The fire that’s lit after a year out of the saddle

Last year’s Iceman I had serious FOMO. I live just a ten minute walk from the Iceman finish line at Timber Ridge and seeing all the racers and spectators roll in was hard. As badly as I wanted to be crossing that finish line, it wasn’t in the cards for me last year. But just because it wasn’t a big year on the bike for me, doesn’t mean it wasn’t a big year for me and my family. 

We had been wanting to start a family since before we got married, so being pregnant in 2023 was very much so planned – I knew I would be sitting out races and I was certainly ok with that. But just like most active and fit women before they get pregnant, I had grandiose plans of staying fit, biking as long as I could, running my little heart out, and being a top-notch cheerleader for races like Iceman while pregnant. Well, as great as that sounds, it was not my reality. The INTENSE nausea, fainting, day to day sickness that came on very quickly with the start of my pregnancy threw a big ‘ol wrench in my plans. It took all of my energy for a daily walk and the occasional lifting session when I was up for it. My body hurt, I was fainting and/or puking on the regular when I tried to exercise, I got covid, the flu, shingles, I went home sick from work sooo many times, and with things in my body moving around and feeling like they weren’t where they were supposed to be (if you know you know) I couldn’t handle being on a bike seat more than 1-2x total throughout my entire pregnancy. I am clearly not good at being pregnant. 

Even when Iceman rolled around, I was so disappointed in myself for not following through on my plans that I didn’t even step foot on the grounds of Timber Ridge for the crazy fun the finish line and after party is. (Silly! I know!!)

Fast forward to January 2024 when my beautiful baby boy arrived. It seemed in an instant that I forgot how hard being pregnant was for me. I wouldn’t have changed a single moment – I love this little guy more than anything and would go through it all over again a million times if I had to. They say your brain chemistry changes when the moment they place that baby on your chest. I have know idea who “they” is, but boy were they right! I want to be the best mom I can be and, without a doubt, that means I need to be the best version of me. The best version of me tends not only to my child’s needs, but mine as well. And for me that means getting back on the saddle, no matter how hard it is at first (HOLY COW getting back into shape postpartum is TOUGH) and taking care of my mind and body. Doing so will allow be to be fully present for my son. He will grow up getting to see the importance I put on human movement and taking pride in doing what makes you happy. This year of racing will look a little different for me. Whether I end up on the podium this time around or not, one thing is clear: my fire is lit and burning brighter than ever before.

See you out there fellow bad@$$ Icemamas.

A huge thank you to our 2024 Iceman Ambassador Allyson Klug @allysonklug

Embrace Your Uniqueness: The Power of Being Yourself in Cycling and Life

As I sit here reflecting on my journey through the world of cycling, I can’t help but feel grateful for the lessons learned and the growth experienced along the way. One of the most significant revelations I’ve had is the importance of embracing my uniqueness both on and off the bike. In a sport where trends and gear can sometimes overshadow individuality, it’s crucial to remember that true strength and fulfillment come from staying true to yourself.

For years, I rode a freestyle 20″ BMX bike on trails, often surrounded by riders on traditional mountain bikes. At first, I felt a twinge of self-consciousness, wondering if my unconventional choice of bike was hindering my ability to keep up. But as I gained confidence in my skills and trusted in my own capabilities, I realized that it wasn’t about the bike I rode or the clothes I wore—it was about the joy and freedom I felt while riding. I learned to appreciate the agility and maneuverability of my BMX, using it to navigate tight corners and technical terrain with finesse.

Transitioning to a fat bike for year-round riding was another opportunity to embrace my uniqueness. While some may have questioned my decision to ride a fat bike on trails, I remained steadfast in my belief that it was the right choice for me. Sure, there were moments of doubt and uncertainty, especially when faced with steep climbs or challenging conditions. But with each pedal stroke, I grew stronger and more confident, proving to myself that I was capable of overcoming any obstacle.

