The coast is steep here and there, and it was a pleasure to be riding to the sound of the strong waves, on a road where there is practically no traffic. Often Cubans ride beside us with their old, patched-up machines. It helps to be able to speak Spanish a little in order to meet people. That day, for example, we encountered a young man returning home after his work shift at an ice factory. From Marea del Portillo to Manzanillo, we left the coast to cross the Sierra Maestra.
Some climbs are abrupt, but most are doable.
In Bayamo, that evening, Alfredo brought us into the old city in a barouche. We entered the city triumphantly, at an insane rate, following the police chief on his motor bike and accompanied by the local cuban amateur cycleracers that we met the first day. Then, it was time for the necessary purchases of rum and vanilla, followed by preparation for the return. For my part, this tour still nourishes my memory. Unfortunately, expectations of some of the members of the group were not satisfied.