"Ghost Riders" conclude bicycle tour of Malta

The "Ghost Riders" blew into the parking lot of Phillips County News parking lot on Monday afternoon with fresh air in their hair and the mantra of "Ride like the wind, Brothers and Sisters" on their lips.

"We are called the Ghost Riders because we ride like the wind," said Malta Elementary sixth grader Peyton Jones.

The Ghost Riders are eight sixth grade students from Malta Elementary and the leader of the pack is Delmar Henry, Physical Education teacher from the school. Riding bikes loaned to the school – each student with a safety helmet securely fitted to their heads – the Ghost Riders have been tearing through town on their teal colored cruisers, having many laughs while getting great exercise.

"The school is provided bicycle education and these bikes are provided by the Montana Department of Transportation," explained Henry. He said MDT also provided grant money that goes toward enhancing the children's education. A total of 15 bikes were dropped off in Malta in a travel trailer about a month ago. The students of Malta have had use of the bicycles for the past three weeks and Tuesday's trip around town was the last for the Ghost Riders.

"We have been out riding for about 12 days during our P.E. time," Henry said.

Danie Rhodes said the bicycle rides during P.E. have been "pretty fun" and added that she has a favorite place in town to peddle through.

"Probably towards the back of town because there are lots of alleys and we get to explore," she said.

She said that though she hasn't seen anything too interesting in her travels, she did say she felt the bicycle program is a good one and she would be happy to see it return again next year.

Jones echoed those sentiments.

"I think this is pretty fun," he said. Though soccer is Jones' favorite activity during P.E., he said riding the bikes was a close second. He said the bicycles are sturdy and handle well on the streets of Malta. Though the Ride of the Ghost Riders has ended, Rhodes said that the class had fun coming up with their name and gave a little bit more detail about how the group actually came up with the club name.

"We are the Ghost Riders because when we stopped at the Post Office we looked like a biker gang when we are all lined up and waiting," said Rhodes.

Farewell, Ghost Riders, we hope to see you again next year.