HUNDREDS OF BIKES of all shapes, sizes and designs and their eager riders breezed through the 15th annual NATION Fun Ride which began and ended at the Wildey Gymnasium yesterday. And what a fantastic time they had!

Promptly at 6 a.m., the 976 registered riders, including Bajan champion cyclist Barry Forde, moved off from the Wildey Gymnasium for the 19.5 kilometre ride for men and the 11-kilometre ride for women.

The route took the cyclists along districts such as Frere Pilgrim, St David's junction, Sargeant's Village, Globe Drive-In, Sheraton Centre all in Christ Church, and Boarded Hall, St George.

Early morning worshippers dressed in their finest, clutching sleepy-eyed children, looked on in amazement as the riders whizzed past them at full speed.

The registered riders were joined by hundreds of non-registered ones at different points almost doubling the number.

While some in race form took off at a quick pace, others were just content to pedal along leisurely, individually, or in groups, enjoying the easy, breezy Sunday morning.

John Cumberbatch was the first male home, while Mona Crawford was the fastest woman across the line.

While almost all made it to the finish line on wheels, Emile Mohammed developed a flat tyre and had to walk his bicycle for the remainder of the way.

With a determined look on his face, he said he intended to finish the race, flat tyre or not.

The water station was a welcome relief as some riders quenched their thirst or splashed it about their bodies to ease their tired muscles.

A bicycle which attracted plenty of attention was Avni Rouse's pretty blue and red bike. He placed second in the Best Modified Category while Kirk White won the first prize. He won a trophy plus a weekend for two at the plush Hilton Hotel, while Rouse received a trophy and a lunch for two at the Coach House.

The Fun Ride attracted all ages, from ten-month-old Barry Cozier to Albert Peck and Montague Kirton, both 71.

One of the bikes which attracted much attention was that of Franklyn Jeffers who rode alongside his son Jamal Jeffers, who carried his wife Juliette Jeffers and daughter Myah Jeffers in a carriage. The concept, known as Caribbean Ritual, will be launched in Barbados very soon.

The family could not be missed as they all dressed in orange T-shirts to match the colour of the carriage.

When the ride was over, the fun did not end there. Stunt riders were on hand to exhibit some spectacular manoeuvres much to the delight of the tired but excited crowd in the gym's carpark.