Riding groups, the most human side of cycling
Paco García has become one of the most recognizable people within the Gobik community, and not just because of his beard or his impossible T-shirts. Although he did not come from a cycling background, today he lives this sport with the naturalness and enthusiasm of someone who had always been part of a riding group.
From his position as custom sales manager for central, northern and eastern Europe, he ended up discovering something he did not expect to find in this sport: an enormous sense of community.
Because behind every custom kit there are not only colors, logos or designs. There are friendships, trips, shared rituals and groups that, over time, end up becoming true families.
We spoke with Paco about all of this: the people, the stories and the most human side of cycling.
“When you start getting to know this world, you realize it is not individualistic at all. Teammates, support and the technical staff are essential. In the end, many riding groups and clubs end up becoming true families”.
Behind every project
His job is to support both clubs and stores throughout the entire custom process: from the first contact until the kit reaches their hands.
“We transform their project idea into a reality. Very often we get personally involved in decisions on design and garments to help them create something unique”.
But beyond emails, calls or meetings, there is something Paco is clear about: everything starts with understanding the people behind each group.
“I always try to put myself in the customer’s shoes. You have to work as if it were for yourself. And if a problem comes up, look for the best possible solution quickly and be honest. People value that enormously”.
Instagram as a meeting point
What began as a simple work tool ended up becoming an open window onto hundreds of shared stories.
Paco uses Instagram to follow the day-to-day life of riding groups, discover how they experience cycling and stay in touch with many of the clubs he works with.
“I do not even have a personal Instagram account. It started out as a tool to look for information and I ended up feeling like part of many riding groups. I love it when they send me photos, videos or stories from their rides”.
And that is probably one of the reasons why so many people within the Gobik community feel so close to him.
Traveling to understand cycling from the inside
Although he spends a large part of his time in the office, travel is a fundamental part of his work. Trade shows, events and major sportives allow him to put faces to all those people he speaks with every day.
“When you meet someone face to face, you understand much better what they need. It is also the perfect moment to recommend products or share real impressions”.
Among all those trips, there is one that stands out in particular: Mallorca 312.
“It is always a pleasure. I have the opportunity to meet a great many clubs I work with during the year and share much closer, more relaxed moments”.
What makes a grupeta special?
After years of working with clubs across Europe, Paco is clear that there is no single answer.
“Each grupeta is looking for something different. Some prioritize design, others quality or staying within a specific budget. The important thing is adapting to their needs.”
But if there is one thing that really makes the difference, it is enthusiasm.
“I really value it when a group comes in eager to create something unique. Those are the designs people remember most, because they perfectly reflect the personality and enthusiasm of the people who wear them.”
He also admits, laughing, that people who ride bikes have something special about them.
“They’re crazy… hahaha. You have to have enormous willpower to make time every day and devote it to this sport.”
Memories too many to sum up
When we ask him about a special grupeta, Paco laughs before answering. Impossible to choose just one.
He mentions names like Gruppetto Hamburg, HRC Hannover, Alive Inside or Braunstein, clubs he has shared events, rides and experiences with over the years.
“There are so many they wouldn’t fit in this interview.”
And that is probably the best possible answer.
Quick questions with Paco
One word to define Gobik
Team.
Coffee before or beer after?
“Beer, before, during and after.”
Your favorite Gobik garment?
Terrain. “Loose, comfortable and breathable.”
A cyclist you’d go for a ride with tomorrow?
Jolanda Neff. “Although I’d get lost as soon as we set off.”
The best excuse not to go out riding?
“I’m not going out with them, they’re too fast.”
Tour, Giro or Vuelta?
La Vuelta. “There’s no place like home.”
A song for going out riding?
FME de Mudrat.
More than kit
Talking to Paco is understanding that behind every custom kit there is much more than colors or logos. There are stories, friendships, trips, coffees before setting off and beers after getting back.
And above all, there are people. Because if there is one thing Paco García knows after all these years, it is that cycling is never just about pedaling.
