Giant's Tony Cherry

Giant's Tony Cherry is about to drop a part in their new DVD. Check the photos. Gallery

Giant seems to be coming a long way since Chris Arriaga got involved managing the BMX program there, how did you end up getting sponsored by them?
Yeah, Chris has been doing an awesome job with the BMX program. It started a few years ago when Chris and I started talking on MySpace. I think I sent him a few Season web videos of me and was telling him how rad Mosh was. He later offered to flow me on Mosh parts since Season was done at that point. I don't really remember the details, but I was pumped on it. After some time on Mosh flow Chris was hooking me up with the new Giant frames that were dope. A little more time went on and they completely re-did the Giant BMX team. Chris then asked me to be a part of the new BMX team, and I wasn't expecting that at all. I'm pumped to have the opportunity and it has come such a long way from where it started. I'm so thankful to be where I am at this point, and to have the teammates I do, one being my best friend, Troy Merkle and then Alex Raban and Chris 'Frickin' Arriaga. Couldn't ask for more.

You ride with Troy Merkle a lot and you guys really seem to compliment each other's styles, do you find a lot of inspiration when you ride with him?
Troy does a good amount of new and creative stuff which inspires me a lot. He's one of those guys who knows what they're capable of, and he just does the most ridiculous stuff. He definitely keeps me motivated to try new things, and just to keep up with. It's awesome that we get to work on the same projects together. And I've definitely learned some flatland tricks because of Troy.

The freecoaster seems to be a controversial subject in BMX. You've been rocking one for a while now. Do you like it and do you think you'll keep it on for a long time?
I've been off and on a freecoaster a few times, but I always went back to a cassette. I think it was due to just having a freecoaster that didn't work well. I would always get trick ideas for freecoasters and I actually noticed Troy's coaster was dialed. Edward Subias at Tip Plus hooked me up and I love the one I'm running now. The Federal KHE has given me no problems. I think I'm going to be rocking it for a while just because it's a blast, and I have a lot more ideas for it.

You work part-time as a server at a Thai restaurant called Thai9, what's that like?
It's an awesome job, and it's perfect for riding BMX. I can get shifts covered easily and I make good money. They have awesome craft beers and amazing food. It's the only job I've had that I didn't quit within two months, and all the employees are really cool. Thai 9 definitely gave me some good communication skills too. If you're ever in Dayton, Ohio come down to Thai 9 and ask for me.

Lastly, what's the biggest thing you'd like to accomplish this year on your bike?
Have a blast riding my bike as much as possible with my friends in new places. Film an awesome part for the Giant BMX "Ride Life" DVD, and meet some new radical people along the way.

Thanks goes out to my mom for buying me expensive bike parts when we were dirt poor. Chris Arriaga for everything he's done. Edward Subias for being a radical dude. Cody York for this interview. Josh Suhre at Operativ, Rory at Ohio Surf and Skate for the Axion footwear hookup, my girlfriend Kristen, anyone who's ever ridden with me along the way, and to my friends for being the best. Do what you love, and have a good time. -Tony