Rise up this mornin’,
Smiled with the risin’ sun,
Three little birds
Pitch by my doorstep
Singin’ sweet songs
Of melodies pure and true,
Sayin’, “This is my message to you-ou-ou”
You can just imagine it can’t you? Wake up, blue, blue sky, bright sunshine, Bob Marley playing in the background and a weeks worth of blissful riding ahead of you.
Does someone want to send me to Jamaica to report on this festival?
Check it out below: The St. Mary Off-Road Bicycling Association (SMORBA) is pleased to announce that the coolest mountain bike event on the planet is back! The 11th Annual Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival is set for February 11-15 in the lush, tropical mountains of St. Mary. The Festival is set to kick off with a welcome and registration party on the evening of February 10th at John Crow’s Tavern (the Festival HQ) located in the heart of Ocho Rios – the vibes capital of Jamaica’s beautiful North Coast. On the first full day of the Festival riders will shuttle up to Murphy Hill, perched high above Ocho Rios. After taking in the view it will be time to let brakes overheat on the blistering descent to world reknown Dunn’s River Falls. After regrouping at John Crow’s, the crew heads out to the friendly communities of Oracabessa, Hamilton Mtn, and Jacks River. Checking out SMORBA’s trails in western St. Mary is sure to prepare riders for the after-ride relaxation and the evening’s festivities at “Conscious Corner” bar in Rio Nuevo. February 12th will see participants going deep into rural Jamaica near Robin’s Bay, St. Mary. These amazing, technical singletracks (including the famed Carlton Pass) are the trails that led Katrina Strand to proclaim “This is the best day of my life… and it isn’t even over yet!” This epic day will culminate with a complimentary meal and soiree at Eva’s Restaurant. On February 13th riders will trek to Pimento Hill in St Mary for a more relaxed day of singletrack, downhills, and waterfalls ending at Black Sand Beach where a meal of roast breadfruit and other local dishes will be prepared by local SMORBA dude, Natty Grant. In what has already become a favorite tradition of the JaFTF, local fishermen will shuttle riders from the beach to the pick up point by boat! February 14th is a day for riders to relax and take in the fabulous surroundings of Ocho Rios. Shopping at Island Village, chilling at the beach or checking out Shaw Park Gardens, Ocho Rios has many entertaining options. SMORBA will also try to organize an optional “soft-adventure” type excursion for those interested. February 15th is the day for Jamaicans to show off their own local riding skills. Dubbed “A celebration of Jamaican Bicycling Culture” the Jamaica Bicycle Bash is designed to provide a unique, fun-filled atmosphere centered around all things bicycle. Highlights will include a 5 mile race looping through Oracabessa, a “Gas Done” gas cylinder carrying race, a “Big Man, Small Bicycle” race and many other games and contests that are sure to provide great entertainment! Spots for this year’s Festival are limited, so if you are interested in attending, or need more information, visit our website at smorba or email us at [email protected] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjtbhmQhsXg Jamaica Fat Tyre mountain bike Festival
