Communities on Bikes
For my final project in JRNL4102: Photojournalism Portfolio, I wanted to capture community. One day, as I was gathering photos for another assignment in Downtown Denver, I came across the group 303 Streets. I decided to stop, take photos, and learn about this community that was connected by one central tenant: bikes. After this experience, I wanted to capture how different communities use this central bond to form relationships. What I captured lies below:
Members of the Denver-based group, 303 Streets, gather at the start line to begin their bike trick competition in Downtown Denver, Colo. on February 15, 2023.
J.P. (pictured in orange) poses for a picture in Downtown Denver, Colo. on February 15, 2023. J.P. builds fireplaces for a living, but he is a member of 303 streets because it allows him to “enjoy the community and terrorize shit.”
Jaden Reese, an appliance installer, does tricks at the 303 Streets bike competition held in Downtown Denver, Colo. on February 15, 2023. “This is an escape where I get to hang out with my friends,” he said.
Stevie Castillo, a high school student who emigrated from El Salvador, awaits his turn at the starting line for the 303 Streets bike competition held in Downtown Denver, Colo. on February 15, 2023. “I like riding bikes, and it's something more than work and school,” he said (translated from Spanish).
Two brothers celebrate the prizes they've won after the conclusion of the 303 Streets bike competition held in Downtown Denver, Colo. on February 15, 2023.
Jacob Cruz, a forklift operator, took third place in the 303 Streets bike trick competition held in Downtown Denver, Colo. on February 15, 2023. “I like riding all kinds of bikes-- all of the above,” he said.
Tim Roberts, a cycle courier, takes home first place in the 303 Streets bike competition held in Downtown Denver, Colo. on February 15, 2023. “Everybody is happy when they see me delivering their food, but, here, I get to just love bikes.”
Tracey Jacobs attaches her numbered bib to her skinsuit as she prepares to compete in the Buff Gold Gravel Race held outside of Boulder, Colo. on April 30, 2023. Jacobs is a cyclist with the Groove Subaru Excel Sports Race Team, based out of Boulder, Colo.
Cyclists are photographed as they race past a supporter during the Buff Gold Gravel Race held outside of Boulder, Colo. on April 30, 2023. Photographing in the background is the wife of Gerry Sims, racer number 78.
Tracey Jacobs hugs her friend, Juli White of the Ride or Die Collective, as they readied themselves for the Buff Gold Gravel Race held outside of Boulder, Colo. on April 30, 2023. “I'm glad to be racing alongside her,” White said.
Laura Moffett (left) chats with George York after they completed their races in the Women's 50+ and Men's 50+ categories at the Buff Gold Gravel Race held outside of Boulder, Colo. on April 30, 2023. “It's people like her,” York said of Moffett, “that keep me racing.”
Cyclists in the Men's 50+ category race past the finish line during the Buff Gold Gravel Race held outside of Boulder, Colo. on April 30, 2023. With only 13 racers, the Men's 50+ category was among the smallest groups of the day.
Gerry Sims, a cyclist racing with the Castelli Colletivo, takes home first place in the Beginner Men's category at the Buff Gold Gravel Race held outside of Boulder, Colo. on April 30, 2023. He chose to have his daughter, one of his most ardent supporters, stand alongside him on the podium.
Dave Milito walks alongside his son after his completion of the Men 40+ category at the Buff Gold Gravel Race held outside of Boulder, Colo. on April 30, 2023. “I'm glad I have my family here supporting me,” he said.