Welcome to 1×10, where we ask 1 inspiring human 10 questions about how they are using cycling as a force for good. Read on to learn more about Hernan Rivera, Owner of LP&CG (Love Peace & Chain Grease), a cycling apparel and accessories brand, based in Los Angeles, CA. Hernan reached out through the ‘contact us’ link on this ole’ site and once I saw the Midnight Maurauders cap (see below) [R.I.P Phife] I was like ‘let’s talk!’ Learn about his favorite bike, how he’s making socially and environmentally responsible (and also pure FIRE) apparel, and more in his 1×10 interview. (photos by @chudo_nomi)

1. How / why did you fall in love with cycling?

Like most people I first fell in love with cycling as a kid. Back then I used to skate and ride BMX, but as I grew older living in LA and not having a car was kind of a deal breaker so I put away the BMX and skateboard and got a car. I usually kept a skateboard in my trunk for like flat tires and such, but it wasn’t until I was in my late 20’s that I got back on a bike and discovered the world of Mountain Biking. That was such an invigorating natural high and it took me right back to the love and joy I felt as a kid on a bike. I knew this time that riding a bike was a high I didn’t wanna give up.

“That was such an invigorating natural high and it took me right back to the love and joy I felt as a kid on a bike.”

2. Favorite Bike (that you own or covet)?

I’m really diggin’ my All-City Macho Man, but I’ll never stop loving my old steel Paké fixed gear beater! I’ve put a lot of miles on her and put her through some first class beatings and she’s never let me down. Even got t-boned on her last year and ended up with some major injuries, but she came out with barely a scratch.

3. What’s the most memorable ride you’ve done, and what happened?

My most memorable ride is probably the very first group ride I went on almost 10 years ago, which was also the very first Treats ‘n’ Beats ride, which was a ride from back in the day. I had so much fun and was blown away by the variety of people all rolling together from so many different backgrounds. Growing up as a Hip Hop kid in LA in the late 80’s and early 90’s, I was accustomed to everything being so segregated and would always see the same types of people at the functions I would go to. After that ride I learned that LA had a huge and diverse bike community waiting to welcome you with open arms.

“After that ride I learned that LA had a huge and diverse bike community waiting to welcome you with open arms.”

4. Who do you admire in the cycling world?

Anybody willing to humble themselves enough to get on a bike and put themselves through a certain amount of suffering in the quest for a better way to roll through life. Riding a bike is sooo liberating, but it takes work and not everyone is willing to put in the work. Hats off to those who do.

5. Top tip for a new rider, or a cyclist about to take on a new challenge?

For a new rider, get to know the folks at your LBS and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Anything in life can be intimidating when it’s new to us, but trust, there’s a whole world wide community out there willing to help out. For a seasoned rider ready to take on a new challenge, do the research, put in the work and be like Nike and JUST DO IT!

“Anything in life can be intimidating when it’s new to us, but trust, there’s a whole world wide community out there willing to help out”

6. Favorite trend or innovation in cycling?

The 650b, although not a new thing, it’s definitely hot right now and I’m really loving my set of HED Belgium’s the guys over at Golden Saddle Cyclery built up for me.

7. What are you doing to use cycling as a force for good?

I have a cycling apparel and accessories brand called Love Peace & Chain Grease and I source materials that are socially and environmentally responsible. I choose these materials because they not only feel and look great but the manufacturing process leaves less of a carbon footprint on the planet. The printing is also done with eco-friendly water based inks, which feel great. One of the companies I work with is helping to clean up the environment by using recycled plastic in their tri-blend fabric along with 100% U.S. grown cotton and Tencel Modal which is natural plant based fiber that makes the fabric really soft. They produce the fabric here in the states and then ship it to their factory in Haiti where they are boosting the Haitian economy by providing their workers average wages five times that of the average living wages. My brands focus is Quality | Design | Function and our goal is to provide that as socially and environmentally responsible as possible.

“I choose these materials because they not only feel and look great but the manufacturing process leaves less of a carbon footprint on the planet. The printing is also done with eco-friendly water based inks, which feel great.”

8. Thinking about the work you’re doing, what do you see as the potential change for people or the planet? If you are successful, what impact will you have?

The products I design aren’t going to change the world, but the way in which we approach making these products and the way we consume them as a whole can be a positive change for society and the planet. I think people can be as conscientious about the planet as they are about the way they look, they just need pointing in the right direction and if I continue to make rad products that are high quality, look dope and are most importantly eco-friendly, then I’m contributing in the reduction of the overall waste we leave behind for the next generations to have to deal with. And the more I can ride a bike while I’m doing it, the less pollution I contribute as well, and the better health I’m in (mentally and physically), plus it’s the right example for my kids.

“…if I continue to make rad products that are high quality, look dope and are most importantly eco-friendly, then I’m contributing in the reduction of the overall waste we leave behind for the next generations to have to deal with.”

9. What’s your biggest challenge/obstacle to success?

Getting in my own way. I can be my own worst critic and at times struggle with doubt and procrastination.

10. How can people help? Where can they learn more about your work?

Check out my website https://lovepeaceandchaingrease.com and follow the brand on insta @lp_cg. If you like what you see, tell a friend and spread the word.

Hernan Rivera, is the owner of LP&CG (Love Peace & Chain Grease), a cycling apparel and accessories brand based in Los Angeles, CA. When he’s not slinging environmentally and socially responsibly made super rad gear, you can find him roaming the LA Streets on his bike #LAsucksforcycling.

Edited by John Kim. When he’s not out for a ride, John uses his expertise in Corporate Social Responsibility to help companies do well by doing good. Find him at virtcyc@gmail.com or VirtCyc on twitter or instagram.