Back
Back
2019 Kink Champagne Header 059
27 Oct 2019

Creating a Classic - Kink's "Champagne"

Two years, and lots of blood, sweat and tears...

Kink 1

Photos courtesy of KINK | Intro and interviews by Rob Dolecki

Over two years worth of blood, sweat, tears, good times, and wild bike moves have resulted in KINK's latest full-length effort 'Champagne', which just premiered online this past Saturday. After stepping down from his pro status on KINK, it’s obvious all of Darryl Tocco’s energy was focused on filming and editing this video; he came through with something he can be proud of for years to come.

All of the Pro card holders compiled quality full sections, from Chad Osburn’s high-speed assault, to Dan Coller’s big-balled moves, to Calvin Kosovich’s rail prowess, as well as the dark horse Am Agus Gutierrez, who’s section is definitely a standout for the raw style, flow and section ender that almost caused a tree to be leveled from AG’s unstoppable force. Even Hobie Doan, who was just added the team in April and had the shortest time frame to compile footage, came through with a belter (wait until you see that final rail ride). Hughes' opener slot is well-earned with all kind of technical and burly prowess; that ender! Nathan W. closes "Champagne" out with arguably his best section to date, which is quite a bold statement in itself. Keep a particular eye on his last 10-plus moves- all could have easily been section-enders in themselves.

The following interviews are with the majority of section producers, and we'll have more, including an interview with the man behind the lens, Darryl Tocco in our 2019 year-end print magazine. Read on, and also enjoy some snaps captured throughout the entire filming time period. -RD

Buy Champagne HERE.

Chad Osburn

2019 Kink Champagne Osburn 005

Age: 28

Location: Midlothian, Texas

Injuries while filming for Champagne?

Split my nose open and left ankle is jacked.

Best memory of filming for this project?

Best memory would have to be exploring the city of Barcelona. Jay Roe lives there so we stayed at his flat and got to really experience what its like to live there. Also Australia was unreal. We were there during the ACT jam, and it was something that I believe every BMX rider needs to experience. Everybody was supporting each other and having the best time all in the name of BMX. Truly an amazing scene of riders there.

Biggest ball up while filming?

That would have to be my left ankle. The opening clip when I rode down he wall it felt like my toes hit my shin, ha ha. After that it always feels like there’s a hot pocket on the top of my foot after I jump to flat.

Farthest place traveled for filming?

The furthest place was Australia. So grateful that Kink takes me to these places and believes traveling still has a part in BMX. THANK YOU.

What clip was filmed closest to your crib?

Dallas, Texas; it's about 30 minutes from my house.

Where else did you go?

Man, all over. Tons of little cities throughout Barcelona and Australia, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Florida for Swampfest, North Carolina, Austin, Texas. Can’t believe how many cool spots there were.

How hyped are you to have a Doyle cameo in your section?

Honestly it’s still unbelievable to me. It's cool when you have a team mate/ friend that has a lot in common with on trips like having kids, family, and BMX are just a few. It makes the filming process so much more fun and relaxed. I respect Chris so much and never thought that I would be sharing video parts with him, ha ha.

2019 Kink Champagne Osburn 075
"After I landed it I found myself lying in the middle of the street while Doyle was Super gluing my nose back together."
- Chad Osburn

What was the most kooked thing you witnessed on the road filming for the new vid?

Easy- Travis Hughes 360 over the rail to his front wheel completely exploding every spoke. Calvin gives Travis his front wheel and with zero hesitation, he laces it perfect…..pretty much in the dark. Travis is the boss!

The opening gap to double tire ledge crash was brutal; how on earth did you decide to try it again right after that?

Yeah, that one sucked. It was the first day of the trip in Australia and we drove past that thing and I knew I wanted it for my part. It was one of those setups that I couldn’t find just anywhere. I did it again because I knew what I did wrong and it was going to work, I just went a little too fast. After I landed it I found myself lying in the middle of the street while Doyle was Super gluing my nose back together. My bed sheets were bloody and stuck to me for the rest of the trip.

How did the song choice for your part come about?

When Darryl shot me the text asking about what I wanted to ride to, I knew it was going to be something faster. I found Mighty and Superior by Conflict and it just fit. I sent it to Darryl and we both were hyped on it. There wasn’t even another option.

