Chase Zink Interview

For some reason over the years, Chase Zink has always stood out to me. I recall seeing footage of him in the old Michiana website and always thinking the dude was going to blow up because of how much style and talent he had on a bike. It’s been a little while since I’ve seen anything from him and I decided I’d see if he would be into answering a few questions. Luckily, Chase was into it and I’m psyched about that. Check out what he has to say, a few photos, and then leave him some love in the comments!

Photos by Stephen Holleman

Name: Richard Chase Zinkiewitz

Location: Gilbert, Arizona

Sponsors: Vinyl

Years riding: 12

What was it that first got you into BMX? Any early memories come to mind?
Seeing old school racers dudes with Hammer shin pads blasting jumps in the woods did it for me. Those guys were the shit.

I think the first time I became firmiliar with your riding, it was through the old Michiana BMX website. What ever happened to that site?
It basically turned into Vinyl. Things grew and not everyone riding for michiana lived in that area ( Michigan/Indiana) so it made sense to change.

What’s going on with Vinyl BMX these days? Haven’t you guys been working on another video or something like that?
Yeah, Tom is in the process of another full length I do believe.

I noticed you made the move to Arizona. What brought you there after living in Indiana?
Work and just a change of scene. Can’t really beat the weather out here also. I ride year round. Tons of cement waves.

You can kill some trails and cement parks. If you had to choose, would you have a really dialed set of trails, or the wildest cement park you could think up?
Trails without a doubt. Once you build a cement park it’s set in stone. Trails can be forever changing.

Speaking of trails. Have you been working on any down in Arizona? I think it was Bink that was telling me that area can produce some real solid dirt/sand mixes?
I’m no local at the trails out here. I don’t even understand how they build with this dirt. It’s so hot and dry you have to have a constant water source to have jumps. The Jackson’s spot is about the only trails I ride. I try and put in a few hours of digging every time I am out but I am no local. Papa Jackson keeps things real diald out there.

Where can you usually be found riding these days?
Chandler park and Tempe bowl lately.

Who’s your usual riding crew? Any up and comers you think people need to keep an eye out for?
I ride with my roommates a lot. Just makes sense. The twins and Stephan H. Lots of shredders out here I’m sure you will see more AZ kids coming up.

Do you have any plans for trips this summer? Anywhere you would like to go but didn’t plan on it?
I’m going to Pittsburgh. I have been saying that the last two summers but this is the one. There is a chance for France but Im still trying to save some cash up for that.

If you could load up a van with 5 people and a big budget. Who would you bring and where would you go?
Tom Arkus, Steve Sods, the twins, and Ryan Melia. I would love to hit up the Northwest.

Have you been working on any web edits or anything like that? When can we expect to see some fresh footage of you?
I have filmed a few things so hopefully soon you will see some things.

Who are a few dudes that really inspire and motivate you when it comes to riding?
Friends old and new.

What do you think you would be up to if you never got into BMX?
No idea.

What are you usually up to when you aren’t riding?
Working. Ha. Just doing random shit, trying to have a little fun before its too late.

What do you do for work?
I work for a restoration company. Basically it’s construction. I work with some sweet dudes and the pay is decent so no complaints.

I noticed you have a dog? What kind of dog is it? Does it do any cool tricks?
Yeah. Harlow. He is a Jack Russell terrier. Dude can do some sweet tricks. I’ve seen a couple full on backflips out of him lately his web edit will be out soon.

Do you like to party much or are you more of a chiller? What makes for a good night out for you?
Been partying more lately than usual. I guess it’s the company you keep.

Approximately how many women does it take to satisfy one Chase Zink?
Just one badd bitch.

You ever get into much trouble? Spend a night in jail or anything cool like that?
Nope. I try to avoid getting caught up in shit. Doing a good job so far.

What’s the last song you heard, movie you watched, and website you visited?
song- “Everywhere” Fleetwood Mac. movie-Macgrubber website- craigslist

What are some things you would like to accomplish in the next few years?
Buy a house, and a Harley, and keep on riding.

If you could be driving any car right now, what would you want to be rolling around in?
78 trans am. The house I plan on buying has to come with one of these already in the garage.

What’s the best advice you have ever been given or able to give?
Never give up!

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Thanks

Anything else you want to say?
Party On!