Working remotely has its perks, but sometimes it feels like I’m on a tiny island far away from the heart of everything. While most of my colleagues live close to Riga and occasionally gather in cafes for Tuesday work-togethers, I stay in Gulbene full-time. That means I miss out on casual chats, spontaneous coffee breaks, and the easy bonding that happens when people see each other in person regularly.
But then… something amazing happened. Marika, one of my colleagues, decided to visit me in Gulbene. Not by train or car. She cycled here.
Yes, cycled.
She pedaled 108 kilometers (67 miles) just to come and see me. It still feels unreal.
We spent the day working together, chatting like we had known each other for years. There was none of that awkwardness that sometimes comes with meeting people you usually only know from Slack or Zoom. It felt like she had visited me 50 times already. So easy. So natural.
And what a person she is! Marika cycled from San Francisco to Ushuaia—the southernmost city in the world. That’s 18,000 kilometers (11,185 miles), solo, over the course of 2.5 years. She worked freelance along the way, funding her travels as she went. Completely alone, across continents, through weather and wilderness. No hotels or SPAs!
Can you even imagine?
I may live far from Riga, and I might not be part of the Tuesday café group, but this visit reminded me: meaningful connections are possible. And sometimes, they arrive at your doorstep on two wheels.
Thank you, Marika. You’re not just a colleague—you’re an inspiration.
Ilze
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Kudos to Marika – what a valuable friend to have gained!
Thank you! Marika is wonderful! Did you have such work colleagues? You really showed up like Someone! 😄 I didn’t recognize you at first because your site link ended with two dots—like ..com. That threw me off!
Wow, Marika is a true friend, Ilze! Respect! I looked up your region of Latvia, you are well inland from the ocean.
Yes, from the Gulf of Riga, the Baltic Sea.
I would like to see Riga! And the countryside. 😊
You’ll be surprised! At a work event in Riga, I spoke with our partner from Jakarta—he said there are no people in Riga. Meanwhile, to me, it feels way too crowded! 😊 You’re more than welcome to visit anytime! After Las Vegas, this will be quiet 🙂
I’m sure the pace of life is slower there which would be great! 😊
I think the pace is what we choose 🙂
I like that, a very good point, Ilze!! ❤️
That’s amazing, Ilze. I’m so glad that happened for you 🙂
Thank you so much! It really was a special moment I’ll always remember. 😊 Have you ever had a surprise visit or something unexpected like that happen to you?
That is a VERY good friend! Definitely one that you need to remain in contact with. In my part of the world, people think twice about driving a car 67 miles but then, if you are familiar with the freeways in Los Angeles County (California), you might understand.
Absolutely, I’m really lucky to have such a thoughtful work colleague! It shows how strong connections can grow even through work. 😊
And yes, I’ve heard LA traffic is something else—67 miles there must feel like a whole day! Cycling that distance here felt like a big adventure. How do you usually get around in your area?
Wow, Marika is a cycling champion. How lovely to have her visit.
She really is! I’m so lucky to have such a dedicated and amazing colleague. Her visit made the day truly special. Especially the waiting part 😊. Do you like to cycle?
My husband is a keen cycler as are my children; me not so much.
That’s fun! Sounds like cycling is a big part of family life. Do you ever join them for the outings, or do you prefer cheering them on from a cozy spot with a good book or cup of tea? 😊
Most are in different cities.
that’s amazing
Thank you, Beth. She is an amazing woman! I still can’t believe she cycled 18000km alone…though rain and snow, deserts and jungles.
Great story! The 108 km would still be doable on the e-bike — but San Francisco to Ushuaia… well, maybe tomorrow 😉
Have a great weekend, Ilze!
Marc.
Haha, definitely doable on an e-bike—though San Francisco to Ushuaia might need a bit more training (and time)! 😉 Thanks, Marc! I hope you have a wonderful weekend too. Do you enjoy any long bike rides yourself?
Well, I do, but my max. limit is about 70-80km.
70-80km is a lot!
A wonderful visit, albeit a walk in the park compared to her marathon ride
Absolutely! I’m still in awe of her stamina! Have you ever cycled somewhere far? I think my record is lame – 6 km 🙂
I’m not a cyclist, but I have run many miles including 18 marathons
18!!!! 18!???? You are full of surprises, Derrick!
Wow Derrick! Excellent! You should put things like this in an About page on your blog. 👍🏻
Right!?
67 miles! She is incredible, I love this story of friendship. I’m curious if she biked homes after?
Oh, she did! She biked again 108km from Gulbene -> Cēsis, then she took a train to Liepāja, cause we had a local election this Saturday.