Interview: Mimi, our Harley-Davidson roadtrip specialist in Cuba

Cuba roadtrip motorcycle isn’t about ticking off postcard stops—it’s about rhythm: warm air at sunrise, music drifting from a doorway in a colonial street, and the feeling of being close to the island’s real life. We met Mimi (Myriam), known locally as “Mimi”, the partner behind our Harley-Davidson tours in Cuba. She shares what makes the island unique on two wheels, why she built a dedicated Harley agency there, and how she keeps routes authentic—away from the all-inclusive bubble, closer to people, craft, and everyday Cuba.

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

Mimi: My name is Mimi. I run a travel agency dedicated to Harley-Davidson tours on the island of Cuba. I opened the agency in May 2014, and with my team we started running our first discovery tours in December 2014—always on Harley-Davidson.

Why did you choose Cuba as the place to settle?

Mimi: Cuba is an island with beautiful landscapes and dream beaches, yes—but it’s also a country with a singular history and culture. It has a revolution in its DNA, a kind of mystique that’s still present. And it has cities recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. People are welcoming and joyful. Visiting Cuba is living something genuinely different from most destinations.

What makes your agency different from others on the island?

Mimi: There aren’t many motorcycle tour agencies in Cuba—maybe one or two. I’d say we’re the most professional: trained guides, a real support team, and mechanics who know these bikes. We also know the country because we’re from here. We ride these roads in real life, not only for tourists.

What’s your story—how did you end up creating motorcycle trips?

Mimi: I met many Harley-Davidson enthusiasts in Cuba. They were part of a community restoring old motorcycles that stayed on the island—some from the 1940s and 1950s. We wanted to share that passion with riders from around the world, and let them explore Cuba on newer bikes. It’s a service built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts.

What bikes do riders use when traveling with you and Planet Ride?

Mimi: Always a newer Harley-Davidson fleet, with only a few kilometers on the odometer. We have touring models, Dyna models, Sportsters, and a V-Rod. Riders can choose the bike they want, depending on availability at the time.

Why Harley-Davidson in Cuba?

Mimi: Harley-Davidson has its own legend here. You still see many restored bikes from the 40s and 50s, kept alive with patience and skill. Riding a Harley in Cuba isn’t a costume—it connects to a real local culture.

What makes Cuba “unmissable” to you?

Mimi: Cuba is different from the rest of the world. The revolution, cigars, music, people dancing and smiling all the time—it’s pure joy, inside a stunning setting. For me, Cuba is a hymn to life.

In your view, what’s the real difference between a simple trip and a motorized trip?

Mimi: On a motorcycle you feel free—the wind on your face changes everything. And on two wheels you meet real Cubans more naturally than you do in classic travel formats. It becomes a cultural journey, closer to the people—especially when you connect with Cuba’s rider community.

What’s the biggest advantage of riding through Cuba?

Mimi: You feel like a Cuban, not a tourist. Cuba is a very common tourist destination now, but on a bike it’s a different experience. You’re with rider-guides, not “tour bus” guides. You can share daily life, meet locals, and eat in family homes. That’s not what happens when you stay in all-inclusive hotels surrounded only by other tourists.

Your favorite place on the island?

Mimi: Trinidad—declared a UNESCO World Heritage city. I could say it’s my place in the world. Anyone who comes will understand.

Planet Ride craft: what we watch closely on a Cuba roadtrip motorcycle

Cuba rewards a smooth pace. The goal isn’t to “cover distance”, it’s to stay fresh enough to engage with what’s happening around you.

• Cadence: we aim for days that feel sustainable—typically 4 to 6 hours of real riding so you still arrive with energy for evenings in town.
• Road reality: expect mixed surfaces and changing asphalt quality. You ride with margin, not with ego—especially entering towns and on secondary roads.
• Heat management: in warmer months, an early start changes the whole day; the island can feel heavy after midday.
• Fuel & planning: we keep an eye on refueling opportunities and avoid last-minute stress. On an island where rhythms vary, a calm buffer is part of safety.
• Offline readiness: riders should be comfortable with intermittent connectivity; having offline maps loaded before the ride is a simple win.
• Local contact: the trip makes sense when you stop—coffee, music, a conversation. The bike is the key, but the people are the destination.

Mini-FAQ (2026)

Do I need a specific license for a Cuba roadtrip motorcycle?

You’ll need a valid motorcycle license recognized for the rental/ride format used locally. Check the exact requirements (license category, minimum experience, and any translation needs) before departure.

When is the best season to ride a Harley-Davidson in Cuba?

Many riders prefer the drier months for comfort and road conditions. If you travel in hotter or more humid periods, plan shorter riding windows and start earlier.

Can I rely on mobile data during the trip?

Connectivity can be inconsistent depending on the area. For 2026 travel habits, plan for offline navigation and keep key info saved locally on your phone.

À savoir aujourd’hui

The spirit of Mimi’s approach—riding close to the real Cuba, meeting locals, and escaping the all-inclusive bubble—still holds true. What can change is practical detail: fleet availability, local riding constraints, and connectivity conditions. Confirm current entry rules, insurance requirements, and on-island logistics before you depart.

