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Dave has also been raising as much awareness as he can for the Climate Cycles organization so that Chicago Public Schools can install solar panels to produce as much clean energy as possible while educating students on the benefits of solar power. Its a win/win for both educators, students, and the environment. If you’d like to assist Nevada Dave in reaching his monetary goal of providing a solar benefit to the public school system – simply visit his page and give what you can. In addition, to the fundraising, Nevada Dave will be riding from the Indiana Dunes to Chicago on May 15th with his crazy team from Trader Joe’s who will be donning pirate costumes for the entire route.

Dave has been riding his heart out in search of friendship from all walks of life from all over this country – if you’ve ever met him you’d know that he is genuinely concerned not only of the environment, bicycle racing, or saving the trails – he’s concerned about everyone not having as much fun as they should and making a difference while they can – on their bikes if possible. Dave Norton – thanks for inspiring us.

Here’s the Climate Cycle video from Dave’s team last year – this year will surely be a great time.

Photo: Ed White

We’ve got lots of news to share, and lots places to spread the derka. It really didn’t take us to look far to know that we had a friend who was most gracious to say ‘yeah I wanna help!’. We have grown the Bonebell Crew and are proud to announce Greg Heck (nickname forthcoming!) as our latest addition. It was fitting as Greg has an equal love of off-road cycling and has been preaching the joys of cyclocross well before the era of beer being an option as a handup at a race. He is the man behind the Jackson Park Cyclocross Race hosted by xXx Racing-AthletiCo, and has been a gracious host for friends and teammates who have ventured south to Kentucky for MTB and CX races. He is bringing his perspective, and his helping hand in keeping us up to date on the off-road racing scene and other activities. We are honored!

Upcoming Interviews
Here’s another way to start off the New Year – we have interviews coming up with Scott Tedro, Chairman of the US Cup Mountain Bike Race Series. In a brief phone conversation we had with him, we got the sense that he is incredibly ecstatic about filling us all in on the greatness that his series will be providing pros and privateers alike in the MTB racing scene this year. We also have a great interview lined up with the hero of the zero hour, the 24 Hour King of Endurance, Chris Eatough! Can you hear Nevada Dave salivating on his twigs and berry cereal over that one?

Celebrate Chicago Cyclocross!
Come one, come all! Its the Cyclocross Cup Banquet – always proven to be a great time and it helps everyone bond in this great love of Cyclocross, and win AWESOME door prizes. Register here –> I wanna buffet handup! If you’re a good hearted soul who wants to keep the Chicago Cross Cup a rollin’ then you register, show-up, and then mingle with the fine folks who you can also considering volunteering for. They have a call to action every year to make the series, better, and brighter than the previous year.

In addition – don’t forget to order your Chicago Cyclocross Photo Collective Book! Shipping is FREE until January 15th and you can pick it up from the mighty fine folks at The Pony Shop in Evanston, IL. While you’re there – drool over their inventory and give Lou Kuhn a great big bear hug!

…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.

, Photo Credit Chris Dilts.

If you’ve been doing it in the dirt this cyclocross season, then you’ve most likely been reminded by the greatest cyclocross fan ever to come to Chicago – the Cuttin’ Cruiser. The Cuttin’ Cruiser is friend to all and supporter to anyone willing to partake in the fun that the Cuttin’ Crew team dishes out on a weekly basis on the CX circuit. The famed white bus has traveled long and far in search of track, road, and cyclocross races to bring the Chit-town love, first class to the heckling lines.

“Can’t we all just get along?” – Cuttin’ Cruiser

Why are we spotlighting this interview for this white metallic wunderkind? Because the Cruiser has singlehandedly defined and upheld the fun statue that should be associated with cyclocross. Any such devoted supporter of the off-road cycling scene, is a friend of The Bonebell. The Cruiser has enthralled fans and has invited hecklers to up the ante at every race and most importantly – provided a couch to spread the cheer while holding your High Life. The Cruiser does this for ‘everyone’.

