Biking in Jamaica

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 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,

(121 Main St., Ocho Rios, Jamaica. PHONE: 876/974-7075, www.bmtoursja.com)

Chukka Blue Adventure Tours 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 ride through the hills before returning so visitors can take a dip in the sea.

(Sandy Bay, Hanover, Jamaica. PHONE: 876/953-5619, www.chukkablue.com)

Chukka Cove Adventure Tours offers a 3½-hour bike tour through St. Ann and the village of Mt. Zion with several stops and even snorkeling at the end. They also offer an ATV tour. There's a minimum age of six for biking, 16 for ATVs.

(Landovery,St.Ann'sBay,Jamaica.PHONE:876/972-2506, www.chukkacaribbean.com)

Rusty’s X-Cellent Adventures, located in Negril, offers local bicycle rides to fit the needs of people with all levels of skill and stamina, with names such as "Little Bay", "Iron Shore", and "Hog Heaven".