I package all donated bikes in proper travel boxes. These are lightweight and easy to handle. The airlines take these as regular luggage. Airlines usually charge $30-$50 a bike. I look after any costs, but can also use some help in this department for those that wish to contribute. 

Upon arrival at the Cuban airport the bike boxes are simply put on a cart along with your regular luggage and placed on the resort bus. Cuban customs staff typically allow one bike per passenger without any difficulties. Once at the resort, the coach then gives you a call to arrange to pick up the bicycle at a mutually convenient time.

Ideal donated bikes are road racing style and are often ten or twenty years old! Here are some of the donated bikes already in Banes. There is quite an assortment including bikes like Miele, Bianchi, Norco, Nishiki, Marinoni, Teledyne, Steve Bauer, Colnago, Cervelo, Trek, Specialized and others.

We need more equipment too, so donations are always welcome. Items like tires, pedals, wheels, bikes, jerseys, helmets... almost anything... are needed.

Quote from one volunteer tourist:

"This was my first trip to Cuba and I wasn't sure what I was getting into when I agreed to take donated bicycles along. It all worked out very well. Jeff delivered the four bikes to the airport and helped us check them in. At the Holguin airport the bikes were placed with the rest of the luggage and we wheeled them onto the resort bus without any difficulty.

Cuban custom officials were all smiles and wished us a happy holiday. The team coach met us two days later at the resort, Club Amigo, and packed all four bikes into a tiny ancient Lada and off they went to Banes. Seeing the joy on their faces made the whole experience worth it! I am sure to take more bikes on my next trip." ...Kimberley Kennedy

Parts!

Here is just one of the bikes sent to Banes. This bike was assembled using wheels, frame and parts donated by over a dozen people! It was delivered at Christmas 2010.

Cuban Resorts and Villas

Cuban vacation resorts and villas near Banes and Holguin - via Frank Pais Airport include:

Blau Costa Verde Beach Resort, Brisas Covarrubias, Brisas Guardalavaca, Hotel Club, Amigo Atlantico Guardalavaca, Hotel Miraflores, Hotel Pernik, Hotel Playa Costa Verde, Hotel Playa Pesquero, Motel Pinares de Mayari, Occidental Grand Playa Turquesa, Paradisus Rio de Oro Resort & Spa, Sol Rio de Luna y Mares, Villa Blanca, Villa Cabanas, Villa Cayo Saetia, Villa Don Lino, Villa El Bosque, Villa El Cocal, Villa El Quinque, Villa Mirador de Mayabe