Jamaica Cycling

Cycling around Jamaica is a fabulous way to explore the island and experience its many charms on a personal level.  The slower pace allows bikers to really see what they're looking at, interact with local residents, and truly savor their Jamaican experience.  Several Jamaican bike tours are available.

These tours are available out of Kingston as well as Ocho Rios, and while the average group is about 40 bikers, groups of up to 150 can be taken up to the mountains by charter bus from those cities.  The company provides all biking equipment and meals, and its rates are reasonable.

Real Jamaica introduces you to Jamaica's people and cultures.  Many believe the tourist industry and the commercialization it has led to overshadow the true heart of Jamaica - the people and cultures that exist beyond the island's glittering resorts. 

This belief has led to the development of several opportunities to see Jamaica's true side - typical Jamaican people and their life, rather than the stereotyped version seen by most visitors.Jamaica's Meet the People Program is an extraordinary opportunity operated by the Jamaican Tourist Board.  It uses a network of more than 500 local volunteers with a variety of backgrounds.  The skills and interests of these volunteers are listed in a database, and tourists who sign up for the program provide the same type of information for the database.  The local volunteers and tourists are then matched up.

Despite being free, the Meet the People Program provides unparalleled opportunities for cultural and social exchange between Jamaica's residents and visitors.  Tourists often share in family meals at their host's homes, and the matched groups explore their interests in Jamaica together.

Although it's suggested that participants be at least seven years old, the bike tour is all downhill, making it appropriate for people of almost any age.  The tour's downhill nature also means you'll be able to devote most of your energy to the spectacular scenery you'll see.

You'll bike through magnificent mountains that feature coffee plantations producing the world-renowned Blue Mountain coffee, and you'll see wildlife and other sights that can be found only on Jamaica.  Remember to bring a swimsuit, towel and camera, because you'll also see waterfalls and be able to swim in the cool, crystal-clear mountain water.

A wonderful one-week bike tour is offered by Manfred's Jamaican Mountain Bike Tours in Saint Elizabeth Parish.  Tour participants are able to relish the fine local cuisine and quality lodging at a 500-acre farm in Apple Valley. 

Each day of this week-long tour features a bike ride in a different region of Jamaica.  All in all, this tour is unrivalled for revealing the real Jamaica that's hidden away from typical tourist locations.

Rusty's Xcellent Adventures, based in Negril, offers guided bike tours for riders of all different skill levels.  Instructors as well as biking equipment are available.  Bikers who prefer to explore on their own can choose from many companies throughout the island that offer bicycle rentals.

Cycling tours are an excellent way to explore this beautiful island.  In addition to the way you'll be able to enjoy Jamaica's natural beauty and encounter "real" Jamaican people and culture, biking has a minimal impact on the environment. 

Participating in a bike tour will let you savor your surroundings, create vivid memories, and gain an understanding of Jamaica's "real" culture.

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