The journey to Jakes (Jamaicans don't bother with apostrophes) begins with a 2 and half hour journey on twisty roads with only inches - no guard rails - between your intrepid driver and a jungle plunge. I was lucky to have Conroy at the helm of our SUV taxi because he grew up in Treasure Beach and knew every single pothole on the road from Montego Bay airport and our destination on Jamaica's southern coast. While perfectly confident in Conroy's driving skills, the weaving and curving brought out a fierce hunger. And Conroy knew the answer - the world famous Border Jerk barbecue where we ate heavenly jerk chicken and were on our merry way. Almost precisely halfway, Conroy stopped at the emotionally moving memorial to reggae legend Peter Tosh, which was tended by two kindly gentlemen in beautiful Rasta garb.
In the days leading to the race, I got to ride along with Jim Curl and Larry Garment in the farmland, ranchland and what Jamaicans call Da Boosh on a course marking expedition. We also explored the Great Bay area which serves as the swim finish. Happily we met the legendary founder of Jake's, Sally Henzell, and her capable son Jason and enjoyed the Jamaican sunsets and a roster of adventurous souls who came for the race and the incomparably smooth and relaxing vibe.
The relaxed elegance of the Jake's poolside restaurant - designed by Sally Henzell - with a view of the Caribbean.
The journey from Montego Bay airport takes 2 and a half hours on a curvy, narrow road with no margin for error. A third of the way stop at Border Jerk for exquisitely barbecued jerk chicken is a must.
The two employees of a seaside convenience store outside the Peter Tosh memorial take a break.
These two men are caretakers of the well kept memorial for reggae icon Peter Tosh.
Tosh lies in a crypt with the words: "Everybody want to go to heaven. Nobody want to die" emblazoned on the walls painted in the colors of the Jamaican flag.
Arrival at the stylish antique white old limousine parked at the entrance to Jakes.
Jim Curl's good friend Larry Garment nails a course arrow into a post.
Race director Jim Curl loves the red roads and the dramatic blue skies on the Treasure Beach bike course.
One of Treasure Beach's lovely country roads on the bike course.
Newcombe Valley Citizens watch out for their own.
This bar and grill honors the Jamaican bobsledders and their very funny movie.
The Dixxie Chicks Fast Food boasts: "We are Doing it Right."
The view from the Jack Sprat café a few hundred yards from Jakes.
Lunch at the seaside pier at Jack Sprat.
Fishermen landing at Great Bay.
Bougainvillea along the shore at Great Bay - the swim finish.
Larry Garment reads a story of local interest.
Inspiring words from local philosopher Shabbs at the Treasure Beach sports complex.
Sally Henzell - the artist and architect who created the relaxed beauty of Jakes.
Jason Henzell greets the lead singer of Nomadz who will perform at the post race party.