The Cuttin’ Cruiser has its challenges – it ain’t a wimpy electric powered tree huggin’ hippie Honda – its the American beast guzzling its way to heckle you. It hauls ass and hauls asses and needs your support to keep it going. If you ever wanted to hang with the Cuttin’ Crew, its as easy as stopping by and saying “Hi, I’m Joe Schmoe, I’d like to share a beer with you!” In return, you may get a hot dog, a beer, and the best heckling since Rodney Dangerfield in “Back To School”. If you want to see that vibe continue at CX races, and perhaps even at a 24 Hour Mountain Bike event, donate, spare a few bucks to keep the only friend rollling who won’t turn you down if you need a lift.

The Cuttin Crew will even sweeten the deal and have t-shirts available for your purchase at this next race in Bloomingdale, IL. If you’re a filthy lucre than perhaps you can snag one before anyone else at their party at ‘The Cave’ the Friday before the race.

Please consider donating –

So here are the fine words of wisdom from the Cuttin’ Cruiser.

1. What team were your previously associated with and how did you come to join the CCC?
My past is hazy at best. It certainly has little, if anything to do, with cycling. Apparently my roots are in the South, Alabama orsomething; then I was found, and upgraded by a man in Indiana. From there, I was bought and met my final upgrades from an engineer in Detroit. He took good care of me until it came time to part ways and I was listed on eBay three times. Tom, a dispatcher at Service First found me and sent out word. The hunt for a new Cuttin’ Crew van was over and I was Chicago bound. I can’t help but wonder if the next stop will probably be the scrapyard.

2. Some say you are a high maintenance team member – how do they deal with you?
Well, mechanically speaking I’m pretty fit. Aside from the recent incident there haven’t been many issues. I do soak up $2400 annually in rent, insurance isn’t always pleasant, a regular oil change and 4 MPG’s don’t help my rep, but I’m on board to be used and the gang does what they can to ensure that demand gets met. Whether it’s digging deep to split up rent, wielding a wrench or organizing fundraisers they get the job done.

3. Do you have any big plans in store for 2010?
Every year has been a grind. 2-3 nights a week going to the oval. 3 or 4 weekend races a month and every cyclocross race of the CCC season. One highlight for 2010 is in its planning stages. It would help facilitate “The Great Tour of Midwestern Velodromes” or something like that. It would entail highlighting a worthwhile weekend of races at every velodrome within driving distance and getting a large enough Chicago contingent to travel and experience different competition at different ovals. Turns out that the other velodrome organizers and racers REALLY appreciate having new blood to chase around and we should all be so lucky to see this plan come to fruition. That and it would still be great to hit up one of them 24 Hour MTB races.

4. People easily spot you at all the events you attend, does this make you self-conscious?
I always thought my hips looked so big in those side mirrors.

5. You have been known to be incredibly kind to Junior racers such as the Yojimbo’s Track Cats – but – have you ever lost your cool with the adult team members, come on be honest?
Bradley and I haven’t spoken since the chamois butt’r incident. I’ve probably said too much with that.

6. You rarely ever ask for help for yourself and your teammates do a good job of covering for you – but while you’re speaking to the public – what do want them to know on how to best support you and why?
The Bust Fund has seen tons of support. The team started a t-shirt run with the leftover dough in hopes of making the rainy day fund grow. It’s a steep $20 donation to get a t-shirt “Thank You!” but it’s for the cause. Collectively, we’ve got a simple cause. It’s really just a matter of justifying every trip. It’s rare that rides are exclusive to the team. Dare to ask for a lift. Be game to join in for a ride to race or be a hero and go solely to spectate. If watching a race isn’t appealing enough, maybe the novelty of the journey will be. Either way, the more the merrier. It helps with gas, it makes things more fun, and it is really what this whole idea is about.

7. You’re a true American traveler – what race venue have you been most stoked about having taken your teammates to?
This is a VERY hard question. Maiden voyage to Toronto. Stuporbowl. Kenosha. Especially Al winning the Mayor’s Cup (we weren’t even gonna go that night). Teeners’s 2nd and the team win at the 2009 State RR (another near no-show). A coupla nights with a full rig to NB. Quad cities was a blast. The return back to the Chi-Cross Cup scene only a week after the breakdown was nice. They all turn out being great in their own right.

