If bicycles could fly.

Paintings, drawings and some whimsical words.

Since I’ve started drawing and painting bicycles and investigating the world of cycling from both my drawing board and a saddle, I’ve been obsessed with flying bicycles. Not in the literal sense of bikes on jumps or catching air, but in the emotional sense of how to express the feeling one gets when riding. Flying.

Artistic painting of four children on a bicycle with arms outstretched against a blue sky, wearing red skirts and black outfits.

The very idea of flying bicycles can’t be new, I think it’s such a shared emotional feeling that I can’t be the only one to have made the connection. I’m sure I’m not, but it has been with me and I have expressed it many times over the years.

I’ve rendered images of cyclist flying under the Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, Golden Gate bridge – over oceans, trees, mountains, cityscapes and in the clouds. My pen and brush have taken me everywhere my imagination could visualize. My connection to an emotionally charged love for cycling has provided the fuel.

Illustration of two cyclists performing stunts on a large arched monument with a cityscape below.

And so I’m sure this flying journey of mine with bicycles isn’t over. Our bikes do help set us free. Free to wander. Free to explore. In some cases, free to work. To race. To loose ourselves in time and space and reset our compasses.

To ride a bicycle is to let go of worldly thoughts and responsibilities, if only for a short time.

To ride a bicycle is to be free and fly.

Two cyclists jump mid-air over a colorful rural landscape in a loose, sketchy watercolor style.

Whimsical illustration of a man with a top hat and glasses, pink and blue sky above with people on bicycles flying.

Michael Valenti

“This isn’t just about the prints or artworks, it’s about being part of our shared cycling journey. Everything that I create is in some way a small part of cycling history, creativity, color, story telling and joy delivered right to you. — I am truly grateful for all of your support, thank you. — Michael

Follow Michael Valenti:

Michael Valenti

Michael Valenti is "The Veloist" - He is an avid cyclist and artist known for his Cycling Art work. Michael has chased the Pro Peloton at the Tour de France, Giro, Tour Down Under and other major cycling events. He is available for events and corporate cycling related projects as well as personal commissions for art.