Cyclists Howard Bennett (left) and Paul Goldson. - Peta-Gaye Clachar/ staff photographer
For Paul Goldson and Howard Bennett, the simple mechanics of a bicycle is preferred to their SUVs when it comes to conquering Jamaica's terrain.
The men, who are in their 50s, are in love with this simple mode of transportation. For them, it involves much more than getting from one point to the next.
Both members of the St Andrew-based Horizon Cycling Club, the regular trips to the country have several benefits.
"You see Jamaica up close and personal," said Goldson, who is a pilot by profession.
Bennett, a complaint investigator at the Public Defender's Office, concurred. He believes the all-island excursions allow them to see people from a different perspective.
Neither is a stranger to events which push the mettle of man rather than machine. Practice rides are on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Sometimes they cover hundreds of miles in preparation for the Negril Ride and the Island Ride.
The Negril Ride (from Kingston) is a 150-mile journey that takes place on Saturday of the Heroes Day weekend in October. The Island Ride is a gruelling 402-mile long tour that spans five days - four of which are spent cycling - with one rest day. It begins in Kingston on Holy Thursday and ends Easter Monday.
Goldson, one of the pioneers of the Negril Ride, has participated in the event since its inception in 1992. It originally began to give recreational riders a challenge but has grown to include professional and recreational riders from Jamaica and overseas.
The Best machine
Like a motor racer, cyclists search for the best machine.
One of Goldson's cycles is a Kestrel RT 700, a light-weight 'steed' made from carbon. Bennett also rides a lightweight cycle, a Lite Speed, made from titanium.
According to Bennett, the average cycle costs from US$3,500 upwards and has to be meticulously maintained.
He said the back and front brake shoes are changed yearly and cyclists usually take their ride for servicing before a major event.
"You can do a routine check to make sure all your necessary parts are in place. You need to make sure your wheels are properly aligned," Bennett said.
They cite poor roadways and reckless drivers as major challenges. Cyclists have been injured because of reckless driving; two have been killed. Last year, national cyclist Alden Clunis, 20, and Lawrence Watson, 47, died after colliding with motor vehicles.
Cycling revival
Bennett said his brother, Franklyn, was forced to stop riding after a motor accident. To avoid accidents, the cyclists try not to venture out during holidays such as Christmas.
Both men are pushing for a cycling revival in Jamaica. It was a major attraction in the past at venues such as Race Course in Kingston.
"It's the only other sport that we have an Olympic medal in aside from athletics," Goldson said. That honour belongs to David Weller who received a bronze medal at the 1980 Olympics in Moscow.
Bennett and Goldson do not ride for accolades. They keep it simple, riding with the Jamaican landscape as their backdrop.
Goldson says he would have no problem parking his SUV for good and riding full-time - once he can get a good shower.