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CFB Halifax Navy Bike Ride

Participants get started at the second annual CFB Halifax Navy Bike Ride on June 9, 2018. The event is held to increase both physical and mental well-being in the Canadian Armed Forces. Photo: LS BRAD UPSHALL, 12 WING IMAGING SERVICES

Navy Bike Ride: pedaling in the name of fitness

By Jamie Tobin,
Cycling Enthusiast

The love of fitness, sunshine, and the thrill of the ride brought sailors, soldiers, and aviators from the local Defence Community together in Shearwater for the 2nd annual Navy Bike Ride on Saturday, June 9.  The event was presented by PSP Halifax.

“This Navy Bike Ride is one of 18 cycling events take place across Canada and it is a great way for us to come together as a community on a beautiful Saturday morning and get some fitness,” said RAdm Craig Baines, Commander JTFA and MARLANT, at the event’s opening.

More than 250 riders of all ages kicked off the day’s events at the Shearwater Fitness and Sports Centre and pedaled along the Salt Marsh Trail. The younger riders completed a 6-kilometre course, the majority of participants rode a 15-kilometre route, and the most daring riders completed a 30-kilometre course that took them as far as Lawrencetown over the Salt March causeway.

All riders were cheered on as they crossed the finish line and many stopped to enjoy some refreshments and door prizes that were provided by the event sponsors.

The Navy Bike ride is a great way to dust off the old two-wheeler and kick the summer season into high gear and after two successful years, there is a good chance that the Navy Bike Ride is becoming a Royal Canadian Navy tradition.