Throughout my journey, I’ve come to understand that comparison is the thief of joy. When we constantly measure ourselves against others, we rob ourselves of the opportunity to celebrate our own achievements and progress. Whether I’m riding with friends or racing against competitors, I focus on giving my best effort and staying true to who I am as a rider. I’ve learned to trust in my instincts and abilities, knowing that my uniqueness is what sets me apart and makes me a strong rider.

So to all the fellow cyclists out there, I encourage you to embrace your uniqueness with pride. Whether you’re riding a BMX, a fat bike, or anything in between, remember that it’s not about fitting in—it’s about standing out and being true to yourself. Trust in your abilities, celebrate your victories, and never underestimate the power of being yourself in cycling and in life.

Thank you to our 2024 Iceman Cometh Challenge Ambassador Gerald Gaecke @geraldgaecke

Iceman Cometh Challenge Podcast – Season 2

Hello Iceman Nation!  We have this month’s podcast ready for you to enjoy and get inspired for the upcoming Iceman Cometh Challenge!  Before we get into the podcast, we would like to introduce our 2024 Iceman Cometh Challenge hosts! 

Returning for a second year is Alex Primeau! Alex is a passionate mountain biker and a lover of all things cycling, from hitting the local trails with friends to exploring new routes and pushing his limits on two wheels.

As a volunteer at Norte Youth Cycling Club, Alex loves helping young riders discover the joy and excitement of mountain biking. He’s also a big believer in the power of bikes to heal and bring people together.

Alex has tackled some challenging races in the past, including Marji Gesick 100 and winning Iceman singlespeed.  His favorite rides are getting dropped at Out n’ Backs and dawn patrol on the Old Mission Peninsula.

His most memorable ride to date was in the Northern Michigan woods where he proposed to his now wife, while she was still on the bike.

Alex once ate an entire 5-pound bag of Albanese gummy bears in one sitting. He loves exploring with his dog, Koda, singing karaoke, playing pool and Settlers of Catan. 

Alex’s love for all things cycling shines through in every episode of the Iceman Cometh podcast. So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new to the mountain bike scene, tune in and discover why cycling is more than just a sport – it’s a way of life.

Joining Alex this year is Shannon Kochis.  Shannon is a local mom, business owner and a fellow racer in the Traverse City Cycling Community.  

Shannon takes advantage of any free time that comes her way and shoots out to the VASA for some fresh air and hero dirt. The Vasa is her favorite place to be, especially with the mix of 2-track and Singletrack options.

“Racing is fun, but enjoying the community around the rides and races is my favorite part of riding bikes”, says Shannon.

We are excited to have Alex and Shannon kick off the season with our first podcast host, Chad Schut!  Head on over to the podcast and get out on the trails!

Rider Radio: Season 2 / Episode 1

Thank you to our 2024 Iceman Cometh Challenge Podcast hosts Alex Primeau @ajspartan92 and Shannon Kochis @sklove4.

Martin’s Iceman Recap

I’ve taken part in enough races over the years to be familiar with the full spectra of racing highs and lows, stresses and joys, buildups and releases. And even for an event as monumental as Iceman, there’s a lot of detail that fades away in the days and weeks following the race. Much of the race-day minutiae that feels incredibly important while recovering at Timber Ridge never gets transcribed to long-term memory, which is why we’ll all end up arguing with our riding buddies next fall about whether there was a headwind at the start last year, or whether the flyover was before or after that tight left-hander at the finish. In my experience, the details that really have staying power are the ones tied to my emotions. Pain, cold, and exhaustion all feel the same regardless of why I’m feeling them, but feeling content, disappointed, proud, or (hopefully not) embarrassed about aspects of my race? Those feelings are fundamentally different and they define my memories of a race after the dust has settled and I’ve closed the book on the season.

So what’s my end-of-year view on the Iceman that was, now that much of the raw freshness has passed? Above all, Iceman ’23 will go down as FUN. But let’s go back and start at the beginning.

