The Big "Ben" Theory - Ben Boyko Interview

Feb 17, 2008

I have witnessed a few good cases of "pro's exploding onto the scene" in my riding career so far, but nothing beats Ben Boyko. After making the switch from BMX to Mountain bike, Ben was supported by a small North Shore based bike company labeled Cove Bikes. Shortly after gaining the first ever rider's segment for the Pist'N'Broke guys, and gaining segment of the year for that same segment in CKD, Ben was signed by Norco Bikes. In 2007 Ben was the crowned Crankworx 2007 Champion, and later signed a strong 3 year bond with Norco Bikes. This guy has been around the block, and knows his ups and downs.

Check out my interview with the man on this side of the water, Ben Boyko.

Who are you, and who do you represent?
I represent Norco Bikes, Marzocchi suspension, Kenda tires, Mavic wheels, Adidas clothing, Gravity components, Shimano components, Rockstar Energy Drink and Dakine.

Where do you reside?
New Westminister, BC. Canada.

Would you say it's your most ideal place to live for your riding style?
In the summer time it's perfect because it's the most central city in the lower mainland. In the winter, there isn't much riding going on because of the rain and snow. There is great trail riding in the summer but there isn't any dirt jumps anywhere ever so I usually have to go to California and ride Woodward West to ride dirt.



Would you prefer to live somewhere else?
I need to live somewhere where there are jumps. I'd like to live on the island where you can build jumps and they won't get messed with. If I could, I would want to live in Southern California because there is riding all year round and the best jumps everywhere.

After getting segment of the year for your CKD segment, would you say you exploded onto the mountain biking scene?
The segment was important to helping establish my name but the segment alone didn't make or break anything.

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CKD - Segment of the year.
We have witnessed you crash off some big stuff. Is there any stunt that still scares you to this day?
6 years ago I had a bad accident doing a back flip, so I have difficulty doing back flips off bigger jumps. Generally I just get back up there and do it again. I don't ride sketchy stunts so it's not really the stunt that scares me.


As far as riding goes, are you planning to stick to the slope style scene this year again? Or switch it up into a racing category?
I've never raced a day in my life......next question.

Mac or Pc?
Mac

Who is the hardest working free rider?
Berrecloth

What does it take to get a shot?
You build a lot in the worst weather and wait until the light's right!

Did your BMX background influence today’s riding at all?
Everything I do is influenced from BMX.


Before getting signed with Norco did you have to build more at night as you were having to work other jobs too to make ends meet?
Yeah nights and weekends were spent building.

Most time spent on a feature that got torn down?
18 months.

What’s it like to try to keep it all quiet in order to get the job done?
It's not hard to keep quiet, it's hard to hide it.

What's your drink of choice after a day of digging and building or riding?
Crantini and then Rockstar energy drinks.

What has been the most memorable ride of your life?
I just got back from an epic trip in Costa Rica. The crew from Big Mountain Adventures took us on some of the best riding I've done.

What’s your proudest accomplishment?
Riding in general.

If you could ride with anyone in the industry, who would it be? Why?
Hans Ray....cause he's the legend.

What's the best memory you have of riding?
Good sessions at the Chilliwack dirt jumps.

Who is your favorite wrestler?
Ravishing Rick Rude...WWF old school.

Let’s go back a few years, who was your high school crush?
Ricki Lake!


If I got as good at riding as you would it help me with girls?
No....you wouldn't have time for girls then!

Where do you get your hair styled at?
What hair...the ladies love the shaved head.

A lot of riders ride with an iPod, or some form of music, is that something you indulge in? Or do you prefer quiet?
I like to ride with my iPod but I always break them.

What do you want to achieve this year?
As much as I can.

Thanks a lot for your time, any shout outs you want to give out?
Yeah I like to thank my sponsors that I mentioned above. I'd like to thank all the photographers I've worked with, Harookz, Ian Hylands, Yorrik Caroux, John Gibson, Stirling Lorrence, Ian Millar, Ken Viale. And everyone else I've left out. Thanks to trail builders and bros, John Starsavick, Brian O, Tanya, Carolyn and the Norco crew.


Best of luck in the 2008 Season.

All action shots of Ben are by Harookz.com