Laura Nelson-Hamilton – Profile

Ministry
MCCSS/MGCS

What’s your day job?
I’m a Senior Policy Analyst at the Poverty Reduction Strategy Branch and I’m currently completing a Policy Residency with the Ontario Digital Service.

What’s your past biking experience?
I started cycling while living in New Brunswick, doing loops from Fredericton to Mactaquac. I also did a weeklong trip in Nova Scotia, heading from Halifax, along the north shore, to Cape Breton. When I moved to St. John’s for graduate school, I joined a cycling club called the Helmettes. We did daytrips around the Avalon Peninsula.

What’s your inspiration for this ride?
This seemed like a great way to make sure I did more cycling this summer. Bonus that it supports the United Way!

 
How are you preparing for B4UW?
I’m cycling after work and doing longer routes on weekends, mostly along the Waterfront Trail. My preparation is pretty simple: get as many kilometers in before September as I can.

What do you think will be your greatest challenge on the ride?
Not stopping for a sandwich at York Street Kitchen when we pass through Stratford.

What do you like to do other than riding your bike?
I enjoy gardening, traveling, live music, podcasts, and sports.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I have harvested rice by hand in Thailand.