Every mile has a purpose. Every rider has a reason. What's yours?
For some, it's the thrill of competition. For others, it's the chance to give back to a community they love. And for many, it's knowing that something as simple as riding a bike can make a meaningful difference in someone's life.
That's what Rally for the Y is all about.
Each February, YMCA communities across the country come together to ride, fundraise, and support the programs that make their local Ys so special. But behind the miles logged and dollars raised are real people with personal reasons for showing up.
As we gear up for Rally for the Y 2027, we're sharing a few of the stories that remind us why every mile matters.
Riding for a Cause: Toby's Why
Toby Roberts | Lakewood Family YMCA | #3 Fundraiser in 2026
For Toby Roberts, Executive Director of the Lakewood Family YMCA, Rally for the Y is more than an opportunity to fundraise. It's a way to directly support children in his community.
The Lakewood Y dedicates 100% of its Rally for the Y fundraising proceeds to its foster program, which provides full YMCA scholarships to 299 children living in foster care. Knowing exactly who benefits from those dollars makes every ride that much more meaningful.
But there's another thing that keeps Toby pedaling: competition.
As four-time Rally champions, the Lakewood Y has a reputation to defend. Toby admits that a little friendly trash talk with other YMCA directors is part of the fun, especially when longtime competitors start climbing the leaderboard.
““At the end of the day, the most important thing is that we are raising a whole lot of dollars for a great cause.””
The Lakewood team takes that energy beyond the bike, placing an Expresso Bike front and center in their lobby with a sign announcing their mission to raise money for children in foster care. With music playing, riders taking turns, and a donation basket hanging from the bike, Rally becomes impossible to miss. Even donors get caught up in the excitement. Toby recalls one supporter who waits until another YMCA overtakes Lakewood on the leaderboard before making her donation to help push them back into the lead.
Yet, for all the competitive fun, Toby never loses sight of the bigger picture.
"At the end of the day, the most important thing is that we are raising a whole lot of dollars for a great cause."
For the Lakewood Y, every $500 raised can help provide another child in foster care with a YMCA scholarship.
That's a reason worth riding for.
Finding Motivation in Community: Mandy's Why
Mandy Kaplan | Lakewood Family YMCA | Rally Fundraiser
When Mandy Kaplan joined the Lakewood YMCA Advisory Council in 2024, she wanted to find meaningful ways to support the organization and the community it serves. Rally for the Y gave her that opportunity.
Inspired by the dedication of longtime Rally riders, Mandy jumped in and discovered just how powerful a community-wide effort could be.
Her fundraising strategy? Keep talking about Rally. By sharing her excitement with others, Mandy has helped build awareness and encourage more people to get involved before February even begins. But her favorite part isn't the fundraising totals or leaderboard standings. It's seeing people come together around a shared purpose.
"For me, it is how a whole community can come together and show their support for the Lakewood Y and the foster youth in need."
And for anyone wondering whether their contribution will be enough to make a difference, Mandy has a simple message: "Join! Anything you will do will help reach goals. Your commitment alone is greatly valued."
Of course, she adds, a little friendly competition never hurts!
Fueled by Friendly Competition: Eric's Why
Eric Fletcher | #10 Fundraiser in 2026
Sometimes, all it takes to turn a workout into something extraordinary is a little friendly rivalry.
For Eric Fletcher, the fun of riding a Blue Goji bike was already a reason to get moving. But when Rally for the Y introduced the chance to compete with friends and riders from other YMCAs, his competitive spirit kicked into high gear.
"The Blue Goji bike is a fun workout as it is. But competing with friends within my Y and with other Ys tickled my competitive nature."
That competitive energy became a fundraising opportunity, too. Friends were eager to support Eric and see just how far he could go.
The result? Eric finished among the top 10 fundraisers in 2026!
His story is a reminder that supporting a great cause doesn't have to feel like work. Sometimes, it starts with having fun, challenging yourself, and inviting others along for the ride.
What's Your Why?
Three riders. Three different motivations. One shared mission.
Whether you're riding to support local families, connect with your YMCA community, or chase a personal best, Rally for the Y gives every mile a greater purpose. And you don't have to be a top fundraiser or a competitive cyclist to make an impact. Every ride, every donation, and every conversation helps move your Y's mission forward.
Rally for the Y returns February 1–28, 2027, and we can't wait to see the stories that unfold.
So, as you get ready for another year of riding and giving back, we have one question:
What's the WHY behind your Y?
Learn more about the Rally for the Y 2027 and Access the promo kit so you can start the conversation at your YMCA » Click Here
