The Real Jamaica: Ocho Rios and pristine nature of a bike tour

Reggae music cannot be escaped in Jamaica. It provides the rhythm of everyday life and the heart of the nation. Jamaican culture is Reggae. The beat is never far away and it’s always loud. In the resort community of Sunset Jamaica Grand near the heart of downtown Ocho Rios it’s just that way.

But on my fourth day of a seven day trip I became tired of too much food, drink, life on the palm tree lined, white sand perfect beaches and dipping in the warm waters of the Caribbean (yes, I guess I’m a bit strange) and decided to “escape” to soak up the real Jamaica.

I know to truly understand the area you’re visiting you have to spend time with locals. I approached the exit gate and instead of turning right, where most of the guests were directed (that’s the tourist district where you’re hassled to buy souvenirs) I turned left and walked ten minutes into the hustle and bustle of downtown Ocho Rios.

The Village of Ocho Rios

As I headed out the sky was so blue it looked like it had been freshly painted. When I arrived in town it was not as pretty as the sky, but it was genuine and that‘s the charm.

For some, this may not be your cup of tea and I certainly don’t recommend it for the faint of heart. A word of advice, leave your camera behind (if you don’t, you’ll stick out like a sore thumb). You won’t need to take a picture to remember this part of your trip.

It was around 4pm, quitting time. The tiny village was alive with the sweet sounds of Patios (Patwa). This is the dialect the locals use and one you won’t hear inside the resort. Don‘t even try to understand it. There was energy in the air. I found kind people who loved to smile and went out their way to help.

One young lady half my age even offered to escort me across a busy street. I took up her offer. How’s that for a switch. Be careful when you walk and cross streets, the sidewalks are a challenge to navigate.

Along the way I discovered buildings that have remained unchanged for centuries. When I stepped inside an old Methodist Church I experienced peace and calm. Don’t be in a hurry to leave this place soak up the moment of “being there”.

When it was time to leave I already had my next days adventure outside the community planned. Bright and early in the morning I would take a bus ride to Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountains to ride a bicycle some 12 and half miles downhill. I wasn’t to be disappointed.

Blue Mountain Bike Tour

I was picked up early by our driver who promised an exciting two and a half hour scenic drive east of Ocho Rios for a bike trip of a lifetime.

The first leg of the adventure by Blue Mountain Bike Tour took us through rural countryside. We passed James Bond Beach (where the 007 movie Dr. No was filmed), and The Golden Eye Villa where Ian Fleming wrote the James Bond novels and novelist Noel Coward’s home. Along the winding road we had to make a detour caused by a collapsed bridge destroyed by Hurricane Gustave in 2008.There was no sign the bridge would be repaired soon. We slowly descended up a washboard narrow road to 5,600 feet, the highest point of Blue Mountain accessible by vehicle.

Here we disembarked and were given lunches before being assigned bicycles and helmets. The lunch, along with of course a Blue Mountain coffee, grown on the cliffs below us was delicious and so was the view.

After receiving orientation our slow journey down the mountain began. We passed by pristine waterfalls, misty slopes, coffee plantations, tiny villages, a police station, and saw various species of birds, wildflowers and plants all described by Colin, our able guide. Life slowed down when I was riding my bike. .At the end of our three hour descent some riders decided to take a dip at the bottom of a cool cascading falls called Fish Done Falls. It’s called this because once these fish go over the falls they’re done!

I can now vouch why the New York Times listed this bike ride as a most do tour in Jamaica.

Jamaica’s raw beauty will captivate you. For More Information go to JamaicaTourist.net