What was the experience like riding that unearthed old bowl in Spain?

The experience to get there is what makes the bowl soo good. We had to get on a train, then pedal up this brutal street for a while. Then when you get to the end of the road you hike up this dirt road which is crazy steep and feels like forever, ha ha. Then when you get to the top there is this rad old bowl that was filled in for years! It is unique and makes you think while riding it. It was the coolest spot I have ever been to wish we could’ve stayed there all day.

Favorite spots/set ups you have clips on?

Semi-truck to wall ride, Barcelona Lost Bowl, and the gap to ledge out on the last clip.

What clip are you most proud of for your section?

It was the gap to ledge ride 360 in Dallas, Texas; I had wanted to do it for a while and when we got there to film it, security was there in full force. I decided to just get it even though they were blocking the ledge and yelling at us, ha ha. Stoked on that one.

How was filming with the rest of the team while working on this video project?

It’s always good, but with this project every trip was the entire pro squad. And we got Hobie now, it’s even better. Real team stuff yano!

Talk about that last clip, the gap-ledge ride-gap.

That spot is sick. It reminds me of a moto step-on step-off section! We actually just rolled up on it one morning and I had to have it, ha ha. It took two tries because i didn’t make it all the way to the street.

Now that "Champagn"e done, do you have plans to work on any other projects?

We will see, I still have a handful of things I really want to film around Texas and Walter and I have been talking about another G Sport part.

Agus Gutierrez

Hobie Doan

2019 Kink Champagne Doan 008

Age: 24

Location: Portland, Oregon

Tell us about your injuries while filming for "Champagne":

While filming for "Champagne" I injured my foot on an electric skateboard. We were in Rochester, New York. Ended up on an electric skateboard after a night of front porch antics. Long story short, hit a kicker at about 30 and went too big. Life lesson: never give the electric skateboard throttle controller to the homie while you on it. Ha ha ha.

After 6 months on the team, it looks like you settled in really well with the Kink; how was filming with the rest of the team while working on this video project?

I can’t believe how amazing this transition has been for me. Things really seemed to fall into place, I’m just thankful to be riding with these dudes and jump in on a dope project they been busting ass on.

Being that you’re one of the new blood with a full section, did you feel any added pressure to put something memorable together, especially in a short amount of time?

No pressure from anyone but myself, honestly.

Best memory of filming for this project?

Shiiiit. I can’t pick. The first trip probably is the funniest. I was just chain-smoking spliffs trying to be like all good. I don't know, man; the whole thing's just been kick ass.

Biggest ball up while filming?

I ate shit pretty good trying something down a triple kinker in So Cal. Unexpectedly caught an upright and dusted the hip. Felt like a stress relief ball for a few weeks.

Farthest place traveled for filming?

East Coast U.S. was the furthest for me. I’m always hyped to see more of it.

Where else did you go?

I was fortunate enough to make it to Montpelier, France for FISE. Super-thankful for that experience. I’ve always liked the street contest vibe and was hyped Kink let me go get a little bit of it.

How did the song choice for your part come about?

I’m so bad at music selection, I’ve never picked myself, just maybe said yes or no. That something I want to get better at but really no clue.

Favorite spots/set ups you have clips on?

I was super hyped when Calvin showed us this garage spot he been scoping in So Cal. I went up and asked a last if we could get the car moved and it worked out, which was a total surprise. Ended up getting Nathan’s back and left hyped.

Any particularly memorable moments with moves that didn’t work out?

All I can say is Nathan is a super human.

How important is filming for you on a personal level?

It’s super important to me; I love putting in work and trying to create something I’m proud of. It also presents a great opportunity to travel and learn more about yourself.

What clip are you most proud of for your section?

I’m honestly more proud to have a Darryl Tocco guest clip than any thing I managed to get done.

How was filming with the rest of the team while working on this video project?

It was very humbling and made me want to dig deeper and push my boundaries more. Everyone is so on point with encouragement and advice that it’s hard not to just be learning shit all day riding with the crew, even just watching.

Most scary clip you clocked in?

I was pretty shook trying to lock in a tire ride in So Cal.

What was your favorite trick, or the most rewarding to have filmed?

