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!