2008 Ultra Classic in Havana, Cuba
Login  | |
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2008 Ultra Classic in Havana, Cuba - 4/23/2008 4:00:49 PM
|
|
|
GONZEE
Posts: 353
Joined: 2/29/2008
From: wisconsin
Status: offline
|
not bad for a canadian... just kidding aye
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2008 Ultra Classic in Havana, Cuba - 4/23/2008 4:43:54 PM
|
|
|
E1
Posts: 7552
Joined: 11/14/2006
From: Heart of Dixie
Status: offline
|
Nice vid....does not look like a lot of traffic.
_____________________________
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2008 Ultra Classic in Havana, Cuba - 4/23/2008 8:51:43 PM
|
|
|
scarygt
Posts: 463
Joined: 12/3/2006
From: Ohio
Status: offline
|
Not bad, but I bet the video operator was hating you after the first 2 minutes of filming! 
I think the best part of the entire video was at the end when the credits was rolling by and the camera was real low and you blew by it and all you could hear was your pipes getting louder and louder... now that was pretty cool!
_____________________________
2007 FLHRC (Road King Classic)
Black Cherry Pearl and Pewter Pearl
Skulls, Skulls, and more Skulls!!!!
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2008 Ultra Classic in Havana, Cuba - 4/23/2008 11:12:07 PM
|
|
|
Rev. BigBlock
Posts: 54
Joined: 2/18/2008
Status: offline
|
Interesting, Dale. Thanks for sharing!
Questions -
What's the common reaction of Cubans to your bike - appreciation and admiration, or jealousy and resentment?
Considering that your bike is worth more than most Cubans make all their lives, how do you handle parking and security?
What's the scene now that Raul has taken over?
What's life like in Cuba today for middle class Americans? How cheaply can you live comfortably? How safe is it?
_____________________________
Keep on thunderin'
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2008 Ultra Classic in Havana, Cuba - 4/24/2008 4:36:35 AM
|
|
|
alstrud
Posts: 19
Joined: 11/23/2007
Status: offline
|
I'm glad you like it. To answer some of your questions:
-There's not a lot of traffic at anytime...however, this was shot on a Saturday and Sunday morning between 7 and 8am. The open highway (Autopista) is even better...you can ride for an hour and only meet up with a handful of cars (you have to watch out for tractors and horse and wagons though!!!)
-Scott (the video operator) had never done anything like this before. We got ideas for shots from other riding videos on Youtube (thanks everyone)...when he saw the finished product, he was blown away...and now he keeps calling me and saying, "we should get a shot of..." Stay tuned for more videos from Cuba. As for the final shot, I agree, that's one of my favourites. It was supposed to be a two parter...one coming and one going...but when we got home, the first part wouldn't play for some reason, so we were only left with the going. It's funny, we looked for two days for an area for the high-speed pass...but when we got down to the Malecon at 7 in the morning and found no one there, we decided to go for it. It turned out to be an awesome shot. Eventually, we'll get both parts.
-Reaction - No matter where you go, Cubans know what "Harley Davidson" is. Their first question is usually what year? Then how much? It's hard to describe the reaction, but I can't say it's jealousy and resentment. I think it's far more appreciation for such a fine machine. And everywhere I go, people take pictures. Even parked in front of the Embassy, the guards tell me that people stop by all day and take pictures of the bike and have their pictures taken with it.
-Security - Not a real concern. Number one...it has a diplomatic plate on it and messing with diplomatic stuff is a big no no here. Number two...enterprising Cubans earn money watching vehicles in parking lots, etc. They do this for tips and they take their jobs seriously. As a rule, I pay far more for someone to watch my bike than any Cuban will pay...and the parking guys won't let anyone touch it. Having said that, I still secure it anytime I leave it.
-Raul - Things are changing here...within days, we expect the official announcement that Cubans will be allowed to travel freely. IF...they can afford it. But don't kid yourself, some Cubans definitely have money. Electric bicycles are now allowed to be purchased by everyone. One store opened the door with 20. They sold within an hour at $900 CUC each (for comparison, the average Cuban makes 20-24 CUC per month!!!) Since Cubans have been allowed to buy Cell phones, 2300 sold within the first two weeks...$70+ CUC for the phone and $120 CUC for the line...plus airtime. On the surface, it's nice to be allowed to do these things now, but many feel that it will create a greater divide between the haves and have nots. We'll see how this plays out.
-Cuba - Things are generally expensive here...they gouge foreigners (diplomats and business people who live here) and tourists alike. Everything that comes into the country is marked up by up to 900%!!! I saw a cordless drill...no brand name...something cheaply imported from China...$249. An 8hp lawnmower...nothing special...$1200 (For $1200 I at least want to sit and ride it...not walk behind it). But...it is safe. Police are everywhere and violent crime is almost non-existent. There are pic-pockets, etc, but as long as you're careful when in crowds, you should be okay.
