Wow what a scorcher! Today was our first day of cycling, after a 5.30 alarm call we got all our kit onto the buses, had a quick breakfast and headed off to pick up the bikes.

The bikes are pretty good, actually the majority are the same model as I have at home - we were allocated bikes by size and then the mechanics got to work changing over pedals and seats with the items we had brought from home.

We had a quick briefing to explain how the day would work and then a quick warm up and group photo and we were off.

We started cycling along the coast, fantastic scenery and on a quiet road with a good surface.

The heat was the biggest problem today, lots of the ladies struggled with the heat and the buses were well used with people needing to take a break from the cycling and cool down.

We stopped for lunch after about 40km, and had a typical Cuban lunch (majoring in rice and beans)!

The afternoon the roads started to get better, and there was just one major hill, it was a half mile long drag - not particularly steep, but tough after a long day in the sun.

We ended the ride at a school for children who are deaf or blind (or both) - we have all brought gifts for the schools and so we met some of the children, who were all very grateful for the donations.

On arrival at the hotel were had some free time, so we were able to have a quick swim in the pool and then we found time to walk into the beach, got out toes wet in some amazingly warm water and see the start of a fantastic sunset.