I’ve been wanting to ice-switch 3 up a rail for a log time and finally got a hold of a good one. That was a nice feeling.

That last rail ride was absolutely outrageous; how did that one come about?

I don’t even remember honestly; I just knew I wanted to do it on that set up and thankfully got it done after about an hour of pussy-footin’ around.

Now that it’s done, do you have plans to work on any other projects?

Absolutely. I always want to be working on something. Keeps the fire burning.

2019 Kink Champagne Doan 085

"It was very humbling and made me want to dig deeper and push my boundaries more. Everyone is so on point with encouragement and advice that it’s hard not to just be learning shit all day riding with the crew, even just watching."

- Hobie Doan

Travis Hughes

2019 Kink Champagne Hughes 006

Age: 20

Location: Temecula, California

Did you get any injuries while filming for "Champagne":

A bad sprain in my foot that took me out for two and a half months. Longest I’ve been off the bike.

Favorite filming trip for the vid?

The Germany trip was a blast- pedaling around all day having brews and laughs; but being anywhere with the squad is a treat.

Biggest ball up while filming?

The Germany clip with the tires whip. That took me so long and I was ready to give up multiple times.

Farthest place traveled for filming?

Australia, baby.

What clip was filmed closest to your crib?

I think the nollie feeble in Santa Ana.

What clip took the shortest to film?

Straight over tires in LA. Calvin told me the spot is capped now. RIP.

What took the longest?

Everything I try takes a while.

What fell off your bike in the opening crash of your section?

My wheel folded in half due to loose and I mean loose spokes. Stoked to get a crash clip.

What was the most kooked thing you witnessed on the road filming for the new video?

Dan being vegan for the whole entirety of the vid.

Favorite spots/set ups you have clips on?

An Australia setup in there with a rail to flat and then a four block right after. Spot is unreal.

Jacob Cable’s cameo clips are awesome; how was it having the homie in your section?

Jacob’s the man, stoked his clips are in the section he’s got some heat. Icing on the cake with Jacob in there.

How did the song choice for your part come about?

I’m the worst person to talk to about song choices. Darryl’s got that one covered.

How important is filming for you on a personal level?

I think filming for something like this is a cool way to express your riding and maybe get a little more out of your comfort zone than you would if you were filming for a web vid. That being said this is the best project I’ve ever had the opportunity to be in.

What about the ones that didn’t work out?

Half the ones I tried didn’t work, ha ha. But I guess that’s the way she goes.

How was filming with the rest of the team while working on this video project?

It was an absolute treat to watch everyone send themselves for this video. AG is the fucking goat.

Your ender bar over-double to hard 180 was wild; how did that one come about?

We found that rail in Kansas City driving to a different spot, I think. I had wanted to find a rail for that trick specifically for a little while and that one seemed to be almost perfect. The gap to it was the scary part but it had grass on one side which made it chill. It took about 300 over grinds to get me to throw a bar into it, but ultimately I’m glad that rail exists. Only clip I got in Kansas City.

Now that it’s done, do you have plans to work on any other projects?

Yeah, boys; let’s do another one.

2019 Kink Champagne Hughes 088

"I think filming for something like this is a cool way to express your riding and maybe get a little more out of your comfort zone than you would if you were filming for a web vid."

- Travis Hughes

Calvin Kosovich

2019 Kink Champagne Ck 001

Age: A dusty 28 year old.

Location: Los Angeles, California.

Injuries while filming for "Champagne":

A torn LCL in my left knee whilst in Frankfurt on the second day of the trip. Other than that one I had a few back to back injuries on non kink trips whilst filming for "Champagne".

Best memory of filming for this project?

Being able to see parts of Europe for the first time was pretty special for me. Just those moments of anticipation and travel make it memorable.

Favorite filming trip for the video?

Sydney and Brisbane were my favorite. I got tricks I always wanted to handle and spots I always wanted to ride. Also got to drink in Jason’s party van for most of the trip ha.

Biggest ball up while filming?

I think it went pretty smoothly minus the regular stuff that goes down while filming. Filming tricks is just one big ball-up, ha ha.

Farthest place traveled for filming?

Perth, Australia. If you know you know.

What clip was filmed closest to your crib?

