Hi, my name is Gabriel Reyes.
I’m a local photographer + cyclist with a love for Kansas City. I was born and raised in KC, and I spent most of my school years in the KCMO school district.
As a child, I remember the freedom and joy of riding a bike around my local area. Somehow as an adult, I lost sight of that. About 7 years ago, I decided to start riding again. I wanted a way to stay active, and when I bought a new bike, I was hooked. From local mountain bike trails to city streets, I’ve met many new friends along the way.
During group rides around KC, I found myself experiencing places I had never seen before — despite living here my whole life. My dad also grew up here and worked at the old Armco Steel plant, but he moved away years ago. I started taking phone pictures for him + other friends and family who had left.
Wanting to capture the beauty of the city in the best way possible, I saved up for a camera and started carrying it with me on rides throughout the city. Although I can’t capture the entire experience — from the amazing restaurant smells to the friendly people I meet along the way — I try to capture the moments in time with just an image.
My message would be to get outside and see the beauty of the city. My dream would be for the city to create a more walking and cycling-friendly environment, and to attract more families to the city with additional multi-purpose roads and better urban planning.
You can see more of Gabe’s work through his Instagram account @KCESCAPADES, or on his website.
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