Being on the road so much, does home still feel like home to you?
Brian Kachinsky: Yes, home feels like home for sure. Nothing beats my own bed, my kitchen and just being in a familiar place once in a while. I also miss my loved ones (parents, girlfriend, riding buddies, etc.) when I'm traveling. I have also, however, made some of the best friends on the road and they are my family when I'm away.
What are 5 items you're bringing with you ALL the time?
Brian Kachinsky: iphone, laptop, video camera, digital camera, bike.
Are you one of the few to bring a pump and tools when you travel?
Brian Kachinsky: I ALWAYS bring my random wrench since it's the only tool I need for my bike. I have a little hand pump that I bring as well. It's not the best but it's really small and can get up to 70lbs of pressure. Just enough.
iPad, iPhone, iBook, iPod, what electronics do you have charged when you step in that plane for a 10 hour flight?
Brian Kachinsky: I always try to have my iphone charged since it's also what holds all my music. I also try to charge my laptop to catch up on emails that I don't feel like typing out on my phone. That's really about it. Everything else is usually charged but not used as often.
How was flying to different places in a military helicopter in Iraq?
Brian Kachinsky: Seriously unreal. Sitting across your from your best friends in a chopper with a gunner on each side of you loaded and ready to shoot (they shot a few times), all the while, cruising over a war zone. It's pretty crazy and calming at the same time. You are completely helpless and just take it all in.
Would being in the army be something for you after seeing what these guys do in Bagdad?
Brian Kachinsky: I don't think so. I definitely look at a bit different than I did. The army isn't just about killing and taking over. There is TONS of different jobs/opportunities/skills you can gain in the military in a relatively short amount of time. It's a good education and experience for some people. My father is actually a great example of what you can achieve with the skills once you are out of active duty.
You’re up for pretty much any trip, which must make trips clash. What is one of the trips you missed out on because you were going somewhere else that in hindsight you should have been on?
Brian Kachinsky: I've missed out on a lot of trips because they conflicted with other trips but one that stands out is an Etnies trip to Portugal last year for Rebel Jam. I wanted to go so bad but was going to Russia right afterwards and the Russian government wouldn't release my passport (with russian visa) in time for me to make my flight to Portugal. I was bummed and missed out on a fun trip with some of my best friends. Russia was awesome though but I wish I could have done both. Maybe it's time for a clone?
Traveling with friends is often better than going somewhere by yourself. Who are your top three travel partners?
Brian Kachinsky: That's a tough one. Walter Pieringer is one. Rooftop is definitely another and 3rd is split between Aaron Ross, Gary Young, Chris Doyle, Catfish and Dave Osato.
Name three places you’ve been to that you want to go back to?
Brian Kachinsky: Brazil, Russia and Thailand.
What did you forget on a certain trip that you shouldn’t have?
Brian Kachinsky: I once left my iphone on the charger in Saddam's palace in Baghdad. We were leaving Iraq and I noticed I didn't have it and it didn't make it back to me until I was already back in the US for 2 weeks. 2 weeks without a phone is really tough.
The longest you’ve gone through without a proper shower?
Brian Kachinsky: I know it's been at least 5 days. I wouldn't do it by choice but there was a few trips where it just wasn't an option.
What’s the craziest animal you’ve ran into?
Brian Kachinsky: Bears in Lake Tahoe, Cattle heards in Nicaragua, a gang of sheep in New Zealand, a camel spider in Iraq and Bigfoot in an undisclosed location.
Do you like to see the Golden Arches sign in places far away from home?
Brian Kachinsky: I get bummed actually. I'm not a fan.
What’s a trip that’s on the 2011 schedule that you’re looking forward to?
Brian Kachinsky: I've already been to California a couple times, Estonia, Latvia and heading to Qatar in a couple days and China in April. Up next after that, i'm not 100% sure. Maybe Iraq again, hopefully Europe again. Scandinavia is on my list and so is Russia again. There are just too many awesome places. I really hope I can spend a good amount of time in Europe though, I love it over there. Every country is so interesting and unique. We'll see where the road, sky or tracks take me.
Pics by BK/BdJ