Tim Collins
Black Press Media
Imagine for a moment that you’re a serving member of the Canadian Navy. It’s critical that you maintain your physical fitness and your ability to fulfill the demands of your responsibilities – responsibilities that can have life and death consequences.
But then factor in the reality that, during long deployments at sea, maintaining that fitness level can be a challenge.
“It’s not like there is a lot of opportunity to go for a run when you’re at sea. Very few warships have a large enough space to dedicate to a gym, and running is obviously not an option,” Lieutenant commander Don Mitchell said. “That’s why the navy has traditionally turned to using stationary bikes. They’re compact enough to squeeze into tight spots all over the ship.”
So, while it’s natural that the Army engages the community in events like the Army Run, the Navy has chosen to take a different road.
Enter the Navy Bike Ride.
Founded in 2016, the Navy Bike Ride is a way to showcase and promote the healthy lifestyle of our sailors while engaging the community and raise money for several worthwhile causes.
This year, the Navy Bike Ride will take place in Esquimalt on Saturday, May 25. The event will start at 10 a.m. and start out right on the CFB base.
“For people on the West Coast, you get to see the inside of the base, meet some sailors, and visit some of the displays and bike shops on site. We’ve set it up as a bit of an expo, all on the dockside,” said Mitchell. “This isn’t a race. It’s a family fun ride and a chance to support some great causes.”
For those who want to be a part of the cause but can’t participate on the day of the event, organizers have provided two exciting options.
The first is the signature ride, which allows participants to complete a 28 km ride within the month of June.
“We supply a tracking device and software, and participants can choose their own route. Those who are successful get a certificate and coin to celebrate their accomplishment,” Mitchell said. “We also have the Admiral’s Challenge that is sort of similar, but a lot tougher. In this option, riders have to complete a 100km ride in a 24-hour period.”
For active members of the Royal Canadian Navy, there’s another challenge that taps into the pride of every ship’s crew as they work together to log the most miles during the month of June. The winning ship will receive a $1,000 prize for their ship’s funds.
“We have a number of great sponsors, including the Bank of Montreal, Thales, The Royal Canadian Legion, the Federal Fleet, Irving Shipbuilding, the Commissionaires, Seaspan, Federal, Canadian Tire, Inside Edge and Lockheed Martin, and of course there are the funds raised by the participating riders,” Mitchell said. “Last year we raised more than $33,000 with a participation of 1,112 riders. This year, we’re aiming to do even better.
The funds generated by the ride will be split between the Royal Canadian Navy Benevolent Fund, which provides financial assistance to serving and retired sailors and their families, Support Our Troops, which similarly helps meet special challenges arising for military service, and Soldier On, a program to support the recovery of ill or injured Armed Forces members. To register for the Navy Bike ride and get even more information, visit Home - Navy Bike Ride |Défi-vélo de la Marine.