Words of Wisdom Vic Bettencourt
Vic Bettencourt whether he knows it or not is in my top favorite riders I grew up looking up to list. This is not said to pander, blow smoke or charm it’s just the truth. I know with out any doubt, I’m not alone on this either. Bring him up in any conversation and the words of positivity will flow. There is a reason he’s one of the most well respected and longest standing riders in the North East. His influence spreads far and wide, and for myself opened my teenage eyes to a way of riding that far exceeded the first held interpretations I downloaded from years of DVD’s as a kid. Seeing Vic ride in person most specifically the Island (Skaters Island Skatepark) as a youth made me think go faster, higher and smoother was the way. Fast forward to today and not much has changed. Vic is still ripping the BMX, influencing the masses on and off the bike and I’m still a huge fan. I felt honored Vic agreed to answer a few question for the Blog. So give this a peak and hopefully his answers will influence you to look at and treat your scene a bit differently. I also want to give a special thanks to Cara Bettencourt for helping with the finial editing on this particular article and for kicking ass with our North East BMX scene on the daily, you rule Cara. I hope you enjoy the read.
-Shajn
Name: Victor Bettencourt
Age: 45
Occupation: Owner/Operator of Circuit BMX Shop
Years Riding: 33
Like the spools of wire behind him are plentiful so are the years of BMX and radness with Mr. Bettencourt.
Q: You've been riding and a part of the NE BMX scene for a long time. As well involved with the industry of BMX for many years. I'm sure you have seen many friends, riders, brands, shops and crews come and go. What keeps you motivated to stay involved and can you talk a little bit about your thoughts on longevity with this thing called BMX?
Oh yeah, It’s crazy to think how many riders come and go. It would be rad if everyone that you’ve ever rode with would stay involved but to some people BMX is just a fad or maybe something else pulls them away. I don’t really rely on people for motivation to ride. For me, it’s what I’m truly passionate about so it’s something I’m naturally driven to do. I feel bad for anyone that doesn’t have something in their life that they aren't passionate about, so much that they would commit their life to it. BMX is just that for me. It’s who I am and it’s all I want to do. Building jumps and riding them is what I’ve been doing since the late 80s. Can’t imagine it any other way. As far as longevity goes, you just have to keep pushing to make it happen. My body is in constant pain but I always push through and get out and ride either way. Now that I'm 45 and climbing the ladder I cherish every minute I get to spend on my bike. I never have a bad session unless I'm having emergency knee surgery. To answer your question about what keeps me motivated, it’s just the constant chase of that feeling I get when I'm riding fast and pulling up. That's what keeps me motivated. It’s hard for me to relate to people who stop riding because I’m in this for life. I remember Zac Costa saying to me after hanging out one night. “I'll see you around one day, we are in this for life”. Damn, that struck me. I probably won't see Zac for who knows how long but the bond that BMX creates is like no other.
Q: Do you think those practices for keeping the flame alive and burning with BMX translate into other areas of your life that are non-bike related?
Good question. I look at most obstacles in life as if I were building a set of trails or building a scene. Everything takes time and patience is a virtue. BMX has unintentionally taught me a lot over the years. And at the same time, there isn’t much in my life that isn’t BMX related. My life revolves around it. When I started Circuit I looked at it as if I were starting a set of trails from the very first shovel. I knew it would take time to build a solid set of trails just as I knew it would take time to build a solid establishment. It started small and incrementally got bigger each year.
Over and Under doesn’t get much more BMX then this.
Q: In the same vein you have had your ups and downs with injuries over the years. How do you reignite that love and motivation for BMX when the dust has settled and you're healed?
The hardest part about riding is getting injured and spending time off the bike. It’s inevitable! I’ve had 5 too many knee surgeries spanning the past 25 years. During my down time the main focus is getting back on the bike. The flame is always burning so there is no need to reignite. It’s all I think about. I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by it at work so I usually live through all the riders that are coming in and telling me about their sessions and good times. I'm also motivated by guys like you who have gone through it over and over again. I know you are working your ass off to get strong and healthy, that motivates me for sure. Love it!
Q: I may be asking this for my own personal benefit but time and time again you return to BMX after injuries the average person would throw in the towel on. What's your thought process once it's time to ride again? Is it organic or thought out like a strategy? If you wouldn't mind for the readers just giving them a bullet point rundown of the injuries you have overcome in your years riding. I think this would be beneficial for anyone out there currently healing and questioning their love for BMX.
