His passion and the lack of scope to pursue it drove a cycle enthusiast from Bhubaneswar to leave his corporate job to promote a healthy lifestyle through cycling and this endeavour is helping him to earn over Rs 2 crore a year. Spare a few minutes to know more about him..
The Beginning
36-year-old Ajay Nanda loved cycling since his childhood and preferred it over other modes of transportation. With an MBA degree and an experience of working at Future Group, Reliance Retail, Landmark Group and such reputed companies for six years, Ajay left behind his corporate career to set up his own start-up. “When I left my job I just wanted to do something of my own but did not know what exactly it would be. During my spare time I did a lot of cycling. Soon I realized there was a dearth of quality bike store and good repairing avenues. Initially, I wanted to come up with something that would address immediate problems and set up 22 Bikes in May 2015. But very soon this single store turned out to be a community-based Bicycle store.” Ajay told chalgenius.com.
Six years success story
22 Bikes has recorded a growth in both revenue and manpower. A year after the start-up was set up the turnover was Rs 40 lakh and this figure has risen up to over Rs 2 crore last fiscal. In the aspect of staff strength, the company started with 2 employees and now has 21. Again, starting from one store in Bhubaneswar, 22 Bikes presently has two additional stores, one more in Bhubaneswar and another in Cuttack.
What is 22 Bikes?
It is a perfect space for all bike lovers to come together. 22 Bikes caters to all the necessities of cyclists from selling bicycles of many brands, accessories to repairing and servicing. It offers bicycle-rentals as well as training sessions. The regular bicycle tours and events that are conducted by 22 Bikes from time to time have gained immense popularity. “Along with being a one-stop location for bicycles, we promote, encourage and aim to educate people on the benefits of being a cyclist. Our idea is to offer more than just a cycling shop. We have a small library of cycling books, a nice sitting area and an ever motivating ambience. We want cyclists to visit our shop, sit and plan cycling related activities,” explained Ajay.
Took International trips
Even, Ajay himself rode bicycle from Bhubaneswar to Bhutan in 2015, Vietnam & Cambodia Tour in 2016, Cuttack to Katmandu in 2017, Manali –Leh in 2018, Sri Lank Tour in 2019 and many inter-state rides. To celebrate their store anniversary on May 10th,every year they organizes Blood Donation camp, Road Safety Campaigns, Bicycle Training Sessions, Breakfast Ride and donate recycled bicycle to orphans. Children of the orphanages are very happy to receive these bikes. Even the cycling members visit different schools and organize workshops on cycling activities and road safety.
Cycle as an integral part of life
Ajay has taken numerous steps to enhance the life style of every citizen, irrespective of the age group by pushing cycling as integrate part of life. He has been conducting a week end ride known as “Everybody Must Ride”, a group activity. Apart from this regular activity he had taken initiative like Go Office by Cycle, Gym by Cycle, Ride to a Heritage, Bike and Hike.
Standing beside humanity
During these tough times of Covid pandemic, 22 Bikes cycling members have donated blood to more than 45 people and distributed 250 dry food packets to needy families. They are providing oxygen cylinders to required people. “We don’t sell Bicycle;it’s all about selling Bicycling:” says Ajay. Plans are afoot to create online platforms on cycling, he added.
Get in touch
Ajay Nanda (9337646910)
ajayananda6262@gmail.com
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