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 meet Casey Clark, Co-founder and Chief Product Juggler, of Campandgoslow. As someone who fell in love with cycling via an old road bike outfitted with lots of Campagnolo bits and more recently got into the speed of bike camping, I admire the Campandgoslow ethos, sense of humor and approach to bikes. But when I saw them put together a rad raffle to encourage folks to support their local bike shop (LBS), I saw the true generous spirit of Campandgoslow shine through and knew I needed to feature them on the blog. (Full disclosure: I was the winner of their first week’s raffle through my support of my LBS in Montpelier, VT, Onion River Outdoors). Learn more about Casey’s favorite bike, his favorite trend in cycling, how he’s using bikes to do good, and more, in his 1×10 interview. Photo by Spencer J Harding.

Public Service Announcement: This week’s raffle of sweet sweet Paul Components swag (big ups to Paul for donating the stuff; read my earlier 1×10 interview with Mr. Paul here) is being drawn today but there’s always next week! Support your LBS AND enter yourself a chance to win some great stuff! Go check out the Campandgoslow instagram page, get a gift certificate supporting your LBS, and enter! Win-Win!!

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

That’s a second date question. This is a first date.

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

Oh, who could choose their favorite flower from a meadow! My Crust Evasion is on heavy rotation though.

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

That’s a tough one…I think the Idaho Hot Springs Route is a real stand-out. I have a lot of rose-colored memories of that trip. I took a lot of baths. 

4. Who do you admire in the cycling world?

Every single person who operates a small independent bike shop. You’re all nuts and I love you.

“Every single person who operates a small independent bike shop. You’re all nuts and I love you.”

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

Don’t take it too seriously. Seriously.

6. Favorite trend or innovation in cycling?

My favorite thing in cycling right now the resurgence of small, rider-owned, cottage industry businesses.  It’s great to see so many smart, talented people making room for themselves in the market, and it disrupts the big monolithic companies in a healthy way.

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

Campandgoslow doesn’t have any specific philanthropic initiatives, but we give a pretty good chunk of money away every year to bike advocacy organizations that we like, and we donate stuff to events and fundraisers that we want to support. We also source all our products from small, independent businesses, which feels like a healthy way to do business. It also makes everything feel fun and collaborative. 

“…we give a pretty good chunk of money away every year to bike advocacy organizations that we like, and we donate stuff to events and fundraisers that we want to support.”

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?

That’s a pretty heavy question for a lightweight like me…I think the best thing Campandgoslow can do is promote a kind of cycling that’s not intimidating. All the fast and furious/KOMing/Shreddy McGnarbro stuff scares a lot of people away from cycling. I know it sells a lot of Red Bull, but it has a net-negative effect on ridership and that sucks. I want Camp to show off a side of cycling that’s fun, easy to relate to, and has much lower dental insurance premiums.   

“I want Camp to show off a side of cycling that’s fun, easy to relate to, and has much lower dental insurance premiums.”   

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

I basically have no idea how to run a bike business.

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

Ride slow and make it look good.

“Ride slow and make it look good.”

Casey Clark is the co-founder and Chief Product Juggler of Campandgoslow. When he’s not out riding bikes you can find him turning other wheels throwing clay!

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.