Gosh Art by Gosha Gibek

The dream of greatness.

Have you ever looked out of a car window and spotted a group of cyclists gliding along a country road? As a driver, you might have felt a little annoyed by their presence on the road, but as someone who loves the countryside, the sight can be incredibly enticing.

Perhaps you’ve wondered, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be one of them? Riding confidently, feeling the wind on your face, exploring quiet country lanes, and experiencing a true sense of freedom…”

That was my story. I kept seeing cyclists in their vibrant red jerseys, looking strong and fast, and I dreamt of joining them. That dream inspired me to buy my first road bike and take up cycling.

What’s Stopping You? – Overcoming Your Fears

But then came the doubts: “I’m not fit enough. I won’t keep up. I’ll get left behind.”

The truth is, joining a cycling group can feel intimidating, but the reality is far less scary. Most cycling groups, like my local Clitheroe Bike Club, welcome newcomers with open arms.

Becoming a Cyclist – My First Ride with Clitheroe Bike Club

I vividly remember my first Saturday morning ride with the club. I had my brand-new bike, very little experience, and a lot of nerves.

But the moment I arrived, those fears began to fade. The club’s motto, “Nobody gets left behind,” wasn’t just a phrase, it was a promise. Despite being a total beginner and lagging behind on hills (and there are plenty of those around here), I felt supported every step of the way.

The Benefits of Being Part of a Team

Being part of a cycling group is like joining a family. Over time, I built friendships, shared adventures, and felt a sense of belonging.

Riding in a group is also much safer – you have others watching your back, and let’s face it, someone will always help you change a flat tyre! More importantly, riding with others pushes you to challenge yourself and achieve goals you never thought possible.

Whether you’re training for a race or simply enjoying the scenery, group cycling provides motivation, encouragement, and a strong sense of camaraderie.

Another reason that people join cycling groups is so they can hone their skills and prepare for upcoming races. What better place to do this than in a group of skilled riders pushing each other to always do better? Many riders get a boost of confidence from riding in a cycling group, and it’s this confidence that can help them win their next triathlon.

After years of cycling along various open roads with fellow cycling enthusiasts, I have experienced many exciting adventures and incredible achievements. I can say that nothing motivates you to live an active life like belonging to a group of like-minded people. This connection pushes you to become a better version of yourself.

I could truly feel being part of something special, I could sense that I belong, and isn’t the need of belonging one of the important human needs to satisfy?

For me, it’s this kind of camaraderie that fuels the effort you put into pushing on your bike pedals. The sweat of climbing a very steep hill adds to the challenge. There is also the fear of falling over when cycling down. The rain and the wind add to it too. The whole cycling experience is exhilarating and worth every mile!

The Story of Harry and the Yorkshire Dales

Harry, the leader of one of the cycling groups I’ve painted, embodies this spirit perfectly. He had a recent accident that left him unable to ride for a while. I created an artwork to celebrate his adventures.

The painting captures Harry and his friends conquering the legendary Buttertubs climb in the Yorkshire Dales – a challenging ascent surrounded by rolling green hills and dry stone walls.

I remember attempting that climb myself once… and barely making it to the top! But the sense of accomplishment was unforgettable.

Capturing Stories Through Art

Find out more about custom cycling artwork or explore my collection here: www.goshagibek.com

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