,Photo Credit Chris Dilts.

8. You’ve been a fine shade of white for a while now – ever think of joining a reality makeover show?
That, or sitting out exposed in Humboldt Park for a week… There are things in the works, always said it, but it’s coming. Although there are certainly merits to being incognito to the untrained eye on these streets.

9. Outside of cycling – what are your other interests?
The usual you’d expect with a bus. College Football games with college kids. College Football games with actual kids. Picking up drunken friends on any random night of kindness. Tattoo and Piercing conventions (those nights were insane). And, of course, the moves. Moving friends to and fro their old and new apartments. That’s definitely the most popular “interest”.

10. It may not be proper to ask you this – but – how much mileage have people ridden on you?
I just looked at that a little while ago, about 12,000 miles in 18 months?

11. How do you handle road rage?
I like this question. When Adam, Ben and Jeff go from being on a bike to driving a bus it’s like a whole special level of vengeance. Just take it slower, wider and louder and EVERYONE falls into line. It’s like all those cars that bully you on the bike actually do follow their own code of “bigger is better”. It’s disturbing how satisfying that can be.

12. Is there any chance that a CX race could actually go ‘through’ you? up the stairs and out the back or something to that effect?
That would certainly make it easier on deciding where to put the couches.

13. Given the option what would you upgrade to first? Zipp Wheels or a new Edelbrock Turbocharger?
Ya know, the heater controls got swapped out for air horn controls a while back. Certainly a fine idea but ever since running out of gas in the middle of nowhere Wisconsin at 3 AM on a 14 degree January night on the way to Stuporbowl, sometime or another you just gotta stop answering the either/ors and start considering ways to have both…
…oh, and Zipps.

14. Final Question – Decepticon or Autobot?
Can’t we all just get along?

The Bonebell concludes with this final picture that exemplifies the spirit brought to you from the confines of the heavy Chevy – rock on Cruiser, rock on.

, Photo Credit Chris Dilts.

]]> http://thebonebell.com/2009/11/11/interview-the-cuttin-cruiser/feed/ 0 http://thebonebell.com/2009/10/14/interview-chris-strout-of-world-bicycle-relief/ http://thebonebell.com/2009/10/14/interview-chris-strout-of-world-bicycle-relief/#comments Wed, 14 Oct 2009 15:21:16 +0000 The Bonebell http://thebonebell.com/?p=1325 The Bonebell first endeavored in rallying around mountain biking over a year ago. It was just a blog with three guys that wanted to show how much fun mountain biking really is. People started reading regularly, and recognition over the blog grew into something bigger than originally imagined. The Bonebell Crew then refocused energies on trying to bring the community of dirtbaggers together while supporting key organizations that made it possible for all of us to do so.

World Bicycle Relief was a natural starting point – not necessarily because every team and local cycling related organization were already on that bandwagon – but primarily because World Bicycle Relief is represented by some of the most talented mountain bikers we have had the pleasure of riding with, racing against, and sharing great ideas about dirt riding in Chicago.

Photo Credit: Amy Dykema

“There’s just something about the dirt [riding]community that they just want to help as much as they can.” – Chris Strout

Chris Strout recently interviewed David Norton and Paolo Urizar about Endurance Mountain Biking news. It was squarely appropriate that we had an interview already sized up for him to fill you in on how his knobby tire expeditions came to fruition at what most consider the ‘mecca’ of mountain biking component glory, SRAM. Before there was Force or Red, and all the new fangled roadie “grouppos” – there was a product line that innovated the sport of mountain biking to new extremes. From that same company, a non-for-profit organization was also born, to further serve the idyllic nature of the mountain biking spirit. Explore, innovate, and make something better.

