Mountain Biking in Jamaica

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Mountain Biking

Jamaica's hilly terrain makes the island a fun challenge for mountain bikers, although beginners can also find easier rides, especially near the beaches and on the western end of the island. Heavy, unpredictable traffic on the North Coast Highway makes it off-limits for bikers, but country roads and hilly trails weave a network through the countryside.

Blue Mountain Bicycle Tours (121 Main St., Ocho Rios. 876/974-7075. www.bmtoursja.com) takes travelers on guided rides in the spectacular Blue Mountains. The excursion, an all-day outing, starts high and glides downhill, so all levels of riders can enjoy the tour. The trip ends with a dip in a waterfall; the package price includes transportation from Ocho Rios, brunch, lunch, and all equipment. From its location outside of Montego Bay, Chukka Caribbean Adventures (Sandy Bay, Hanover. 876/972-2506. www.chukkacaribbean.com) offers both biking and ATV tours. There's a minimum age of 16 on the ATV tours. The noisy ATVs jostle and splash their way along trails on a 10-mi (16-km) ride through the hills before returning so visitors can take a dip in the sea. From its Ocho Rios location, Chukka Caribbean Adventures (Llandovery, St. Ann's Bay. 876/972-2506. www.chukkacaribbean.com) offers a 3 1/2-hour bike tour through St. Ann's Bay and the village of Mount Zion with several stops and even snorkeling at the end. There is also an ATV tour. There's a minimum age of 6 for bikes, 16 for ATVs.