A new event has been developed for the cycling tourism niche in Jamaica. The Jamaica Cycling Association conceptualised a consumer cycling programme called Discover Jamaica By Bike. This innovative event is a welcomed addition to Jamaica’s tourism activity portfolio.
The local event which started as a test ride to encourage cycling in the country, quickly developed into a viable opportunity to tour Jamaica’s natural landscape. Furthermore, Discover Jamaica by Bike is an innovative effort to encourage health and wellness on the island and develop physically distanced outdoor activities.
The test ride, which attracted several local biking enthusiasts, kicked off with a press conference at Goblin Hill. Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White and Dennis Chung, a recreational cyclist, provided commentary on the event. After that, the event was off and riding.
Discover Jamaica By Bike
In this first iteration of Discover Jamaica by Bike, riders travelled through Jamaica’s hills, valleys, beaches and towns. The cycling tour started in Port Antonio and took participants through Ocho Rios, Montego Bay, Negril, South Coast and ended in Kingston.
The event schedule for the four-day long ride around the island, allowed for unique photo and video opportunities and of course, exercise. The first day was a ride from Portland to Ocho Rios (63 miles). Then, riders travelled from Ocho Rios to Negril (110 miles). The next leg was from Negril to Mandeville (80 miles). And on the final day, the participants rode from Mandeville to Kingston (65 miles).
For more information about this new cycling initiative in Jamaica, visit Discover Jamaica by Bike.
About the Jamaica Cycling Association
The Jamaica Cycling Association/ The Jamaica Cycling Federation aims to build awareness of cycling in Jamaica and abroad. AS a result, the body is developing the sport by training young people to become professional cyclists. The various categories of cycling that are embraced by the association include “road bicycle racing, time trialing, cyclo-cross, mountain bike racing, track cycling, BMX, and cycle speedway.”
Source: The Jamaica Tourist Board
Image: The Jamaica Tourist Board
