Last Updated: March 23rd, 2007
Name: Matthew Majka
City: Sparta
State: New Jersey
Country: United States
Age: 31
Category: Expert
Team: Team Bulldog/Campmor
Sponsors: Campmor, Accelerade, Answer Manitou, Clif Bar, Endurox, Gaerne, Kenda, Oury Grips, Pedros USA, SIXSIXONE, Speedplay, Zeal Optics
XC or DH Race Bike: Titus Racer X
Tires: Kenda Blue Grooves/Karmas/ Nevegals
Shoes: Answer
Clipless Pedals: Speed Play Frogs
- What year did you start racing mountain bikes?
Started Racing in 2003.
- What is your best result so far? (example: 3rd Place Senior Expert Men - Mt. Snow, VT - 2000)
I took 1st the ITC Triathlon out of 151 starters.
- What is the most and least number of hours that you train in
a week? (Not zero but the least number of hours you actually train)
Least 5-10 during the winter. Most 15-20 while building.
- Name your favorite XC and/or DOWNHILL race course?
I love Stewart, NY. For some reason, although I rarely finish a race there, I always seem to have a great time. On par is Kittatinny State Park in good old NJ.
- Name your favorite place to ride:
Allamuchy, NJ hands down. Probably some of the best, most technical riding that I have done. In addition, the trail maintenance crews do a great job maintaining the place.
- What is the longest distance or number of hours that you have
ridden XC in one day on a mountain bike? (EXCLUDING A 24 OR 12 HOUR RACE
unless SOLO!)
Longest race was doing the 24 hours of Allmuchy as part of a 2 man team. We always had someone on course, so I guess I rode for about 12 hours. In terms of training rides, I usually get a couple of 6+ hour rides in throughout the year.
- How much of your training is on the road?
Probably about 75%. I much prefer to be on the mountain bike, but have difficulty doing prescribed workouts in the woods. Although I really enjoy road riding, I guess I look at it more like training, where mountain biking is always just a ton of fun.
- Do you cross train or use weights?
My coach has a hard time keeping me out of the gym. I get a bit more gym time during the winter, but usually reduce that to once a week during the season.
- Do you use supplements or sport drinks?
Accelerade and Clif Shots during efforts, Endurox afterward.
- Do you do anything special (besides the whole training
lifestyle) to prepare for an important race?
I try to always preride the course, then it is a steady dose of sleep/hydrate/rest/sleep/hydrate/rest.
- Do you use a heart rate monitor?
Yes. I base most of my training off of my heart rate since I am currently too poor to invest in a power tap.
- Do you keep a training log?
Yes.
- What do you consider your strong points on a race course,
hills, technical sections, downhills?
Long steady climbs, endurance, descending.
- What aspect of mountain biking is the most fun for you?
The atmosphere is always a great time. The people involved always seem to be there for the right reasons. Beyond that, it is by far the toughest, most rewarding, most fun sport that I have ever attempted.
- What is your greatest moment (biggest rush) that you have
experienced on your MOUNTAIN BIKE?
Those races where everything just comes together. You feel great, you are riding smooth, and of course you are doing fairly well.
- Do you have any suggestions for Beginner racers?
Steal as much knowledge from more experienced riders as you can. Join a local club and jump in head first. You will make such quick gains that you will be hooked in no time.
