@traininglog just finished a 18.64km ride, that lasted for 63 minutes.Description from Strava: The main purpose of the outing was to collect some documents near 5th and 42, in Playa municipality. At first, I wanted to leave earlier, but at some point I told myself: What’s the rush? Those papers aren’t going anywhere.
In fact, I was supposed to pick them up last week. I really had some hectic days then, so I let things find their own way of flowing, rhythmic haha… without so much stress.
One of the best things I experienced, for example, was my grandmother’s birthday—she has almost lived a century. Yesterday we spoke over a video call. She is convinced that all of us, meaning her daughters and granddaughters, will reach 94. Phew, that’s quite a challenge. But she always knows so much, we ought to listen to her.
The ride was, I think, faster than I usually cycle in that area. I don’t know, I felt I could push myself a bit more on the roads with less traffic. Always remember I’m cycling through a rather complicated city, where the streets aren’t in the best condition, and you have to dodge potholes and those old cars that serve as taxis, cutting in front of you without hesitation to pick up passengers. Don’t they know bicycles can’t stop on a dime? Apparently not. Today, for instance, many traffic lights were out of service. It wasn’t too difficult because I was riding along priority roads. Even so, you have to stay alert, because if someone suddenly decides to cross without looking… well, we all drive a little thinking about what we’re doing ourselves and what others are doing too.
I could have gone straight back after finishing the errand, but I decided to go a bit further. I felt euphoric, I don’t know. And I’m not even sure if I managed better times on some stretches, because I’m writing this in a notes app during a short break I took.
This is the first reinforced concrete bridge built in Cuba. It is known as the Almendares Bridge because the river of the same name flows beneath it. However, in 1908 it was called the Asbert Bridge, in honour of the man who promoted the project, Ernesto Asbert, governor of Havana at that time.
The original project was to be made of iron, and began to be considered on site in 1907, until a year later the people of Havana demanded this new form of construction with a bridge that would be revolutionary for its time. In fact, it was designed with two lanes, one for the electric tram and two pedestrian walkways. Here I am standing on one of them.
Finally, I wanted to say that this bridge connects the municipalities of Playa and Vedado. I cycled a little beyond 26th Street and then skirted part of Colón Cemetery. I joined 26 again but in the Nuevo Vedado neighbourhood, and went along that street with its very enjoyable descents… and its climbs, which for mountain cyclists are a real delight hahaha…
A hug for you who have read this far, and may every kilometre you ride make you mentally stronger and freer!
If you would like to check out this activity on strava you can see it here:
https://www.strava.com/activities/16631763456
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