 5 years ago, I would say I was in pretty good shape and will have to work really, really hard to do better.

I also crashed a couple times on the last tour. Nothing serious but I did hit the ground on both the first and last day. It made me a bit nervous to ride with strangers so another challenge is to ride confidently yet carefully with no crashing this time. 

Improved fitness will help me ride better. Improved fitness will provide the strength required to position myself safely in a group. Improved fitness will allow me to ride the mountains without a helping hand. Improved fitness will allow me to tour with enough energy to enjoy the local sites and social time at the end of each day. I love all the benefits of travel touring with improved fitness. 

So that's my "big motivating reason" to get fit even if I might prefer to sit and crochet when it's cold outside. What about you? What keeps you motivated to get out there and just do it?

In keeping with this theme, I've decided August should be Motivation Month at meo my crochet. I have asked a couple of my athletic friends who are also into crochet and/or knitting to contribute their stories on motivation. Watch for More on Motivation later this month.