Ride for Relief: Western Jamaica, Hurricane Melissa, and the Power of a Virtual Ride

When Hurricane Melissa brushed past Jamaica in late October, the western side of the island felt the brunt of her anger. The sustained heavy rains and whipping winds left deep scars across parishes like Westmoreland, St. Elizabeth, Trelawny, Hanover, and St. James.

Small farmers saw their crops washed away, roads were rendered impassable, and many families in vulnerable housing faced significant damage. The immediate aftermath was daunting; the need for food, clean water, and temporary shelter supplies was critical.

But amidst the muddy waters, a wave of solidarity rose up among Jamaicans living on the island and abroad. Llori Sharpe, Jamaica's National Champion spoke to Cycling Culture Club about her resolute effort to support the relief effort.

'Having met several Jamaicans and Caribbean people throughout my cycling career, I rallied the troops and put together the "Ride for Relief" virtual charity ride on Zwift. The call went out to cyclists—to register, join the ride and raise funds for immediate relief.'

The response was nothing short of inspiring.

Llori ran two editions of Ride for Relief, ensuring that riders from different time zones had an opportunity to support, ride with a National Champion and ultimately, raise vital funds for the relief effort.

'I witnessed an incredible outpouring of support from all over as cyclists near and far joined me. People logged miles in their homes in Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, St. Lucia, the Cayman Islands, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Canada, the USA and the UK, united by a common goal. We smashed our initial fundraising target of $7000USD and raised just under $8000.'

Thanks to that overwhelming success, the funds went straight to work.

On November 30th, the first wave of aid reached those hit in South Trelawny. Alongside my mom and two cousins, I pledged varied sums to five individuals based on need and since that Sunday, those assisted have been able to purchase what they need to rebuild. Others persons have since been identified and will receive assistance in short order.

The road to full recovery in the west will be long, but the success of this virtual ride reminded us of an important truth: we are never alone in a storm. Thank you to everyone who clipped in and rode for Western Jamaica. Your sweat equity brought real hope to those who needed it most.