The eager group of weather-ready cyclists get ready to ride. (Photo: Jerry Coleborn)

Despite the overcast skies and chilly start to the day, fifteen of Grand Bahamas' elite bike riders took to the streets to raise funds for the Freeport Rugby Club on Sunday, February 1st.
 
Starting from Taino Beach, the course headed over the Casuarina Bridge to Barbary Beach and back via a round-about route to equal 50 miles. The team spirit was with the group, fixing two flat tires along the way, and helping another rider after a freak solo accident catapulted him over the handlebars. The ‘Iron Man’ of the day, Bruce Silvera, despite several injuries, remounted his bike and finished the course to a chorus of applause.
 

Still standing! Some a little bruised, others a little sore, but all the riders excited to have finished and raised much-needed funds for the Freeport Rugby Club programs. (Photo: Beth Albury)

Aided by a large and enthusiastic support crew, the riders raised funds for the club in Grand Bahama for the fourth year. Participants included two returning females: Sarah Kirkby and Vicki Stafford, along with team leader and event organizer Christopher Cafferata, Scott Albury, Magnus Alnebeck, Bob Anglade, Kirk Antoni, Christopher Baker, Jim Goodrum, Bob Jennings, Jim Pierson, Ricky Rolle, Bruce Silvera, Vic Skinner and Joe Thompson. Kirkby edged out Stafford to win the women's division and Scott Albury managed to just overtake Joe Thompson, last year's winner, on the final leg at the Taino Beach bridge.
 
The cyclists have been training for a few weeks now and plan to keep going as they have had such a great time together. Interested persons can join the riders on Sundays at 8:30am departing Taino Beach or further along the road, as the riders head east on Midshipman Road.