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cityharp1
Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 07:43 am
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Post Number: 42
Registered: 11-2007
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I am thinking of bringing my folding Brompton bike to Negril this year. I have never rented a bike on the west end? I hear they charge alot daily, the bikes are not in good shape and they try to charge for questionable damages?
I know the roads are tight and with pot holes, but I would ride mainly past the lighthouse and west.
Has anyone checked a bike? what has been your experience?
thanks,
Paul
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ackee
Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 08:52 am
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Post Number: 192
Registered: 09-2008
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| the tightness of the roads isn't the problem! Its just NOT safe. The drivers are reckless and give cyclists NO respect ! IMO, tek a route taxi ! A dollar a ride ! |
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Rastagirl777
Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 09:42 am
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Post Number: 1146
Registered: 02-2008
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Bring it! My husband brings his every year...it is a great way to get around. Make sure you also bring a good lock and a helmet...and sure you should be careful, eyes wide open but my husband has had more problems with guard dogs than he has had with cars. Oh, and bring a good light for front and back if you plan to ride at night...
http://nikkikamens.squarespace.com
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LuvJaBad
Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 09:53 am
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Post Number: 146
Registered: 08-2009
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Yes, you should bring it! I have rented and although not really expensive, they have always been in poor shape and if you are a cyclist at home, you will not be happy with the quality. I ride in Negril when I can and i am considering buying a Brompton just to bring with me to JA! You can also buy a bike in Sav!
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streamertail
Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 11:43 am
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Post Number: 61
Registered: 11-2008
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| Every year someone would steal my pump or headlight. Keep pump at the place you are staying and hold a flashlight while riding at night. |
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LuvJaBad
Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 11:56 am
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Post Number: 148
Registered: 08-2009
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streamertail on: Friday, November 06, 2009 - 11:43 am, wrote:hold a flashlight while riding at night.
I love to ride in JA...but not after dark!
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Brian
Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 12:02 pm
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Post Number: 20
Registered: 05-2009
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| If you are experienced riding in traffic, you should by all means bring a folder with you. I am guessing if you own a Brompton, you have the right cycling acumen for riding on Jamaican roads. |
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Marko
Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 12:55 pm
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Post Number: 3761
Registered: 08-2006
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well mi have done it all different ways with bikes der.......
have brought bikes.......
rented bikes......
and bought a bike........
back in the 80's you use to see a ton of bikes being carried down der......not so much anymore
cause der are plenty of bikes to rent der.......plus you can buy bikes that aren't alot of dollars......
plus now with the airlines charging for anything and everything........
it doesn't make a lot of sense with some airlines to heft one down......it's kinda a pain......
plus you gotta deal with customs and all dat chit......
mi use to ride all over da place down der when mi had the cottage.....it was mi means of transportation........
but now with the Negril becoming more densely populated and more drivers on da road........
you gotta be a lot more careful than you use to be........
it's really not that safe but if you gotta do it.....then do it......but don't blame anyone if you get hurt.....
mi only advice is not to ride the bike after sunset....way too dangerous in Negril
Cool Runnings, Marko
Hedo 84,91~T-Water 85~Miss Mary’s 86, 87~Barry’s 88~LTU 91~Charela Inn 92~Negril Inn 92~SamSara 93, 94~Ocean Edge 95, 96~Singles 95, 96~Thrills 95~Hilltop 96, 99~Pee Wees 97~Kool Browns 97~Cottage 99, 00, 01, 02~Roots Bamboo 03~Merrill’sI & II 04, 05~Corals Seas Beach&Cliffs 06~Catcha 07~BCC 08
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streamertail
Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 01:01 pm
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Post Number: 62
Registered: 11-2008
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| It's true, bikes are available to purchase but good luck finding a Cannondale. |
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ray
Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 01:10 pm
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Post Number: 510
Registered: 09-2008
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did it once...would never do it again...was a pain to lug around. Had to turn the handle bars and remove the pedals and mistakenly packed the allan wrenches in the checked in luggage and almost got stuck leaving it at the airport...fortunately the airline helped me out and i had plenty of time for travel. They also made you pack it in the box which was somewhat problematic in that does not allow it to roll on the wheels and so did have to drag the box some....and a drag that was. Don't know what hoops they might make you jump through with a fold up but I would suggest calling to see what they require in advance and then calling again right before you travel to make sure no rules changed. There were also time of travel restrictions or black outs when you were not allowed to bring them...if i recall, the above was with us air.