Why are you working for World Bicycle Relief?
I believe in what we do. Our approach to providing simple, sustainable mobility in a comprehensive program that includes distribution, mechanics training and improved bicycle design is one of the most effective answers to poverty and disease I’ve ever seen. What initially attracted me was the connection to helping HIV/AIDS workers – my family has been affected by the AIDS epidemic, and the chance to give back was something I couldn’t pass up.
Every day I’m amazed at the power of the work we do. The stories coming back from the field are pretty incredible – it’s not an understatement to say that every single bike changes someone’s life. And not just theirs – their family’s, their community’s. It’s unreal.

I’m working in the bike industry and saving people’s lives. What’s not to love?

How and why did World Bicycle Relief decide to represent an Endurance MTB squad?
We fall into the “grassroots” program – people around the world using their talents to promote World Bicycle Relief’s vision of The Power of Bicycles. So it’s not a “sponsorship” from World Bicycle Relief in that we don’t receive support and we purchase all of our clothing, etc. But karma and good vibes go around, and this year Siren Bicycles signed on to support the team – all three of our pro riders and both of the amateurs are tied to World Bicycle Relief as volunteers and supporters, and Siren saw that and wanted to get behind it. We’re lucky that we’ve got some of the fastest endurance bikes in the world as our platform!

What’s cool is that we’re immediately a part of this world of “grassroots” support – from the church holding a bake sale to the Kelly Benefit Strategies pro road team, we all share a common vision of how important a bicycle can be for underdeveloped regions of the world. It’s not just about raising money, raising awareness is a goal as well, and the endurance mountain bike scene has responded. Dirtbags “get it” and have really gotten behind our efforts with fundraisers and support across the country. There’s just something about the dirt community that they just want to help as much as they can.

Let me tell you, when I line up at an National Ultra Endurance 100-miler in my World Bicycle Relief-Siren jersey and Jeremiah Bishop moves over so I can have a spot on the front row, because he knows about World Bicycle Relief and respects what we do, it’s a pretty amazing feeling.

How do you motivate yourself for the World Bicycle Relief cause and racing nationally in 24 Hour Races?
I believe in the cause. I believe in what we’re doing. I’ve seen first-hand the impact that a bicycle can have on someone’s life, and the enormous joy a recipient experiences when they receive one. In addition to my staff position, I take every opportunity to volunteer at events and help spread the word – I see my racing as an extension of that.

It’s immensely gratifying to be able to represent World Bicycle Relief in the sporting arena. I’ll be honest: my motivation for racing is kind of selfish. It started when I was 7 years old, doing a report for my 2nd-grade class about Belgium. I learned about Eddy Merckx, and the Tour de France. At that time, it was on Wide World of Sports, the only cycling event we could see here in the States. I fell in love, and from that day forward the only thing I ever wanted to be in life was a pro bike racer.

So to be able to represent, and still fulfill my personal dream – what could be more motivating than that?

What is the greatest challenge that the World Bicycle Relief faces?
The need for bicycles in underdeveloped regions of the world. [The need] is so huge, and the 55,000 bicycles we’ve provided to date are a drop in the bucket. We need programs, governments, and organizations to recognize that mobility – that specifically bicycles – are a critical component to development work. Poverty and disease go hand-in-hand. So when you’re designing a home-based disease prevention model, you need bikes to help those care-givers do their work, and by extension, that bike can help them with livelihood activities. Or you put a bike into the hands of a student, help them go to school, to learn – and by extension, the family prospers because they can also use the bike for their well-being. It’s all interconnected, but we face an uphill battle because too many development folks hear “mobility” and think of roads and trucks. Most of our recipients won’t see motorized transport in their family for at least two generations to come, or more.

Are there ambitions to spread the World Bicycle Relief effort to other parts of the world?
Absolutely! We began with disaster relief in Sri Lanka following the Tsunami, and then established our African base in Zambia. Our African efforts continue to expand, and at the same time we’ve had exploratory talks or visits in Central and South America, in the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia is another possibility. What it will take, is finding programs that “get it,” that understand the need for bicycles as mobility on the front lines of poverty-stricken areas, and to work with them to implement programs.

We will find the most appropriate bike for the region – the bikes in Africa are not the bikes we’d likely use in Central America, for instance. They’re too heavy, and only have one gear. [World Bicycle Relief is] born from the bike industry – founded by SRAM and Trek five years ago – so we know bikes, and can source the most appropriate technology for the need.

