5 August 2024

Back in the air. This will let us equal our daughters’ stats

Both Nikita and Natasha have been to 5 out of the 7 continents (including Antarctica). Sharmila and I have been stuck on 4 for a long time. This trip to Australia should fix that. Now it will be a race to which Roy family member goes to the 6th continent first.

Our main target in Australia is to hit a place most folks don’t usually go – Uluru. This is in the Outback – in the middle of the Great Australian desert. Which reminds me – after the Gobi and the Saudi desert, this would be 3 out of the top 4 largest deserts in the world for me (not counting the ice capped Antarctica and Artic – which are undoubtedly the two largest deserts in the world).

When I was trying to plot by one and only marathon race, Uluru was one of the top three choices for me. (Eventually went with the Original Marathon in Greece). Had researched a lot about Uluru then and always wanted to see the giant land formation.

Outside of Uluru, I have very little knowledge of Australia. Strangely the two things Bhowmic miss had taught us in geography class in middle/high school that I still remember are the mining cities of Kalgoorlie and Coolgardie and the dingo dogs!! Undoubtedly because of the cool names.

Hoping to catch some interesting fauna there. A kangaroo or a wallaby perhaps. Definitely a wombat, if I can. I have half a mind to ask them why do they poop in cube shaped poops!!

4 August 2024

There was a lot of activity in the river today

After the run, I went to the river to read up on the week’s global news on my Economist. There were more canoes, kayaks and tubes in the river today than I have ever seen. Truth be told, I was pretty jealous that I do not have a canoe or kayak.

Folks with inflatable kayaks, what is your experience with it? I need something easy to store and easy to carry in my small car.

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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