In two weekends of work, volunteers for the Syosset Teen Council's Recycle-A-Cycle program collected well over 100 bicycles and spent almost 30 hours in the unseasonably hot sun getting them in shape so they could be delivered to young Kosovar refugees.

On May 22, 23, 29 and 30, groups of teen volunteers and community unloaded donated bikes from cars, cleaned them and performed mechanical repairs on the fast-growing fleet of two-wheelers. Stocks of spare parts donated by local bike shops or purchased with private contributions were rapidly swooped up and assembled, as sparkling clean bicycles came off the production line with new seats, new tires and a whole new purpose.

"We realize that bicycles can't undo the horror many of these kids have been through," said Tom Montalbano, coordinator of Recycle-A-Cycle. "What we're trying to do is help them hold onto their childhood spirit, because it's probably the best survival mechanism they've got at this point."

It was May 10 when Montalbano first called the site in Fort Dix, New Jersey where refugees from Kosovo were shipped to escape persecution. He told the National Guard refugee coordinator that he had a group of teen-aged volunteers who would gladly provide good-as-new bikes to the children residing in the refugee camp. The offer was accepted, and a mission was born.

Over the course of the four-day drive, 94 teenagers and 12 adults gave up perfect beach weather to lend a hand to the bike drive. And with several hundred more bicycles to "recycle" for local charities, many of these volunteers will continue to contribute throughout summer and fall.

"The community has been amazing," said Montalbano. "People crammed three and four road-soaked bicycles into brand new SUVs just to get them to us. Local businesses like 7-Eleven and Apple & Eve donated cases of snacks and beverages for our volunteers. The PTA leaders spread the word everywhere on very short notice."

"And the teenagers of our neighborhood really demonstrated that there's a lot more going on in the youth community than just the negative things we're seeing on TV," he continued. "This project has brought together a great group of kids here in Syosset to pitch in. To me, it's really important that these kids get the recognition they deserve for the service they've performed these past two weeks and over the past year-and-a-half."

"I'm proud of our kids and I hope we've done something that will make a difference in the lives of the children of Kosovo," he continued.

Bikes collected during the recent drive are being transported by the Long Island division of the National Guard and are being stored at the Huntington Armory until Fort Dix gives the nod to send them down. It is possible that some bikes will be shipped to additional refugee camps because some refugees are being transported to new sites.

Recycle-A-Cycle has provided bikes to close to 400 underprivileged children, low-income farmworkers and homeless men and women on Long Island since fall 1997. The group meets at Syosset-Woodbury Community Park.

Recycle-A-Cycle is retooling for its summer season, and needs assistance. To help with a monetary donation of any amount, contact Tom Montalbano at 496-7883.