3 August 2024

Unique experience while riding

This morning, I put in another 20 miler. Partially on road and partially on trail. I was coming up to the last couple of miles. I had routed myself to go over what I call my personal Heartbreak Hill. The intersection of Kimball Bridge and Northwinds Parkway requires a steep climb for about half a mile any which way you approach it.

At the intersection before that, I was waiting for the traffic light to turn green steeling myself for the impending ordeal. I saw about 4-5 cyclists come from the other side and stop at their light. These were obviously seasoned cyclists.

As I was going in front of them, one of them shouted out “Hey Rajib!”.

That was odd. I had heard that call out while running, at airports, at coffee shops and even in front of Niagara Falls. But who could this be who recognized me in spite of my helmet? I was too scared to stop immediately in case the cross traffic started. But pulled over once I reached the other side.

That was Matt Tebbe! The guy who got me into biking and helped me thru my bike choices!!

“How much are you doing today?” I asked him.

“Coming up on my 90th mile!”

“Wow! I will be lucky if I can finish 19 today.”

Later checked his Strava update. He did 92 miles+. Went to Ballground and beyond. Usually that is where I go with my motorcycle!!

That is amazing stamina and strength.

Some day… I hope… some day…

Category: Biking | LEAVE A COMMENT
31 July 2024

When in New York… do as “Roamer”s do!!

If you did not know Roam, think of it as a version of Wework. Mostly in Atlanta (with the sole exception of one in Grandscapes in Dallas).

Now, I have been a member there for the better part of 15 years. Almost from the time the original location opened in Alpharetta. I am literally the longest standing customer. I have gone thru 4 companies and still go to Roam to work when I do not have an office to go to. The locations may not be the best, the lack of windows and outside view does not compete well with other companies and certainly there is no free food and snacks like you will get at Thrive or Industrious – but the people at Roam are just outrageously great. I do not know what they do in their recruiting process but each and every one of them are the kind of professionals you want to interact every day – very helpful, always smiling and always worried about giving you the best service.

If there is one ding, it is that the young folks who join there, often find great opportunities and move on. It is, of course, great for them. For me, I have to start my relationships all over again. To give you an idea, I wish 20 Roamers and ex-Roamers happy birthday every year. And I probably do not have contacts for another 20. But that has also afforded me to keep up with the life journeys of the young folks as they have flourished in their personal and professional lives!

In exactly that vein, got to know Tanvi Reddy in Roam Alpharetta last year. She is midway between my two daughters in age and I got to know about her and her family during the time she was there. One of the things I remembered her most by is that she had just graduated from the college that my younger one goes to.

And then she vanished one day.

It was only when I called to wish her a happy birthday a few days back that I realized she is in New York with a new opportunity. I mentioned that I will be in the city for work and also to meet my other daughter.

We were both able to squeeze some time between work to grab a coffee in Union Square!

It was so great to see this young professional again!

Category: Intersection Points | LEAVE A COMMENT