SteelSmash BMX Crew

Brian Kachinsky doesn’t require any sort of introduction, he’s one of the raddest riders of all times, making some of the craziest gaps to grind ever! He was kind enough to let us conduct an interview with him, so we came up with a few questions.

Name:  Brian Kachinsky
Age: 29
Hometown: Neenah, WI. Now living in Chicago, IL
Sponsors: DK, Etnies, Action Village, Arnette, Cti.
Likes: Bikes, Sunshine, coffee and ice cream
Dislikes: Snow, injuries, traffic
Years Riding: 16

SteelSmash: How and when did you start Riding? Do you still remember your first BMX Bike?
Brian Kachinsky: I started riding a bike when I was 4 or 5 but didn’t get my first “legit” Bmx bike until I was about 12 or 13. It was love at first sight!

SS: What was the very first trick you’ve learned? What about the last trick?
BK: the first trick I learned was a 1-footer and the last I learned was predator grinds and other switch peg stuff.

SS: Speed all over the spots, insane grinds and some of the radest gaps to grinds ever! You got it all. Who were your biggest influences in BMX?
BK: Thanks man! My biggest influences have always been my friends that I ride with. There are too many to name but they’ve all played a part in how I ride today.

SS: You were one of those riders I thought would never take off his brakes, because of your fast style and dangerous gap’s. Why did you decide to take off your brakes?
BK: I just wanted a change. My bike had been the same for a long time and I was ready for a new challenge. Brakeless was the first thing that came to mind. It’s changed how I ride and allowed me to progress at certain things. I do miss my front brakes at times though.

SS: How did you became part of the DK family?
BK: I started riding for them in 2004 when I left my previous sponsor, Standard Bikes. DK has been amazing and It’s crazy to think I’ve already rode for them for close to 7 years now! I can’t thank them enough and more great times to come!

SS: Describe the feeling of getting to build up your own signature frame from DK? (DK Passport)
BK: The feeling of having your own signature bike is surreal. To be able to design your dream bike is the best thing a BMXer could ask for!

SS: BMX has brought you halfway across the world, but is there any country or spot, that you’ve never been to that you’d like to visit/ride? And what was the most memorable/ the best trip so far? Why?
BK: I still haven’t been to tons of places I’d like to go but I’d say my favorite so far has to be New Zealand, Barcelona or Moscow. There are so many more that were also great but those stick out in my head as being incredible.

SS: Who are your favorite people to ride with?
BK: I love riding with all the Chicago/Milwaukee locals. KP, Jeff K, Timmy, Leep, Brady, Hinkens, Grant, Freimuth, etc. etc. Any one on the Etnies and DK team are also always awesome to ride with. I can’t forget about the Action Village team as well, all those guys are great friends of mine. We always have fun.

SS: In which point of your life did you believe you could make a living out of something you love doing, like riding. Did you have any other plans for life, in case this never worked out?
BK: I went to college for business so I guess that was my back-up plan. I still have the degree and knowledge to fall back on but for now BMX is where my heart is. I am very lucky to be where I am and live the life I do. That doesn’t mean I haven’t worked or it but it’s still amazing.

SS: How’s things going running with your project “The Bakery”?
BK: The Bakery is sooo much fun. It’s pretty much my dream spot to ride. I had a vision and made it a reality but I also couldn’t have done it without great friends and sponsors. Thanks guys!

SS: What is one trend that has phased out that you wish would come back Or which trend do you wish would fade out?
BK: I like how trends come and go. It’s things like that which make bmx interesting and always progressing. I wouldn’t change anything.

SS: What are some of the things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
BK: I’d love to travel to more places and meet more cool people. I’d also like to get more of my great friends to Chicago to ride The Bakery with me and enjoy the city. Most of all I just want to stay healthy and keep progressing!

SS: Everyone has that trick that they just can’t figure out or land. Is there a trick that is nearly impossible for you to land?
BK: Opposite whips and turndowns are two tricks that I can’t seem to get. I’ve technically pulled a turndown before but then got hurt and lost them. I’ll get them one of these days!

SS: If you could load up a Van with riders to ride with, who would you bring and where would you go?
BK: I’d bring a few buddies who like to ride and have a good time and we’d go explore new cities that we haven’t been to. I’m pretty simple when it comes to that stuff. I can have fun anywhere!

SS: What plans do you have for the future? Where should we be expecting to see you pop up?
BK: My plans for the future just include riding and traveling. I have some fun stuff coming out like a signature colorway of the Jameson 2 mid with Etnies and some fun stuff in the works with DK as well. There are also a bunch of contests and roadtrips going on this summer so chances are I’ll be all over the place! I’m excited. In the meantime you can catch me riding the streets/parks of the Midwest and maybe a few late nights at The Bakery!

SS: Thank you for this opportunity, anything you wished to add before we wrap this?
BK: Thanks to all my friends, parents, girlfriend and sponsors who have supported me and stuck with me through thick and thin. Also, thanks to everyone who took the time to read this and thanks for wanting to do this interview. Party on!