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.

Gabe started off just sharing phone photos with family and friends. Picture by @KCESCAPADES.

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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