EVENTS

Miles for Mariners 2026

One day, one island, one ride.

13 June

Miles for Mariners is a maritime event, for maritime people, raising money for a maritime cause.  We invite you to be a part of it and help us make a difference.

Are you a cyclist ready to make a real difference for seafarers and take on the challenge of circumnavigating the Isle of Wight with your maritime industry peers?

Join us for this unique, one-day challenge and networking opportunity.

100km and 75km cycling routes are available

Or if you prefer two feet to two wheels, we are also offering a hiking option of around a half-marathon distance.

In partnership with OCIMF, this expertly organised and designed challenge will help raise vital funds for Sailors’ Society – supporting seafarers and their families across the world.  

Cyclists – this is a ride, not a race – so test yourself over the distance and on the hills, fuelled by a pit-stop lunch and energy-boosting snacks.

And whether riding or hiking, you’re bound to enjoy the stunning island scenery.

All this while you raise much-needed funds for our 27/4 global support and services.

Connect with industry peers on this fun, challenging adventure – and then celebrate your achievement afterwards with an informal meal and drinks. 

This is an event you won’t want to miss out on!

For more information read our FAQ’s below.

Or contact [email protected]

Fundraising target: £1,200 ( cyclist) £250 (hiker)

Miles for Mariners – everything you need to know:

Where does the ride start and end?

Ryde, Isle of Wight

What time do I need to get there?

Meet at 0800hrs for departures from 0900hrs

Who is organising the event?

We have partnered with the expert team at Red Fox Cycling, who have been successfully organising sustainability and safety-conscious bespoke cycling events since 2018. Red Fox has Public Liability Insurance and is fully compliant with H&S standards.

What cycling routes are available?

For cyclists, both 100km and 75km options are available. Both routes have been designed to deliver a challenging but achievable, scenic and above all enjoyable cycling experience.

Will I need a mountain bike?

No, the cycle routes are almost entirely on the road. There will be a very short section off the tarmac on the approach to the pit stop. This will be rideable on a road bike.

How competent a cyclist do I need to be?

Riders will need to be suitably fit, with an appropriate level of cycling experience, and capable of cycling 100km / 75km per day, with varying elevation.

Is the ride guided?

The 75km rides will be guided, with a first aid-qualified, mechanically skilled expert cycle guide accompanying you. The 100km route will be self-guided- you’ll be provided with a GPS Exchange Format (GPX file of the route and will have on-call first aid and mechanical support if needed. All riders will be grouped; nobody will ride alone.

I don’t want to cycle – is there an alternative for me?

Yes – for those who prefer to get around on two feet rather than two wheels, a hiking option is available. This will be a challenging but achievable walk through some of the island’s prettiest scenery, in a small group with a qualified guide to ensure you’re well supported and don’t get lost. The distance will be 12-15 miles, with plenty of uphill and downhill- and lots of opportunities to take in the scenery while connecting with your fellow hikers. At the end of the hike, you’ll return to Ryde to enjoy the post-event celebration.

Is there somewhere to store my bags?

Luggage will be stored in the support vehicle.

How to get there?

Ryde is easily accessible from Portsmouth, with options to cross the Solent by catamaran or ferry with Wightlink. If you’re travelling with a car, you can sail from Portsmouth to Fishbourne, which is a short (2-mile) ride from the starting point in Ryde. Portsmouth has several trains per hour to London with good connections to most major cities in the UK. There are also connections from Southampton to Cowes and Lymington to Yarmouth, both within a 40-minute drive of Ryde.

Will special diets be accommodated?

When you sign up, please indicate whether you have any dietary requirements. Vegan options will be available at the lunch stop as well as in the evening.

Will there be mechanical support?

Our guides are all competent mechanics; if you have a puncture or need any help, you will be able to receive support either from your guide (if taking the guided option) or by calling the event team (If self-supported) in which case a mechanic will drive out to help you.

What happens if I need help?

All participants will be provided with contact details for the event team; if you need medical or mechanical help (or take an unexpected detour and want to know how to get back onto the route!) you will be able to call this number for help. All participants will receive a safety briefing before the rides begin, with details of emergency protocols.

Who can take part?

This challenge is open to anyone in the maritime community (and their family members) who wants to explore the Isle of Wight by bike or on foot, while raising funds for a maritime charity supporting seafarers worldwide.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes, we anticipate most riders will bring their own bikes- please specify this when booking your ferry transport to the island.

Can I hire a bike?

You will have the option to hire a bike when signing up.

Can I bring my family?

Yes, your family are more than welcome to take part in the challenge themselves, or to spend a day on the Isle of Wight and cheer you across the finish line. The island is a great place to spend some time, with lots to see and do.

How much do I need to raise?

For cyclists, the fundraising target is £1,200. For hikers, the target is £250. We will provide tips to help you stay on track with your fundraising.

When do I have to raise the funds?

A 5% deposit (£60) is payable when registering for the cycle challenge, and a 5% deposit (£12) when registering for the walk. We would ask that the remaining funds are raised no later than 13 July 2026 – one month after the event.

What will my donations be used for?

Sailors’ Society is a maritime welfare charity, supporting seafarers 24/7, 365 days a year. Your hard work and effort will help us to continue providing a vital lifeline to seafarers and their families. Please have a look at our website (hyperlink here) to find out more about how we help.

Who can I contact for other questions?

Please get in touch with us at [email protected]

“We are delighted to partner with Sailors’ Society for the Miles for Mariners fundraising event. This exciting one-day cycling challenge across the Isle of Wight offers a wonderful opportunity to unite maritime industry professionals in support of Sailors’ Society’s 24/7 global wellbeing services for seafarers and their families. At OCIMF, we acknowledge seafarers’ crucial role in maintaining global trade flow, and we are dedicated to backing initiatives that promote their wellbeing. Come join the challenge!”

Karen Davies, Managing Director OCIMF

In partnership with

Miles for Mariners 2025 form

First name

Surname

Tel

Country of residence

I’m interested in:

the 100km cycle

the 75km cycle

the hike

If you have any questions or would like to find out more about the challenge, please ask us below and we’ll get back to you soon.

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