Jake is one of those riders who has been on our radar for quite a while, popping up from time to time in a new edit and always putting together some real good riding. Over the years, he’s rode for a few different companies and it seemed like every time we saw something new from him he progressed a ton and continued to get smoother and make his riding look more and more effortless. After years of hard work, this Rochester, New York native joined the Kink Bike Co. team which is also based out of the same city he grew up riding in. The new opportunity seems like a perfect fit and based off the welcome edit that dropped recently, we couldn’t wait any longer to get ahold of Jake to find out what his story is! We shot him a bunch of questions that you can check out below along with some dialed photos and that new edit!
Name: Jake Petruchik
Location: Austin, TX
Sponsors: Kink Bike Co., Outlaw Bike Shop
Years riding: 7
What was it that first got you into BMX? Any early memories come to mind?
I used to skate, and did for quite a few years but I eventually grew out of it. A few of my friends that I would skate with sometimes would mess around on BMX bikes down at some local “trails”. It caught my interest and I eventually bought a bike of my own.
Photo: Aaron Smith
You have been doing it for Kink for a little while now. How did you get involved with the brand?
The first person I started really riding with was Dan Coller, who has always been down with the Kink dudes. Growing up in the Rochester BMX scene I eventually just became friends with everyone who worked and rode for the brand there. The Kink dudes have always helped me out and I bounced around with some other random hook ups but didn’t start riding for Kink until last summer.
That new edit you had drop the other week was so good. How long did you work on that one? Any good stories behind that project?
Ha thanks man, glad you were into it! I actually started working on it as soon as I got on Kink. I had been saving clips with Darryl since we were in Canada, and being here in Austin has been awesome being able to go film whenever I can. It’s the longest I’ve ever put into a project before and it’s been a lot of good times for sure.
I know Kink likes to get their flow guys involved as much as they can for trips and everything. Do you have anything in the works for this summer like trips or anything you can tell us about?
Yeah, its rad. This summer there will be a little east coast tour, shop stops and riding around through a couple cities.
How are things going with Outlaw Bike Shop? Can you tell us a little about them?
Outlaw is sick, they’re just a small town bike shop outside of Rochester. They’ve helped strengthen the scene for plenty of youngsters, and keep it real while doing so.
Back to that new edit of yours…. I noticed you have this smooth and almost effortless style with your riding. Did you ever race or where did this style come from?
I don’t know what you’re talking about, haha. I never raced BMX, maybe it comes from skateboarding as a kid. Skateboarding and street riding have just always been big influences on how I ride my bike. I like to focus on what looks good and proper and try to incorporate it into my riding.
Who were some of your biggest influences on your riding growing up?
I’m pretty sure the first legit BMX video part I ever saw was Aaron Ross’ “Chill Bro” part, which I saw right when I was getting into riding. I never had seen what could really be done on a bike like that before and I thought it was sick. I’ve always been super psyched on all the Animal and Skavenger raw east coast street riding and that’s definitely influenced me a lot.
Photo: Red Beard
What about now days? Who gets you real psyched to go ride?
Mostly my friends, just being around a group of your homies always gets you the most psyched to ride in my opinion. I really appreciate watching anyone who is willing to put in real work on their bike and not just half ass a skatepark edit to show off the new moves.
So you made the move from New York down to Austin, Texas about a year ago… What brought you there?
Originally I had plans of going to school in Austin. It didn’t work out quite as I expected. I guess I just wasn’t cut out for the real college life. I chose to come to Austin sort of last minute, but I knew it had a huge BMX scene, and it sort of worked out having some of the Kink dudes here.
What were you going to school for? Do you think you will ever go back or is it just not for you?
I had been going to community school back in NY for photography and graphic design. I definitely still enjoy both and someday hope to be able to use it in some way. At the moment I can’t see myself going back to school since I’m pretty burnt out on it, but who knows.
Although school isn’t working out, I’m sure riding has been going well. What are some of the best parts about living in Austin for you?
The riding has been pretty good out here. Street riding can definitely be a struggle at times, especially during the weekdays. The weather is definitely way better year round than on the east coast, and having so many different people in and out of town is pretty awesome too.
Do you ever get burned out with so much BMX going on in Austin all day… every day? What do you do to keep things fresh?
I honestly can’t say I ever get burnt out on bike riding. Although, I definitely will get sick of riding the skatepark over and over. Obviously some days are better than others, but having been able to be on my bike all year round and constantly be exploring and spot searching is amazing.
You will be making the move back to New York at some point this year, right? What are your plans once you get back to Rochester?
Yeah, I’ll be moving back home to Rochester this month. I plan on getting back to riding with the homies and probably start working a bunch trying to support myself.
It seems like the scene is growing in Rochester… What’s that like? Any up and comers we should be keeping an eye out for?
The scene in Rochester has always been really strong, as it is sort of based around Kink. It’s just rad to always have a group of good friends to be able to go ride with any day of the week. Being a small city everybody is pretty close and it just makes for good times. There are a ton of young kids who seriously kill it on bikes, so yes I would say there are definitely some up and comers to keep an eye on.
Do you have any other trips you want to make happen this year? Where are a few places you hope to get to some day?
I don’t have anything planned really, but I’ll probably end up exploring a few east coast cities with some friends on weekend trips or whenever possible.
You just had a video drop, but I feel like you’re probably already busy working on something else. Do you have any new video projects cooking that you can tell us about? When can we expect more footage from you?
I like to keep myself busy when it comes to bike riding, so I feel like I am always filming for something and pushing myself to do so. Hopefully I will be able to get something together soon after being back in Rochester. Word on the streets is that some of the dudes are starting to put in work on a little scene project.
What are you usually getting into when you aren’t riding these days? Are you working at all? How do you keep yourself busy?
It’s no secret that Austin has a ton of awesome places to swim, and when it’s too hot for me I’m always down to go jump in some water. Some days I’ll just drive around and spot search. Being in a city I don’t know, I like to explore and find as much as possible.
Let’s say you could skip college and land a job of your dreams. What could you see yourself doing for a living?
Probably managing some sort of fast food chain, haha. But I think it would be pretty cool to start a business of some sorts though.
Photo: Walter Pieringer
Like you said above, there’s always something to do in Austin. What usually makes for a good night out for you? Do you party much?
There really is always something going on out here, it can be overwhelming at times. I like to keep it pretty chill. I don’t party too often. After busy days of riding or other Austin activities, I’ll usually just kick it with friends.
What’s the last song you heard and movie you watched?
Song- “Wuda Cuda Shuda” by 2 Chainz ft Lil Boosie.
Movie- Anchorman 2
What’s the best advice you have ever been given or been able to give?
Probably to just do what makes you happy, sounds simple, right?
How can we keep up with you?
@jakepetruchik
Shout out to everyone who has made my Austin living experience great. Thanks to Walter Pieringer, Jay Roe, Darryl Tocco, Dan Coller, my girlfriend, all my friends, and my family!
Anything else you want to say?
Stay in school kids. Thanks!
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