Jamaica Fat Tyre Festival - Video

 Surprised that it was not 4:20 long

 Sooo much chalice I go bunn.

 They are very good people, plus they have f***ing awesome jerk chicken.. I ate it literally every day I was there.

 I don't get it...

 Ohh look! americans being stereotypical about stereotypes.

 Isn't that what a stereotype is?

 @fercho25 @brandaneisma
Seeing as part of the Rastafarian religion is getting high, and weed is soon to be decriminalized in Jamaica, I'm not promoting much of a stereotype. Even if I am it isn't much of a negative one.

 When I was there back in '04 I wanna say, Jamaica had some SeRIOUS anti-drug laws, and that includes marijuana. It didn't stop one guy outside the airport trying to sell some pot to my wife mind-you, but like apparently others on here, before I went there I thought it was legal because of how it's part of the Rastafarian religion . Turns out that was most assuredly NOT the case.

 It's still not legal! But it's only a ticket and small fine (about US $4) for possession of 2oz or less. Larger amounts can still get you locked up...

 @ochirider use in Jamaica is probably viewed more positively than in the US. Even in states like Washington where recreational use is legal, people are still viewed more disdain if they are smoking weed than cigarettes.

 Agreed. And the pic is great and true to form down there, they ride their cars and bikes until the wheels fall off...then they put new "used" wheels on and keep going. Case in point check out all the 26" AM bikes in the pic complete with 2x9 & bash rings. Just my experience but the Jamaicans are some of the most welcoming and friendly people you will ever meet.

 This trip is like nothing you will ever experience on or off a bike. Your will be immersed in Jamaican culture, ride trails that are visually stunning and technically challenging, sleep in a 17th century Spanish estate, finish almost every ride at a beach with food and beer. I'm one of the participants who had to cancel and it was not by choice. I've been on this trip five times and eager to return.

 You should find out who did that tour and report back.

 The company is called "Singletrack Jamaica", and my buddy's guide was the lighter skin Jamaican guy who is ripping in the video! He had nothing but good things to say!

Google search leads me to this website, and I'm from PA (so I have no affiliations just have heard great things)
www.singletrackjamaica.com

 Oh derp, sorry you said "with this guide service" and I missed it.

 OMG! I wanna take my wife there!

 This sounds good, get a few waves in there and it would be perfect

 So I always here how Jamaica is a great beautiful place just don't go off the beaten path away from the resorts because the rest of the country is "dangerous for tourists" or something like that. Obviously no place is without some element/ level of crime so I guess did you feel safe?

 People told me to "be careful".."it's violent"---I believe it comes down to the close minded, news watching paranoia of the people that rarely travel that feed on the fear and spout it after hearing a bad story or two. I've been taking a lot of trips and sure, you have to keep your witts about you and pay attention/feel the vibe anywhere you go, but it's my opinion that most people around the world are kind and danger is easy to avoid.
i also have to remind these same people that are so fearful of places they've never been that they live in the U.S.---there are LOTS of places I wouldn't want to be in in my own country!! I've found myself in some pretty sketchy places and fortunately I've come out OK, but I fear this society more than I do many places away from home I've been.
I was at a party in Jamaica with about 300 people... I was the only white person there, and at 6'4 and blond i definitely stand out...never once did I feel like something bad was going to happen, I didn't even notice anyone paying me any extra attention! I was dancing, having drinks, chatting with people and just cruising. I was at markets, cafe's, tiny street drinking shacks...I felt totally at ease. The people are cool...very warm, sociable. Granted I was often with guys from there but I would wander(as I am apt to do) and find little nooks and interesting things to see, people to chat with, so I was off on my own at times as well. If i had a bike I would've been riding all over the place!
I think it's Kingston that has the crime...it's a big city, so gang crap and the like, but that's any country/city.
Plus, the resorts are F'ing dull!! Is that how you want to know a country and it's culture??!! Scared white people do that, ha ha. Adventure is king!

I'm already talking to these guys about coming over for a ride/surf trip soon or possibly the festival

 As GlassGuy states the people are really cool as long as you don't give them a reason not to be. It is definitely good to be with a local/guide and listen to their advice, but even Kingston is pretty safe. Having said that we have spent many years developing trails and a connection and trust with the locals in the areas we ride. I am one of the organizers

 @ochirider I've found Pinkbike to be a great way to connect with riders around the world, I hung out and rode with a cool guy in New Zealand after connecting on here(I commented on a video as well). And chatted with others in other locales.
I'm in contact with the guy organizing the Fat Tyre fest and thinking I'll head over next month....do you also take people out on trails or is it best that I keep with a proper biking guide? I'm going to see when I can stay at Billy Mystic's camp also to do the surf part of the trip.

 I was there at the time of the festival last year and found it very difficult to find anyone to show me the trails. This was probably because they were all busy doing the fat tyre festival (which was sold out)... so definitely organize a guide and a bike before you go. I don't think any of the trails are marked as they are more tracks made by people/animals walking from place to place over the years so impossible to do without a guide I would say.

 Good insight...thanks! I'll probably take my own bike so that will be covered, but not as fun if I can't find the trails, ha ha

 @GlassGuy I am one of the partners and guides in singletrackjamaica and we also organize the Fat Tyre Festival, do you have probably been talking to my partner Jonathan about riding. It is definitely best to bring your bike and most of the trails you will need a guide. We have a sweet ride that ends close to Billy Mystics place. The last few beach/sunset scenes at the end of the video were shot there

 Yep, sent an email to Jonathon. I'll probably correlate something where I stay at Mystic's and surf then hook up with you guys for a second half trip with riding

 It's close to Ocho Rios