Internal link preserved: https://www.planet-ride.com/fr_FR/voyage-moto/uncategorised/articles/interview-de-myriam-specialiste-voyage-en-harley-davidson-a-cuba/

Interview: Mimi, our Harley-Davidson roadtrip specialist in Cuba

Cuba roadtrip motorcycle isn’t about ticking off postcard stops—it’s about rhythm: warm air at sunrise, music drifting from a doorway in a colonial street, and the feeling of being close to the island’s real life. We met Mimi (Myriam), known locally as “Mimi”, the partner behind our Harley-Davidson tours in Cuba. She shares what makes the island unique on two wheels, why she built a dedicated Harley agency there, and how she keeps routes authentic—away from the all-inclusive bubble, closer to people, craft, and everyday Cuba.

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

Mimi: My name is Mimi. I run a travel agency dedicated to Harley-Davidson tours on the island of Cuba. I opened the agency in May 2014, and with my team we started running our first discovery tours in December 2014—always on Harley-Davidson.

Why did you choose Cuba as the place to settle?

Mimi: Cuba is an island with beautiful landscapes and dream beaches, yes—but it’s also a country with a singular history and culture. It has a revolution in its DNA, a kind of mystique that’s still present. And it has cities recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites. People are welcoming and joyful. Visiting Cuba is living something genuinely different from most destinations.

What makes your agency different from others on the island?

Mimi: There aren’t many motorcycle tour agencies in Cuba—maybe one or two. I’d say we’re the most professional: trained guides, a real support team, and mechanics who know these bikes. We also know the country because we’re from here. We ride these roads in real life, not only for tourists.

What’s your story—how did you end up creating motorcycle trips?

Mimi: I met many Harley-Davidson enthusiasts in Cuba. They were part of a community restoring old motorcycles that stayed on the island—some from the 1940s and 1950s. We wanted to share that passion with riders from around the world, and let them explore Cuba on newer bikes. It’s a service built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts.

What bikes do riders use when traveling with you and Planet Ride?

Mimi: Always a newer Harley-Davidson fleet, with only a few kilometers on the odometer. We have touring models, Dyna models, Sportsters, and a V-Rod. Riders can choose the bike they want, depending on availability at the time.

Why Harley-Davidson in Cuba?

Mimi: Harley-Davidson has its own legend here. You still see many restored bikes from the 40s and 50s, kept alive with patience and skill. Riding a Harley in Cuba isn’t a costume—it connects to a real local culture.

What makes Cuba “unmissable” to you?

Mimi: Cuba is different from the rest of the world. The revolution, cigars, music, people dancing and smiling all the time—it’s pure joy, inside a stunning setting. For me, Cuba is a hymn to life.

In your view, what’s the real difference between a simple trip and a motorized trip?

Mimi: On a motorcycle you feel free—the wind on your face changes everything. And on two wheels you meet real Cubans more naturally than you do in classic travel formats. It becomes a cultural journey, closer to the people—especially when you connect with Cuba’s rider community.

What’s the biggest advantage of riding through Cuba?

Mimi: You feel like a Cuban, not a tourist. Cuba is a very common tourist destination now, but on a bike it’s a different experience. You’re with rider-guides, not “tour bus” guides. You can share daily life, meet locals, and eat in family homes. That’s not what happens when you stay in all-inclusive hotels surrounded only by other tourists.

Your favorite place on the island?

Mimi: Trinidad—declared a UNESCO World Heritage city. I could say it’s my place in the world. Anyone who comes will understand.

Planet Ride craft: what we watch closely on a Cuba roadtrip motorcycle

Cuba rewards a smooth pace. The goal isn’t to “cover distance”, it’s to stay fresh enough to engage with what’s happening around you.

• Cadence: we aim for days that feel sustainable—typically 4 to 6 hours of real riding so you still arrive with energy for evenings in town.
• Road reality: expect mixed surfaces and changing asphalt quality. You ride with margin, not with ego—especially entering towns and on secondary roads.
• Heat management: in warmer months, an early start changes the whole day; the island can feel heavy after midday.
• Fuel & planning: we keep an eye on refueling opportunities and avoid last-minute stress. On an island where rhythms vary, a calm buffer is part of safety.
• Offline readiness: riders should be comfortable with intermittent connectivity; having offline maps loaded before the ride is a simple win.
• Local contact: the trip makes sense when you stop—coffee, music, a conversation. The bike is the key, but the people are the destination.

Mini-FAQ (2026)

Do I need a specific license for a Cuba roadtrip motorcycle?

You’ll need a valid motorcycle license recognized for the rental/ride format used locally. Check the exact requirements (license category, minimum experience, and any translation needs) before departure.

When is the best season to ride a Harley-Davidson in Cuba?

Many riders prefer the drier months for comfort and road conditions. If you travel in hotter or more humid periods, plan shorter riding windows and start earlier.

Can I rely on mobile data during the trip?

Connectivity can be inconsistent depending on the area. For 2026 travel habits, plan for offline navigation and keep key info saved locally on your phone.

À savoir aujourd’hui

The spirit of Mimi’s approach—riding close to the real Cuba, meeting locals, and escaping the all-inclusive bubble—still holds true. What can change is practical detail: fleet availability, local riding constraints, and connectivity conditions. Confirm current entry rules, insurance requirements, and on-island logistics before you depart.