Day 0: The big departure for Cuba (From Varadero to Matanzas)

The big departure for Cuba (yes once again...)

Departure from Sherbrooke around noon to go to Dorval airport (YUL)

Everything fits very well in my $1000 supercar.

I put my luggage in a big cardboard box. (It's free in bike shops)

The airport is not as crowded as I thought it would be. Check-in is smooth. Customs is a breeze. My goal is to do about 400 km in a week... I have already booked my first night, but not the others... Where will I be? I arrived at Varadero airport in the evening around 9:30pm. I pick up my 2 boxes and head outside to assemble my bike.

Two nice Cubans help me hold my bike while I assemble it. People are nice...you have to trust them.

After about thirty minutes I am finally ready to leave towards Matanzas. Here are the 2 options that are possible to get to Matanzas

Option 1

Covering a distance of 18 km in the dark if your flight is late! (If you choose this option, bring a front and rear bike light) You will see it is very dark when you leave the airport. It is a bit crazy to leave at night...be careful. Obviously this is the option I chose

Option 2

Take a taxi to Matanzas with your bike box (Easy, but safe solution)

Before going any further, you need to change your Canadian money into Cuban pesos.

I recommend changing some money at the airport. Be careful, because the rates are not advantageous, but it can be very practical to have some money for the beginning of your trip.

I walked 14 km in total darkness to get to Matanzas to find my first little shelter for the night. I paid 20 CAD on Expedia before leaving for Cuba. Here is my little room with warm water.

It's midnight. Time to sleep. Tomorrow will be the official start of this little 7-day adventure... Life is beautiful. Enjoy it!