By KERI CHAMPION

Staff Reporter

GARYVILLE-There’s nothing like sharing the open road with friends. It gives you a feeling of freedom and camaraderie that’s hard to find and for one group, that feeling is shared on a daily basis.

The Garyville Bayou Bike Club was formed about four months ago when a group of friends from church decided to get together and do something healthy for themselves.

Ellis Perilloux was responsible for forming the club.

&#8220I wanted to feel like I was doing something good for myself so I asked church members if they wanted to form a bike club and everybody liked the idea,” Perilloux said.

There are currently 16 members in the club and they are interested in recruiting more riders.

&#8220We take our bicycles out six days a week starting at 8 a.m. and pedal anywhere from 5-10 miles a day,” Perilloux said.

Besides riding bikes together, the members of the club attend the same church and many live in the same neighborhood as the other riders.

&#8220We are a lot like an extended family; we go eat together every Saturday when we do our Saturday ride,” said Anita Clement, a member of the club.

&#8220It’s great to be out here and getting exercise and being with our friends,” Clement said.

&#8220Pastor David Carter leads us in a prayer before every bike ride. He prays that we are safe on the road,” said Bunny Thomas.

The Bayou Bike Club mostly consists of seniors over the age of 50, but Perriloux said anyone is encouraged to join.

Clement said, &#8220It’s energizing to be out here. I love being on the highway because people who see us out here also learn that seniors are out there doing something other than staying home. We have the joy of fun, and fellowship.”