News

Introducing | Joe Parkin joins ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

03.12.2014
by Robin Schmitt

Welcome Joe — here’s to the start of something big! As of today, we are truly excited to officially announce that former BIKE USA and PAVED magazine Editor-in-Chief Joe Parkin joins ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine to spearhead our North American operations. Parkin, an ex-professional road and mountain-bike racer, will assemble and lead a team of editors and test riders in the United States and Canada, and manage ENDURO’s industry relations.

The man - Joe Parkin becomes the new Chief Editor USA and will assemble a strong nation-wide team of editors and test riders.
The man – Joe Parkin becomes the new Chief Editor USA and will assemble a strong nationwide team of editors and test riders.

Read the interview to find out more about this US legend and his unique vision.

ENDURO: Howdy Joe, in one sentence: Who is Joe Parkin?

I’m a former professional bicycle racer, a magazine editor, an author, a long range target rifle shooter, a pilot, a husband and a dad.

That’s a long list – what experience do you bring with you?

Most recently, I was the Editor of BIKE and PAVED magazines in the US. Beyond that, though, it’s safe to say that I’ve done just about every job in the bike industry. I started working in bike shops when I was a teenager, turned pro road racer in Europe when I was 20, became a mountain-bike pro at 28, and went to work for Castelli four years later. We were just a startup in the US at the time, so I did everything from answering phones and carrying boxes to designing clothing and working with media.

The Propain Bikes Frechdax, a small bike with big ideas!
With more than 1,000 races under his belt, Joe understands what it means to push a bike to its limit. As a father he understands what kids want. And as a husband of a woman who is very involved in the bicycle scene he understands what women are looking for in biking!

What other passions do you have besides bikes?

I love motorcycles, race cars and airplanes. Someday I will own a plane again — hopefully a little red Pitts biplane — and I will fly it upside down as much as possible.

What are the goals you want to achieve with ENDURO in the North American market?

I think my goals for ENDURO in the North American market align with the goals of the rest of the ENDURO crew — to be the global go-to magazine for mountain-bike information and entertainment.

What potential and challenges do you see in the North American market?

There are obviously some big and well-established media outlets in North America, but honestly, the biggest challenge to any mountain-bike publication in North America is the sheer size and geological diversity of the continent. If you look at the content produced by the North American mags, you’ll see a definite influence based on their location. If we can do a better job of speaking to all mountain-bike cultures in North America, I’d be really happy.

Joe Parkin at our Global Think Tank 2014 in Germany.
Joe Parkin attending our Global Think Tank 2014 in Germany.
“Adding Joe to the ENDURO team marks another big step in our just two-year-old media brand history." said Robin Schmitt, Director of ENDURO. “We have full confidence that Joe’s extensive experience, open-mindedness and understanding of both the industry and media will bring big changes. We are excited.”
“Adding Joe to the ENDURO team marks another big step in our just two-year-old media brand history.” said Robin Schmitt, Director of ENDURO. “We have full confidence that Joe’s extensive experience, open-mindedness and understanding of both the industry and media will bring big changes. We are excited.”
The international fast-growing team of 30 is now strategically based in the most important regions of Germany, the UK, USA and South East Asia.
The international; fast-growing ENDURO team of 30 is now strategically based in the most important regions of Germany, the UK, USA and South East Asia.
Visiting the new office in Stuttgart, which is still under construction.
Visiting the new office in Stuttgart, which is still under construction.
Many calls, mails, brainstorming and discussions during the Think Tank 2014, ...
Many calls, mails, brainstorming and discussions during the Think Tank 2014, …
... and some awesome rides in the mud!
… but never forget the riding!

At what events will we see you next year?

I hope to hit at least two Enduro World Series rounds next year, the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey, California, the 20th Anniversary of the Downieville Classic, Eurobike, Interbike, a round or two of the Big Mountain Enduro Series, and as many grassroots events as I can manage. I think it’s going to be a busy 2015.

Joe Parkin during the Design & Innovation Award 2015 being one out of six select jury members.
Joe Parkin during the Design & Innovation Award 2015; one out of six select international jury members.

What are you most enthusiastic about?

I like it all. Seriously. Bikes have defined my life since I was 16 years old, and they continue to define me today. So I guess you could say I’ve never met a bike or bike-related story that I didn’t find interesting.

I also love the constant progression of mountain biking. In 1996, when we were filming a segment for the FOX Head movie “Chain Smoke”, I was asked by one of the crew if I could “whip” my bike. (As a bit of context, a whip was the most prolific and still somewhat new motorcycle trick of the day.) “It’s not even possible on a mountain bike,” was my response. Yeah, well, just about every 10-year-old mountain biker can throw a whip these days, and 15-year-old is the Whip-Off World champ. At the Design & Innovation Award 2015, Nico Lau and Manuel Fumic were even throwing whips off small trail features. We’ve come a long way.

I love it all, and can’t wait to see what we’re doing next year… in 10 years.

For more information contact Joe Parkin and/or Robin Schmitt through our team page.

About ENDURO:

ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine is published six times per year in English and German, with issues available for free download in the App Store, Google Play and via the online reader at enduro-mtb.com. News and mainly unique content are published on a daily basis on the website. Its passionate international team presents the latest and most exciting stories from Cross Country, Trail and Enduro. Uniting lab testing with years of on-trail experience, ENDURO is a global reference standard for product reviews.

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.

You may also like

About the author

Robin Schmitt

Robin is one of the two founders of 41 Publishing, a visionary and go-getter. While he now enjoys every second on the bike – whenever his busy schedule allows – he used to race against the clock at enduro events and a few Downhill World Cups. Besides that, Robin practises kung fu and Zen meditation, plays the cello or with his dog (which actually belongs to his girlfriend), travels abroad and still reviews numerous bikes himself. Progressive ideas, new projects and major challenges – Robin loves exploring undiscovered potential and getting to the bottom of new trends.

View all posts