How can local cycling clubs and bike racing teams help out?
Get involved! Visit our web site, and learn more about our Grassroots efforts. www.worldbicyclerelief.org/grassroots — Katie Bolling heads up our efforts, tell her “The Bonebell” sent you.

As an insider at SRAM – what impresses you the most about the Chicago based company?
You know, we were just talking about that. World Bicycle Relief was founded by one of the guys who founded SRAM 22 years ago, and we share office space at SRAM world headquarters here in Chicago. We are a separate non-profit, 501(c)(3) entity, so all contributions are tax deductible, and SRAM helps us out with marketing and other support from employees around the world.

What is most impressive to me is the openness of the organization. Especially this year, with the economic meltdown happening around us, there was a spirit of disclosure from management that helped us weather the storm. We get to experience it too, by extension – we are part of the SRAM family for sure. It’s pretty incredible.

There’s a genuine support of World Bicycle Relief from the entire company, from each employee around the world. It’s pretty awesome to see an initiative like ours inspire SRAM folks to reach out into their communities and find creative ways to support our mission.

Photo Credit: Amy Dykema

“I like to race because it takes me to trails I wouldn’t otherwise visit…” – Chris Strout

If it’s not SRAM/World Bicycle Relief that keeps you in Chicago – what does?
Can I plead the Fifth?! Honestly, my wife and I were ready to move before I joined World Bicycle Relief. Chicago has a lot going for it, but having traveled extensively all of my life, I have to admit a bias toward hills and mountains. We have family here, and the riding community is pretty incredible, so that helps. That, and it’s halfway between Moab and Pisgah.

What advice do you have for folks wanting to know how to get into endurance mountain biking in such a mountain free zone?
What is it Merckx said? “Ride lots!” Seriously – Chicago is good for training, if you’re willing to put in the time and aren’t too afraid of tempo intervals. Find all the dirt you can, but don’t let the lack of it scare you – you can’t defeat yourself in the head before you even get on dirt. Train like you would for cross-country, and figure out the nutrition – long-distance stuff is all about calorie management.

Beyond that, get yourself to trails as much as you can afford. I like to race because it takes me to trails I wouldn’t otherwise visit – the WEMS series in Wisconsin is great for that. As many laps as you can do in 3, 6 or 12 hours – no pressure, no one looking at your results. Low-key, and super-fun.

Biggest thing? Don’t be afraid to take chances. Not risks – don’t be stupid – but look at my teammate Brad Majors: he took 2nd this season in the 24-Hour Solo National Points Series, he was 3rd at Big Bear and 4th at Wausau and most recently finished strong at Moab. I mean, Big Bear, Wausau and Moab are three completely different courses! Wet rocks and roots, flowing super-buff singletrack, and crazy desert sandy two-track – and this guy trains almost exclusively on the Lakefront Path. He’s built up to it, using Chicago for what it’s good for, building fitness, and then having fun up at Kettle, or out on WEMS race courses.

The point is, it can be done. Believe in your ability to ride, work up to the challenges, and let it rip – training for endurance is so much fun!

We’ve heard that a decent rider from Santa Cruz, CA is moving to Chicago – his name is Barry Wicks – any chance we can talk him into riding at Palos on New Years Day?
Ha ha! I think as long as you go out the day before and cut down all the widowmakers, he’d be game – remember, he’s like 6-foot-9 or something!

The Bonebell concludes that if top 10 national finishing ultra endurance dirtbaggin’ athletes can thrive in Chicago – there is hope for everyone, especially when they represent a cause that is even more worthy of that recognition. Notable friends that have gone above and beyond to help World Bicycle Relief are Carrie Kerr from PAMBA, Don Edberg from WORS, and pro riders Jeremiah Bishop and Rebecca Rusch.

Please look to The Bonebell next quarter as online store plans come to fruition to sell products that will help us help you support World Bicycle Relief.

