Mike Lundy has made a name for himself over the past few years as one of the most dominant older amateurs on the race scene. Few people know that along with being one of the most skilled racers out there, Mike is also an accomplished street and park rider and has been featured in a few videos. Mike has recently decided to turn pro and the hype surrounding this move has caused a stir among the Mid West BMX community, especially since his pro debut will be at Rockford BMX, Mike’s home track and the site of this week’s ABA Mid West Nationals. But while everyone knows Mike for his riding, not too many people know that he is one of the funniest, and oddest, cats on the tour today with a sense of humor that is analytical and quirky at the same time. Suffice to say, you’re never bored when Lundy’s around. ISTV sat down with Mike to get the scoop on exactly what’s going on in Mike Lundy’s head.
ISTV: You are the 3rd or 4th top amateur to make the jump to Pro this season. What was the major reason you decided to turn?
Mike Lundy: My main reason is that I am 19 and training to be a top amateur requires a lot of dedication and a lot of time. If I race and train all the time to be the best I really don’t have time to go to school or have a job. I don’t settle for less, I like to have nice things and not having a job doesn’t really fit my lifestyle. So by turning pro my job is doing what I love to do, so when I finally start going to the gym it will be like I’m at work, and when you have a job you make money. So now I will be able to fully commit myself to bike riding and not have to worry about anything else. Savers stamps are nice, but they don’t put food on the table.
ISTV: They don’t? No wonder we keep getting looked at weird at the store. Sometimes when amateurs turn pro, their sponsor pretty much gives up on them. What was your sponsor’s response?
Lundy: Will was all about it. Very supportive, couldn’t ask for more out of him.
ISTV: Wow, that’s rare these days but I could probably think of a couple more things to ask for. How important is it to have a good sponsor support you?
Lundy: Extremely important. If it wasn’t for them you wouldn’t see me at half the races that you do. Will and Tej [TJ Johnson] do an awesome job keeping me and the whole team inline.
ISTV: Anyone give you any good advice?
Lundy: Ha ha, yeah…….
ISTV: Care to elaborate on that?
Lundy: Well, it’s just that I’ve heard so many things from so many people, but it’s really the same message, train and ride as much as possible.
ISTV: Doesn’t sound like bad advice. How did your family and friends react to your decision?
Lundy: I think my family and friends are more excited about me turning than I am. Seriously, I couldn’t get any more support from everyone than I’m getting right now.
ISTV: That’s awesome. Mike Moeller and Danny Caluag have made successful transitions into the pro ranks. Did they motivate or inspire you at all?
Lundy: NO. I am me, I could careless what everyone else does. When I felt it was time to turn, then I did it. Don’t get me wrong, they have both done awesome this year, I expected that outta them. But them turning pro doesn’t make me wanna train harder to try and do what they're doing. Know what I mean? I work at my own pace. Whether its good or bad – that’s just me.
ISTV: Wow, tell us how you really feel! Along those lines, Josh Oie had a rough pro debut and we all know he would have liked to have done better in front of the home town crowd. You’re making your pro debut at Rockford which is pretty much your home track too. What does it mean to you to make the jump there in front of the people that have seen you grow up in the sport? Do you think it adds more or less pressure?
Lundy: First off I wouldn’t say Oie had a bad pro debut.
ISTV: Yeah we didn’t say he stunk up the joint, were just saying that people expected more out of him, which may be a little unfair, but it was a big deal.
Lundy: Just remember he is only 16. He just had some rough luck, he will be one to watch out for.
ISTV: Got ya. Back to the original question…..
Lundy: Turning at Rockford in front of all my friends, family definitely adds pressure. But I am using it as motivation because so many people believe in me and having the respect and support from everyone is the absolute best thing you can have.
ISTV: Yeah it’s nice to have that behind you when you’re on the gate. What do you think the difference is going to be between the amateur level and the pro level?
Lundy: Pro level is going to be a lot more intense. No more coasting outta the last turn, get on it, or you’re done.
ISTV: It’s definitely another level. Is there any pro out there that your’e looking forward to racing?
Lundy: Everyone.
ISTV: Wow, that’s a lot of pros. No one in particular?
Lundy: Well, yeah, I am more excited to race some people than others but I cant think of anyone specific.
ISTV: So no one you wanna call out for your pro debut?
Lundy: I ain’t sayin’ nothin’!
ISTV: Smart man. Who do you think the next amateur to turn pro SHOULD be?
Lundy: UPSHAW
ISTV: ‘Nuff said there. Whenever anyone says they’re turning pro, invariably, a lot of people will say “If he’s not ready for AA/Elite, then he shouldn’t turn pro.” Is there really anyway to get yourself ready for the sport’s toughest class?
Lundy: I dont think so. You just gotta do it.
ISTV: Yeah, that’s what I think, too. It’s pretty tough to get ready for something that you really have no idea what it’s going to be like. What are you doing to prepare yourself for your pro career?
Lundy: BMX full-time, thats it.
ISTV: It’s funny you should say that. You’ve been known to dominate early in the season, then kinda lose interest come Spring and Summer. Are you saying you’re going to dedicate yourself for the entire season?
