Joerg Wittenbrinck

Ministry Energy and Electrification

Years doing the B4UW? This is my first year
What’s your day job? Manager, Integrated Energy Policy and Research

What’s your past biking experience?
Riding a big, heavy cargo bike is my primary way of getting around the city year-round. I also go on occasional longer weekend rides in the countryside, preferably the Halton Hills area.

What’s your inspiration for this ride?
I have always wanted to go on a really long ride. I think it will be a great way to really experience the distance, the landscape and how it changes along the way. I am really looking forward to doing this together with a fun and diverse group of OPSers while raising money and awareness for a good cause.

How are you preparing for B4UW?
I have some nice and challenging rides mapped out in the city that I plan on doing much more often, plus a few long-distance rides over the summer.

What do you think will be your greatest challenge on the ride?
Getting back in the seat every morning.

What do you like to do other than riding your bike? Family, friends and projects around the house.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself. When I was 14, three friends and I decided to go on a multi-day bike ride into the hilly countryside outside our hometown. We planned it all ourselves and figured out a way to pack bulky tents, sleeping bags and other equipment on our city bikes. Big praise to our parents, who let us go, even though there were no cell phones. I think we just called one of our parents every night from a campground. That was it. It was such a great experience and really empowering.