When the ordeal is over – rest assured, the battle will go on in another forest preserve, in another state, in about 30 days. Endurance Cross Country Racing is most definitely the hippie tree-hugging realm of MTBing (<-- acronym for Mountain Biking!) if regular XC (<-- acronym from Cross Country!) is the 80s metal realm of MTBing, and CX (<-- acronym for Cyclocross) is the punk rock love child of MTB. It takes a hippie, or an outright lunatic, to believe that cycling in laps through technical terrain for 6, 12, or say, 24 hours is anything but fun. Until you have tasted this laid back vibe - you won't ever know. We definitely recommend you try it - and don't sip this kool aid, drink it like a PBR (<-- acronym for Pabst Blue Ribbon!) and slam it down and smile accordingly, because you might think you hate it, but you really love it deep down inside, hence you slam a few more. Burp.

XXC Mag – an online e-magazine – has been highlighting the virtues of this crazed sport and in the process converting people worldwide to accept that endurance is a culmination of everything around you. It’s immersing yourself in the surroundings sometimes so remote – that pedaling your way through the trails for hours on end, is ultimately the greatest reward. We were very fortunate recently to have ‘Nevada Dave’ and ‘El Maya’ interviewed by Chris Strout, a venerable 24 hour endurance racer from World Bicycle Relief, to get our viewpoints on how we even conceive of training for this XXC endeavor, coming from such a flat and mountainless city. It ain’t easy – but the desire to get off-road is deeply ingrained in us, and we spoke to those points.

We want people to experience the challenge of off-road cycling in ‘every’ form.

XXC Article – ‘My Kind of Town’ by Chris Strout.
XXC Mag Online Extra ‘Windy City Training’ by Chris Strout.

“The draw of CX for a lot of riders is the friendly, almost party like atmosphere, at every race.” – Jason Knauff

The Bonebell interviewed Jason Knauff, Director for the Chicago Cyclocross Cup. Jason is a talented rider from Burnham Racing, and well before his road season is over, he is already pondering the great joys of what he has to deliver to crazed cyclocross racers and fans alike through the Chicago Cyclocross Cup. He understands the need for race organization through his experience of being a racer, and through his previous volunteer efforts to help at races. We posed a few questions to get his thoughts on where his drive comes from and how the racing community can help in making the series truly successful.

How long have you been off-road cycling?
I was a swimmer until the end of high school and started racing mountain bikes in 1996 in Baltimore. I got up to ‘Expert Category’ before switching to Road when I moved to Boston in 2001, but I don’t think I even knew what Cyclocross was at that point. Cross is huge in New England and the team I joined there (Essex County Velo) puts on a little race you might have heard of called the Grand Prix of Gloucester. I started helping out with registration 6 years ago, and I’ve been going back every October since. I’ve still never raced it, but that’s where I caught the CX bug.

Why did you join the Chicago Cyclocross Cup management team?
It was really just a way to keep busy and stay out of trouble. Having seen how big UCI races are run, I thought I could help out a little but never really had any intentions of running the show. However, last year, Robert Sliwinski {previous Race Director for the Chicago Cyclocross Cup} asked if I would take over the reigns and by that point, I was ready to step up. I don’t think most riders realize how much work it takes to put on a race and how grateful promoters are for a little assistance, even if it’s just helping to set up a course, tear it down, or be a course marshal. There are lots of people who help out all over the place, but I’d love to see more riders get involved beyond just showing up to race.

What are Chicago’s greatest challenges in getting Cyclocross racing promoted throughout the area?
We’re all lucky here in Chicago that we have so many races within 45 minutes or an hour’s drive, and if you add the Wisconsin series, there’s even more. Planet Bike’s UCI race in Madison is a great example. Our biggest challenge for the CCC is definitely working with the Parks and Villages to secure permits. We’ve had two situations this year where CCC promoters were all set and ready to go and then the Parks and Villages people denied their permits. In one case, after they had already issued the permit. In a lot of cases this is just politics but we as racers must remember that we are always guests in these parks and we must act accordingly.

