Eroica Cuba
11-09-23, 06:26 PM
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Eroica Cuba
Recently I got an email from the organizers on this event.
https://eroica.cc/en/cuba
Anyone planning to attend? I know that it is chaellenging for US passport holders, perhaps it is a sporting event and not subject to restrictions.
I'm wondering if it will be less organized than Eroica CA.
https://eroica.cc/en/cuba
Anyone planning to attend? I know that it is chaellenging for US passport holders, perhaps it is a sporting event and not subject to restrictions.
I'm wondering if it will be less organized than Eroica CA.
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11-09-23, 08:15 PM
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That’s very interesting. No climbing, though, pretty flat terrain.
I’m already scheduled for those dates but will be interested to hear from those who attend.
I’m already scheduled for those dates but will be interested to hear from those who attend.
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11-09-23, 08:36 PM
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That really sounds awesome. I'm very tempted. Unlike @rccardr, I find the lack of climbing to be a plus. 
Apparently U.S. law still restricts travel to Cuba, but there's an exception for "public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions." I wonder which of those Eroica qualifies for. For some, athletic competition would be plausible. For others, maybe public performance.
Apparently U.S. law still restricts travel to Cuba, but there's an exception for "public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions." I wonder which of those Eroica qualifies for. For some, athletic competition would be plausible. For others, maybe public performance.
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11-09-23, 09:22 PM
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There are no real restrictions on visiting Cuba. Multiple flights from Miami daily filled with US passport holders. You signify that your purpose is 'support of the Cuban people' and that's it. In theory you aren't supposed to patronize government owned hotels, restaurants, etc. but there is no check mechanism on this and no one has any idea what you do when you're there. American credit cards don't work so you need to bring plenty of cash.
From what I've read there are many problems with shortages of food, gas, and other essentials in Cuba now. You can always find food but variety is often limited. Tourist businesses are somewhat insulated from this so if the event is well run it may not be too much of an issue. But you should bring with you medicines, snack foods, and anything else you might need because you can't count on finding it there.
But Americans are free to travel there even without so interesting purpose.
From what I've read there are many problems with shortages of food, gas, and other essentials in Cuba now. You can always find food but variety is often limited. Tourist businesses are somewhat insulated from this so if the event is well run it may not be too much of an issue. But you should bring with you medicines, snack foods, and anything else you might need because you can't count on finding it there.
But Americans are free to travel there even without so interesting purpose.
11-09-23, 09:45 PM
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I bet the Eroica folks picked a beautiful route(s).
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11-10-23, 07:35 AM
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11-10-23, 08:51 AM
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Looks nice, and it's on the western end of the island, which I haven't visited. Not sure I can go, though.
11-10-23, 05:27 PM
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No experience with Eroica but, I was in Cuba (Santiago) for Carnival 20? years ago with the Rebirth Brass Band. I would echo some of what is said above. Depending on where you are there is very limited "commercial" anything. Things we take for granted might not be available. Snacks (Cliff bars, etc) are a great suggestion as is medicine, I would go a step further and say bring extra of everything to share with locals. Cash is also an important note, American dollars are the currency of tourists and reliable ATMs were few and far between. Not only cash, but small bills, it can be hard to break bills even at major tourist centers and things cost less so small bills are key. I was there for a week and I have never felt more welcome in an unknown place, I was well taken care of by locals and felt safe every where I went even in the middle of the night (carnival and all). I would highly recommend visiting Cuba if you are interested.
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11-10-23, 05:29 PM
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Ive been 3X. Stunning place and wonderful people.
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11-10-23, 07:17 PM
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Only one opportunity to participate in the 'inaugural' anything.
but if you complain about anything..... it won't become a huge or recurring thread.
but if you complain about anything..... it won't become a huge or recurring thread.
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11-12-23, 11:22 AM
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And as a nod to Cuban history, they should limit bikes to those made on or before 1959.
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11-13-23, 01:41 PM
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I spoke with the travel agent tryin to organize travel from America. Daiquiri tours: https://www.daiquiriusa.com/site/home
Miami based, they will update their site as soon as their lawyers give them the go-ahead, hopefully later this week or early next week.
From my understanding, this would qualify as an athletic event and as participants, exempt from USA's embargo.
Using direct flights will be much better than flying to Cancun, then buying individual tickets to Havana.
Miami based, they will update their site as soon as their lawyers give them the go-ahead, hopefully later this week or early next week.
From my understanding, this would qualify as an athletic event and as participants, exempt from USA's embargo.
Using direct flights will be much better than flying to Cancun, then buying individual tickets to Havana.
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11-13-23, 02:31 PM
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This sounds pretty cool and I am very interested, especially since the Sunday ride in Havana is on February 11th, my birthday. Currently the website is incomplete, to say the least, with the registration page showing "Registration for Eroica Cuba 2023 will open on October 16 at 09:00 hours" but not much else and the only link on the site is on the travel page and goes to a form to fill out to apply for a tour that flies in from Milan, Italy. Not a good sign organization wise. I sure hope they can get it together soon...there isn't much time.
Last edited by davester; 11-13-23 at 02:55 PM.
11-20-23, 01:34 PM
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They just opened registration
open to the first 1500 people, well 1498, since I grabbed 2 spots
open to the first 1500 people, well 1498, since I grabbed 2 spots
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