Bike Ride profiles

As a proud sponsor of the Navy Bike Ride, we’re checking in with our employees taking part (when we can catch them on the road that is) to find out how they are getting on and why they chose to join riders across Canada in this fantastic effort to raise funds for the Royal Canadian Benevolent Fund and Support our Troops.

August 21 2020

Name: Bob

Business Development Manager

BAE Systems Submarines
I’ve really enjoyed finding new places to explore, and mainly just trying to keep safe and enjoy the rides!

I work in our BAE Systems Submarines business and I live in Ottawa with my wife Leah, our two dogs (Mason & Izzy) and our cat Maggie!

Our work is important in that we help the Royal Canadian Navy maintain its fleet of Victoria Class Submarines, ensuring that we provide high quality products that allow the performance of critical national defence activities.

I have a brother who was a Petty Officer 2nd Class as a medic; and as a former Naval Officer myself, I believe the ride will help raise funds to support our veterans, especially those who served during the Battle of Atlantic so I was really keen to take part and get involved.

I’m into sports of all sorts, international affairs, reading and music and I cycle for both exercise and the pleasure of a slow ride to enjoy our beautiful city.

I like to try out various routes and explore the city. It’s great to be cycling again and plan to purchase an e-bike soon.

August 10 2020

Pippa's profile

August 10 2020

Name: Pippa

Project Leader

BAE Systems Information Technology

I am originally from Barrow in Furness, a town in the UK where I was the fourth generation of my family to work in a shipyard. We moved to Canada to support the Victoria Class Submarines when they were transferred so home for me is about 20 minutes outside downtown Ottawa where I live with my husband and youngest son.

I started in our shipyard in the UK 37 years ago as an apprentice machinist making spare parts for submarines and ships. I then moved to Project Management in the Combat Systems department, which peaked my interest to move into Information Technology. I enjoy using all of my work experience to help our business and customers here in Canada in as many ways as possible.

When the Navy Bike Ride was brought up, I thought it would be a good way to support the Royal Canadian Navy, as well as get myself out of the house and back on my bike for some exercise. I have many friends that have served in the past, as well as a long connection to the UK Armed Forces in Barrow and the Royal Canadian Navy through work so it’s a great cause.

The email arrived just after we all went into lockdown, and at this stage exercise was really important to keep physically and mentally fit, so it was well timed. I am approaching the ride as an opportunity to get out on my bike as many times a week as I can. I’m certainly not a long distance cyclist, but I’m doing my best to do as many rides as I can, long or short, to support the cause.

I’m glad that this opportunity came up as due to old injuries I can’t run for long distances and cycling is a lot easier on my damaged knee. Since we are all having to cycle separately due to the COVID 19 pandemic, it’s not that easy to make friends on your rides, but there are a lot more people (in fact whole families) out on their bikes which motivates me to keep going. I’m definitely cycling in the evening when the 30 degree summer heat here in Ottawa has lessened a little!

August 7 2020

Greg's profile
August 7 2020

Name: Greg

Accountant

BAE Systems Canada Inc.

I’ve been an employee at BAE Systems Canada Inc. since 2006 and I am proud to be supporting the Royal Canadian Navy by participating in the Navy Bike Ride. In our daily work we strive to supply the best products and service to support our customer, with safety and quality being a main focus. Sponsoring and participating in the Navy Bike Ride is another way that we can express our appreciation to those who keep Canada safe and secure.

I live in Ottawa, which is the beautiful capital city of Canada. Ottawa has a number of wonderful pathways throughout the city that make commuting to and from work a very pleasant experience. My daily commute amounts to about 36km of riding per day so you could say I am an avid cycler. In past years, The Navy Bike Ride is a one day ride through the city, but due to the current situation they are conducting the Battle of the Atlantic challenge.

The goal is that participants across the country cumulatively conduct 25,000 rides between June 13th and August 30th. My initial goal was to continue to complete two rides each day, but working from home has made this a bit more difficult. Each morning I ride half way to our office in downtown Ottawa then turn back to ride home, mimicking my morning commute. I have not been very good at getting out in the evenings, but this challenge is the motivation that I need to try to add some normality to life during this unprecedented time.

So far, I have completed about 40 rides and will hopefully get back to doing two rides per day soon. My wife Helene is also participating and my daughter Tia comes out for rides with us from time to time.

It is almost 5:30 am, so it is now time to fill my water bottle, put on my helmet and head out the river pathway for my morning ride.

Good luck to all of the participants, and keep safe out there!

Bike Ride profiles

August 21 2020

Name: Bob

August 10 2020

Pippa's profile

August 7 2020

Greg's profile