Nick Simcik

How does FOX contribute to your success?
Great suspension is what keeps my bike in control on everything from the jumps on the slope course to the rough landings out in the desert, it's always reliable, predictable, and once it's set up, forget it, it'll never let you down. I ride FOX products, because nothing feels better.

Tell us about your best race or event and how it changed you.
My best contest? Each contest provides something new and exciting, a new challenge, a new lesson. I take something from every contest I attend. My best contest was Ranchstyle a few years ago. The comp was a jam format and it came down between a friend of mine and me. In the end, it didn't matter who won, because we both stepped up our game from the push we gave each other.

Tell us about your bike/vehicle setup.
I have a quiver of bikes. I run all Transition bikes, a TR250 for big jumps and resort riding with a Factory Series 36 VAN 180 FIT RC2 and a Factory Series DHX RC4, a Covert for long trail rides with a Factory Series 36 FLOAT 160 FIT RLC and Factory Series FLOAT RP23, a Transition Double for slopestyle events with a Factory Series 32 831 100 FIT RLC and a Factory Series FLOAT RP23, and finally a TOP with a Factory Series 32 831 100 FIT RLC up front. All of my bikes run Shimano drivetrains and brakes, Deity cockpit components, VP pedals and headsets, Maxxis tires, MRP guides, DT Swiss wheels and Contour cameras to show the action.

What else is in your garage?
I have a 1996 Toyota Tacoma with a supercharger, it's a beast. I haven't found anything it won't conquer and it'll get ya' there quick!

What's your training regimen?
Ride, ride, ride.

Any major injuries, and how did you recover?
Knock on wood...

What's your typical pre-race/event meal? Guilty pleasure?
My morning "coffee" is a Red Bull. That said, between practice and go time, I will typically eat a Honey Stinger waffle and drink some water, just chill out and get ready to charge.

How do you determine which races or events to enter each year?
I attend the contests that have the best courses. I am lucky here in Colorado, we have 3 major contests each year, and they typically have great courses -Teva, Ranchstyle, and Crankworx Colorado - so making those is a must, but Claymore is my must go to event every year, the course that Smutok builds is a blast and the whole park is great. The other big deciding factor is which events will help me achieve my ultimate goal, Rampage, this year, I am going to the only other big mountain event which is Chatel in France, I aim to do well there and make it to the Utah desert in 2012.

What motivated you to get started professionally?
We all have dreams. Mine is Rampage. Seeing the guys in the movies and watching Rampage in person, really motivated me to give it a try. Unfortunately life happened, I started a full-time job, bought a house, and a nice car. But, I wasn't happy. The best day was the day I lost my job. It motivated me to pursue this goal while I was still young enough to make it happen. Through a supportive girlfriend, I sold my car, my house, and started going after it. I started attending more contests and working to provide media for my sponsors. It is presently snowballing into more than I could have ever dreamed.

What separates you from other professional athletes?
I think the thing that separates me from the rest is my work ethic. Obviously all of the guys work hard, but I am always looking to put in the extra work, to improve my results, put together my own media for exposure for myself and the great brands that support me.

What would you be doing if you weren't a professional athlete?
I would be working in the bike industry, probably a sales job or customer service.

What's the best thing about being a professional athlete?
The best part of being a pro athlete is getting to ride my bike for a living. I get the opportunity to travel to new places and ride my bike. My favorite part would have to be getting to ride the products I want to and be involved with those companies on a personal level.

What other sports are you interested in?
I grew up playing baseball and ski racing. While I no longer participate in either, I still love to watch them.

Any advice to the readers dreaming to turn pro?
Never give up and do not let anyone tell you that you can't. Can't has never done a thing, if you want it, you can do it, but nothing happens without hard work and pushing through barriers.

What are your favorite magazines and websites?
I am an avid user of Pinkbike. It is the home for millions of bikers and a great way to see what riders are doing around the world. I read Decline magazine.

Who is your hero?
My grandpa. He fought through the depression, went into the military to support his family and has lived a life to be admired.

Are you a Mac or PC? Mac

Greatest strength Character, doing what is right.

Most frustrating challenge Tuning front derailleurs! Chain guides for life!!!

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