The Idea

This photo feature isn’t just about cycling; it’s about the unseen realities that come with being an amateur cyclist. It’s about passion, resilience, and the often-overlooked struggles that cyclists face on a daily basis. Cycling, for me, is more than just the physical act of pedalling—it’s a way of life, a commitment, and a constant battle against the challenges that come with the sport. People often see the gear, the bike, and the time spent on the road and assume that I’m preparing for a major race, maybe even nationals. However, the truth is, I’m far from being one of the best amateur riders. I’m just another rider on the road, pushing through the limitations and obstacles that most people don’t even know exist.

To many, cycling is just a form of exercise or recreation, but for me, it represents something deeper. It is a journey of constant learning, growth, and overcoming the many difficulties that come my way. The road, both literal and metaphorical, is filled with challenges. It’s easy for outsiders to forget about the hard work, the dedication, and the resilience required to be an amateur cyclist. The hours spent repairing a flat tire on the side of a busy road or the self-doubt that creeps in after a particularly hard ride are not moments that make it to the highlight reels. There’s no applause, no cheering crowd, just the constant hum of the tires against the road as you push forward, one pedal stroke at a time.

On the road, we cyclists face a level of indifference that can be tough to bear. When we have a flat tire, most people just drive by without a second glance. Worse still, there are times when people intentionally get too close to you, weaving dangerously around you as if your presence on the road is an inconvenience. Accidents are always a looming threat, waiting to happen. I learned this the hard way when I was involved in a crash that left me with deep scratches and bruises. It took five weeks to recover, and even then, it wasn’t easy getting back on the bike. But that accident didn’t break my spirit—it only strengthened my resolve. It reminded me why I cycle: not for the glory or the awards, but for the pure love of the sport and the sense of freedom it brings.

Through this photo feature, I want to bring you into my world as an amateur cyclist. I want to show you what it really takes before, during, and after each ride. The careful cleaning, the precise repairing, the assembling of my bike, and the moments of quiet reflection before setting off—each of these shots tells a part of the story that often goes unnoticed. In a world where social media often shows only the finished product or the highlight moment, this series is about pulling back the curtain to reveal the journey. It’s about capturing the hours of preparation, the physical exertion, and the mental focus that make a ride possible. These aren’t just random moments; each one is carefully thought out, each one represents a deeper connection between me, my bike, and the road ahead.

As I go through the process of preparing for a ride, there’s a ritual involved—an almost sacred act of ensuring my bike is in perfect working order, that my body is primed, and that my mind is ready for the challenges ahead. It’s not just about making sure everything is set and ready to go; it’s about showing respect to the bike that has carried me through countless miles, through moments of joy, and moments of pain. From the early moments of disassembling and repairing the bike to the physical preparation with foam rollers and the quiet moments of prayer before a ride, this series captures everything. Every shot represents a piece of the puzzle—each one highlighting an aspect of my journey that I hope to one day turn into a larger story.

This journey is also inspired by some of the greatest names in cycling, including the champions of the Tour de France, whose feats of endurance and dedication are the stuff of legends. I’ve always dreamt of following in their footsteps, of competing at the highest level. But this photo feature is not just about me—it’s a call to action, a plea for more recognition and respect for amateur cyclists who spend hours on the road, battling the same risks and challenges. It’s about shedding light on the dedication, passion, and effort that go into each ride, and the sacrifices that come with it. 

I want this series to reach beyond just cyclists. I want non-cyclists to understand the challenges we face. It’s easy to dismiss a cyclist when you see them on the road, but behind each rider is a story, a journey filled with effort, emotion, and sometimes even pain. It’s a call to show cyclists the respect they deserve and to raise awareness about the risks we take in pursuit of our passion. I hope this series will help others understand that the next time they see a cyclist on the road, they’re not just passing a rider—they’re passing someone who is pushing themselves, overcoming obstacles, and fighting to keep moving forward, no matter how tough the road gets.

Ultimately, this feature is not only a celebration of my personal journey as an amateur cyclist but also a reminder that the journey is never over. There will always be new challenges to face, new heights to reach, and new lessons to learn. But what keeps me going is the same thing that drives every cyclist: the love of the ride, the pursuit of something greater, and the belief that no matter how hard it gets, we keep pedaling forward. This series, my journey, and my passion are a evidence to that.