“Heyyy Ivan! I saw you’re doing a cycle tour in Europe! Amaaazing. Love this energy you got. I’m in Paris and I also LOVE ‘spin tourism.’ If you’re around, want to try some coaches? I’ve seen your ride style and think you’ll love riding with Ophelia and Gabriel. Let me know; I can recommend the best slots and even join you! Passion all the way! 😊🚴” – March 29, 2024.

Having just returned from an epic cycling adventure in Spain—my body sore but my spirit soaring—I was scrolling through Instagram, reminiscing about my whirlwind trip to Madrid. That’s when I discovered Global Flow Cycling and felt an instant connection. I reached out to Ivan, the man behind it, and three days later, we were sipping coffee at La Compagnie du Café in the 9th arrondissement of Paris, just an eight-minute walk from Dynamo Cycling Studio, where we’d join one of the hottest classes in town with Gabriel Seibel (trust me, you have to join: Every Sunday at 7 PM, 24 Rue Chauchat—it’s sensational!).

After an intense class, I watched Ivan participate in a session entirely in French. Having recently taken several classes in Spanish without knowing a word, it struck me: regardless of our diverse backgrounds and languages, once we’re on that bike, nothing else matters. The only language we truly need is music.

We then headed out for dinner (and, of course, some wine—hello, we’re in Paris!). Every Sunday has become our little ritual: 1h ride and dinner and drinks on Rue Cadet with the amazing crew I’ve met through cycling, who have become like family. That night, with Ivan in town, the energy was electric, fueled by music and our shared enthusiasm. We dove into how cycling has transformed our lives—the questions it sparked, the friendships it forged, and the mindset it built.

The next day, we jumped on a bike with Ophelia, the music wizard as I like to call her.

Now, you might think cycling is just another workout. But if you peel back the layers, you’ll discover a treasure trove of freedom, flow, and community. At the heart of it all are music, people, and energy. 

Over the past seven years, I’ve immersed myself in the cycling world. But it was only three years ago, during my first class with Gabriel (my 100th as a rider), that everything shifted. Seriously, he’s like a cycling magician—just ask anyone! The class was challenging, but beyond that; Gabriel conveyed a powerful message through his music. His playlist resembled a movie, with dramatic flair, climaxes  and plot twists. I didn’t fully grasp its meaning at the time, as I was experiencing something new, but it kept me coming back week after week.

As a french-brazilian living in France for ten years, Gabriel believes that “energy precedes language and is beyond borders.” This sentiment resonates deeply with me as a moroccan who has also lived in Paris for a decade.

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After a class with Ophelia Kinsumba (@thisisophelia), my connection to cycling deepened. Ophelia introduced me to a vibrant international community, to the joys of biomechanics and more. I felt like a kid in a candy store, surrounded by endless opportunities for growth and inspiration. Ivan understood that feeling and envisioned a way to bring it all to life.

Ivan was blown away by the cycling talent in Paris! The city’s cycling scene has been thriving since 2015, and I consider it France’s hidden gem. I started riding here in 2016 and have witnessed its incredible growth firsthand. While I may be a bit biased, I’ve met some of the most talented and creative individuals in this city. Ophelia and Gabriel have become dear friends and mentors, and I deeply respect their passion and the heart they put in their craft. As riders, we thrive on that passion; it’s a mirror’s game really. What you see, you become.  

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Ivan realized, after taking classes around the globe, that the future of the cycling industry is about collaboration—and I couldn’t agree more! In my years of riding, I’ve encountered a wealth of talent, energy, and empathy among coaches. Take a moment and envision with me the symphony we could create by weaving all the talents and passions together! Breathtaking, isn’t-it? 

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If you’re a coach reading this, know that you’ve likely touched countless lives, whether you realize it or not. And to the riders out there, think about that one ride that changed everything for you, the song that made you feel invincible, or that cycling friend who brightened your day with a smile or a cheer.

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Everyone has their own "why" when they step into a cycling class. Some come for the sweat, others are chasing a healthier lifestyle, some are building confidence for a big promotion, and many are mainly there to connect, feel and belong. What ties us all together? Emotions! Whether it’s pain, joy, regret, hope, or sorrow, we ride and coach to feel it all.

Ivan and I spent the week dreaming of uniting people worldwide. We believe that by embracing movement, music, and community, we can reconnect with our diverse "whys" as riders and coaches. Passion should be grand, exaggerated, shared, and authentic. I like to revisit a quote Gabriel shared recently: “We thrive when we exaggerate what makes us unique—not when we tone it down.”

My personal "why" is to understand myself better. When I’m on the bike, I explore how my body feels, the thoughts swirling around, and even my fears. I’m a bit of a geek about bike technique; I could chat for hours about the smallest tweaks to hips position or shoulder alignment. More than anything, I thrive on people’s stories. I come to get inspired and connect. Ivan shares this vision and has been inspiring me ever since to nurture my "why" unapologetically—and why not share it around the world?

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So, what’s your "why" when you are on that bike?

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