January 25, 2011 – Bikes for Cuba is off to a good start for 2011 with five bikes already there and eight shipping out this week – that’s 13 so far in 2011. Only 87 more bikes to ship this year! Bikes For Cuba is a small personally run humanitarian aid project geared to provide good donated racing bicycles for a school cycling team in Banes Cuba (near Holguin-Guardalavaca).

While cycling in Cuba, Bikes for Cuba founder Jeff Reid frequently comes in contact with local cycling teams in need of decent bicycles and equipment. In December 2009 the school team in Banes originally had only one poor quality bicycle for all fourteen kids to share. Reid immediately donated his own racing bicycle and equipment to help the kids on the team. Upon returning to Canada he began locating donated bicycles and equipment and started sending them down to Cuba for the team. At this time, Christmas 2010, the team has expanded in size and is now equipped with thirty good racing bicycles plus helmets, clothing and gear, all donated by caring Canadians.

We need more bikes and equipment so donations are always welcome. Items like tires, pedals,wheels, bikes, jerseys, helmets – almost anything – are needed. The project relies on Canadian tourists to take one, two or more bicycles with them on the airplane. It’s a simple, easy process and we do need more people to help by taking a bike with them on their trip to Cuba. If you are planning a trip to this area and really want to make a difference in the lives of the Cuban people please help!

www.bikesforcuba.com