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.
Thank you to our 2023 Iceman Ambassador Tobi Tungl @tobitungl