Warming up in fatbiking gear – they call me the overkill killer

I actually went into Iceman this year with my mind somewhat focused on this idea of separating things that happen in the moment from what I will remember about them once it’s over. Something about the reflective mindset that comes with writing these blog posts has sunk in, perhaps. But whatever the reason, I decided on two goals: tackle some of the things that make me a nervous wreck before every race no matter what, and race my race in a way I’ll be happy to look back on.

Yes, I’m one of those people who gets knots in my stomach and has a wrestling match with my breakfast before a race. Every time, no matter how many years go by or how well I’ve prepared, I still get caught up in stressing over whether I picked the right gloves, how much time I need to park, whether I should wear shoe covers, when to start warming up, you get the idea. And it doesn’t affect just me, just ask my wife. I’ll say, “yeah I’m actually feeling pretty relaxed this year. No stress, I’ve got the experience so I’m just going to take it as it comes and not overthink things,” but 10 minutes later I’ll still be talking and it’s not about what nice, relaxing dinner we could have. So this year I put my eggs in the basket called “Do exactly that over-the-top pre race routine you thought up that sounds ridiculous but will probably work, and shut up about it already.” For those of you who also suffer from terrible circulation in your hands and feet, here’s how it worked. We left half an hour earlier than I thought I needed, and I wore my warmest mittens and boots even though I had no intention of racing in them. In Kalkaska I laid out my regular shoes and gloves for the race in the car and opened up a set of hand and toe warmers to activate on the dashboard. Then I left to warm up, and my fat biking gear allowed my hands and feet to actually get warm without doing an interval workout as my warmup. I then changed shoes and gloves at the car before heading to the start, and the hand and toe warmers kept me comfortable until the race started. Not simple, but it was definitely effective, and I’ll confidently use this strategy again for similar temps in the future.

My other goal was to race in a way I’d be happy to look back on. This one may sound more complicated, but it was actually quite simple in execution. In every event I race, there are always uncertain tactical decisions that arise in the moment. Do I take a pull, or hide in the wheels? Is a sketchy passing move worth the risk, or would I be better off saving my matches for a safer attack later? Should I commit to closing the gap in front of me, or let the wheel go and regroup at my own pace? I’m not one of those people who can access regular brain function while smashing pedals as hard as I can, so these questions would historically go unanswered with my decisions made on impulse, or perhaps made for me by letting the moment slip by. This time, I just added one step to my mental process. We’ll call it the Dwight Schrute step. I take whatever gut reaction I have and ask myself “Would an idiot do that?” and if the answer is yes, I do not do that thing. I can’t say what effect this strategy may have had on my competitive result, but I can vouch for its effectiveness towards my goal. Not only did it help me let go of the urge to constantly look for sketchy passing lines on the side of the trail, but it also freed up more of my brain to genuinely enjoy the race as it happened. And that’s why I’d recommend the Dwight Schrute step for anyone who gets “race brain” like me.

In the end, we all pack up our bikes and go home. For many our “season” ends at Timber Ridge and by now, as we’re closing out the year, our focus shifts from the season that was to the next one ahead. But before I let go of Iceman ’23 once and for all I’ll leave you with one last reflection. Course design fell to NMMBA this year, and they KILLED IT. Seriously. We got a real mountain bike race this year, but one that could handle thousands of racers all day, and stayed true to the fast, cross-country Iceman heritage. Hats off to the crew.

There’s nothing like a finish line hug

And thanks to you all for reading along with me this year; I hope you got something out of it. See you at Iceman ’24! ~Martin

Thank you to our 2023 Iceman Cometh Ambassador Martin Harris @uncle.martin

Elaine’s Iceman recap

Iceman 2023 was truly the definition of an end-of-year celebration. Michigan weather came through with a clear, sunny day in the low to mid 40’s. While it was a bit chilly at the start, there is nothing quite like gathering around one of the finish line fires with a Bell’s Two-Hearted while rocking the Iceman beanie. When I say that everyone is at Iceman, I mean it. Athletes from the mountain bike, road, gravel and even triathlon circles turn up to race or cheer on their friends.

