On April 4th some of Grand Bahamas' intrepid cyclists ventured off their beaten path to the great island of Eleuthera for the 4th Annual Ride for Hope Bahamas. The GBBGs (Grand Bahama Bicycle Group), who recently raced in the Freeport Rugby Football Club 50 mile fundraiser, decided to head south to join the Ride for Hope's fundraising efforts for cancer care, treatment and research in The Bahamas.

Some flew over on Friday for the pre-race pasta night with the balance of the riders flying in on race day, all thanks to Bruce Silveria. The start of the race was at the north end of Eleuthera right outside the airport - so no need to catch a ride, off the plane, assemble the bikes, and the team was ready!

Deciding to make a real "name" for themselves this year the Grand Bahama riders even had their own jerseys! These were proudly sponsored by Private Latitudes, Frecon, Pelican Bay Hotel, Cape Hope, and Barefoot Marketing, and included the catchy slogan "Sunny Place....Shady People."

The returning Grand Bahama riders included Bruce Silveria, Jim Goodrum, Magnus Alneback and Bruce Chee-a-tow. They were joined this year by Scott Albury and son Weston, Bob Anglade, Bob Jennings, Dunja Alnebeck, Sarah Kirkby and son Gareth. The GB team also meet up with the Thompson family; Alexis Thompson, her son Fritzroy and her sister Bridget Davis - who made the team number rise to 14.

All dressed up and ready to ride, the GBBG was interviewed by the Native Stew TV Show and then were set to start. Scott Albury was planning to do the full 100 miles, the rest of the men 50 miles, the ladies 30 miles, Weston Albury 20 miles, and Gareth and Fritzroy 10 miles. As it would happen, April 4th also happened to be the hottest day of the year so far, so besides the long ride, and the enormous mountains (okay hills) - it was a very HOT ride.

Everyone was able to finish and in good times, except for the very determined Scott Albury whose bike suffered a catastrophic failure that destroyed his bike at mile 37! Scott returned to the start after an hour and a half car ride and was looking for a bike to borrow so he could set off again, we said he was determined - when LUCKILY - business partner, Jose Portuondo asked him to assist with a medical emergency.

Not a doctor but a well known pilot, Scott's and Jose's company Private Latitudes Air Partners had two of their aircraft on the ground for a scheduled showing for prospective buyers. One of these aircraft was used to medi-vac a rider who was suffering severe heat stroke to Nassau where she was taken by ambulance to Doctors Hospital. Scott piloted the flight, with Jose along for moral support, while still dressed in his riding gear and flip flops. Divine intervention comes to mind!

Over 400 riders participated in this event, the most ever! Organizers are still calculating the totals raised but it is expected it will be the highest ever. One other special note for GB was the only runner at the event, Tim Aylen. Though he lives in Nassau now, this well known photographer, is a Grand Bahama boy who ran a 20 mile race on his own. The heat was a huge disability to his run but he never stopped and finished the event in a great time with tons of FANS cheering him on. Well done Tim!

After the ride there was lots of food and drinks for all the riders and support crew. But best of all had to be the FREE massages! Though the GB team flew in to North Eleuthera, most participants came from Nassau on the Bohengy Ferry - which landed in Harbour Island in the morning and took most the riders back that night.

We have to give huge kudos to the organizers of RIDE FOR HOPE. The event was so well organized. You received t-shirts, caps, stickers, bags, sunscreen and water bottles in your race pack. You had fruit, water and energy gels and food every 5 miles or so, and when you crossed the finish line - they made you feel like a super star. For me, hearing "Raining Men," one of my favorite disco songs, when I finished was great! And I don't think the Holowesko sisters sat down all day, they worked so tirelessly.

One last thank you from the GBBG has to go the the support crew and our little cheerleaders; Nigel, Jose, Beth, Elsa, Tara and Hugo - who helped pin on our numbers, slather us with suntan cream, took the pictures, got us drinks and cheered each of us home.

If you are looking for a great cause and an exercise goal for 2010 - check out RIDE FOR HOPE - www.rideforhopebahamas.com - it's not just a great cause, great exercise but a great event!