Zach Rogers Interview

Photo: Matt Coplon

Growing up, you tend to see the world as a kid that has the time and energy to hang out and ride all day with these older people all around that work without really noticing the people in that transitional period from all the time in the world to not enough time. When you start getting older and working becomes a necessity, you find yourself in that transitional period where you are doing as much as possible to juggle work, school, riding and everything that comes along with this whole “life” thing. One person who clearly knows how to handle this balancing act like a champion is Zach Rogers. Between finishing up school, crushing some intense licensing tests, traveling Europe, riding, filming and a ton of life, he was able to find some time to take on a bunch of questions about everything going on with him lately. Let’s see what he had to say!

Name: Zachery Rogers

Photo: Luis Pinzon

Location: Charlotte, NC

Sponsors: FBM, Profile Racing, Tioga, Lunchmeat, Philthyfilms

Years riding: 13

What was it that first got you into BMX? Any early memories come to mind?
My best friend David got me into riding when I was around 15. I had skated for a couple years when he purchased his first BMX. I began to dabble on it and became hooked. Shortly after, I purchased a DK Six Pack and I put skating on the backburner. Kind of funny to think back on some of the things that use to get me so pumped. A six-stair felt like a roof-drop. Haha.

So, Zach! What’s up? It’s been a while since we’ve caught up. It sounds like it’s been a busy time for you lately?
Yeah man! Life’s a blur. I’ve been a bit overwhelmed lately dealing with my PLS exam, work, bike trips, and vacations with my lady. I realized a while back that I should pursue an education/career so that I can support my hobbies. I knew it wasn’t possible to support the type of lifestyle I like to live from riding so I have always balanced riding, school, work, etc. Makes for a busy schedule but I’m stoked to be able manage it all.

Photo: Todd Nichols

I know it’s kind of a touchy subject, but after a number of years with Eastern, you chose to leave the team. Care to talk a little bit about that decision?
That’s a tough one, for sure. I made the decision last fall to part ways with Eastern and EZRA (All under the EBIUS roof). Things had become a bit shaky, especially with the news of my good buddies Leigh Ramsdell and Karl Poynter parting ways with the brands. I couldn’t see things being the same with the changes, so I decided to leave.

After parting ways with Eastern last year, you got on board the FBM party bus. How did that opportunity all come about? I heard you have to shotgun a beer faster than Crandall to get on the team.
I believe the party sparked from a conversation between Leigh Ramsdell and Steve Crandall. I had mentioned to Leigh that I was real stoked on FBM and shortly after, Crandall hit me up and asked me if I wanted to kick-ass. Having the opportunity to be a part of FBM is an honor. FBM is about having fun. It’s the definition of what BMX should be-getting stoked on bikes, buds, and beers.

Photo: Matt Coplon

Aren’t you guys going on a trip here soon? What does the agenda look like for that one? I’d imagine you guys will be raising hell in the bus?
Yeah. We’re departing next Friday for the FBM, Profile, and QBP Maiden America Tour across Pennsylvania! We will be making stops at The Wheel Mill, Pro Bikes, Pulse Performance, Woodward, and Butchers the Block Shop. I’m so ready to hang with the crew, which consists of Dillon Leeper, Phil Jones, Mark Mullville, Eric Holliday, Matt Coplon, and Steve Crandall. I have a ton of good buds that I can’t wait to catch up with in PA and I’m stoked to meet and hang with Butcher. Dude’s such a legend!

How are things going with Profile Racing? It seems like everyone who rides for them stays pretty busy.
Things are great. I’m so thankful that Matt Coplon gave me the opportunity to ride for Profile. I just visited the shop for the first time earlier this year and spent some time riding in Tampa. We did a Profile Southern Charm trip to Athens, GA last month and the aforementioned Maiden America tour departs next week. Also, I’m working on a dialed new color way and plastic front hub-guard.

Photo: Luis Pinzon

What’s the story with Lunch Meat? Who is all behind that clothing brand? Anything going on there?
Lunch Meat is Seamus Mckeon and Logan Derberry’s creation. The crew consists of some buddies that like to have a good time. Seamus prints rad shirts and Logan puts out banging edits. I think a new mixtape is in the works. Get stoked!

