Professional tools donated to Alejandro.
​Holguin, Cuba ~ December 2018
Many of the items taken to Cuba have been donated by Bluegrass clients and friends.
Jonathan with our children Ian and Isabel
​Holguin, Cuba ~ December 2018
Throughout our lives we have each had a passion and curiosity for Cuba (the people, the history, the culture, the music) and in October 2017 we journeyed together to the eastern province of Holguin. Working through Bikes for Cuba, we were able to partner with a local cycling coach and team mechanic and our first trip focused on taking cycling clothing, spare parts and tools to a youth cycling group.
Happy 17th Birthday to Ian
Cueto, Cuba ~ January 1, 2019
Jonathan, Tania, Bety and Serguei (not pictured). Ride to Mayabe. Holguin, Cuba ~ October 2017
During our initial weeklong stay we formed strong bonds and even close family ties with many of the individuals we met along the way. Serguei, the coach, and his wife Bety; Oscar and Ivette, the most wonderful hosts; Alejandro the mechanic, Fausto, a dear friend; and of course the kids, Gabby, Yan Carlos, Wendy and more.
Alejandro, Jonathan and Serguei ~ "Hermanos"
In 2018 we returned to Holguin, this time including our two children. We felt the importance of having them see first-hand the hardships faced, but also the love, joy and resilience of the Cuban people. We wanted them to meet our Cuban family and friends and understand why we have started on this amazing journey to help.
We also wanted them to understand how lucky and privileged we are and to not take our everyday lives for granted, and to feel proud that they could contribute to making someone else's life a little easier.
Alejandro takes Ian for his official "Cuban Haircut".
Holguin, Cuba ~ December 2018
Several youth cycling group members. Holguin, Cuba ~ October 2017
Arriving from the airport to our casa. Holguin, Cuba ~ October 2017
Our second visit really focused on leaving two mountain bikes as well as additional tools, spare parts and donated cycling apparel. We learned from our first visit that one of the best things we can do for our junior cycling friends is to ensure their mechanic is able to support them.
By providing professional level tools, high quality spare parts and long-lasting equipment, our hope is to allow our friends to be creative with business and entrepreneurial ideas that will lead them to be successful and financially stable given the constraints they are given.
Jonathan sharing his love of music and vinyl records with Gabby, Ivette, Oscar and Fausto. Holguin, Cuba ~ October 2017
Bluegrass Bicycle Company