Safety first is the key to cycling fun. This was the strong message learned by young cyclists at Cyclerama – a joint event organised at the week-end by the Grenada Triathlon Association and the Grenada Cycling Federation. The afternoon was open to children of all ages and abilities and there were several aims: to get more youngsters to enjoy the fun and fitness of cycling; to ensure that they are learning to be safe and considerate riders and to prepare them for the up-coming annual Grenada International Triathlon, scheduled for the week-end of 5 & 6 May.

“Triathlon is an exciting sport combining cycling, running and swimming, and to enjoy it to the fullest, it is important to learn each discipline well – right from the earliest age,” said Mrs Liz DeCaul, Secretary of the Grenada Triathlon Association. “ So we are very pleased to be working in association with the Grenada Cycling Federation today to help teach more kids to enjoy the fun of cycling the right way, and hopefully to encourage more to try triathlon, a growing sport here in Grenada. I would like to thank all the members of the GCF who gave their time today to make this a success.”

The  Cyclerama kicked off with a ‘teach-in’ highlighting that safety begins at home, even before a ride starts. Experts from the GCF gave a series of tips and essential practical advice including bicycle maintenance; correct equipment and lights; correct clothing and safety gear – particularly helmets and gloves; road safety procedures and how to be a considerate cyclist. To make the safety message even clearer, all bicycles were checked by the GCF to ensure their roadworthiness before the cycling fun began with everyone trying out their control skills around the cones and obstacle courses set up, and rounding off the afternoon with some exciting racing for all age groups – right through to the tricycle owners.

With welcome cold drinks and a barbeque provided by the GTA, there was something for everyone to enjoy – including the parents and spectators. This is the first of a series of events planned by the Grenada Triathlon Association for the year and they want to encourage even more people to join in. The next major event will be the annual Grenada International Triathlon which will be staged on the week-end of 5 and 6 May, when local triathletes will be competing against visitors from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and France, as well as other Caribbean islands. To find out more about this event, either to enter or give valuable help as a volunteer or road marshal, or learn more about the sport of triathlon in general, contact Mrs Liz DeCaul on 415 1271, or check the Association website: www.grenadatriathlon.com.