Definitely the wallride to over pegs 180. That spot is a 5-minute ride from my house and a dope session spot.

Where else did you go?

Shanghai, Rochester, Toronto, Albuquerque, Portland and Raleigh . Also I have a bunch of Perth footage that I always wanted to get done and I’m glad it made it into the video.

Favorite spots/set ups you have clips on?

Wooloomooloo gap to rail in Sydney and the Rochester hubba. Two really heavily hit spots but still managed to add to the list, makes it special for sure.

How did the song choice for your part come about?

I’ve always been a fan of Rowland S Howard, this will be the 4th song by him that I’ve used personally for a video part. Also being an Australian musician makes it motivating for me to ride to.

How important is filming for you on a personal level?

After a while you judge your self worth on the clips you did or did not get while filming, so it’s very important at this point in my life. I don’t like doing tricks I know I can do so it’s a fucking nightmare inside my head most days.

Seeing the snaggletooth clips, both regular and oppo no less, put a smile on my face. Is that a rare one you pull out of the trick bag, or is it something you throw down regularly?

I’ve done them before of regular rails both ways, it was new for me to do them into gaps/ kinkers. I filmed those about 2 years ago and never really did them again since. But I’ve got one left to do before I’m done.

Any sketchy stories while cruising around during filming for the new video?

Madrid was gnarly a lot of knife incidents luckily not involving the crew. One guy ran down the street stabbing him self in the neck, there’s a clip in Toasted Madrid showing what went down. So savage and unreal.

What clip are you most proud of for your section?

My ender wallride of the roof in Perth for sure. Always been something I wanted to do from a young age and finally got it done, stoked to do it with all my friends around and 20 school kids, ha ha. A hometown ender in a Kink DVD is the dream for a kid from fucking Perth.

How was filming with the rest of the team while working on this video project?

Always a treat, dudes killed it everyday we went out. Lots of motivation and good energy on and off the bike, the squad is fucking dialed!

Like your previous parts, there are quite a few burly rail moves. What is the inspiration for sending it?

When I know the answer I’ll get back to you, I also need the answer for when the metal asylum comes to get me. Nah It’s a part of Perth BMX history, bomb a rail get a beer. It’s a simple concept in Perth.

Most scary clip you clocked in?

Probably the roof over the railing hop to flat. There was a power line hanging over right at the peak of the hop and the run up was sketchy. Luckily a cop was coming down the street and spooked me into sending it, sometimes that’s all it takes.

How did you like having the Aussie homie Brock Olive with some cameo clips in your part?

Super stoked to have Brock on a trip and produce some fire for the part. We’ve been riding and hanging out since I was like 19 years at Australian Bmx events. Always a good time riding with that bloke, hopefully have him out in the US again soon to film and kick it.

What was your favorite trick, or the most rewarding to have filmed?

Switch fastplant pole jam wallride 180. Thank you Z for the spot, and thank you Darryl for sticking in there with me. I threw up after I got the clip; the heat got me that day.

The quick look for oncoming traffic during the ledge ice 180 line was a good reflection of typical everyday factors involved with street riding. Did the dog running in front of you at the end of the line mess with you at all?

Ha, ha, I didn’t even notice the dog, I’ve always wanted to film a line across a road so that one finally made sense. That didn’t just happen by accident it’s been years in the works, ha ha.

Now that Champagne is done, do you have plans to work on any other projects?

I always think I’m going to have a break from filming but I’m already back in the streets going for the next thing. No solid projects right now but I’m sure something is knocking. Thank you for having me on this one Kink, always a pleasure never a chore.

"It’s a part of Perth BMX history, bomb a rail get a beer. It’s a simple concept in Perth."
- Calvin Kosovich
2019 Kink Champagne Misc 047

"Filming video parts was the largest part of my pro career, but also drove me insane at times. It felt good to be relieved of that pressure, especially with the current team being as outrageous as it is."

- Darryl Tocco

Nathan Williams

Dan Coller

2019 Kink Champagne Coller 007

Age: 25

Location: Austin, Texas

There were some gnarly bloody pics of you in the vid; any notable injuries while filming, and what were you trying?

