A Cuban couple has turned a seemingly impossible dream into reality by traveling the length of Cuba on a motorcycle. Eliezer González Hernández, an electrical engineer, and his wife, Annia Milagros Labrador González, a specialist in General Integral Medicine and Epidemiology, embarked on this thrilling journey on November 11 from their hometown of Pinar del Río, concluding recently on the Isle of Youth.
Branded as "Inclusive Motorcycle Journey Across Cuba," their bold adventure was driven by clear goals: to advocate for women's empowerment, promote the use of safety gear while riding motorcycles, and enjoy domestic tourism by visiting tourist, historical, environmental, and cultural sites, as reported by Isla Visión on their Facebook profile.
Originating from the westernmost province of Cuba, the couple expressed their love for travel and adventure with every mile they covered. Their expedition took them from Pinar del Río to Cape San Antonio, through the Zapata Swamp in Matanzas, and onward to eastern Cuba.
Among the notable stops were iconic locations such as Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey, Santa Cruz del Sur, Santiago de Cuba, Maisí, Baracoa, Guantánamo, and the Isle of Youth. At each stop, the couple had the chance to engage with locals, learn about regional traditions, and share their journey, which deepened their connection to the country and to each other.
Their arrival at the Isle of Youth, the final destination of their Cuban tour, was warmly welcomed by journalist Noel Otaño, who, according to the couple, supported them as if he had known them forever. In an interview on the “Aquí los viernes” television program, both expressed gratitude for the Cuban people's hospitality and reminisced about how the “A Todo Motor” segment on September 24 was pivotal in announcing their trip and garnering support from various parts of the island.
After eight years of marriage, this journey not only fulfilled their dream of exploring Cuba by motorcycle but also allowed them to solidify the love and partnership that have kept them together. Despite the exhausting journey, they affirm that each day on the road was a chance to strengthen their bond and prove that with passion and dedication, dreams can become reality.
This is not the first instance of individuals deciding to traverse different regions of Cuba on motorcycles. In 2021, Alexander Rodríguez, an enthusiast of MZ motorcycles, took his wife and daughters from Artemisa to Granma, covering over 800 kilometers to visit family. Rodríguez shared images of the motorcycle route on the Facebook group Club MZ Cuba, where many users praised the adventurous spirit of Cuban motorcyclists.
In 2018, Russian motorcyclist Oleg Jaritonov, who began a solo journey across continents on his motorcycle in 2014, prepared to start his Cuban tour with the intention of honoring Fidel Castro and Ernesto Che Guevara. In statements to the Prensa Latina agency, the explorer revealed he would begin from Havana, visit the Che Guevara monument in Santa Clara, and conclude in Santiago de Cuba, where he planned to see the rock housing Fidel Castro's ashes at the Santa Ifigenia Cemetery.
Exploring Cuba by Motorcycle: Key Insights
What was the main goal of the "Inclusive Motorcycle Journey Across Cuba"?
The main goals were to promote women's empowerment, the use of safety gear while riding, and to enjoy domestic tourism by visiting various cultural and historical sites.
Which locations did the couple visit during their journey?
Their journey included stops at Cienfuegos, Trinidad, Santa Clara, Sancti Spíritus, Ciego de Ávila, Camagüey, Santa Cruz del Sur, Santiago de Cuba, Maisí, Baracoa, Guantánamo, and the Isle of Youth.
How did the couple feel about their journey across Cuba?
The couple felt that the journey not only fulfilled their dream but also strengthened their relationship, demonstrating that dreams can be achieved with passion and dedication.