Video: This is Jamaica

 I smoked it.

 And the coffee. I have a small bag of Jamaica Blue Mountain at home and it's one of the best coffees I ever had (however also the most expensive by far).

 Seriously some of my favorite. Probably the second most expensive per pound (Kona is usually first). The earthy, chocolate tones and that sweet, smooth flavor...heaven.
Blue usually goes a few days around the farm. Thankfully coffee only retains its truest flavor for about one week. I should seriously grow some organic coffee. Grace Hightower is amazing but not exactly cheap.

 where's akon

 yeaaaaaaaaaah man loved this whole post!! big tings a gwan in Jamaica

 @EastCoastDHer What water temperature do you use? I set the kettle to 80 C and the coffee has a mix of sweet chocolate/spicy tones and sour tones (not typical citrus flavour like Yirgacheffe but more like red wine).

 @Extremmist, I usually aim for about 87.5 C/ 190 F. Anywhere from 185-195 F is ideal as not to burn the flavor from the grounds. I always pour just enough to cover the grounds and let it sit for 30-40 seconds then finish the pour.

 I may try that pour method, to see what it does. What brewing method do you use, will it make any difference in aeropress?

 It is not only Jamaica. The issue is where poor people live and see a rider using an expensive bike for pleasure only. You can have your bike stolen in Paris, Rome, Berlin, Warsaw, almost everywhere. Just don't leave it anywhere.

 There were like 30 blingbling all fancy bikes traveling with us with no problem at all. Knowing locals helps a lot though…

 I don't believe there is any serious organisation focused on stealing bikes anywhere, it is just too much risk for too low income, so the vast majority of bike thieves are opportunists. If you leave an eye-catching bike in front of a store, caffee or anywhere without supervision, it is very likely to get nicked even after few seconds. I got used to living with the knowledge and watching my bike all the time. When I was younger I heard about and experienced bike robbery, consisting in some people trying to knock me out of my bike and steal it. They did not succed, because I managed to resist some punches and escape. This was a single situation in some remote place and it was 15 years ago. Possibly because of my weight I haven't had any similar problems ever since. Some may think it is only Poland, Jamaica or somewhere far, but this happens everywhere, even in developed countries. It is impossible to insure a bike from stealing (in Poland), so this is part of biking reality. If you ride alone, or with one friend, there is a need to stay conscious about it and watch own back. Behaving resposibly nothing wrong can happen, even in dark, remote places which may seem potentially risky. Generally three, four, or more riders travelling together is enough to feel safe. A group of ten and more is almost like an army. If it ever should come to a nasty situations, a helmet and all the protective gear together with the 15kg metal bike can become more than enough for protection.

 I have been using a simple cable lock and have never had a problem in 22 trips over 16 years. You have a better chance of getting ripped off at Whistler than from any Jamaican. Most Jamaicans are trusty and honest. On an organized tour there you are safe along with your bikes. I would not leave my bike unlocked outside a store at home in Toronto so why would I leave it unattended on vacation.

 Insure your bike for theft?

 Generally best to carry your bike in through Montego Bay airport, shipping it to Jamaica is a bad idea. I think there is probably more chance of getting your bike stolen in Canada where there is a ready market to sell it

 Don't worry you will have to pay 3-5 buxx US to the Agriculture inspector who huddles you and your bike into a tiny room to spray your tyres. Your bike will be safe with a simple cable lock

 I think it was Thomas who took you from Rusty's X-Cellent Adventures in Negril maybe?

 Holy shit ya it was there! We stayed at the white sands in Negril for almost 3 weeks. Have you been there yourself?

 I go down all the time....you might say I am a yardy. Saddly Thomas died a few years ago. He took out a few tours for Rusty in '98 & '99. I promoted/helped/attended/cut the trail for the XC races for the Fat Tyre Festival for 13 years and do my own thing down there now. Singletrack Jamaica was a sort of spawn of the Negril Fat Tyre Festival when it fizzled out in 2006 and took over the fest re-naming it for all...the Jamaica Fat Tire Festival. They are the premier outfit in Jamaica where as myself and a few others have small tour companies catering to small groups.
I highly advise anyone here to sign up early for the 2016 edition of the fest as it is probably sold out this year as it has been for the last 4 years shortly after registration opens up
Mike is the owner of White Sands.......funny I won a weeks free stay in 2002 for coming in 2nd place in the XC Nationals and used the winnings the next year and stayed at a cabin there on the 7 mile beach
respect.

 I often stay at White Sands been going to Jamaica for 25 years. I would never take my bike though. I have had things stolen in Jamaica (not White Sands) and my apartment broken into when I was sleeping. My Stumpy would have to be guarded 24/7. Too bad, I've often thought about taking my bike. Maybe take a beater, but it wouldn't be fun to ride.
I think Henry Moo Young is the owner at W/S - Mike lives in Fla. and is married to Henry's dawtah Christine. W/S - nice place good people.

Is it possible to rent a good AM bike in Jamaica, I wonder?

 Jamaica is definitely a gem, but please don't tell anyone

 Selection erection!

 The goats had me sold.



Seriously.
#farmproblems

 the roads in the hills are like trails all broken up by nature with chunks of rare pavement occasionally. Bring a bike.

 I think I can work with that! Mountain bike?

 He was. This is how donkeys get amused. The hint is in the body language of ears movement.

 PM'd you

 come to Jamaica, you will hear plenty, but also a heap of other stuff, at most Jamaican parties you will find real gangsters dancing to Wham, Boy George, Kenny Rogers, Air Supply etc, not much Bob Marley though...

 In the jungle