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 about Carine Joannou, President and CEO of Jamis and Nirve Bicycles. Marty Epstein told me I needed to interview Carine for the blog as he described Jamis as the ‘only woman owned independent bike brand’ and provided me her contact info. I reached out to Carine and she graciously responded right away to this out of the blue email from a stranger! Further proof of the power of Marty! Read more to learn about how Carine fell in love with cycling, how Jamis (insta) and Nirve (insta) are using bikes to do good around their communities, and more in her 1×10 interview.

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

I was born into the bike business!  My father started the bicycle company in 1937 after immigrating to the United States. He was originally from the island of Cyprus and made his way to the United States by way of the United Kingdom. While in the United Kingdom he made extra money working on bicycles. One of the first things he noticed when he came to the United States was how “behind the curve” the bicycles were. The bicycles in the UK were lightweight, skinny-wheeled speedsters and the bicycles in the states were heavy, balloon-tire cruisers. He convinced a few bicycle companies in the UK to sell him bicycles on consignment to import into the USA and over 80 years later, we’re still here designing and building cutting edge bicycles for cycling enthusiasts and everyday riders looking for a quality bicycle. Independently family-owned and operated…since 1937. We’re very proud of that.

“Independently family-owned and operated…since 1937. We’re very proud of that.”

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

They’re like my babies…can’t pick just one! If it’s got JAMIS on the down tube you can be sure it’s a favorite of mine. However, I will say one of my favorite Jamis bikes of all time would have to be the Eclipse Reynolds 853 steel road bike we built in the 1990s. It was beautiful to look at and what a buttery smooth ride.

“I will say one of my favorite Jamis bikes of all time would have to be the Eclipse Reynolds 853 steel road bike we built in the 1990s.”

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

Bike touring in Europe. Germany and France are standouts in my memory.  Travel is a pretty important aspect of my life. I’m lucky that my work brings me all over the world. To be able to explore different cultures and traditions from a bicycle saddle allows you to soak it all in in a way that’s impossible to do from a motorized vehicle.

“To be able to explore different cultures and traditions from a bicycle saddle allows you to soak it all in in a way that’s impossible to do from a motorized vehicle.”

4. Who do you admire in the cycling world?

All those involved with cycling that produce great product as well as the talented and dedicated athletes that put those products to the test. I get to see first-hand the dedication, hard work and quite frankly…love…that is put into designing bicycles that all of us here at Jamis are proud to but our name on. Then to see professional athletes that are equally proud to wear that logo and show the world, and themselves, just how far they can push the limits of performance, fitness and technology…it just never gets old.

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

I’m a big believer in mind-over-matter. Any challenge can be tackled if you put in the work. Nothing really worth accomplishing in life is easy. If it was, it wouldn’t be so satisfying once you come out the other side realizing you pushed through and met the challenge head-on.

“Any challenge can be tackled if you put in the work.”

6. Favorite trend or innovation in cycling?

I think disk brakes in general are awesome. It’s a given nowadays, but the ability to have this level of braking efficiency provided at the entry-level, and even on youth bicycles, has been a game changer for performance as well as safety

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

We are big believers and the power of cycling. From the health aspect to the personal challenge of going that extra mile when you feel like there’s no more fuel in the tank. It can be such a positive part of someone’s life and is why we’re active supporters of our local NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association) high school mountain bike leagues. We’ve seen first-hand how young people who may not find their groove in traditional sports take to the high school cycling program and quite literally change their lives. So by providing steep discounts to NICA riders across the country as well as donating bicycles to our local chapters for students that may not have the means to purchase a race-ready bike, I’m really proud every time we see a kid’s smile when they cross the finish line. Doesn’t matter if it’s first place or last place, just tackling that challenge proves to them they can accomplish something that they’ve worked hard to achieve…and perhaps thought they’d never be able to do.

“We’ve seen first-hand how young people who may not find their groove in traditional sports take to the high school cycling program and quite literally change their lives.”

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?

Getting people to ride more. The world around us is speeding up at an unsustainable pace. We’re all becoming accustomed to insane levels of “productivity” at the expense of soaking in and appreciating the world and the people around us. Cycling can be used for pure recreational purposes. It can also be used to bring families together for a healthy activity away from the screens that seem to dominate our day-to-day life. Encouraging and supporting efforts and groups that dedicate their time and energy to make commuting by cycling a safer and more realistic option for a larger swath of our population is a huge priority for us.

“Encouraging and supporting efforts and groups that dedicate their time and energy to make commuting by cycling a safer and more realistic option for a larger swath of our population is a huge priority for us.”

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

People. Finding and nurturing talented, passionate and dedicated people with good judgment that can think quickly and engage with humanity.

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

Buy local. Support your community. Engage with people. Say “good morning” to a stranger. Take your kids for a bike ride. Frown less. Smile more.

“Buy local. Support your community. Engage with people. Say “good morning” to a stranger. Take your kids for a bike ride. Frown less. Smile more.”

Carine Joannou is the President & CEO of Jamis & Nirve Bicycles, carrying on the bike business started by her family in 1937!

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.