Lundy: Yeah, I guess I will try to stay in gear all season, I don’t wanna start off the year on 20"s and end on 10"s
ISTV: What are your goals for your pro career?
Lundy: I wanna win. So with the right attitude and dedication I can hopefully make a name for myself.
ISTV: Im sure that won’t be a problem. You may be moving in with Nate Berkheimer in Las Vegas. How do you think that will influence your riding?
Lundy: Oh man, Nate in my eyes is the most skilled all around rider I have ever seen, so living with him is only gonna make me do things I have never done before. Like backflips, squats, etc...
ISTV: Speaking of backflips, we hear that you’re an awesome street/park rider, so it sounds like you and Nate are cut from the same cloth. . Any plans to make that a bigger part of what you do, exposure-wise?
Lundy: Whatever happens, happens, that’s all I can really say.
ISTV: I guess we’ll have to see. Which do you prefer and why: street, dirt jumping, park?
Lundy: Park and street for sure. I am a coping jockey and I wouldn’t trade my pegs in for a double any day of the week. I love to ride trails, but it’s just not my main focus.
ISTV: Is that what makes you different? The fact that most skilled racers ride trails but you never hear about them in the park or on street.
Lundy: Yeah I guess, I am not the only one, but we are few.
ISTV: You had a successful amateur career – a couple of NAG #1’s, NBL National #1, Terrible Ten two years in a row. Is there anything you regret NOT accomplishing as an amateur?
Lundy: ABA NAG #1 in class, but, whatever, I don’t like to regret things. I ride for fun, not a number plate, if it comes to that I’ll just stop riding.
ISTV: That’s a great way to look at it. You have a huge following in BMX and a lot of kids are looking up to you right now. What advice can you give them about how to be successful in BMX?
Lundy: Don’t think your too good to train and, more importantly, everyone needs to stop playing head games with themselves. I’ve fell victim to that. So next time you’re at a race and you look at the moto sheets, just find your moto, gate and go race. Don’t sit there and think, "Oh man, I got this guy in my moto." You just lost the race right there and you didn’t even get staged yet.
ISTV: Amen brotha’. Let’s switch gears a bit here. What year did you start racing?
Lundy: Um, I am gonna say ‘95-‘96, I forget exactly when.
ISTV: So, about 10 years. Did you win right off the bat?
Lundy: No, It took me a while, but time and experience all add up.
ISTV: That’s a common answer among the top guys in the sport. A lot of kids start racing then give up if they’re not successful right away. What advice do you have for these kids to keep them involved in BMX?
Lundy: BMX is not a sport you can just jump into and win. All the top riders out there have put in their time and effort, and you’re gonna have to also.
ISTV: Ain’t that the truth. BMX is a tough sport. Anything you would do to change it?
Lundy: I would change the tracks. Every time I go out to the tracks they're shaving this lip or making a section not as technical. HELLO!!!!!! How do you expect to get better by changing a jump to fit your skill at the moment? It’s supposed to be a challenge. This is bicycle motocross, not bicycle drag racing. Lance Armstrong has the pedaling side of bicycles covered, so let’s cover the other half.
(personal note: I LOVE this answer by Mike - Jack) ISTV: So you’re saying make it harder! Wow, you’re a real pro already! You will fit in perfectly. What’s your favorite track?
Lundy: Elgin, Illinois. It has a rhythm section, YAY.
ISTV: OK let’s finish up with some personal details. Think of it as a step down from “Cribs.” What kind of car do you drive? Dream car?
Lundy: I drive a Ford Lighting, it has always been my dream car. But since I have it, I will take a Chrysler SRT8 300c rollin’ on 22"s.
ISTV: Right on Big Balla’. Favorite music?
Lundy: Cassidy. Im a hustla’.
ISTV: Yes you are. Favorite TV show?
Lundy: CSI, American Chopper, and Meet the Barkers (I think it is because every time I turn on the TV at 3am the reruns are playing. Not a big TV person.)
ISTV: How did I know that? Favorite food?
Lundy: Chinese
ISTV: B-Day?
Lundy: June 6, 1986.
ISTV: What’s your sign?
Lundy: I’m not sure.
ISTV: You’re a Taurus - the Bull. You should take notes. Where do you call home?
Lundy: McHenry,IL
ISTV: Soon to be Vegas, huh? Girlfriend?
Lundy: Amber, gotta love her!
ISTV: I do. She movin’ to Vegas with you?
Lundy: Yup!
ISTV: Sinners! Who are your BMX heroes?
Lundy: Nate Berkheimer.
ISTV: How did I guess? OK throw the shout outs.
Lundy: Mom and Dad, for supporting me forever while I am doing my BMX thing. Eric Elliot for pushing me for all these years, he has been my biggest inspiration as far as BMX goes. Will Rells for getting me out on the west coast and helping me and Eric get put on the map (its a metaphor). Tej for dealin’ with me and telling Will my excuses for not being at races. G/F Amber for letting me do my own thing and supporting me along the way. All the Illinois locals, parents, and my team for doing nothing but supporting me and what I do for the past 3 years. Peace.
