Morgan Hill, CA - First there was Tippie. Next came Berrecloth. Now, add Matt Hunter to Specialized's expanding band of freeride brothers. Another talented rider straight outta Kamloops, and recent recipient of a fat $10,000 UFC 2 grand prize check (courtesy Race Face), Matt has earned himself a spot on the Specialized factory team. Matt's skill level, his tenacity, and his massive potential all led him to join the Specialized freeride family. Best part is he just happens to be a really nice guy. To get to know him a little better, we sat down with Matt last week and peppered him with a few questions. So Matt, how are you feeling about being sponsored by Specialized? - "Dude, I haven't slept in 2 days! I can't wait to get my bike. I keep checking it out online at Specialized.com!" Birthday? - "July 12, 1983. This was 19 years ago."

Matt Hunter - another Canadian that Specialized loves

Place of birth? - "The birthplace of freeriding, Kamloops, B.C."

Place of residence? - "I live in my house."

What age did you start riding bikes? "If you call crashing into a lilac bush from the top of a hill riding, then I started when I was four."

Who do you admire most in the sport of cycling? - "My little neighbor next door. He cruises around in his driveway all day and can even do pop-a-wheelies. He doesn't have anything to do but roll all day!"

A typical Friday night for Matt Hunter goes something like...? - "I am always in bed by 7:30 on Friday night so that I get enough rest for a hectic Saturday. Any kind of partying or rowdiness is out of the question for freeriders."

Favorite food? - "B.C. dirt."

Favorite trick? - "360-backflip-truckdriver tweak to a no handed nose wheelie landing (switch)."

I like Specialized because... - "Having a solid bike underneath me gives me the confidence I need to work on my skills without worrying about the bike."

Good answer! Speaking of the bike, Matt will be aboard a spankin' new 2003 Big Hit DH. With up to 8.1" of travel and a 24" rear wheel, many have called this bike the ultimate freeride utensil. Watch for Matt this summer as he spans the globe with Tippie and Bearclaw spreading the freeride gospel.