Yeah definitely for this one, ha ha. When we first started filming I snapped four ribs trying to do this switch grind to drop regular feeble and slipped sideways and my body went straight to parking block and I felt the snaps in my body. Then in the middle of filming this video 10 months later, I snapped my knee cap in half filming for Real Street when I wasn't filming clips for this. Then topped it off tire riding something on a trip for Champagne in Tulsa that was too short to tire ride six months after my knee break, and put my face in the concrete and separated my shoulder. I had a rough go on my body during the two-year span of this project, ha ha.

Best memory of filming for this project?

That's too hard to answer, being on the road with some of my best friends/ favorite bike riders is all good memories. Travis pushing Darryl down a quarter pipe out of drunk shit talk was definitely something I'll laugh about for a long time to come.

Favorite filming trip for the video and why?

All of being in Germany. I had always wanted to go and it was better than I could have imagined. The spots have so much character and the Ciao crew is as cool as it gets. I love it over there. Especially Frankfurt.

Biggest ball up while filming?

Getting more flats than anyone. I have to stop getting sketchy and pump my tires up past 35 psi.

Farthest place traveled for filming?

Australia, It doesn't get any further than that for me. Especially since I was still living in Rochester, NY at the time.

What clip was filmed closest to your crib?

The manual to crook; it's like a mile and a half from where I live in Austin.

Where else did you go?

I feel like everywhere, it was awesome. Toronto, Australia, all over Germany, Kansas City, Minneapolis, Southern California, Rochester, Portland, Tulsa, Dallas, Raleigh. I know I'm forgetting places but we got to so many places.

What clip took the shortest to film?

The ones I got lucky on, probably the grind over the fence or manual to crook.

What took the longest?

The rest of the part, ha ha. Probably the grind to pull-over X hard 180.

How much wax was applied to spots in your part and why was it needed?

Probably a few solid pounds of wax. And I'm always on those damn pegs, gotta keep them lubed up for maximum grinding pleasure.

What was the most kooked thing you witnessed on the road filming for the new vid?

I can't even answer that. Everyone on the team is so fucking gnarly. Hobie's ender, or every time the camera comes out for Nathan. But everyone did stuff that blew my mind, I can't narrow it down.

Favorite spots/set ups you have clips on?

The rails in Germany Travis did double pegs-over to double peg-to tired ride- whip. I could ride that thing all day.

How did the song choice for your part come about?

I wanted something more soulful. I feel like I've ridden to different music across the board but with all the injuries and recovering that went into this for me, I think something with a little soul was fitting. I couldn't find anything that worked or wasn't already used in the past so I'm thankful Darryl came through with this choice at the last minute. I know mine was the last part to be edited because of that struggle to find a song we were both hyped on.

How important is filming for you on a personal level?

It's the most important thing to me. Filming video parts is what I enjoy the most and getting into the mindset of let's get shit that means something to us is so important to me. Battling for clips whether it's because it's taking hours to land or mentally getting yourself to get over being nervous and just sending something. Pushing through that is the best feeling in the world.

What about the ones that didn’t work out?

There were many of those for me, ha ha. If they didn't work out for this, they go on the to-do list for my next project.

How was filming with the rest of the team while working on this video project?

I feel like I'm really fortunate to roll with some of the best and gnarliest dudes in BMX. It's as motivating as it gets.

Your ender clip was pretty serious; how did you come across that setup?

We were rolling around Frankfurt with the Ciao crew, and Sebastian Anton came up to me and told me there was a spot behind the rail we were riding that was a banger. Between a tight run up and the spikes on the fence I wasn't too sure I wanted to do it at first. But when we got back to our Airbnb that night I couldn't stop thinking about how I wanted to give it a go. So the next day we rolled back over there and got it done. I think Darryl was more nervous than I was, ha ha.

What was your favorite trick, or the most rewarding to have filmed and left the spot with the trick?

Definitely the grind over the fence, rolling away from that was a great feeling.

Now that it’s done, do you have plans to work on any other projects?

Yeah I'm starting an Eclat web part right now. I love always having something important to me to work on.

2019 Kink Champagne Coller 086

"...I'm always on those damn pegs, gotta keep them lubed up for maximum grinding pleasure."

- Dan Coller

KINK are Official DIG Partners | Buy CHAMPAGNE here.