Writer Mike Magnuson, a Menomonee Falls native, made his name in the publishing world with a pair of page-turning, witty and intelligent novels, "The Right Man For The Job" and "The Fire Gospels."

But what really spoke to many of us was "Lummox," his memoir of growing up in Menomonee Falls and finding his way in the world of academia. For some background on "Lummox," click here.

A rock 'n' roll lover, beer drinker, sports watcher -- Magnuson is the archetypical Middle American. So, imagine our surprise when we read his new book, "Heft on Wheels: A Field Guide to Doing a 180," which describes Mag's transformation into a slimmer, more muscular cyclist.

Not only giving up drinking and smoking, Mag also cycles ... uphill! He's lost weight, he's healthier, and he's had a great time getting there. Now, he is a member of the Team Mack Racing Association and has finished among the top 10 in a number of the races in which he's participated.

We flagged him down recently to find out more.

OMC: What do you think of that guy on the cover of "Lummox" now?

MM: Hell, he's still a pretty good guy, whoever he is. Just because he's not the same person I am now, if that makes sense, doesn't mean I don't feel a strong connection to him. Funny, hey? I mean, I'm referring to my former self as a dead person. Seriously, I'm not embarrassed by the person on the cover of "Lummox." That was me for a long time, and even though I've moved on to a different kind of life, I totally still dig lummoxes and even still think I am one, if that makes sense.

OMC: are you still on a "full tank of fuel," as you were when you wrote "Heft on Wheels"?

MM: No doubt, man. It's not a full tank of beer now, though. I think I've got a full tank of Gatorade.

OMC: what's your best advice for someone out there trying to make a similar transformation and finding it hard to get the energy together to do it?

MM: The biggest thing is to set some kind of program for yourself -- exercise, diet, rest, recovery -- and stick to it as much as is humanly possible. You can't succeed at anything without huge commitment, and ain't nobody ever said it's going to be easy. I believe people who fail at things like giving up smoking and drinking and overeating are people who are unwilling to tough out the discomfort that comes with making the change.

OMC: Are you working on a new novel or other book at the moment or are you too busy cycling? Can you give us a bit of a preview?

MM: I'm working on a novel, which is a murder mystery of sorts that takes place in Lannon, Wisconsin. It's a very strange book so far, but I'm having loads of fun writing it.

OMC: Have you cycled up this way lately? if so, do you have a favorite route?

MM: Whenever I come to the Milwaukee area, I ride out toward Holy Hill and out to Pike Lake. I've been riding out that way, even when I was a big guy, for years and years, and even though there are a hell of a lot more houses out there than there used to be, the roads are still fantastic.