Hello, Iceman riders. The 4th has come and gone, and now it’s time to shift gears and get serious about Iceman prep. Pretty soon, football will be back, the weather will cool down (thankfully), the days will get shorter, and before we know it, it’ll be race day.
When lining up for the Iceman Cometh Challenge, success isn’t just about fitness or how fast you can hammer through the woods. It’s about control, comfort, and confidence over 30 miles of unpredictable northern Michigan terrain. Mud, ice, sand, roots, and ruts are all part of the package. That’s where the three points of contact come into play: your hands, feet, and seat. These are the only places your body connects with your bike, and how well they’re dialed in can make or break your ride.
In this post, we’ll break down each point and show you how to fine-tune them for maximum efficiency, comfort, and performance, no matter what race day throws your way.
Hands—Where Control Begins
When we’re ripping out of the airport, fighting for position, or threading singletrack after Dockery, our hands are our first line of control. From tight corners to passing on climbs to loose descents, our connection to the handlebars impacts everything: confidence, control, and fatigue. Everything in your cockpit, from grips to gloves, needs to work together so you can ride fast and stay in control from start to finish.
I ride an Orbea Oiz, which came with ESI grips. Because they’re popular and lightweight, I gave them a shot during Iceman, but for me, they lacked the control I wanted. After doing some research and talking to my mechanic, I made the switch to Rev Grips Pro Series, and it was a game-changer. My first race using them was this year Yankee Springs TT, and without a doubt, they were one of the best upgrades I’ve made. Grip and control may not be flashy, but they are essential.
Gloves—Grip, Warmth, & Dexterity
Gloves are often overlooked, but they’re a small detail that can make a huge difference. Too thin and your fingers go numb by Williamsburg Road. Too bulky and you lose precision when shifting and braking.
If race day is mild (above 40°F), I usually go with a standard full-finger glove: something with good grip and no excess padding. If it’s cold and wet, I switch to a lightly insulated,wind-resistant glove that still allows for finger movement. Brands like Giro, Castelli, or even some of the winter-specific Pearl Izumi models work well.
Avoid thick, padded gloves. They might feel nice during warm-up, but once you hit the singletrack, you’ll want to feel your brake levers and shifters.
Feet—Power, Traction, & Trust
Your feet are where power meets the bike. Your shoes and pedals affect how you hammer the fire roads, float through sand, and transition in and out of singletrack.
Most of us run clipless pedals, especially SPD-style, for good reason: consistent engagement, solid power transfer, and mud-shedding reliability. Every Friday before a race, I double-check that my cleats are tight and adjust pedal tension. For muddy conditions, a quick spray of silicone lubricant on the cleats helps prevent gunk from building up. Double-sided entry pedals are also a race-day advantage quick remounts can save seconds when things get tight.
Shoes—Carbon, Rubber, & Fit
Carbon-soled shoes are the gold standard for performance. Lightweight and stiff, they give you maximum power transfer with every pedal stroke. I’ve used models from Specialized and Shimano, and while they’re pricey ($250–$500), they pay off if you’re chasing speed.
A more affordable and versatile option is a rubber-soled trail shoe. These still offer decent stiffness but with better walkability and weather resistance. They’re great for wet fall rides and races with unpredictable footing. If you’re training or racing in mixed conditions, this could be your best bet.
Running flat pedals? Make sure your shoes are designed for riding—look for grippy soles (like Five Ten Freeriders) and good pedal feel.
Seat—Comfort That Carries You to Timber Ridge
There’s nothing worse than being stuck in the saddle with a setup that doesn’t work. When I got my Orbea, it came with a high-end Selle Italia saddle, but after just three rides, I knew it wasn’t right for me. Price doesn’t equal comfort. It has to fit your body and your riding style.
Lately, 3D-printed saddles have taken the spotlight. Saddles like the Specialized Power with Mirror or Fizik Adaptive use lattice structures to provide targeted support and pressure relief. My buddy Justin Schultz, who’s gunning for a podium finish at Iceman one day, swears by his Specialized Mirror. After racing the Lumberjack 100, he told me it was “worth every dime.”
I personally ride the PRO Stealth Performance, yes, it’s a road saddle, but it offers the comfort and support I need while still letting me push power when it counts.
Bike Fit—Your Most Overlooked Advantage
We spend money on fast tires, aero helmets, and lightweight carbon but none of that matters if your bike doesn’t fit.
Proper seat postheight ensures you’re not wasting energy or hurting your knees. Too low, and you’re underpowered. Too high, and you risk hip rocking and pain. Even saddle tilt and fore-aft position affect how your muscles fire and how your weight is distributed.
Iceman doesn’t have long technical descents or steep, standing climbs like Leadville or Sea Otter, you’ll be in the saddle most of the race. That makes a proper fit even more important. If you haven’t already, get aprofessional bike fit from a local shop. It’s one of the best investments you can make in your race-day performance and long-term comfort.
Final Thoughts—Small Adjustments, Big Gains
Dialing in your three points of contact—hands, feet, and seat—might not be as exciting as buying a new bike or signing up for a new race, but it’s one of the smartest ways to prep for Iceman. Comfort, control, and efficiency all start here.
Take the time now to test your setup on long rides. Try different gloves, grips, shoes, and saddle positions. Don’t wait until race week to figure out what works; now is the time to experiment.
Iceman will be here before we know it. Get your gear dialed, your body ready, and your mindset locked in. Don’t let something small—like a sore saddle or frozen fingers—be what ruins your race.
Good luck, ride hard, ride smart, and I’ll see you in the woods.
Thank you to Chris Mutnansky @the_racing_ref for being our 2025 Iceman Trailblazer.