...after a little detour on the way to the old Revolutionary Headquarters, we continued our way up over the mountains towards Pico Turquino. The first day was all uphill, seven hours with a few short descents off some of the lower peaks along the way.

It was the most challenging hike and biking I've done, up very steep and technical trails with many roots and steps. It was impossible to ride any part of it.

We stayed the first night at some simple shelter where we were fed and didn't see anybody all day long.

Day two started with another four hours of climbing before — totally exhausted — we reached Cuba's highest point.

I have done many gnarly hikes with my bikes in the past, but this one was by far the hardest, especially considering the heat, humidity, and steepness. Not to mention we were the first persons ever to bring bikes to the top. It was no wonder the locals called us "loco."

The downhill was great, but no less challenging or exhausting; endless steps, stairways and even ladders had to be negotiated. After four hours of "muchas" technical downhilling with incredibly beautiful views, we arrived at the second night campsite overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

Our last day on the mountain was very rewarding. The trail turned out to be very fun and not too hard, which we didn't mind. Modern bicycle technology really made this trip possible, without a minimum of 5 inches suspension and hydraulic brakes, this trail wouldn't have been rideable.

Cuba is rad and it offers a lot of virgin biking. We did several cool day trips prior to our main adventure and got some incredible footage and photos in outrageously beautiful locations. And we still have several days left before we head back home — Cuba Libre, Cigars, Che Guevara...

Viva Cuba.