Spokes and plantations: booking a cycling tour in Jamaica

Too often holiday makers travel to exotic locations and neglect to take full advantage of the site seeing and opportunities for adventure on offer. What a shame to travel to Jamaica and not find the time to see the majestic mountains, sweeping valleys and rich plantations that have become associated with this famous little island. One way to do this is to book a cycling tour in Jamaica. As well as seeing more of the real countryside outside of the city, it will keep you fit and help you do your bit for the environment by burning calories rather than petrol!

The Jamaica Cycling Federation supports cycling across the island, including mountain bike, road and track versions of the sport.

The Federation helps with organised bike tours, led by local guides and backed by support teams. These tours can last for several days, and take in many locations on the island including Montego Bay, Negril and Ochos Rios. One excellent aspect of taking an organised tour is that stops are planned at suitable places, and mechanical assistance and first aid are on hand should the need arise.

In addition, tour operators can provide advice on sightseeing, intermediate transport and titbits on living in Jamaica that you’d otherwise miss. Organised tours can also be much shorter – lasting a full day down to a couple of hours – taking in visits to waterfalls, secluded beaches and coffee plantations.

For those cyclists who would prefer the freedom to do their own thing, that is no problem. Bicycles and associated gear can be hired from many companies across the island, and there are plenty of suggested routes and maps. It is notable that the locals welcome bikers, recognising their attempts to reduce the impact on the environment and see the ‘other side’ of Jamaica.

For perhaps the most adventurous cyclists there is the Jamaica Reggae Ride, which in 2013 will take riders on a 175-mile journey, lasting three days, over much of the north coast of the island. The escorted ride will pass coconut and banana plantations, through old fishing villages and by white sandy beaches. The organisers cater for riders at all levels, from elite to novice cyclists, so that everyone should have plenty of fun and face personal and group challenges. Safety is ensured by police escorts and stops are well planned.

For those who want to see the best of Jamaica and feel healthy at the same time, there is nothing that could match a cycling holiday on the island. 🙂 – Travel Feeder, the ultimate travel photo blog.

About The Author

Cecil Lee

The author is an avid traveler and photography hobbyist who loves to share with others his travel and photo-taking experience in many popular tourist destinations around Europe, Asia and Australasia. Read the exciting stories with many photos captured on his journeys.