My race looked a little different than in years past. I had a last-minute roll-down spot to run the Javelina Jundred (100K) in Arizona the weekend before Iceman. It’s an iconic race in the ultramarathon world. It’s the Halloween-themed party in the desert featuring fire jugglers, costumes, and a rave. Running for 10 hours was definitely not the ideal activity for an Iceman performance the next week. Running in the 85 degree desert heat wasn’t good acclimation for a chilly November morning in Michigan either. However, there was no way I was going to turn down either event! As soon as I lined up at Iceman start, I felt that competitive spirit spark one last time for the year.

Iceman is such a wild time because it is a competitive event, but it’s also just plain fun. Every road crossing, aid station, and most of the hills have a cheer squad – from a handful of volunteers pointing you towards the trail, to the costumed folks screaming at you to make it up that climb. It’s easy to keep smiling through the rough patches with that type of energy bolstering you along. I’ve said it many times, but my adrenal glands didn’t power me through Iceman this year – I pulled all my energy from the spectators!

The course was a little different this year, slightly shorter but with more single track. The classic climbs were still there and sure enough, Rob Meendering was parked up at Icebreaker to capture the smiles and grimaces coming up that last stretch.

The highlight of the race for me was getting to hang out and recap the season afterwards with all of our cycling friends. A close second highlight is that several of the amazing juniors on my team, Athletic Mentors, raced in the women’s pro field. I hope that collectively, we in the amateur field and the incredible pro women, inspire the next generation of strong women cyclists to turn out and turn up. See you all at the finish line next year!

Thank you to our 2023 Iceman Cometh Challenge Ambassador Elaine Sheikh @elaine_muskrat

Nina’s Iceman Recap

The last race of dirt season turns also into the biggest party in the woods . I haven‘t been at any other bike race yet that has this very special “Iceman atmosphere”. There aren’t many opportunities out there to ride your bike with 5000 passionate cycling friends and have a party together after.

This year marked my third Iceman Cometh Challenge and for the first time in my “racing career”, I had the privilege to start with the CAT1 women. To be honest, I had mixed feelings about this. I don‘t see myself belong in a pro wave at any bike race but I appreciate these opportunities and I took it as a great learning experience. I also hope to be an inspiration for other women out there, to sign up for a bike race, enjoy this amazing cycling community and maybe find your own limits. I didn’t have any expectations or goals for the race, other than not coming in last.

My bike of choice for this year’s race was a Specialized Epic Hardtail. In retrospect, it was probably not the best choice for me personally. It’s the first Hardtail I’ve owned and I was not used to the bike. With the fresh cut Single-track, I‘d probably would‘ve been better off on my Full Suspension Mountainbike. I have definitely seen more people on Full Suspension bikes this year, than in the past two years. 

While all wave starts leave Kalkaska airport in the morning, the Pro waves didn‘t start until 3pm on Saturday. Honestly, I was very happy about this, as it was a cold morning and it took some time to warm up. When the sun came out, I think it was clear for everyone at that time: We‘ll have another “Niceman” ahead of us.

I was ready to race! Lining up at the start-line with 25 incredible strong and super fast women was a one of a kind experience. Very different from a wave start with probably about 100 people. The last few seconds before a start are the worst for me. I was very nervous and had all kinds of different thoughts running through my head. Will I be able to keep up at the start? Will I race on my own the whole time? Am I going to finish last? And so on… But as soon as the countdown is done and the gun goes off, it’s just the focus on pedaling a bicycle. 

