Behind The Wheel: Interview Series: Iron Mike

Behind The Wheel: Interview Series with our Kings and Queens. Photographed by Queen Linette Messina, Micheal "Iron Mike" Murray is an exceptional cyclist and kind soul. The type of person that would offer you his last inner tube! A man of few words, Mike plays an important role in our royal family. Over the past year, Mike has lead our infamous Nosebleed Tuesdays ride. Other times he is in the back pacing with novice riders or developing routes for ride leaders. He pitches in when we host our own events, such as the Royal Weekend, and when we travel for cycling events.

Here’s more into who he is and what inspires him to keep it going. - K.R.T.

(Photography by Linette)

Where did the name Iron Mike come from? Do you like being called Iron Mike?

One of my cycling friends started calling me Iron Mike and the name just kind of stuck. It depends on the day whether or not I like being called Iron Mike.

Have you been athletic all of your life?

I would say so.

When did you get into cycling?

I got into cycling in 2014.

What motivated you to push towards your cycling goals?

Just wanting to improve and get better.

When did you decide that you wanted to race?

I decided I wanted to race in 2017. There wasn’t really a reason I wanted to race other than just wanting to try it.

What kinds of races do you participate in?

I participate in crit races and mountain bike races.

How would you describe the experience of being in a race?

I would describe the experience of being in a race as kind of like a high speed chess match.

What are your racing goals for Spring/Summer 2023? What kinds of races will you be participating in?

My racing goals for Spring/Summer 2023 are to podium a few races that I think fit my abilities and to improve my overall fitness. I’ll be participating mainly in crit races but I’d like to add more xc mountain bike races and road races to my calendar.

We know that you ride well on and off road. Tell us about your other non-road cycling interests.

One of the things I like to do outside of cycling is listening to music. I like to find new genres to listen to. Right now I’m listening to a lot of Amapiano, a type of South African House music. I also like to work on cars and ride motorcycles.

You travel pretty often for cycling. What is your favorite cycling related trip?

I don’t think I have a favorite cycling related trip. Each trip I’ve been on has had their pros and cons. For me personally, I’m all about the ride. So as long as I enjoy the ride, I'm happy.

What made you join KRT cycling?

I initially joined KRT cycling because of the Nosebleed Tuesday ride and how welcoming everyone was.

What is your favorite KRT apparel?

My favorite KRT apparel is the Special Delivery Bibs and Hunter Green Jersey aka Beef & Broccoli.

Why do you think it’s important for new cyclists to join cycling clubs?

It’s important for new cyclists to join cycling clubs so that they can learn from more experienced cyclists as well as to gain community. When I first started cycling, I had to figure out a lot of things on my own. I would wear underwear under my bib shorts and didn’t carry nutrition or anything to fix a flat. It wasn’t until after about 2 years of cycling that I met this guy named Dave in the park. He saw me riding and told me to come out one weekend with his group of about 4-5 cyclists. The first time I rode with them was the first I ever rode with other cyclists. I didn’t know how to ride in a paceline at the time so I didn’t take any pulls. I sat at the back the whole time and was holding on for dear life.

Although the group wasn’t an official cycling club. I was still able to learn a lot from them over the years. They taught me about nutrition, how to ride properly, how to take care of my bike, and I even did my first century ride with them.

If you could go back in time and give your beginner-cyclist-self some advice, what would you tell yourself?

I would tell myself the importance of fueling my rides and being prepared for flats/mechanicals.