February is a laid back month when I start to consider hitting the gym (once the resolution seekers drop out) and getting back in shape after my 2 month season break so  I was a bit worried that my skills would be off and my gut big and jubbly when I got the call for yet ‘another trip of a lifetime’. 

Recently I headed to Jamaica with my trusty steed (Norco Six) and Pro Mountain Bike rider Robbie Bourdon to check out the Jamaica Fat Tire Festival and film with Cory for another action filled Ride Guide episode. With sponsors and Tourism Jamaica at the helm, our schedule was set, 10 days to get it all done, a tall order even if the weather held sunny and dry.

Entering Jamaica with all of our gear we experienced tight security and thanks to our versed Tourism official and our knowledgeable driver we made our way to Ocho Rios tired but smiling. We hooked up with Fat Tire Festival folk, got filled in with ‘the goods’ and then planned the next few days which included trail riding and the Bicycle Bash. With a boat load of enthusiasm and some sun screen I got my bike built and gear prepped for some dready adventure.

Top pro mtb and enthusiastic riders come together for the The Jamaican Fat Tire Festival which runs from February 5 – 9 with the Bicycle Bash taking place on the 10th.  The festival is laid back with lots of riding and a focus on fun times while the snow drops back home.  The week full of rides range from XC based overlanders to shuttled DH but the over all flavour of the festival is fun and cultural experience all at a price even the most stretched budget can handle.                  

The Bike Bash is a celebration of riding in Jamaica for ‘Jamaicans’ and we were all stoked to take part.  The event marks the last day of the Fat Tire festival and has grown exponentially over the last few years bringing in riders from all over the country!  Kids had ridden 6 hours to get to the event while bmx extreme teams came in from as far as Kingston.  Locals came from all over bringing and riding every type of bike including some solid custom jobs.  Activities ranged from Jump shows by Mcaul and Ebbet, XC sprint racing, big man little bike challenge, Bunny hop madness and several other high profile races including the Rambo race which required participants to do 4 laps around a running track each lap picking up cumulative items like beer case, propane tank and weed eater.  Although the Jamaicans decidedly won the Rambo championships, yours truly ‘The White Dread Hope’ made podium while the other Canadians made a strong showing in the top 6.          

Trail riding in Jamaica is very diversified with the majority of trail meandering through lush forest and jungle.  Fruit trees are everywhere and most trail winds through local towns and villages.  Ancient walls, bridges and aqua ducts from past Spanish and British rule can still be spotted even though it is absorbed by the jungle.  There are some great hidden downhill tracks and some ball bruising XC rides that get increasingly more technical the wetter it gets all within 1 hour of Ocho Rios.  Overall trails in Jamaica are for everyone and although there may be sections some riders may walk, there aren’t many and Jamaica offers riding opportunity for every level of rider.

We were very fortunate to have SMORBA bike club directors available to guide us around the trail systems and communities to film for Ride Guide.  John and Andy are very knowledgeable, experienced and committed to trails, youth and to their community, I wonder where they find the time to ride?

Jamaicans rely on bicycles for many practical things but it is obvious that they see the recreational side of riding and are passionate about bikes. With more international support and involvement SMORBA and the locals will create fantastic opportunity for the creation and development of more trails and more opportunity to ride bikes in a fantastic nation…      

Ride ON!
Jay Hoots