The start was, as expected, fast from the line, but I have to say, less chaotic, due to less people around you. I was able to hold position in the mid-pack and to my own surprise, was also able to maintain this position all the way out of the airport into the two track. After following the lead-group through the two-track for about a mile it was clear to me, I couldn’t keep this pace for the entire race. I had to let go and rode by myself for a few, before I caught up to another rider in front of me and we traded pulls for a while. A few miles into the single-track, we caught up to Trainer Road’s Ivy Audrain, who let us pass instantly. I thought, she must have had a mechanical or some kind of problem, as she is a professional cyclocross racer and there is no way I would be able to keep up with her. Turns out, she just really enjoyed the secretly famous Iceman handups 😉

Riding up the famous Anita’s Hill is always a challenge. Being on my own this year didn’t make it any easier. I remember my first time seeing the hill and pushing up my bike in 2020. I thought to myself, how in the world are people able to ride up a hill like this. Turns out, with a little bit of training, it is possible, but I still wouldn’t say it’s fun. But the fun starts after you made it up and over…

Iceman is also the race, that gets you more excited the closer you get to the finish. Not because of the finish line, not (only) because of what position you’ll finish the race but mostly because of the insanely loud crowds waiting for you on both sides of Woodchip hill, Icebreaker and all the way to the finish. I’ve never experienced any other race, where the only noise you can hear is the crowd cheering you on while your heart rate is maxed out going up the last two hills of the race. You even start to wonder if you’re still breathing. This year, my friend Samantha and I went into this section together and it was a great feeling having all our friends waiting for us and cheering us on.

I finished the Iceman Cometh Challenge 2023 in 2:09:28, which got me 23rd out of 26th female racers. I’m more than happy with this result and I’m already excited to improve this time next year in my 4th (N-)Iceman 2024 😊

Thank you to our 2023 Iceman Cometh Ambassador Nina Waschenfelder @ninasmtblife

Tobi’s Iceman Recap

As the mountain biking community in Michigan eagerly anticipates the crisp fall air and colorful leaves as we roll into November, one event stands alone waiting for all of us – The Iceman Cometh Challenge, affectionately known as the Catalina Wine Mixer of mountain biking. This year’s race not only lived up to the hype but exceeded my expectations.

Having spent most of the season tackling 200+ mile races, I approached Iceman with a mix of excitement and uncertainty. The morning was perfect and the 15 minute wave shift was welcomed for additional daylight at the airport. The race was fast from the start and I had a huge smile on my face as we hit the new singletrack sections before Williamsburg road. As I rolled into the Vasa and the familiar last few miles, the vibes were felt as I crested Mount Gary. Rolling through the new finish was a bit slower this year with some slippery corners, but it was a race where I left it all out there!

One highlight of the event was witnessing my daughter’s impressive performance in only her second Slush Cup, securing a well-deserved 3rd place age group finish. I couldn’t help but wonder how long it would be before she’s urging me to pick up the pace, and ride faster.

The unique charm of Iceman lies in its ability to blend the thrill of racing with a fun, festival-like atmosphere. Where else can you witness kids and juniors tearing up the course alongside world-class pros, all in a single day? The energy from the crowds, amplified by the ”niceman” weather this year, created an amazing atmosphere that added an extra layer of excitement to the race.

As we raise a virtual toast to a fantastic weekend in the mitten, The Iceman Cometh Challenge remains not just a race but a celebration of camaraderie, passion, and the sheer thrill of conquering Michigan’s trails. Cheers to the riders, the spectators, and the organizers who make this event a highlight on the mountain biking calendar. Until next year, keep those wheels spinning and the adrenaline flowing!

Rob Meendering Photography perfectly captured the essence of the weekend in the first two photos.

Rob Meendering Photography
Rob Meendering Photography

Thank you to our 2023 Iceman Ambassador Tobi Tungl @tobitungl

“Why am I riding Iceman?”

Can you answer the question, “Why am I riding Iceman?” Really. We all signed up for this by choice, so there must be a reason. I think it’s worth keeping that reason in mind, especially as November 4th nears. Let me explain.

I have two young sons. They are 1 and 3 years old, and will soon be taking on their 1st and 3rd SnoCone races, respectively. My older son has his medals from his two prior SnoCones hanging on hooks in his room (I didn’t stage this photo; this is what it looks like right now), but they aren’t on display just to look at the way I keep mine near my trainer in the basement. These are daily-wear items around our house. 

