park opening in my home town. I pedalled down there. I was a shy kid and I poked my head in. I saw Dave Friemuth building ramps. I recognised him from mags and chatted to him. He checked out my bike and fixed up my brakes. He went out of his way to be cool to me. I learnt from Dave how much impact you can have on people and how important it is to be cool to younger riders. From a riding perspective Dave inspired me. I think his combination of tech and burly is the most beautiful thing in BMX.” In the years that followed, Brian grew up riding in the heart of the Midwest scene, taking direct influence from his mentors Dave Friemuth, Chad DeGroot and Jim Reinstra, in an era well documented by the Baco video series. In that time Brian was a technical ramp rider, he rode a front brake, had a hunger for 540 hurricanes, hitching post combos, Canadian Nosepicks and wore big kneepads.
For Brian’s part in Grounded and for having balls the size of Lake Michigan, he was nominated for two Nora Cups in 2008. The section earned him the status as one of the most respected street riders in BMX, joining the ranks of Van Homan and alike. It’s a status he reaffirmed in the years that followed with further video sections, magazine covers, appearances on Road Fools, endless travelling and winning bronze in X Games Street in 2010. Despite a long list of accomplishments Brian received some bad news from his old sponsor Etnies. “I still don’t know exactly why [I was dropped]. In interviews Povah [Etnies Team manager] would always say I was the ‘model pro rider’. I made an effort to go above and beyond what was expected of me. I was bitter at the time. But now it’s just water under the bridge.”
In the 2000s Brian took his beloved combination of tech and burly to new found heights and dangers on street. It is for his combination of tech and burly that Brian gained notoriety firstly in the Aspire video contest (2004) and later in his landmark section in the video Etnies Grounded (2007). Rarely has a rider suffered so much for a video part.
The Etnies news was a shock to Brian and the entire industry. Through years of tireless work and selfless acts, Brian has gained a reputation as one of the most hard working, friendly and selfless individuals in BMX. Whether it be through the opening of his private skate park, The Bakery, or simply helping a local rider find work, Brian is constantly trying to better himself and help those around him.
“When I got the email asking who wanted to film for Grounded, I instantly said ‘sign me up’. I was conscious it was going to be big project I would be proud of for years to come. I got injured half way through filming. I know the stuff I wanted to do for it, I don’t see it as my definitive section.” Brian recalls.
I ask Brian where he get’s his hardworking nature from. “Definitely my dad.” Brian starts. “My dad taught me about the importance of a strong work ethic. Lead by example, not by voice. He grew up in a poor trailer park and became one of the top attorneys in Wisconsin.
BRIAN KACHINSKY
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