Mr. Bianchi really dug deep in remembering Mr. Michael Frauendorff’s name and that was the start hoping to get a response from him through Facebook’s messaging. I finally got a response early this August. I haven’t really thought about this much lately as I realize that Mike might not be a regular in this social media. But 2 years later, a surprise message from the man himself and here we are now!
Now 45 years old, Mike grew up in Makati and earned a degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of the Philippines back in the 90's. You may wonder as I did how this true Pinoy Pride got his surname, he mentioned that he got it from his great great grandfather who migrated from Germany in the early 1890. Now, that's a story by itself!
During his teenage years in the late 70’s, Mike began riding BMX to include carving a short track at a neighborhood empty lot. That adventure was cut short when the owner of the lot threatened to tie him and his barkadas to one of his banana trees if they continue using his land. In the early 80's, in the height of freestyle BMX, Mike and his friends built a quarter pipe for them to ride on. Youngsters within his neighborhood to as far as Tondo showing up and getting some air time.
That’s him on the ramp! I think this is where Mike hasn’t even realized that building a place for cyclists to ride will be his devotion to his community!
Moving on, Mike’s appreciation for fixed gear cycling began in 1976 when he saw track racing during the Montreal Olympics on TV. He mentioned that he was in awe in how they climbed the banks of the velodrome and came to a pause before blasting out sprinting to the finish line.
In the ensuing years, he experienced 10-speed road cycling up the mountains of Tagaytay and Antipolo for leisure and watching a leg of the Marlboro Tour of Luzon during the Jacinto Sicam days. He even tried his luck at a Criterium race at the Food Terminal Inc. in Taguig, where he tasted what it’s like to be lapped by Elite riders.
In 1994, Mike moved to Chicago to practice his profession in O.T. and continues on until today. He continued his enjoyment of cycling along the beautiful Lake Shore Drive and later on with a few friends where they rode along the cornfields of Plainfield, Illinois. Here he is with Gil Porsovigan and Gerry Bondoc.
One day in 2011, Mike came upon a velodrome post at Facebook. He learned about a volunteer call to help build a track at Chicago's Southside. He knew he had to be a part of this volunteer group! Here he is with the far side of the banking support erected…. not even close to halfway into the project!
It was one of the most meaningful things Mike has done, contributing to both a neglected part of Chicago & promoting the sport of track cycling. During the buildup, he was involved with the skeleton supports, cutting of lumber, nailing of the flooring and coping.
Mike mentioned that the hardest task would have been connecting the steel supports together as it included lots of lifting and alignment. His efforts estimated 40 to 80 hours of work in the 90 degree hot and humid summer heat. Here’s a photo of the staff and most of the volunteers who played a major role on what the track is today. You can see Mike at the bottom right wearing a black shirt. Notice how steep the banking is?! Mike mentioned that this is about 50 degrees, more than most indoor wooden velodromes!
Among his highlights of this track build was inviting young citizens of Chicago's Southside who watched from outside the perimeter fences. The joy and excitement on their faces when they got their releases signed by their parents and knowing we were helping rebuild their community was priceless. The other was getting certified to use the track, experiencing the thrill of the steep banking. Wow! Here he is on a selfie!
As Mike mentioned, “it was a pleasure meeting Mr. Emmanuel Bianchi and his team to be a part of this once-in-a-lifetime track build. Today, I divide my time between practicing my O.T. profession, raising my 2 kids under 12 with my beautiful wife, Michelle, and spending more time with MTB trail riding”.
Here’s Mike showing off his pride. Notice that the wind picked the Philippine flag perfectly for the photo!
Learn more about South Chicago Velodrome. Visit the track if you get a chance. Check these 2 videos out that’s really worth taking time watching:
Keep an eye at 0:22, you will see a glimpse of Mike. He’s wearing a black shirt rolled up to his chest. The next video is about SCVA with Emmauele Bianchi:
Now I think if someone would stake a piece of land anywhere in the many beautiful islands of the Philippines and if folks will give their precious time volunteering like what Mike did and make a difference for their community. Remember what I mentioned before on what you can do off the saddle?! It's not all about riding and here's proof! Thank you, Michael! Thank you Emmanuele!
Arden Arindaeng
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