Nukeproof at the Cam Zink Invitational
Photo: Ale Di Lullo
The yellow flag with the radioactive symbol will be flying high outside of Reno on May 15-19 as the biggest names in freeride, including Nukeproof’s very own DJ Brandt, Barb Edwards, and Jonathan “Gibby” Gibbons, beat a path to Northern Nevada for the Cam Zink Invitational. The “biggest little jam in the world” is a massive bike and moto event held at Zink’s 169-acre private ranch. We’re counting on big tricks, big style, and big smiles in the desert.
We asked Cam Zink what to expect from the third annual version of his namesake Invitational. Here’s what he had to say.
Photo: Ale Di Lullo
Hey Cam, tell us a little about your property — it sounds like you’ve got quite the compound to play on.
It’s 169 acres with 1000 feet of elevation just north of Reno, Nevada.
Why go to the trouble of hosting the invitational? I can’t imagine something like this is easy to put on, so what drives you to do so?
Fun! It is exhausting, to say the least, but it’s always been worth it. The motivation to build new lines and bring in the best talent in the world to ride and critique it. It’s the best way to build the most epic terrain that will remain there forever.
Photo: Ale Di Lullo
What is the event?
The event is essentially just a giant jam, not far off having all your friends over to play when you were a kid. My main goal has always been to do and build epic things. Building the childhood dream of a compound wouldn’t be fun if you didn’t have your friends over to ride with.
The format of the event for the first two renditions was a point-based scavenger hunt; longest jump, do a flip barefoot, longest wheelie through the casino, best whip, etc. This year we are switching it up to a more formal contest to Win The Day. Each day the riders will vote for whom they thought won the day. The rest is left up to complete freedom to ride whatever you want and do whatever you want. If you don’t want to ride where the cameras are, that’s all good. If you want shots, then stick with the crowd.
What sort of athletes get an invite? Are you looking for the crème-de-la-crème of the sport or are you casting a broader net?
The first invites definitely go to the top dogs, but the ethos of the event has become the underdogs. The amount of world-class riders that aren’t invited to the major events is insane. I have emails and messages from such an incredible list of riders asking to come, so it’s very hard to turn them away.
Photo: Ale Di Lullo
Massive thanks to the legend Cam Zink for taking our call. We’re looking forward to throwing down at the Invitational this May 15-19. Follow along on Instagram for peeks behind the scenes in Reno and beyond.