THE old saying about it "taking a village to raise a child" has been taken to heart by the Shade Tree Riding Club, whose successful recent fun ride attracted more than a dozen cycling enthusiasts.

Some 13 cyclists, the youngest in their early teens the oldest in his early 60s, cycled from Spanish Point to the West End by following the old Railway Trail.

"This gave the young guys a chance to see the island by following the trails, something which they probably wouldn't have done on their own, or read about it in a publication," said one club member.

The club is mainly comprised of lifelong friends, many of whom have grown up in the same Spanish Point neighbourhood,

And its members share a common goal ? ensuring the welfare of the youth in their community.

While many youngsters would rather spend their holidays surfing the Internet or socialising with their peers, those in the Shade Tree Riding Club have instead opted to cycle with their dads. The recent trek proved to be a learning experience as the young members saw much of the island by way of the railroad route their grandparents still talk about. The fun ride was the brainchild of Mr. Sinclair Gilbert and he admits the level of participation exceeded his expectations.

"It was something I had talked about with the guys and we started off with four committed riders and then it increased to eight and the day of the ride we had 13 riders show up!" he exclaimed.

Another rider concurred, adding that cycling is a healthy alternative to computers and TV, it keeps kids off the streets and has them put their energies into something constructive.

The ride had been hailed as a success for instilling a sense of camaraderie and purpose among the young riders.

At at the end of the ride the young cyclists expressed interest in participating in further treks around the island,

"All of us try to keep healthy in one way or another and if we pretty much keep together, what better way to get together with friends than to do something we all could enjoy and have our kids and their friends as well?" said Mr. Gilbert.

Another ride is being organised for next month and the riders are anticipating an even larger turnout.

The route will be determined at a later date.