We at the CCC ask all racers to use their best efforts to ensure any park we race at does NOT receive ANY complaints about the race. This includes parking in designated areas only, slowing down while warming up when you encounter pedestrians, dog walkers, kids, etc., using porta-potties supplied by the event, cleaning up after yourself, and being as courteous as possible to the locals.

Photo Credit: Amy Dykema

Riding MTB or CX is always more fun on a personal level…- Jason Knauff

What is your hope for the Chicago Cyclocross Cup to achieve?
Our goals are modest, but we want to have the most challenging and fun CX series as possible while improving from year to year. I like to use the Gran Prix of Gloucester as a model. That race really started out with just a bunch of guys who thought it would be fun to get together and hold a race for themselves and their friends. The event is now a two day UCI event with 600 racers each day, coming from all over the US, some from Europe, and Haiti (don’t ask!). It has earned the title New England Worlds.
The CCC is only 5 years old in its current format and so while we obviously have a lot of work to do, I think we can make it a bigger spectacle in years to come. Some of the races will always be smaller and more grassroots but some of the races will naturally get bigger. I guess the ultimate goal will be to get at least one of our races on the UCI calendar while still keeping that “local” feel.

You are on an excellent team that does very well on the road, but you have closet dirtbaggers, are there plans to out yourselves at MTB races?
Hmm, I’m not at liberty to divulge that kind of information, but a few of our guys have definitely been bitten by the CX bug and love to do some trail riding in the “off season”. We’ll have at least 4 or 5 guys racing the CCC this year, including myself, which isn’t bad considering we’re a small squad. I had a great CX season last year but I think I’m more excited to watch those guys tear it up this year than to race myself.

What advice do you have for new riders looking to get faster on the dirt?
It sounds cliché but, practice, practice, practice. You can’t expect to get a nice new bike and just be able to ride away from the field. You obviously have to have a certain level of fitness to be competitive, but where you might not be as strong as another rider you can make it up with skills. There are informal cross practices in the evenings all over the city during the week, and people are always happy to have others join them. You just need to commit and get out there and learn and improve.
The trick is knowing your strengths and using them at the right times, especially if you know what your competition’s weaknesses are.

What advice do you have for Chicago to continue the foray into Cyclocross racing?
Just like in CX racing at the personal level, I see it all as carrying momentum. The CCC now has a core group of promoters that have been involved with the series for the past few years and everyone generally just knows what they have to do. It’s getting easier every year to put on the series since we learn from our mistakes the previous year and just get things done the next year. However, more “community” involvement is going to be very important going forward, and by community, I mean racers, spectators, land owners, etc.
The draw of CX for a lot of riders is the friendly, almost party like atmosphere, at every race. It’s the same guys and gals you raced against the previous weekend, but somehow we all enjoy seeing each other again, testing ourselves, and then standing around talking about it week after week. It’s sad when it ends in December.
I think as Parks and land owners see the welcoming community type atmosphere the CX races encourage, they’ll be more open to hosting races on their land.

What is the best contribution the local racing community can give to increase off-road cycling participation?
That’s a tough one. Living in the city there really aren’t a lot of choices for off-road riding as it is, especially in the summer when all the city parks are filled with other people recreating (baseball, futbol, sun bathing, etc). Our races in the CCC are busting at the seams as it is. We had to add another Category 4 race last year because so many people wanted to play in the dirt. Maybe I’m just more involved and aware this year, but from all the chatter I’ve been hearing, this year promises to be even bigger and we’ll likely have to turn people away as the races hit their field limits. So from all indications cross is alive and well here in Chicago. We would always love to see more Women and Juniors, but those are historically difficult races to fill in all areas of cycling.
I’d just ask clubs and teams to come out, bring a cow-bell, and see what all the hub bub is about, even if you don’t race. I’ve never heard any spectator walk away from a CX race and say, “That was boring…”

Since you are a true dirtbag, will you admit that road riding makes you gently weep for dirt season?
As long as you don’t tell my teammates! Seriously though, both road and dirt have their plusses and minuses. Riding MTB or CX is always more fun on a personal level, but you don’t quite get the same camaraderie and teammate warm-and-fuzzies you get from racing on the road with a close-knit group of guys. It’s nice to look forward to each season as something new, like the changing weather seasons. Maybe if I didn’t live in the city, I’d get in a little more trail time. I know this is going to sound weird coming from a ‘crosser, but I really do not like getting dirty and riding in mud.

