Jean-Louis Charette

Ministry: Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming and Ministry of Sport

Years doing the B4UW? First year

What’s your day job? Senior Coordinator – Regional Services Branch  – Regional Support Unit and North Team

What’s your past biking experience? Mainly recreational touring and triathlon (2x Iron Man, Xterra, Victoria to Thunder Bay (Solo)). Thunder Bay is home to a phenomenal community of riders, routes and world-class MTB trails right in our backyards. The cycling clubs here graciously welcomed me in over a decade ago; and,I’m grateful to be among the many to set up roots here with a major thanks to the foundations that they’ve built, maintain and nurture.

What’s your inspiration for this ride? Haven’t found a better way to connect, learn and experience the planet’s untamed beauty, mother nature’s merciless and generous temperaments or to witness the hidden human goodwills, kindnesses and trade drivers throughout communities than by exploring them via immersion on two wheels. The rarity of an opportunity that aligns these experiences with likeminded adventurers, backdropped by Ontario’s rugged wilderness, while building awareness and showcasing the great works of a group that makes giant life changing impacts every day, starting with the smallest actions, is an inspiration that speaks for itself.

How are you preparing for B4UW? Rides, rides and more rides.

What do you think will be your greatest challenge on the ride? Keeping pace with the seasoned vets.

What do you like to do other than riding your bike? Fill as much downtime as I can with music, trails, paddling, the pup, good friends, family and food.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself: Lucky enough to have checked swimming from the prison the shore in the Escape from Alcatraz triathlon off the bucket list in 2013 – it CAN be done and highly recommend to the athletically curious!