RIDING TO NEWCASTLE

Yes you can, yes you can, yes you can. In true Obama style, that's what I had been telling myself the entire day of the 7th February and the entire morning of the 8th.

You see, after failing to make it all the way on to Newcastle in St. Andrew, Jamaica on bicycle two previous occasions, I was now determined to complete the 14 mile uphill ride even if it killed me!

Newcastle is some 4,200 feet above sea level(Brr!) and is approximately14 miles from Papine in St. Andrew. It lies south west of Blue and John Crow National Park. This military camp was established in 1841 by major General William Gomm, shortly after he beat residents of Kingston into submission, in what was described as the Christmas riots which arose because the "natives" were celebrating with music and drumming which the wicked British colonial masters had determined was against the law.

Here the British built barracks and sent some of the colonial troops resident in Jamaica who were being ravaged by yellow fever, into the cool hills to recuperate. The white tombstones in the military graveyard there tells the tale of the success or failure of that venture.

The road to Newcastle is one of the most scenic routes you will find anywhere in the Caribbean. The bank sides of the narrow, winding road are covered with ferns and huge trees as well as delicate wildflowers, ginger lillies and ground orchids which are always in bloom. The air is fresh and crisp and I estimate that in Newcastle it is always at least 10-15 degrees colder than anywhere in Kingston or St. Andrew, but the view of Kingston and the surrounding hills is to die for.

Newcastle remains a training and historic centre for the Jamaica Defense Force so you are liable to see recruits in training or in full uniform going through the procedures in the main square. Here too, as you enter you see the wall with the cannons above, covered with the insignia of the different regiments that have visited or resided there since inception.

Well, I did it. For the first time at last I completed the journey, albeit in just over 4 hours. Also doing the entire ride for the first time were Sasheena, Mike Chuck, Damith, Penny and Omar....all "Fun and Thrills" riders. The "oldsters" who had completed the ride before are Michael Williams, Howie, Michelle and Stephan. Betty drove up to keep our company and Ann Marie did a Joan, she did not complete the entire journney on bicycle. Anyway, next time she will.

After we hung around for a while drinking in the fresh air, the wonderful view and interacting with the soldiers, we started the real fun ride....flying off the hill. As I enjoyed that leg, I thought how much riding uphill is like working. For you work an entire lifetime to get money which you can blow in days. Here we had struggled uphill for four hours to revel in the pleasure of riding downhill for only about half an hour.

Anyway we stopped in Irish town for a wonderful breakfast and after a rowdy session jiving each other about the ride, we headed home.

Another Sunday well spent.