Great question.It’s totally organic. Of course I always ease into riding. Even when I’m riding on a consistent basis I never ride anything I’m not comfortable with. I’m far beyond the days of going outside my comfort zone. That’s part of being an “older” rider and wanting to do it for as long as possible. You have to pace yourself. And for those that “toss the towel in” you always come back. Or at least think about it constantly. I’d rather live and enjoy my life on my bike while I can. To me, there’s no other feeling like it. I know I won't be able to ride the way I want to or used to forever so even when I'm 60 and I'm cruising a pump track I'll be stoked. I take healing and recovery pretty seriously. I go to PT, try to eat well and things like massage and acupuncture help me when I’m really hurting. I’m always searching for something to help manage my pain at home. Scattered around my house are heating pads, cups (for cupping), muscle rubs, a TENS unit, and stuff like that. I’m never not trying to get rid of some pain. I've had nothing but knee surgeries.
1 ACL
1 Scope
HTO (High Tibial Osteotomy) sawed my leg off and took out a wedge to realign it so the
pressure was off the meniscus.
Full Knee Replacement
Fractured Knee Cap
Broken collar bone
Numerous dislocated shoulders
Broken wrist
Major back issues
Concussions
Style Speed and Smooth Accuracy.
Q: What drew you to BMX or in a more cheesy form what do you love about it?
I’m going to go way back to 1986 when I got my first real bmx bike and discovered there was a bmx track in my city. I didn't have any close friends that were BMX riders, I only knew that I wanted to be on that track jumping shit and dying. Even though it wasn’t too far from where I lived, It might have been well over 100 miles away. I had just watched Rad and was like, “I have to go to the bmx track.” Even though the track in Rad was nothing like an actual BMX track. It was never about winning races or being number one. It was always about riding the jumps on the track. Riding that track was the best thing that ever happened to me. What I love about BMX is the feeling that it gives me. I could be having a shit day at work or in life but once I get on my bike for a session all that stress from the day is gone. I get to create what I want to ride my bike on as well. BMX isnt always about riding my bike, it's also about building trails, creating lifelong friendships and growing as a person. These other aspects of BMX give me just as much joy as riding. With building trails, knowing that I’m putting all this work into something I’m going to put my tires on is very gratifying. I’m not sure how many people have that type of release in their lives. I know it exists in other forms but there aren't many ways to clear the mind like that. From as early as I can remember, 6/7 years old, my bike was my release. I love that fact that it's always there for me. BMX isn't going anywhere, it's always there when I need it.
Q: Outside looking in I would describe you as an all around rider with a heavy love affair with flow based riding. I know I myself love to watch you ride trails as well as ramps as far back as I can remember. Am I correct to say that's where your heart lives when it comes to the 20 inch? I think I know the answer to this but do you prefer trails or parks?
Ya, I prefer dirt but also enjoy riding concrete in the off season. Growing up racing created a passion for going fast and the want for it to be on dirt. Just the simple feeling of pumping a bowl corner or a landing. That feeling of propulsion. It’s my favorite part about riding BMX. It's a cathartic release for me.
Twisted in the woods.
Q: Thoughts on park etiquette and how do you deal with negativity in these environments when they arise?
Well I usually avoid park etiquette by going to the parks before anyone gets there. I avoid negativity by riding with one or two people at a time haha.
Q: Thoughts on the growing number of cement parks now being built in the NE ? Although any park is great for the scene do you think these towns are missing the chance to build transitions and obstacles that are bigger in size and scale ( size of ramps themselves) ? The old saying is you can ride a big park small but you can't ride a small park big. Do you think this limits progression of say riders more interested in flow style riding and blasting quarters doing gaps etc..? Feel free to elaborate and go into detail if you like.
From my experience, it’s the insurance companies that are limiting the height of ramps. They view larger ramps as riskier. In New England towns can be sued by individuals so it’s in the town’s best interest to reduce their risk (in their view) by having small ramps. Sometimes conversations with parks departments can get you past that, but insurance companies can make whatever rules they want and hold towns to them. We started working with the city of Providence years ago and we've made some amazing progress with them. And they are very receptive to what we discuss in meetings. It's not always a hit but just get involved with your community and make things happen. You only need one person on your side to represent the entire community. Whether you want to get a park or pump track built the only way to do it is to try.
Start them young we say! This Photo rules!
Q: Thoughts on the trail scene in the NE, the trail culture here and as well your thoughts on "trail salt" all over? Do you think the drama is warranted and how do you personally deal with trail drama now or in the past at the number of spots you have been responsible for developing and growing?
