DT News interview: Cdr Gord Roy, Event Director for the Navy Bike Ride

Video / April 16, 2021

Transcript

(E) Like many recreational fitness events this year, the Navy Bike Ride will run a virtual event due to the impacts of the pandemic.

The Race Director joins me today to discuss the 2021 event.

Thanks for joining us today First, how did the Navy Bike ride start?

(G) Navy Bike Ride started in 2017 under Vice-Admiral Lloyd and it basically had three objectives. One was to, you know, encourage fitness to our members and their family through the sport of cycling. The second aspect was to contribute to our military community through our two charities. And the third was to educate Canadians on their Navy and inform on what we do and show the great kind of sailors we have.

It started has a physical event in, you know, our nation's capital in Ottawa as well as some little rides throughout the country. And of course, COVID-19, the pandemic, we've gone virtual. And in doing so, we were able to keep up the same objectives: keep people engaged, grow through a virtual event, but still encourage people to get out through the sport of cycling.

(E) Can you tell us a bit about the Virtual Harry DeWolf Challenge as part of this years’ Navy Bike Ride?

Certainly. This challenge is going to be virtual much like last year. So, very much similar concept. We will be, you know, registration is free. You need to get on a ride and log your rides online. And then, we're gonna provide incentives through challenges to challenge yourself and your family to get out. In doing so, there will be about $15 000 in prices to be won to challenge yourself. So, that will be a new addition to it. You also note that the theme of this year ride is HMCS Harry DeWolf, which is gonna be our newest ship to come on line, who will also be navigating around North America starting in the fall. And so, in doing, we will be telling the stories of Harry DeWolf, what this new ship is as well as also conveying the stories of our sailors who serve our country, do great things for our nation.

(E) How can people register?

(G) The easiest way to do it is go to our website www.navybikeride.ça. Registration is free, but if you go to the website, it'll take you to Race Roster, which is our platform, you log an account, it's very easy to follow. And then once you've registered, you'll be off to the race on your bike.

(E) How will rides be conducted?

(G) So, very much like our virtual ride last year, you ride on your own time over the next three months that we are doing this challenge. In doing so, our overall objective is to cumulatively get 30 000 rides from all participants this year. And that's in the effort to encourage people to get out, to ride, stay fit, stay mentally healthy amidst the pandemic. In so doing, when you go on a ride, please be sure to log on your ride on Race Roster because in doing so, you'll also be eligible for draw for a number of prizes that will be available to be won.

(E) Thanks for joining us today. Last question: are you ready to ride? And if so, what kind of bike are you going to be riding?

(G) Well, if you haven't seen this year's jersey, I am definitely riding a ride in my nice little spandex. But I got this little puppy behind me that I'll be taking out for a few rides this summer if not every day. I'm an active cyclist and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone else get a ride and have some fun.

(E) Thank you.

(G) Thank you.

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