Wood: Yeah, I think that’s a really fun place to race. The crowds are so big and so supportive. In general, the crowds are really enthusiastic and knowledgeable in Montreal; they really get into it, which is nice. It was unbelievable how many people stood out in the rain for three hours. That was real dedication, and I think that’s the special thing about racing in Montreal.
—Mitch Friedman

SAVING THE PLANET AND MAKING GRINS
We talk with Pedro’s Chris Zigmont
 
RBA: What are the roots of Pedro’s green movement?
Chris: The roots of the movement are truly in the formative years of the company. Milk Levers, Bio degreaser and Oranj Peelz are found in Pedro’s third-ever catalog in 1994, long before it was chic to be “green.” So it’s in our DNA for sure. The resurgence came early last year after my first trip to Taiwan. Holy cow! The bike industry was and is responsible for trashing the place. This is sort of ironic since the bike is going to save the planet. We decided we needed to clean up what we do, what we make and how we make it.
 
RBA: What have the more successful products been?
Chris: When I look back across at all that Pedro’s has done, it is interesting that our unique environmental efforts shine. Our sustainable CHAINJ chain lube has been an instant success and looks to be heading for hero status around here. It works well, which is key, but I believe people are responding to a little bit of the right thing to do.
 
RBA: What percentage of cyclists do you think really get the “green” movement versus those who just want to ride cool bikes?
Chris: Deep down, all cyclists are at least accidental environmentalists. Everybody wants a nice place and a nice day in which to ride their bike. I think the hard-core, tree-hugging population of cyclists is small, but big by comparison to other populations. Still, I believe cyclists pause that extra moment in the grocery store and make greener choices (as they see it) because they know from being outside that another choice could hurt their planet.

RBA: What is it that keeps you so motivated and enthused?
Chris: Great question. I started because of the sheer joy of whizzing down the road on my bike (a mint green Motobecane Nomad) that I bought in 1980. I still get that same grin when I ride. I get a charge out of my kids riding. There is hard work every day, but you work hard at everything. I just like contributing to the grins. I also derive the greatest motivation from the knowledge that the bike can and will heal many of the world’s woes. Climate change, congestion, obesity, just to name a few, and I am motivated to do it in a sustainable way for my kids.
 
RBA: Is the bike industry really running green or just selling bikes? 
Chris: I hate to be harsh on my brothers, but we aren’t very green at all.  Before you push me off my soapbox, I’ll be the first to say that Pedro’s has a lot of work to do. We are trying to address environmentalism at every corner; from our office, our packaging, transportation, even our marketing. We have a lot to do and every day around here is an education. But sadly, the industry is a large part of the climate problem. Look at the investment in China. No one who has Chinese products on order can complain about China’s environmental record. Companies make stuff in China (and elsewhere in Asia) because it’s cheaper. It is cheaper because lax or non-existent regulations regarding air and water protection and much more. Human rights, too. Sustainability is a triangle: it requires social, financial and environmental responsibility. Think fair trade coffee. How about fair trade bikes? We need to do so much better. Our hats are off to Kind Bicycles in Wisconsin, trying to manufacture bikes in a more sustainable way. What if Trek, Specialized and Giant did that?