There you have it – The Bonebell concludes that Jason Knauff is highly skilled off-road cyclist who would prefer to stay clean, and organize the best cyclocross race experience he can for Chicago.

Visit him at the races and say ‘Thank You!’ to him and the awesome group behind Chicago Cyclocross Cup.

NOTE: The 1st Cyclocross Race of 2009 at Jackson Park as reported by Stiggity saw a record number of over 400 race participants – that is indeed a great sign for races to come.

The Bonebell interviewed Brian Conant of BSC Coaching and Pony Shop fame. Brian has coached some of the best and talented riders in the Chicago area. You’ve seen his coaching success at various levels from Category 3-4 Cyclocross racers, to Elite Category 1 Cyclocross and Mountain Bike racers. He is an ardent supporter of The Pony Shop Team which he calls the “one-stop shop for cyclocross!” His “people” are great success stories. We wanted to get some insight about this excellent participant and coach of the Chicago dirtbaggin’ scene and see what he thinks about the coaching philosophy and the sport of Cyclocross, a love, near and dear to his heart (to say it lightly!).

Brian Conant

How long have you been competing and in which disciplines?
I have pretty much been racing since the age of 11 off and on, (more on), – so 30 years. I started out racing BMX, then Mountain Bike, as well as Road; became bored with the MTB being in Illinois (it’s a drive to ride trails). So the road became it in the mid-nineties. Cross around 2001 or 2002. CROSS RULES!

How did you get involved with coaching?
I have always given people tips, advice, to do this, to do that, but actual “coaching”, three years ago. It all started with two people, Lou Kuhn (owner of the Pony Shop) and Devon Haskell (bike crazed PERIOD!). Both started tearing it up, people wanted to know what they were doing and ‘Brian Conant’ was the answer. Most of my “people” have come from them. I love coaching, its great seeing Novice to Category 1 cyclists make fitness gains, and having them thank you because they would of never pushed themselves so hard on their own. (NOTE: Devon Haskell, a BSC Coaching prodigy will be riding for TIBCO Pro Womens Cycling team next season. She is also riding for Velo Bella Pro Womens Cyclocross team this season.)

You have a roster of very successful clients in Chicago – what is your advice to a novice cyclist who is looking to be successful?
LOVE your bike. Ride your bike. You have to ride more than a couple days a week. Training is not about going as hard as you can every ride. Find an experienced group of cyclists, they can show you the ropes.

How do you keep ‘yourself’ motivated after all the motivation you give to your clients?
Keeping motivated is easy – I LOVE THE BIKE! I have been addicted to it since the age of 4. The bike is freedom, everything goes out the window when I am riding.

My “people” motivate me, some of the sick stuff I have them do. Everybody I work with are determined and focused, I feed off of them. I do not want to get my ass kicked by people I coach, though a couple can put the hurt on me! I should not coach people I have to race against – HA!

Hang with it!

Why do you love Cyclocross?
What’s not to love about CROSS?! There is something really cool about riding a road bike off road. Killin’ it over the barriers, snot flying, suffering the whole time and lovin’ every minute of it. There is no hiding in a cross race, the strong win. No sitting in drafting the entire race, its throw down after throw down.

Where do you envision the future of cyclocross in the Chicago racing scene in a few years?
It would be sweet to get an east coast/west coast vibe going, 500+ racers every weekend. Cross is so much fun, you only need to do 1 race and you are hooked for life.

What can Chicago do to keep the spirit of the cowbell alive and well for years to come?
The cowbell is alive and kicking — we need MORE people to come out and race to keep it KICKIN’ for years to come. It’s a killer way to keep and increase fitness going into the next road season. SO COME OUT AND RACE! CROSS RULES!

The Bonebell has determined that Brian Conant believes Cross Rules.  He is right on!