Rob Ock Q&A
Name
Robert Ock
Ministry
Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC)
What’s your day job?
I’m currently Manager of the Healthy Active Living Unit, Health Promotion Implementation Branch of MOHLTC.
What’s your past biking experience?
As with most people, cycling was a part of my childhood and youth that I did not fully appreciate at the time. Fast forward a few years to a trip to Amsterdam that convinced me that cycling could be integrated into a busy, urban professional lifestyle. Starting as “just a commuter” turned into a year-round, rain-snow-or-shine lifestyle commitment. I haven’t used any other means of transportation to get to work or travel in town (Toronto) for the last few years and only miss a day or two each winter during the worst storms. More recently, I’ve added a “roadie” component to my cycling identity. This basically means a few more long rides a week and the chance to indulge my previously-undiscovered love of wearing spandex. Yes, I have embraced my identity as a MAMIL (Middle-Aged Man In Lycra)!
What’s your inspiration for this ride?
The beauty of our Ontario landscape and the heroic efforts of cycling pioneers who have risked their lives to promote the radical notion that bicycles belong on the roads.
Also “reverse” inspiration from my stupid mutt Max who I won’t have to walk/feed/pick up after for a few days!
How are you preparing for B4UW?
I’m actually much better prepared than the same time last year because I have been consciously shifting from simply riding my bike everywhere to an actual, organized training regimen – and many more kilometres. I’ve tried to add both intensity and duration to my rides and vary the terrain to approximate some of the topographic challenges we will be facing – namely the ones that go upwards at steep angles. I’ve also been trying to increase the number of back-to-back “long ride” days – riding 150 km once is not that bad; doing it again the next day (and the next…) is a whole other thing!
What do you think will be your greatest challenge on the ride?
Trying not to let the other riders see me cry like a baby on some of the more challenging climbs.
Chafing.
Convincing other riders to push me and/or give me their food.
What do you like to do other than riding your bike?
I’m fortunate enough to maintain an active (semi-)professional musical career. For over 20 years I have gigged, recorded and otherwise performed at least weekly around the GTA. Music has been a great balance with the OPS career (although like any musician, I would give up the day job in a second for the right gig).
I have also actively practiced yoga (mostly Ashtanga and Iyengar) for the last 15 years, which I took up mostly to help repair the damage I did to myself during the previous 15 years of competitive martial arts.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I can do the splits and will happily demonstrate any time, any place. The only potential impediment is my pants. Also, Ock is the third rarest Korean surname. My family are the only ones in Ontario.