In a few years neither kid will remember much, if anything, from Iceman 2023, so they’re not signed up for the memories. Sure, it’s cute and it’s fun and I’ll probably remember it as a parent, but those reasons aren’t why my kids are signed up either. They’re signed up because of the pride my son felt when someone hung a medal around his neck at the ScoCone finish line in 2021 and 2022. A bunch of grown-ups said he did a good job and gave him a symbol he could wear that made him feel like a superhero. And now he can go put on that medal any time he wants, and even though he probably doesn’t remember the ride itself, what the weather was like, or how terrified he was by the hundreds of adults cheering his name, he does remember that he EARNED that medal, and he still has the pride that came with it.

Kids make the story simpler because they wear their emotions on their sleeves, but the same logic applies to me or you or anyone else you’ll encounter between Kalkaska and Traverse City. Some details will be remembered and some won’t. There’s no way to predict what will happen ahead of time, nor what parts of it you’ll remember in 2 years or 20. So when you find yourself questioning whether you’ve trained right, or what the weather will be like, or how you’re going to handle all the new singletrack, remember one thing. Iceman is an experience no matter how it goes down, and all you have to do to get it is show up and ride.

Have a great race everyone.

~Martin

Thank you to our 2023 Iceman Ambassador Martin Harris @uncle.martin

2023 Iceman Course

The Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association has been riding, racing and assisting with Iceman course prep for many years, but 2023 marks the first year that NMMBA has officially taken the course reins for this iconic event.  Tom White, trail development lead and NMMBA board member could not be more excited.  We tapped into his insights and designs for the 2023 course and beyond.  We got an earful and lots to share with racers, volunteers, spectators and weekend trail users. 

In the continuing evolution of the Iceman course, NMMBA’s first move was to talk to the founding father of the Iceman, Steve Brown to get his take on how the course and the race has evolved over the decades.  The goal of NMMBA is to maintain the Iceman legacy while keeping up with forestry plans, weather patterns and ever changing forest users and uses.  Thirty years ago the forest between Kalkaska and Timber Ridge was a seldom used network of leaf covered logging roads with some classic Northern Michigan sand traps along the way.  Today, we are sharing the woods with so many other users  and it is a great thing but presents challenges for those pedaling under their own power.  These realities shaped our goals into three buckets:  a safe/rideable course, a sustainable course and a more mountain bikie course.  Roadie body suits, slicks, drop bars and aero helmets are cool and all, but we want to build a course where those things hang in the closet till spring.

So what does the 2023 Iceman course look like?  It breaks down like this:

The start is largely unchanged.  Getting 5000 bikes sorted out and moving rhythmically through the first 3 miles of the race is a huge challenge and keeping the start safe and preventing racer pile ups in the first two minutes is the goal.  To accomplish this we brought in gravel and strategically pulled off sand and placed gravel to allow two lanes wherever we could.  We also created a center mound between lanes to discourage spontaneous and sketchy lane changes that create pile ups.  Nobody wins the race in the first mile, but crashing yourself or others out can lose the race and the ride experience in an instant.

As racers pass through the Dockery Road intersection the course and soil transitions into more luscious loam and delicious single track flavor.  At this point the starting line butterflies are gone and riders are well into their groove and should be traveling with their race day mates.  The single track pieces in this section are mostly flat to down hill and should allow racers to flow and even take advantage of a little recovery.  It should be noted that no single track was added simply for the thrill of it.  Every piece of single track eliminates hub deep sand sections that are no fun for anyone.  Make it Stick is back after the forest management of last year and is in excellent shape.  Be sure to listen for the drumbeats as you climb through that section.  The Hero Section gets chopped into two halves with the first half being replaced by the downhill berms of Uncle Tom’s Cabin as you skirt around the newly and artistically harvested section of beech, ironwood and maple.  The second half of the Hero Section now incorporates a unicorn of a grassy two track with a single hot line through it.  Finally, the Hero Section finishes with a new downhill/flat section of single track known was Tighty Whitie as it glides between two large white oaks as it takes racers off a busy and sandy ORV trail. 

