The Bonebell tolls for anyone who just gets out there and gives it a go off-road, regardless if its a simple trail ride, or attempting your first race. Racing can be intimidating enough, and the off-road racing scene is generally a more laid back vibe that welcomes newbies to join in the action in a low stress sort of way. Cyclocross has most definitely taken the edge off for new riders to come and enjoy the experience, and in some cases, like “Flannel Mike”, become a hero for a new class of participants.

…you guys make me feel like no matter how I’m doing, I belong out there. I can’t thank you all enough for that. – Flannel Mike

Mike Schietinger had a goal – and he reached for it. Spectators became madly inspired. Beer handups turned into bacon handups, and the next week, it was twizzlers stuffed in twinkies. The spirit of fun and outlandish sport was indeed unified when people saw that truly ‘everyone’ can participate in this quirky sport. Fame of ‘Flannel Mike’ who is also further nicknamed ‘BC’ for ‘Business Casual’, rocketed through the blogosphere garnering him what may be the most recognizable figure at a race, next to ‘Supergirl’. The Illinois State CX Championships are upon us – and this year, was a breakthrough year on many levels – Mike is an example of that and hope that everyone else follows suit and rocks it out with whatever they have, CX is open for all.

1. What was the motivation to start CX racing?
Health and fitness really. On October 10th, my 31st birthday, I stepped on the scale and realized I was in the worst shape of my life at 220 pounds. I had a bad diet, a desk job, and very little exercise. I knew that if something didn’t change I would be saying the same thing on my 32nd birthday, and on my 40th, and so on. I remembered an article I saw in the Tribune a few weeks before about cross and decided that I was going to change my life. The next morning I took my bike down to the Dan Ryan race.

2. What did your friends and family think of you trying this sport out?
My family is super supportive. Before the Dan Ryan race my wife said “Have fun, don’t get hurt, don’t throw up.” I didn’t really tell anyone else until after that first race, but from then on I’ve told just about everyone I know. It’s a lot different then saying “Hey I’ve started playing racquet-ball” or something. People don’t know anything about the sport, so it’s a chance for me to talk about the fun and excitement of [cyclo]cross as well as how I’m enjoying it.

3. Are you surprised by the amount of attention you have received recently?
I’m stunned! I was expecting to meet a few new people, maybe make a few friends in the community this year, and maybe see a couple of pictures of myself that I could show people I know. I couldn’t have imagined what did happen [instead]. Every week so many people are coming up to me to just being so supportive and awesome. Advice, encouragement, high-fives, people calling to me across parking lots. Anyone that comes to a race with me ends up saying “Wow, Mike is like some kind of cult celebrity there!” In the end I’m most impressed by just how amazing the community has been. For a totally new rider that could barely make it around the track you guys make me feel like no matter how I’m doing, I belong out there. I can’t thank you all enough for that.

4. What do you find the most fun about the Chicago Cross Cup series?
The people. I love riding, I love the sport, the training, everything. But it’s the people that make these races so special. From Jason and the other organizers, to the 3s giving me tips, to all the 4Bs that lap me and say “keep going flannel mike” and “hang in there mike”. I think about 90% of the riders that pass me say something to keep me pushing. I have never once heard anything negative. Not from a rider, not from a heckler, no one. You guys keep me pushing every week. That’s cross. That’s why I come to race. I really wouldn’t be here with out that.

5. Do you have ambitions to continue cycling – off-road or on-road?
Short answer is I’m focused on CX. Long answer is that I don’t have one competition bike yet, let alone two or three. I want to dramatically improve by next season, so I’ll most likely be doing some Cat 5 road for training and motivation, as well as some solo and small group off-road stuff for cross practice and skill building. but all [on] a cross bike.

6. We heckled your brother-in-law to death, he’s a good sport, is he surprised by the amount of heckling at the races?
Paul had a blast, like me he had all positive or “in good fun” heckling and really had a great time. That golf course was really packed with spectators and he came away really amazed at how he got wrapped up in the “flannel guy” stuff so quickly. He should be at Montrose so you guys will have a chance to heckle him some more.

Photo: Luke Seeman

7. What message do you give others about trying CX out?
Come out! I was worried before my first race about barrier practice, and conditioning, and technique, and all that stuff matters, but not until after you come out and get a feel for what it’s all about. Don’t worry about what kind of bike you’ve got. Mountain bike? Fine, come race. Road bike? Throw some Small Block 8’s on there and come race. Commuter bike? Take off the baskets and crap and come race. Hell, Paul raced on a single speed commuter bike. Most importantly come out to have FUN!

8. Are you eyeing any nice CX bikes to reward yourself with at Christmas time?
Yeah, Lou and the Pony Shop guys have been so awesome to me over these last few months, I’m going to sit down with Lou after the season is over and work out something that I can ride from now until I’m competitive in the 4A’s.

9. Have you considered flannel patterned spandex?
I actually get asked this a lot. So I started at 220 pounds, I’ve lost 15 pounds in about 7 weeks. My goal is the 185-190 range, when I get there I’m going to look for a place to get one made. Paul wants one too!

There you have it – The Bonebell thinks that there is a new spandex style coming out next year, and the Chicago CX community will know where it came from.