The vision behind Ride Along Guyana

IN 2020, while the world was under lockdown, Cherryann Greene began seeking ways to bring her unique idea to life. Out of a job, she wanted to help people connect with Guyana and with each other. Ride Along GY offers both locals and tourists an exciting way to explore the capital city, with various bike tours available in Georgetown and Bartica. The business has blossomed into one of the best ways to enjoy Guyana’s cities, providing a cleaner and healthier way to experience the country. Cherryann, a creative and passionate 40-year-old entrepreneur, launched Ride Along GY in 2021. With options for tandem rides, four-wheel bikes, and baby seats, her business has distinguished itself by offering a range of diverse experiences that place the people and their enjoyment at the forefront.

Together with a team of tour guides, Cherryann leads visitors on hands-on tours throughout Georgetown. A truly one-of-a-kind experience, a bike tour with Ride Along GY immerses tourists in the hustle and bustle of Guyanese city life. After stops at the nation’s most important historical landmarks and museums, guests have the opportunity to savour the flavours of Guyanese cuisine under the famous Stabroek Market Clock—a popular highlight for visitors, according to Cherryann.

Cherryann also prioritises eco-friendly solutions, avoiding single-use plastic bottles and promoting reusable options for clients. “Starting in January, no more single-use bottles. I have someone who’s branding reusable bottles for us, so when people come, they’ll have water in a branded bottle they can keep,” she shared. Ride Along GY has won multiple awards for its sustainable initiatives, earning a reputation as one of Guyana’s leading green enterprises.

Overcoming Challenges and Building Credibility
Like many small businesses, Cherryann faced several challenges when launching Ride Along GY. The biggest hurdle, however, was funding. With an idea as novel as biking tours in Guyana, many doubted its potential success. Nevertheless, believing in her vision, Cherryann persisted in planning and ultimately realised her long-held dream. “I had this idea to do bicycle rentals and tours a very long time ago. But I didn’t have any money and didn’t know where to start. So, I started with the basics: register the business and write down my ideas. Every time I went to bed, I woke up stressed, wondering how I was going to do this alone,” she recalled. With encouragement from family and friends, she took the leap and applied for funding through the Small Business Bureau, successfully securing a grant that helped her get started.

The business has since expanded from 12 bikes to 60 and has thrived with support from the Ministry of Tourism and the Guyana Tourism Authority, which helped it gain recognition for innovation and excellence. Despite challenges such as local perceptions, risks of theft, and public scepticism about cycling safety, Cherryann’s determination has enabled her to overcome these obstacles.

Ride Along GY has implemented numerous measures to ensure the safety and comfort of its riders, including skilled tour guides and advanced tracking technology on each bike. However, some challenges are more difficult to combat. As Cherryann explains, while some visitors come eager to enjoy the warmth of the Guyanese sun, others find it daunting. “Nobody wants to ride in the sun. Some people even think others will steal the bikes or rob you. But every year, I prove it’s possible. Not an accident, not an incident since I started the business,” Cherryann stated.

Today, the business caters to tourists from around the world, with contracts with foreign tour operators and groups from Europe. Cherryann is optimistic about expanding her services with a continued focus on sustainable practices, aligning with Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy.

Creating unique experiences for tourists
Cherryann’s goal is to integrate tourists into Guyanese culture, offering tours that include visits to markets, sampling local foods, and enjoying authentic street experiences. “We’ve got baby seats and tandem bikes, where two people can ride at the same time. I want everybody to have the experience, even people who can’t balance on two wheels or have other challenges,” she shared, underscoring her commitment to inclusivity and customised experiences. Ride Along GY goes beyond bike rides, offering tours to destinations such as Kaieteur Falls. However, Cherryann says the bike tours remain her priority as she continues to build an already impressive clientele.

To attract more visitors the business has introduced innovative concepts, with Cherryann planning to launch a fitness club. Additionally, she aims to offer keepsakes such as caps or pouches as souvenirs for tourists. Positive feedback across platforms highlights the appreciation tourists have for the authentic cultural experiences her tours provide. “People always enjoy it. They appreciate seeing Georgetown and the local markets and trying street food. It’s about letting tourists experience the culture, not just the scenery,” she noted.