I know your good friend Phil Jones keeps himself busy these days. When can we expect a fresh Philthy Films video to drop?
Phil’s actually working on finishing up a mix edit! He’s always busy filming and putting together edits of anyone that is willing to shred. He recently dropped an edit from our Athens weekend. Check philthyfims.com for some goodness.

Have you been filming for anything else lately? I feel like it’s been a minute since we’ve seen a full edit out of you?
I’m currently working on a Profile edit that should be out in the coming months and I’m sure there will be a road trip video from the Maiden America Tour. Also, FBM just dropped a split edit with Phil and I last week. Phil did a great job with the edit!

Photo: Luis Pinzon

Being based out of Charlotte, what’s the scene like down there? I feel like there’s a ton of guys who kill it from that area?
The scene is awesome for sure and all the homies kill it! I mostly cruise with Phil Jones, Declan Murray, Logan Derberry, Steve Pierce, and Luis Pinzon. We usually stick to the streets but there are dialed trails and ramps in the city.

You have a pretty interesting job doing land surveying, right? How did you get into that? How long have you been doing it now?
My buddy Mike Lee got me into my first surveying job when I moved to Charlotte, NC. At first, it was a way to cover my living expenses so I could focus my time on riding, but I quickly realized I could make a career out of it and decided to base my education around land surveying. Eight years later, I’m finished with school and waiting for the last portion of my licensing exam results.

What goes into the professional licensing? Is it a pretty intense test?
The requirements are a little different for each state, but NC currently requires a 4-year degree, an 8 hour fundamentals of surveying exam, 4-years’ experience under a licensed surveyor, and finally, an 8 hour Professional Licensing Exam. Both tests are pretty intense. I can’t explain the level of mental exhaustion experienced from those test.

What happens after you’re licensed and everything? Any sort of goals or plans in the works yet as far as “career” life goes?
I have a long term goal of having my own business. For now, I plan to stay put at the company I currently work for. They take real good care of me and are pretty flexible with time off for riding. Plus, I’m not anywhere near being ready for all the responsibility that comes with owning a business.

Photo: Luis Pinzon

I’d imagine you’ll be celebrating all of the hard work somehow?
Definitely. Since I finished my exam, I’ve been spending my time relaxing and riding my bike. Also, my wife and I just returned from a two week trip to Germany, Austria, and France.

How was your trip? Did you get to ride at all while you were in Europe or was it more of a sight seeing adventure?
The trip was amazing. Katelyn and I stayed with my buddy Peter Aust in Halle, Germany. We made our way around Germany visiting cities such as Berlin and Munich, and even crossed into Innsbruck, Austria. We spent the last four days in Paris, France. The trip was more of a sightseeing adventure but Peter and I definitely rode a bit here and there. Highlights included wild trannies in Innsbruck, Mellowpark in Berlin, and a private park and concrete park in Halle. Big thanks to Peter’s lady Nicole and Katelyn for being cool with the shred stops, Haha.

Photos: Peter Aust

Now that you’re all wrapped up with school and testing, the trip to Europe and everything, how relieved do you feel? I’d imagine there was a ton of pressure trying to accomplish so much in a short amount of time?
I’m definitely so relieved to have that weight lifted from my shoulders. It was a lot to take on but the reward of finishing it up will pay dividends. Plus the upcoming Maiden America tour will put the icing on the cake.

What’s the last song you heard and movie you watched?
“A National Acrobat” by Black Sabbath and I’m currently watching American Hustle.

How can people keep up with you these days? Are you on any of that social media stuff?
Yes. Follow me on Instagram at @zacheryrogers

Do you have any shout outs or thanks?
Yes. I’ll start with Matt Coplon at Profile and Steve Crandall at FBM for all of the opportunities to have fun on my bike. My babe Katelyn for being my best friend. Phil Jones for all the kick-ass memories. My parents, Leigh Ramsdell, Logan Derberry, Seamus McKeon, Karl Poynter, Luis Pinzon, Mangler, Will Stroud, and more. I could go on for days. I’m so blessed to have some many rad people in my life. Thanks for allowing me to do this interview Kurt!