The N.E.Trail scene is rad. There are spots everywhere. Everyone’s making it happen. Stoked on that. I love the salt but in a fun kind of joking way. When it goes too far and feelings get hurt you gotta pour some sugar in it. Salt happens!! I've been on both ends of it throughout the years. Emotions run high in the woods. There's a lot of heart that goes into those piles of dirt . But sometimes the slugs dry out and move on and you're left with their snail trails everywhere.I've had my salty moments over the years but that stuff is far behind me. I don't have time for that. Mentally, Cumby getting plowed was the best thing that ever happened to me.I was a major stress case over that place. If a spec of dirt was out of place it would upset me. But anytime you put a group of strong willed people together there’s bound to be conflict. It’s inevitable. It’s just like any type of relationship, there will always be bumps in the road. We had a decent amount of conflict at Cumby. I guess that is why we had 8 functioning lines. Everyone wanted their own. And somehow we made them all work as one. Building trails is the best. To address the whole “No Dig, No Ride” attitude. That shit needs to go away. I know it's easier said than done. This guy doesn't have as much free time as that guy. Most people have full time jobs and families. Life gets in the way of digging. I know most builders are protective of their spots and that's totally cool but we all need to learn from our mistakes and that attitude is just ugly. I feel like it didn't get us anywhere 20 years ago so why not try a different approach. Now every trail spot is unique so this may only apply to some and not all. Trails spots will always have their core group of builders, some will come and go and some will grow with the right attitude. Personally, I’ve moved beyond that salty attitude and I’m willing to give the come one, come all movement a try. Even when I felt differently about digging I was always willing to give anyone a shot. You gotta give a little to get a little, that rings true with everything in life. It's a slippery slope, obviously you don't want it to be a free for all out in the woods. There has to be some structure. It's truly a hard environment to balance out. There are a lot of people that get turned off by trails for that one reason. People will complain that trails are dying out because no one digs but in reality, trails will never die out and are thriving now more than ever. Trail spots need to move beyond salty white dudes in the woods. No wonder why no one wants to come out to dig and ride. There is so much machismo out there. It's rad that we are seeing the shift with organized dig days, jams, and the inclusion of women and kids. If we want the scene to grow then things need to stay in this direction. I'm all for it.
(I may have contradicted myself numerous time here)
(Pareidolia: Couldnt agree more. Well said.)
Q: If you have one, tell everyone a fun skaters island story.
Man, every session at the Island was a story. Cold Beers and BMX! That was the Island for me. Having a session with Ruben at the island was a highlight for me there,he was stoked on the snake run. I recall him saying that it was the best bowl he had ever ridden. Mind you this was the Etnies Forward era.
Vic’s and his families home turf is amazing only a few steps out their back door to BMX sessions, BBQ’s and good times.
Q: You have traveled and possibly lived elsewhere for a period of time. If I recall from stories maybe Florida for a period. I feel with your drive and talents you could make Circuit and life both on and off the bike work anywhere. What is it about the NE life wise and BMX wise that keeps this place as your home base?
Ya, I lived in Florida for a number of years and it was great but it was never home. I lived in Brooklyn for a few years where I met Cara while she was attending Pratt Institute. I just don't know what it is about N.E. and BMX up here but it's always been home and it just feels right. There's just a real sense of community up here and opportunity to continuously create and work with the evolving scene. And Spring,Summer and Fall in N.E. are just the best. Winter ain't so bad either. I always look at it as a time to recover and plan out the next season.
Q: You have thrown jams, contests and events since I was a young kid. They're always awesome. Was the drive to throw these events out of a lack of others doing so or where they were influenced by others before you? If yes, what was one event when you were young that sparked the idea " yeah I'm going to do that, I'm throwing an event of my own"?
When I was a kid, I don’t remember the year. Maybe 90-91 there was a small listing in BMX Plus for local jams and I noticed that Natick Mass. (Pig Pen) was having a dirt jam. There was a number to call for directions. It was Rich Days home number. I called and talked to his mom about the jam. I don’t remember if I ever got the directions to the jam but I never made it,not being able to drive was probably a factor. But that was a major catalyst for me wanting to organize my own jam. We always had big sessions at Dumont but I think our first real jam where we made flyers and sent them out to shops was maybe 95 or 96.
Pull it back and let it whip, Vic is no stranger to this.
Q:I'm not the only person to think or say this but yourself and family have definitely been a major reason for the growth and continued thriving scene in Rhode Island. As far as I can see you're someone at the forefront leading a lot of people in a positive direction. What are one or two things you would like to say to the NE scene? It can be a message or even a request. Any pearls of wisdom to the BMX masses in the NE?
Well that's a huge honor coming from someone that has done plenty in his day, so thanks. Everything that Cara and I do for BMX locally is because we truly love it. We love it like it's a family member. I would do anything for it. And we try our best to represent the community in a positive light. I like to think we all ride BMX because we love the way our bikes make us feel while we are on them. Not because we want to win the X-Games or be the next top BMX Pro. I mean there is nothing wrong with aspiring to be that but "the passion of the bike" is first and foremost. Keep ripping Y'all!!
Some of the best fold in the NE. Proper fold, proper style and a picture perfect clear day in cement country.