I consider myself quite fortunate to be able to actually live and work here...having the Harley here is definitely a bonus. Fidel stepped aside 10 days after we got here, so we didn't know what to expect...but it's been good. The changes since then are very evident, but even more so since Raul officially took over in February. We (my kids especially) will be able to say that we were here to witness it all. We are here until next summer...then...who knows?
_____________________________
2008 Ultra Classic
White Gold Pearl w/Black Pearl
TallBoy Seat
HD Oil Cooler
Rush Slip-ons
Screamin Eagle Air Filter
PCIII USB
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2008 Ultra Classic in Havana, Cuba - 4/24/2008 8:36:21 AM
|
|
|
Rev. BigBlock
Posts: 54
Joined: 2/18/2008
Status: offline
|
Wow! Thanks a lot for your in-depth reply, Dale! I, and I'm sure others, greatly enjoyed it. Glad to hear the largely positive news - most news about Cuba from the media is negative. I had heard that Cubans appreciate good vehicles and mechanical creations, so you confirmed that. As a diplomat (of Canada?) - and Harley - you're in a good position to present good images, and it's great that you're doing that.
Congrats on creating security methods - even friendly ones.
Interesting changes and improvements with Raul. Let's hope he and his associates continue the improvements. Cubans want a better life, and we want the same for them. The U.S. government's long embargo/sanctions against Cuba hurt the Cuban people - and American businesses that could have been trading there - Castro and his associates were not hurt much, if at all. Also tragic that Americans have not been allowed to visit Cuba, and enjoy its people, history, beauty, beaches, food, music, etc. We'll see what the new American administration's policies bring in 2009.
Such a huge price mark-up. Why? Seems counter-productive to everybody, but apparently it's another way the government makes money. Hope that policy changes, too.
"Police are everywhere and violent crime is almost non-existent" is very good to hear. Violence and crime are major things in America that must be addressed and reduced. We could do it as Cuba has done it, but it would take strict new laws - which many lawyers will be against because they make their living with crime and complex legalities, and higher taxes - which many Americans will be against because our costs of living are already too high. We're going to have to decide how much we want lower violence and crime, and how much we're willing to pay for it. Meanwhile, more and more Americans are getting older, facing retirement, and looking for warm, attractive, safe, affordable places to retire, and Cuba is one.
Thanks a lot, Dale. Much enjoyed and appreciated. We're looking forward to your next post and video! Best wishes to you and your family, and the Cuban people!
_____________________________
Keep on thunderin'
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2008 Ultra Classic in Havana, Cuba - 4/25/2008 4:50:00 PM
|
|
|
Jn836FreeIndeed
Posts: 22
Joined: 3/29/2008
Status: offline
|
Real nice vid. +1 for the in-depth info. Very interesting to a midwest American. Ride safe.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2008 Ultra Classic in Havana, Cuba - 4/27/2008 4:10:22 AM
|
|
|
Matty64
Posts: 786
Joined: 9/25/2007
From: North Central Wisconsin
Status: offline
|
Great Video, I would love to visit Cuba
_____________________________
Patriot Guard Rider 119061
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2008 Ultra Classic in Havana, Cuba - 5/3/2008 4:51:20 AM
|
|
|
omega5m14
Posts: 158
Joined: 4/18/2008
Status: offline
|
Good job. Pretty country, but the politics suck
Love your bike.
_____________________________
Ride safe,
Dano
59 yr old Vietnam Vet, Sgt US Army RECON, TET Survivor 68 and 69
2005 Ultra Classic
2006 Nomad
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2008 Ultra Classic in Havana, Cuba - 5/3/2008 10:11:54 AM
|
|
|
Wolf4dk
Posts: 118
Joined: 4/2/2008
From: Forest Lake, MN
Status: offline
|
Wonderfull Vid. It did open my eyes a bit. and your reply here about cuba is nice to read without the medias side of everything. Thanks for the info and vid. and at least it's warmer there then here in Minnesota. (42 for a high in May????)
_____________________________
06 1200C
V & H slipon's
SE AC kit
|
|
|
|
|
RE: 2008 Ultra Classic in Havana, Cuba - 5/3/2008 9:43:20 PM
|
|
|
RADLINE
Posts: 39
Joined: 1/10/2007
Status: offline
|
Wow - I didnt expect to vivit Cuba tonight on hdforums!
Thanks for all of the interesting info.
Glad your having fun in life - especially on a Harley!
Congrats man - Ride On........Jeff
_____________________________
07 FLHX - Ness BS 1 - Dyna PCIII - RineHart True Duals - Love it!
|
|
|
|
|
Printable Version
RE: 2008 Ultra Classic in Havana, Cuba - 
