Between Lines and Trails. An interview with Creek

IMAGES: Brian Chorski

TEXT: Pedaled with Creek

SCROLL

IMAGES: Brian Chorski

TEXT: Pedaled with Creek

SCROLL

Every rider carries a story—shaped by terrain, instinct, and the need to keep moving. Yama Human Trails is a series about those stories. The people behind the ride, and the paths that take them off the map. Today, we’re with Creek—our second portrait in this ongoing exploration.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and where it all started?

I grew up in San Clemente, California, and skateboarding was a big part of my life from early on. It was more than just riding—it was how I got around, how I met people, and how I expressed myself. I spent a lot of time traveling around the West Coast looking for new spots, and through that I built a sense of community. Over time, that way of exploring started to change. Instead of searching for skate spots, I became more interested in maps, trails, and the landscapes beyond the city.

What did skateboarding give you that you still carry today?

Probably the way I see things. With skateboarding, you’re always looking for lines where there aren’t any. A curb, a corner, a random piece of the city—it all becomes something you can ride. So now, even on a bike, I still think like that. I don’t just follow the road. I look for different ways through it.

And how did gravel come into your life?

It wasn’t really a big decision. I didn’t stop skating and then start cycling. It just kind of grew from the same place. I wanted to go further. See more. Spend more time moving. Gravel gave me that space.

You also created “Down by the Creek.” What’s the idea behind it?

I created it as a way to bring people together through riding. For me, it’s about building community and helping people feel more confident exploring the outdoors. The idea is simple—ride together, learn from each other, and create space where anyone can be part of it.

There’s also a strong connection with nature and awareness in the project.

Yeah, for sure. A big part of it is understanding the places we ride through—local trails, landscapes, and also the history behind them. We often include water in our rides as a way to represent growth. That can be physical, like pushing your riding further, or something more personal—just being open, sharing the experience.

What do you enjoy most about those community rides?

The connection. People come from different backgrounds and levels, but once you start riding, that doesn’t really matter anymore. You’re just moving together.

You move between different worlds—skate, cycling, city, nature. Do you see them as separate?

Not really. To me, it’s all connected. It’s just different ways of moving. Some days it’s a skateboard, some days it’s a bike. Sometimes it’s fast, sometimes it’s slower. But it’s the same feeling underneath.

There’s a sense of play in what you do. Even when you ride.

Yeah, I think that’s important. I don’t like overthinking it too much. If it starts feeling like something I have to do, it loses something. I’d rather keep it open. Keep it fun. Even on longer rides, I’m still just… playing, in a way.

We’ve seen you riding with a skateboard strapped to your back. Why bring both?

Because it’s part of me. It’s not something I switch off when I’m on the bike. I don’t always use it—but I like knowing it’s there. Like I can stop anywhere and just ride something differently.

What do you look for when you ride?

It depends. Sometimes it’s just space. Getting out of the city a bit. Sometimes it’s the opposite—finding new ways through it. But mostly, it’s just the feeling of moving without thinking too much about where I’m going.

How does it feel when you leave the city and hit the dirt?

Different rhythm. Things slow down, but at the same time you feel more connected to what’s around you. You notice more. The ground, the wind, the small changes in the trail. It’s quieter, but not empty.

What stays the same, no matter where you are riding?

That feeling of flow. When you’re not really thinking anymore. You’re just reacting, moving, adjusting. That’s the same on a skateboard or a bike. It’s just a way to be. To move, to explore, to not stay stuck in one place—physically or mentally. Nothing too complicated.

YAMA COLLECTION

Between Lines and Trails. An interview with Creek

Sviluppata per l’esplorazione fuoristrada

Giacca Trail

Pantaloni Trail

Trail Power Dry® Tee

Maglia a maniche lunghe Trail Power Dry™