After Broomhead Road the course picks up speed as racers turn left into the newly added Time Saver Two Track.  This is a sand-free two track with a mild hump and drop off that is just enough to make you smile.  The Time Saver 2T transitions into – you guessed it – the Time Sucker Single Track.  The Time Sucker ST is 100% flat and full of turns as it routes racers around a nearly impassible section of sandy gas line trail. 

The next sections are known as the Three Sisters with one sister that is more popular than the others.  However, we added a Step Sister to the mix this year and eliminated a major wash out that would have required most to push their bikes.  The Step Sister is only half the length of a football field, but infinitely better than pushing a bicycle in the lead up to the Williamsburg Road crossing.

As the echoes of the announcer at Williamsburg Road fade racers will notice mile 18 on the dashboard and feel the comfort of the familiar 25K classic Iceman route and the final 10 ish miles until racers get to dance with Steve Brown’s perennial serpentine finish.  Be sure to leave some legs before that for the hills of Boonenberg, Anita’s, the Ice Crusher Climb (CC climb), Wood Chip Hill and the final Icebreaker Climb.

The Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association is honored to be partnered with the absolutely fantastic Iceman group of volunteers, the Michigan DNR, the racers, event sponsors and the Cherry Festival Foundation.   Without which this incredible event would not be even remotely possible.  It must also be noted the entire race from Kalkaska to TC travels entirely on public/state land.  This is the only way this race could exist.  Only the first 60 seconds at the race start and the final 2 minutes at the race finish are on private lands.  Every other inch of the course takes place on shared use public land where hunting, motorsports, hiking, horseback riding, camping and forestry management are ongoing.  Please enjoy the entire 2023 Iceman event while keeping in mind we are all sharing a common space with many other equally important users and uses.

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How to have a successful first Iceman race!

Iceman is a race unlike any other mountain bike race in the country. As the largest point-to-point mountain bike race in the US, Iceman is truly a unique experience. First timers to Iceman may be surprised by some of the logistical challenges that can arise. Here are my tips to having a great day!

1) Prepare for a long day. One of the biggest mistakes one can make in preparing for Iceman is assuming that you will be riding your bike for less than 2 hours. Certainly, many folks will have sub 2-hour races. However, if you are a first time Iceman participant, you will likely be seeded back in a later wave. This means that the single track will likely be congested, and you may end up out on course longer than you expect. My very first Iceman, I failed to realize this and only brought one gel and one bottle of water. While this would have been adequate for a sub 2-hour finish, it was not nearly enough for a late wave start on a muddy race day! Be generous with your nutrition preparations!

2) Prepare for variable weather. This race takes place in northern Michigan in November. Weather is variable and the forecast can, and will, change rapidly. Race days in the past have been below freezing or a balmy 55 degrees. There have been dry days, snowy days and absolute mud fests. Don’t look at the forecast on Monday and choose your wardrobe. Pack for all the possibilities.

3) Plan ahead for the finish. This is a point-to-point event. Unless you have a very patient spouse/parent/child/friend driving from Kalkaska to Traverse City, with your fresh clothes and gear, you will need to prepare a drop bag. Drop bags will be delivered to the finish line. There are showers at Timber Ridge, so pack some bodywash and a towel. Pack plenty of layers so you stay toasty–you won’t want to be too cold to enjoy the afterparty!

4.) Embrace the two-track and seasonal roads. Many folks will plan to use the wider two-track and seasonal road segments to pedal easy and catch their breath. However, if this is your first Iceman and you are in a late wave start, this isn’t the best strategy. Again, this is a 5,000 person bike party. The later waves will suffer congestion on the single track. I promise, you’ll be able to catch your breath on the singletrack. Use the gravel road riding segments to make your passes and relish that quad burn!

5.) Keep perspective. If this is your first Iceman, it can be easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of people out on the trail. Remember that we are all just people who love bikes–don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice. Practice courtesy and respect in passing and being passed. Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the ride!

Thank you to our 2023 Iceman Ambassador Elaine Sheikh @elaine_muskrat