Iceman Cometh Challenge News

Iceman Podcast

Looking for something to listen to while you are training for the Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge presented by Trek? We now have got you covered! Presenting Rider Radio, The Iceman Cometh Challenge Podcast! This podcast is made by Iceman Riders for Iceman Riders. Kicking off the first episode strong with the 2022 Pro Men’s Ice Champion, Alexey Vermeulen, and the founder of the Iceman Cometh Challenge, Steve Brown. This week’s hosts and Iceman riders Alex Primeau and Matt Haase talk with our guests about all things Iceman. We hope you enjoy the perfect listening for your time in the woods.

New episodes published monthly. Listen & download the podcast here or find us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

*Please be patient if you can’t find the podcast on all listening channels yet we are new to the podcast game and are getting it uploaded and verified as fast as we can.

Rider Radio: Podcast

Technical riding considerations

While the overall course for the race isn’t all that technical, there ARE some technical parts. Add the possibility of snow or ice and the certainty of crowded trails and you can’t ignore your technical skills as an important component of your success on race day. So do make sure to practice those skills! Grab some friends and set up some drills. Practice following close behind someone on a narrow single-track section. Go find some sand and practice riding with less-than-perfect traction. Do some other races or attend some clinics. Grow your abilities, and not just your legs!

About the author: Kurt Schaldenbrand has been racing bicycles since 1983. He’s been a licensed coach working with competitive and developmental cyclists since 1990 and has been head coach for the University of Michigan Cycling team since 2012.

How often do you ride with a few thousand other people?

As I’ve mentioned before, this is a BIG event. Especially in terms of participation. With over 50 waves and hundreds of competitors in each wave, this is probably the most people you’ll likely be around on single track all year. What does that mean? That means you don’t always get to pick the line you want. That means your opportunities to pass slower riders will be limited. That means YOU will be getting passed as well. Often. You can let all of that impact you, get in your head and slow you down. OR you can come to peace with it and use it to your advantage. As much as all trails have a certain “flow” to them, so does riding in a larger group. Get into that flow – and go!

How long is long?

Chances are good this event is longer than you normally race. If you commonly do 2-3 (or 4?) hour training rides, then you’re probably fine. But if that’s more than you’re used to, you might consider adding some longer rides to your calendar – especially later in the summer and into the fall. Keep in mind that the conditions in November might be a bit harsher as well, which will only add to your fatigue. Having a solid aerobic base is one of the best keys to cycling success – both in this event and in general!

Is this your first time? Learn ALL the things!

If this will be your first time doing Iceman, you’re in good company; it was EVERYONE’s first time at some point! It was MY first time just this past November. This is a BIG event (in every way possible) and if that feels a bit intimidating – or even if it doesn’t – it’s highly recommended that you go in knowing as much as you can about it as you can. Your experience will be MUCH better if you do! The good news? There is plenty of fantastic resources available on the site to educate you now, before they say, “Riders ready… Go!”

Set a goal and PLAN to succeed!

As you prepare for warmer weather and the fact that November and the Iceman Commeth Challenge are approaching, we asked Kurt to provide some inspiration for your preparation.

Since you will be hearing Kurt’s words for the next several weeks, here is a little more about him:

Kurt Schaldenbrand has been racing bicycles since 1983. He’s been a licensed coach working with competitive and developmental cyclists since 1990 and has been head coach for the University of Michigan Cycling team since 2012.

Do you have a goal for this year’s event? Do you want to achieve something specific, or do you just want to ride for the fun of it? Both answers are great – but if it’s the former, it’s important to write that goal down and think about how to achieve them. If the goal is big, break it down and work on the smaller ones throughout the year! It may sound corny but it’s true: you can be successful without goals and a plan, but it’s often accidental and rarely repeatable.

Iceman Cometh – 30th annual event Photography by John L. Russell Great Lakes Images

Save the Date(s)

2023 is just around the corner and we wanted to make sure that you added some dates to your calendar!

FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 – Registration opens to the public at 9:00am for the 2023 Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge. Any participant that was registered for the 2022 race will receive an email earlier that week that inviting them to register. Be sure to add “Icemaninfo@iceman.com” to your safe senders list so you don’t miss these important announcements!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2023 – Ice Cycle Expo at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. Pick up your race packet, Iceman Gear and shop all the local bike shops in one place, plus other gear from companies all over the country!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023 – This is the DAY! Join your friends and family as you ride the Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge presented by Trek from Kalkaska to Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City. Celebrate at the BISSELL Celebration Zone with your favorite Bell’s Beer and cheer on the racers as the finish!

UPDATED Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge Course

With the reports of rain coming into the area there is a small reroute in the Sands Lake/Broomhead area of the course. This is approximately between kilometer markers 25 and 23. You will now continue north on Sands Lake to Broomhead. Turn North on to Broom Head and continue for about 1km. This will then take you to a left turn that will place the you back on the original race course.

The updated course has been posted on Ride with GPS. A course map marking feed stations and checkpoints is posted to the Iceman website.

It’s Here! Updated Slush Cup Course

Here is the Official Course for the Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge. Reminders: Still watch for logging activity and do not go on to the airport property until Race Day.

~~The Meijer Slush Cup Course is published as well. Below are images of the race routes~~ This just in! We have an update Meijer Slush Cup Course for 2022.

Happy training and we will see you in November!

Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge presented by TREK Official Race Course

2022 Meijer Slush Cup Course

Race Rules & Trail Etiquette

Below are the rules and regulations for this year’s Iceman Cometh Challenge!

Please also look at the USA Cycling rules because we abide by those as well.

Most of all have fun! We will see you in November.

Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge follows the USAC rules, MTB Rules start on page 91: bit.ly/USACRULES22
You must pick up your packet in person. ID REQUIRED (Exception: parents/guardians may pick up for their children under 18)
No headphones Bluetooth speakers, or other audio devices that will impede your ability or other people’s ability to hear on the trail
No E-bikes or motorized bikes
Be Polite. Announce if you are passing and move out of the way if you are being passed
Be Aware. If your bike breaks down or you are injured, please step off the trail if able
Water/Feeding Stations. There are three water/feeding stations throughout the Iceman Course. These are NOT medical stations. If there is an emergency, please call the number on your plate 231-944-5437 and our Search and Rescue team will take it from there
If you need to drop out of the race, please report your drop by texting 231-944-5437 your name and a photo of your plate number. There will be several transports available back to the Bissell Celebration Zone
Watch for Deer. We have posted signs for the deer to tell them to be aware of riders however, in the event the deer can’t read, please watch for them
Most importantly, RIDE FAST & HAVE FUN!