Welcome to our daily update!

Cycle Cuba is going to be an incredible challenge, taking in a variety of terrains from off-road through national parks, undulating hills over the Escambray mountains and beautiful long stretches of road along the shimmering Caribbean shore.  After a long cold winter in the UK, one of the biggest elements of the challenge will be coping with cycling through the heat and humidity, so find out here exactly how our group of Cyclists are getting on!

London to Havana....a long journey!

4.49am (12.49am in Cuba)

The group have finally reached their hotel safe and sound after spending 14 hours on the plane! Unfortunately a combination of 'technical problems', paperwork, and then the need to refuel meant that that plane sat on the runway for 3 hours before take-off.

However the flight itself was fine and everyone is in good spirits and excited to have arrived in Cuba! Havana airport was somewhat chaotic but from what they have seen so far Havana looks beautiful. They have also been having a good look at the variety of old American card on the roads!

The group have got an early start today, starting with a three hour transfer to the Bay of Pigs where they will be fitted for their bikes before the cycling commences!

12.19pm (8.19am in Cuba)

Everyone is feeling much better after a few hours sleep and a good breakfast! The group are now on a coach to the Bay of Pigs where they will visit a museum and have some lunch before the hard work begins! The weather is lovely, photos to follow...

 5.44pm (1.44pm in Cuba)

The group have arrived in the Bay of Pigs, had lunch and are now ready for the off (smothered in sun cream as it's very hot!)

9.40pm (5.40pm in Cuba)

Day one is done! There was a lot of tough off road cycling so sore bottoms all round! Friendly locals provided support along the way and Graham Purdam stopped for a beer to keep himself going!

2.14am (10.14pm in Cuba)

Today was okay but there were some really tough off-road sections with plenty of sand and pot-holes! Everyone is fine though, no injuries, just a couple of punctured tyres. There was some lovely scenery with regular glimpes of the Caribbean sea through the woodland. It was hot so everyone was using SPF 50 but unfortunately a few people still got a bit sunburnt.

Tonight's hotel is very bizarre! It looks like a concrete car-park and feels a bit like a prison but has fantastic views across the bay!

Tomorrow is the long day - 100km!! Lots of the group have taken to the bar in the hope that a few mojitos will ease the pain but our charity rep Clare has decided that an early night is a better plan! Very sensible!

 8am start tomorrow. 

100km of cycling ahead...Havana – Bay of Pigs – Yaguaramos

12.08pm (8.08am in Cuba)

The group are just getting ready to set off after an odd breakfast of cold spaghetti and 'garlic flavoured cheese puffs' - delicious!

Clare is feeling apprehensive about the long day ahead and even though she is wearing two pairs of padded cycling shorts the saddle dosn't feel comfortable after yesterday!

Everyone is fine and we will get another update later on.

2.35pm (10.35am in Cuba)

The cyclists have just reached their first rest stop, a quarter of the way through this long day. There were lots of tough hills but everyone is doing well. Now refueling with peanut snacks before setting off again!

5.07pm (1.07pm in Cuba)

The group are now halfway and have stopped for a well earned lunch of steak, rice, beans and mash in a beautiful hill top farm location.

9.12pm (5.12pm in Cuba)

Day two is complete!! Everyone is feeling very proud of themselves but has sore bottoms! Hopefully a cold beer will make everyone feel better!

Cienfuegos – Trinidad

12.07pm (8.07am in Cuba) 

Well the group decided that the best way to unwind after the very long day yesterday was with a 'few' drinks in the hotel bar. I wonder how many of them are regretting that this morning as they get onto their bikes with 48km ahead of them?!

Clare has reported that a couple of the NDCS cyclists are proving to be real pro's (you know who you are Andrew Onraet and Robert Onion!) and the whole group is doing brilliantly.

 They are just about to set off for the day, the weather is more overcast and cooler, just right for cycling!

2.21pm (10.21am in Cuba)

The group are just having a rest stop at a beautiful 'mirador' in the mountains overlooking sugar plantations. Everyone's legs are already feeling tired after a tough uphill section.

3.34pm (11.34am in Cuba)

Time for another rest stop, this time at a plantation house. The surroundings are beautiful anfd there's a tower to climb...if anyone's legs can manage it!

5.07pm (1.07pm in Cuba)

Just tackled a horrendous hill but only a couple more kilometres to go!

5.39pm (1.39pm in Cuba)

Day three is done! It was a short but tough day, howvever the 'veterans' assured the rest of the group that the third day is always the hardest! Although the booze from last night could have been a contributing factor! Time for lunch.

11.39pm (7.39pm in Cuba)

This afternoon the group were taken on a walking tour of Trinidad by their Cuban tour guide, Manuel. They visited the 'Romance Museum' and Graham Purnell had his head shaved after spending the last few days complaining about the 'dodgy haircut' he had before he left!

Soviet trucks were the transport of choice for the journey to the hotel which were rickety but a lot of fun! The group are now looking forward to dinner at 8pm and then plan on checking out a local 'disco'!

2.46am (10.46pm in Cuba)

Dinner was yet another buffet of rice, meat, grated cabbage and veg. First to arrive in the 'disco' the group had a salsa lesson, just to finish their tired legs off! Clare is back in the hotel but has left some of the others dancing the night away...good luck for tomorrow!

Tomorrow the group are meeting at 7am for another hilly day starting with a 10km climb in the morning and ending with a 7km climb in the afternoon.

Trinidad

12.05pm (8.05am in Cuba)

There's a chill in the air this morning as the group are in the mountains, they will have to warm up quickly as today starts with a huge hill. They are currently waiting at a checkpount for some paperwork to be completed then will be ready for the off!

1.42pm (9.42am in Cuba)

The report is in - that hill was really really tough! But the stunning scenery and the view made it all worth it. About to embark on the 10km downhill, keeping a careful eye out for potholes.

7.12pm (3.12pm in Cuba)

Today ended with (and I quote) 'the most horrific 9km hill, it felt never-ending' Well done to everyone for getting there!

1.35am (9.35pm in Cuba)

To summarise today - there were lots of ups and downs! The group covered 65km in total and ended with a 9km climb which was 'practically vertical.' The day's cycling ended at 3pm in a stunning mountain range with stunning views of the lake where everyone enjoyed a beer or mojito. It's Kate's Birthday so the group will be celebrating tonight!

Topes de Collantes – Santa Clara

12.20pm (8.20am in Cuba)

The group were a bit late to meet this morning, many are struggling with bad heads after staying up until after 3am. One person in particular is feeling very poorly (it's not Clare!)

Today will start with a very welcome 10km downhill stretch.

2.07pm (10.07am in Cuba)

Last night has obviously taken its toll on the team and has slightly slowed down the pace. They have settled for a bit to rest in a town called Macaragua. Clare has also told us she's got some amazing magic powder in her drink - hopefully building some energy!

3.16pm (11.16am in Cuba)

37km covered so far. Really superb cycling through the scenic villages and towns. The team is quite sad it will all be over soon. But they will make sure they enjoy the remainder of the trip. Just 20km to go!

5.17pm (1.17pm in Cuba)

The group have just crossed the finish line and are now celebrating with Cuba Libres!! Well done everyone!

Havana

Sunday 21 March 11.07pm (7.07pm in Cuba)

Since completing the cycling on Friday the group have transferred back to Havana where they enjoyed a walking tour of the city on Saturday followed by their well deserved celebratory dinner. Some then went on to a bar where they were surprised to find the Buena Vista Social Club playing!!

Sunday has been spent lazing by the pool and enjoying the sunshine before they start the journey home.