More than $100,000 was raised for the National Children’s Voluntary Organisation by participants of the 2026 Ryde-A-Thon who ran, cycled and walked around Camana Bay last weekend.
The impressive total means that the event has now raised more than a million dollars for good causes since it started seven years ago, supporting charities including The Addison Kelly Mental Health Education Fund, Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, Breast Cancer Foundation and Special Olympics Cayman Islands.
Teams of between four and eight members participate in 24 straight hours of activity culminating in an outdoor Ryde extravaganza party on the crescent in Camana Bay to finish off the event.
Event organiser Michelle Fisher, head of accounting at HLB Berman Fisher who also teaches classes at Ryde indoor cycling studio, said that the purpose of the Ryde-A-Thon was “simple at heart. It’s about bringing people together, whether they’re seasoned cyclists, runners or just enthusiastic supporters, to channel energy, endurance and community spirit into something bigger than themselves”.
The Ryde-A-Thon started back in 2019 after Fisher’s friends Maya and Rich Lewis lost their little boy, Leo. Fisher said, “He was just a week old when he passed away. Instead of retreating in their grief, his parents made a conscious decision to honour Leo’s legacy by giving back to the community that supported them when they needed it most. I found this to be incredibly inspiring, and it’s what motivated me to bring my idea to life with Maya.”
This year’s event on 17-18 April attracted 32 teams and two solo riders, and, for the first year ever, one person ran and walked the course for the full 24 hours. Said Fisher, “The atmosphere at the event is genuinely uplifting, full of energy, encouragement and shared purpose. It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about coming together for something bigger than ourselves. When everyone’s aligned like that, the whole experience feels electric.”
Having the NCVO as the charity of choice is a way of coming full circle, said Fisher. “The NCVO was chosen this year because this all started with a little boy, and we wanted to bring that focus back to a child-centered cause. Their work is deeply meaningful and has a real, lasting impact, making them a natural fit for what the Ryde-A-Thon stands for.”
For Fisher, the highlight of the event, as well as the money raised, is the final hour.
“Leading the last class feels almost out-of-body, the energy is just unreal. Ryders and spectators alike are on a complete high, and for that moment, it feels like nothing in the world could bring us down. It was a fantastic event from start to finish.”
Katie Edwards, NCVO programme director, thanked all the participants and organisers for making the 2026 Ryde-a-Thon such a success, saying, “Your hard work, energy, and dedication truly made this event unforgettable. Because of your incredible effort and huge hearts, we can continue to support so many children and families in need.”
“Beyond education, care, and healthy meals, we can provide something even greater: hope, opportunity, and inspiration for young people, and a lifeline for so many people in Cayman.”
Long-time participant
One participant was Amba Lamb who has participated in all seven Ryde-A-Thons over the years said she loved taking part.
“I am a regular ‘Ryder’,” she said. “I go six days a week and have done 1,940 Rydes in total, so I didn’t find the cycling too hard, but I also did four hours and 26km on the run/walk track, which was pretty intense in the afternoon sun.”
The effort hasn’t put Lamb off making an eighth appearance next year.
“It is such a feel-good event and I have an amazing team to spend the 24 hours with,” she said. “I can’t wait for next time!”
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