Gabe

Today we have Gabe Bibby on the blog. He’s the newest addition to The Bike Library team, a student at NC State, and an overall chill dude. Enjoy!

Cameron Zamot (CZ): All right, Gabe, we’re rolling! Let’s jump in—tell us about yourself.

Gabe Bibby (GB): Sure! I’m a sophomore at NC State, studying business administration. I’m originally from Charlotte, but I was born in Oregon. I recently started working at The Bike Library. Bikes have always been part of my life because of my dad—he was the captain of his cycling team in college.

CZ: Sounds like cycling runs in the family. How did that influence you?

GB: Yeah, definitely. My dad’s always been a big cyclist, so I grew up around it. He’d push me to join him on rides, even when I didn’t always feel like it. But in the end, bikes have always been part of my world.

CZ: You’re the first undergrad we’ve featured on the blog! I think biking takes on a unique role in college. What does it mean to you now?

GB: It’s more than just something fun to do. It’s a way to get around—commuting to class or work. Sometimes it’s faster than the bus, and it’s practical. I can park my bike right outside, and it’s also better for the environment.

CZ: What kind of bike do you ride?

GB: It’s an old 2000s Trek 8000 mountain bike. Most of the parts have been replaced, but the frame’s original. My dad and I fixed it up after a friend gave it to us—his old roommate left it behind. It’s needed a few repairs, but it’s solid now.

CZ: That’s pretty cool. We’ll need a photo of it for the blog. So, you’re studying business. How’s that going?

GB: It’s going well! I took a supply chain management course while studying abroad in Korea, and it’s been my favorite class so far. That experience got me more interested in the field, and I’m excited to keep learning.

CZ: This is your first job, and you’re my first hire. How has the experience been for you so far?

GB: Honestly, it’s been better than I expected. I didn’t know much about The Bike Library or the cycling scene in Raleigh before I started. But the location’s great, the weather’s been good, and the work has been more enjoyable than I imagined. The shifts go by faster than I thought they would, even when it’s slow.

CZ: What made you reach out at the end of the summer?

GB: Toward the end of summer, I was talking with my parents about getting some work experience. I wanted a job I’d actually enjoy, not something I’d dread. I remembered hearing about The Bike Library at an on-campus event last spring. I sent you an email, thinking, "Why not?" and I’m really glad I did.

CZ: I was excited to get that email! Finding someone passionate about the project was exactly what I needed. You’re only 19 and have a lot ahead of you. What do you want your future to look like, whether it’s related to bikes or something else?

GB: Honestly, I don’t know—and that’s part of the excitement. I’ll always have bikes in my life, even if I’m not working in a bike shop. I’ve enjoyed learning about supply chain management, so I’d like to do something with that, but I’m keeping things open.

CZ: That’s a good mindset. I used to try to predict where I’d be, and I was always wrong! What advice would you give to someone new to biking, especially students who are hesitant?

GB: I’d say just get out there and ride. Don’t overthink it—whether it’s about safety or whether you’ll enjoy it. Once you go on that first ride, you’ll realize it’s not as big of a deal as you thought. It can be something you look forward to, not something to worry about.

CZ: Love it—stop thinking, just ride. Thanks for your time, Gabe. I’m excited to keep working with you.

GB: Same here! Looking forward to it.