The colorful clothes worn by those in the parking lot — Spandex in hot pink, T-shirts in a grapey purple — are almost as bright as the early-morning sun.

The gathering on a recent Saturday is equal part boisterous meet-and-greet and ride prep for members of Lexington's Main Street Baptist Church RockNRollers.

The North Lexington Family YMCA parking lot, the south trail head of the Legacy Trail, is exercise central for the group. Every Saturday morning, they meet to walk or bike on the trail, and on this day one lucky toddler strolled and rolled in style.

LaQuida Taylor, decked out in yellow goggles, pink Spandex and riding shorts, said she and her husband, George, have long loved to cycle.

"We have been riding for a long time; we just thought it would be really fun to let people ride," she said recently. "Other members of the church were invited, and we thought it would be fun and healthy."

They spread the word through the congregation, inviting others to get moving, and their numbers have grown steadily. Some, including Taylor, have their own bikes. Others rent bikes from the Y. A fleet of bikes is available for rent to Y members and others.

The YMCA worked out a bicycle-rental arrangement with the RockNRollers to support their program. Melissa Bellew, director of member and wellness initiatives, said helping folks in the community find a way to make exercise fun and accessible matches the YMCA's goals perfectly.

"We are faithful," Taylor said. "It's not just a Saturday occasion. Many of us come out during the week and ride."

About two dozen people show up on this Saturday. A few hardy souls ride the 8.4 miles to the Kentucky Horse Park and back.

Lisa Thompson started riding in May. It had been a while since she'd been on a bike, she said.

"I didn't even know how we were going to get back, we were so tired," she said.

But she did. Since then, May said, she has become a devoted RockNRoller. "I'm addicted," she said. "I love to ride. I have finally found my sport."

She prefers to use the comfy Townie model available to rent at the YMCA. The bike is built for cruising, not speed or distance. May plans to buy one of her own.

She was disappointed one Saturday in July when it was so hot that the YMCA wouldn't rent bikes because it was unsafe to exercise outdoors. But she was out the next week.

Joyce Smith gingerly rode a Townie through the YMCA parking lot, testing the theory that you never really forget how to ride a bike. It was her first time pedaling in years.

After a few tentative practice spins, she hit the Legacy Trail, helmet in place and a smile on her face.

Mary Meehan: (859) 231-3261. Twitter: @bgmoms. Blog: BluegrassMoms.com.