After a setback at Texas Toast a few months prior, BMX pro Chase Hawk is on the cusp of returning to what he loves most: riding his bike. In an exclusive update, we catch up with Chase to discuss his journey through injury recovery and his eagerness to get back on his Odyssey BMX bike. Despite doctor’s initial orders for complete rest, Chase has been diligently working on his rehabilitation and is now feeling the excitement build as he anticipates his return to the BMX scene.
“It’s been a little over three months since I broke my foot on October 15th at Toast,” Chase explains, detailing the timeline of his injury. “I have a doctor’s appointment coming up on February 5th, and at my last check-up, the doctor seemed optimistic about giving me the green light to start riding again. That’s the plan anyway, to hop back on my Odyssey bike as soon as I get the OK.” Chase emphasizes his proactive approach to recovery, stating, “I’ve been committed to rehab for the past month, hitting the gym hard to strengthen my foot and leg. It’s all about preparing my body to handle being back on the bike.”
The anticipation is palpable as Chase talks about his return. “I am incredibly stoked to start riding again,” he admits. Looking ahead, he shares, “This year is shaping up to be incredibly busy with a lot planned. My main priority right now is to make sure my leg is as strong as possible to get ready for a packed eight months of travel, filming projects, and contests.” He adds with enthusiasm, “It’s going to be a busy year, but I’m really looking forward to it. First things first though, I need to get this foot strong again so I can shred on my BMX bike.”
When asked about how he spent his downtime, Chase describes a mix of patience and proactive recovery. “The first couple of months were honestly a lot of sitting around, wishing I could be outside enjoying the nice weather. The doctor’s orders were strict – complete immobilization – and I really tried to follow them as closely as possible.” He continues, “For the most part, I stayed home, watched movies, kept my leg elevated, and focused on staying healthy in other ways. As soon as I was allowed to start putting weight on it, walking, and getting into the gym for stationary bike workouts, I jumped at it immediately.”
Interestingly, Chase found a creative outlet during his recovery period. “In the last few weeks, as I’ve been able to move around more, I’ve actually started playing the drums again.” He explains the connection to his injury: “Since it was my right foot that was injured, the one I use for the kick drum, getting back to drumming was a big motivator.” This passion led to a new musical venture. “I was so excited to get back to it that I even bought a new drum set, and I’ve been jamming with a friend, Jay Roe, who recently moved here. It’s been a really fun way to spend my time because usually, I don’t have the time to schedule and meet up with other musicians to actually play together. Normally it’s just me at home playing along to music. Being in a practice studio with other musicians on a real drum set is a completely different and awesome experience. I’ve been really enjoying it lately. Who knows, maybe I’ll even try to start a band if I have enough time.”
As Chase nears his return to riding, the BMX community eagerly awaits his comeback. His dedication to recovery and his passion for both BMX and music showcase his multifaceted personality. Soon, we can expect to see Chase Hawk back in action, pushing the limits on his Odyssey BMX bike once again.