By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Three guys met in March 2013 with a common love of riding motorcycles.

William Moor, Michael Perryman and Jimbo Green wanted to form a motorcycle club, which was open to anyone no matter what you rode.

Green came up with the acronym, CROSS – Christian Riders of South Shelby, and the mission statement was coined: “To demonstrate and influence others toward Christ like living by loving God, serving others and growing together as Christ followers.”

They decided to meet on Thursdays at 7 p.m. to ride and share a meal, usually Jack’s in Columbiana.

In the summer months, they ride every Thursday; in the winter months, they ride every first and third Thursday.

The group has grown to 20 members who pay no dues or fees, but usually each attendee donates a $1 each week for special needs.

CROSS decided to adopt a family for Christmas who will have extra presents, food and power bill paid from their savings.

Last year they provided Christmas for a struggling family whose father had had a kidney transplant. When there is a need, CROSS finds a way to help.

“It does not matter what you ride, we just want you to come and ride,” said Green. “Some motorcycle clubs are restricted to those who just ride Harley’s or some other common thing. We just want to have fun, enjoy each other’s fellowship, and ride without drinking. Anyone is welcome. We do not want to push our beliefs on anyone. We are just a group of people who love to ride and help other people along the way.”

Members are from Columbiana, Calera, Alabaster, Wilsonville, Shelby and Jemison.

They are from many different churches, Nazarene, Church of God, 7th Day Adventist, Baptist and Methodist.

The common goal is they all love to ride motorcycles. CROSS’s motto is: “It doesn’t matter what you ride as long as you ride.”

Check out their Facebook page and see where the next ride will be at www.facebook.com/crossriders.

For more information, call Jimbo Green at 205-283-9219 or email crossriders@att.net.