In Humboldt Park, 19-year-old Amalio Quiles is gaining notoriety for his daring bike stunts, riding around town on a bike that is missing its front wheel.
Quiles, who describes his experience as akin to riding a bull, has become a folk hero among fellow bikers as well as a daring presence on Chicago’s busy streets.
His escapades have resulted in a constant chorus of honks from baffled drivers while he navigates the bustling traffic that surrounds him.
The thrill of one-wheeled riding has attracted a following on social media, with Quiles sharing videos of his audacious rides on his Instagram account, KeyMilez, where he has over 50,000 supporters.
He is also a well-known participant in local cycling events, such as the upcoming Chicago Critical Mass, scheduled for 6 p.m. on Friday at Daley Plaza, an event that gathers cyclists from across the city to reclaim the streets for one night of riding.
Quiles, a resident of West Woodlawn, reports that the local youths have started to recognize him, taking inspiration from his stunts to practice popping wheelies of their own.
The trick to his unique style of riding, which Quiles has nearly perfected, begins with gathering speed.
“You pedal to get the bike up, and if you go down, feather the brake, balance yourself back out, hit that balance point, and now you don’t need the brakes, rinse and repeat,” he explains, acknowledging the risk involved but expressing that it’s a much preferable alternative to encountering trouble elsewhere.
His journey into this unusual riding began during his freshman year of high school when he needed a pastime to occupy his time.
On June 10, 2023, he decided to detach the front wheel while fixing the front brake, which led to a surprising turn of events.
To his astonishment, he was able to balance the bike and ride it without issue initially.
However, a mishap the following day where the bike flipped over resulted in a spin that knocked him in the back of the head.
Despite the fall, Quiles proudly claims that his injuries have been minor, with only a bruised rib as a consequence of his fearlessness.
A trademark of Quiles’ riding attire includes his distinctive Batman socks, a symbol for him of resilience.
“Batman is human; he could lose at any time,” he states, emphasizing the relatability of his hero.
For Quiles, navigating through the standstill traffic on Division Street Downtown is a source of adrenaline and excitement.
“It’s an obstacle course,” he says, noting the smiles and laughter of children on sidewalks and his enjoyment when others join him for a ride.
Quiles has built rapport with local officers, who often greet him with a friendly wave when they see him riding downtown.
In addition to his biking passion, Quiles has ambitious goals for the future.
He recently enrolled at Dawson Technical Institute of Kennedy King College, aiming to work for ComEd, particularly enjoying the idea of climbing electrical poles.
Quiles admits that he recently underwent a climbing evaluation, which made his legs shake with anxiety.
This summer, he is working at a Divvy warehouse, assisting bike mechanics, and used his earnings to purchase a GoPro camera to document his stunts.
He even managed to fund a trip to Jamaica, where he connected with other viral stunt bikers, and returned without his bike, having gifted it to a kid, alongside a video that accumulated nearly one million likes.
“I want to get everyone from everywhere to hop on bikes. Spread the culture,” Quiles expresses passionately, encouraging others to start with their own two wheels.
Through his adventures, Quiles has formed friendships across the city with fellow bikers, celebrating the unique styles and talents that Chicago’s biking community has to offer.
“Everyone brings their own style,” he notes. “It’s Chicago; you never know who could pop a wheelie.”
image source from：blockclubchicago