was free then.....most charge some pretty hefty fees now I understand and I had heard some do not even allow it anymore...
did use it quite a bit...was there for a two week stay and it came handy for food/alcohol runs...can travel the One Love Drive formerly known as West End Road but extra, extra care is needed and best to do so mid morning when there is less traffic. I think a good horn might come in handy.
Good luck
Only Sith Lords deal in absolutes.
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Rambo
Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 01:23 pm
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Post Number: 5772
Registered: 06-2006
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"Road Warning Sign for Tourist on/in Transit"
please be careful, live to return........Jamaica needs you.
"Why go through Life avoiding all risks,is it our desire to arrive safely at Death?"
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LuvJaBad
Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 01:27 pm
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Post Number: 151
Registered: 08-2009
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streamertail on: Friday, November 06, 2009 - 01:01 pm, wrote: but good luck finding a Cannondale.
or anything light weight!
Marko on: Friday, November 06, 2009 - 12:55 pm, wrote:to heft one down
ray on: Friday, November 06, 2009 - 01:10 pm, wrote:was a pain to lug around. Had to turn the handle bars and remove the pedals and mistakenly packed the allan wrenches in the checked in luggage and almost got stuck leaving it at the airport...
None of those worries with a Brompton!
http://www.brompton.co.uk/
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CharlesJAB
Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 08:36 pm
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Post Number: 108
Registered: 08-2009
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I'm impressed!
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goatman
Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 08:42 pm
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Post Number: 15
Registered: 08-2009
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| I've brought a mountain bike to negril on three occasions and rented several times. It is really hard to find a decent rental, but if you're not too picky, don't plan on riding too many miles and are willing to spend some time hunting around, renting might be the way to go. taking a bike through customs can be kind of a drag. One time on the way in they wanted to fumigate my bike- they said it was "farm machinery"- and count on a long careful inspection on the way out. These days my rule of thumb is for a one week trip i rent and deal, and for a two week trip i carry my old specialized rockhopper with the Jamaica flag stickers in a hard case. I agree that in Negril the traffic is dangerous and you have to be careful, but getting out in the country and riding along stopping at small stores for water and chatting with the folks is heaven. Enjoy the ride. |
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Rastagirl777
Member posted on Friday, November 06, 2009 - 11:34 pm
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Post Number: 1149
Registered: 02-2008
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goatman on: Friday, November 06, 2009 - 08:42 pm, wrote:taking a bike through customs can be kind of a drag. One time on the way in they wanted to fumigate my bike- they said it was "farm machinery"- and count on a long careful inspection on the way out.
My husband has been bringing his bike down for at least 7 years, probably 10. NEVER had a problem with customs and the one or two times they wanted to spray the tires, a nanny fixed that right up.
Never, EVER had a problem going back into the states with it. EVER. Last year they paid more attention to the large cooler than the bike bag. And, its a handy "additional" piece of luggage too!
Now, my husband rides all the time there - on and off road - so he really likes to have a good mountain bike down there. For easy cruises up and down the street it might not be worth it to bring a bike...its a personal preference. But if you choose to you will have no problems bringing it in and out of Jamaica and taking it back into the states.
http://nikkikamens.squarespace.com
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cityharp1
Member posted on Saturday, November 07, 2009 - 12:28 am
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Post Number: 43
Registered: 11-2007
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Thank you for all your advice and opinions for bringing a bike to JA. The Brompton folding bike fits in a regular airline acceptable luggage case. The bike weighs 25 pounds.
I know it can be dangerous, but I ride in NYC, so used to looking all around and being cautious. However I do plan I riding only out in the quieter west end and in the early morning. I will report back...
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