With less than a month until the Iceman Cometh Challenge, the anticipation is at an all-time high. This race is no joke—33 miles of unpredictable weather, rugged singletrack, and steep climbs. Whether it’s snow, sleet, or mud, Iceman demands the best from every rider, and I’ve been pushing myself to be ready. But the truth is, I wouldn’t even be at this point without my wife. She’s been my anchor through all of this, providing support when I need it most. She lets me fit in extra rides whenever I can, and when the stress of training wears me thin, she’s always there to help pull me back up.
Training for Iceman has been more intense than ever. Long rides, brutal climbs, and a level of focus that has me pushing harder than I normally would. It’s taken a toll—not just on my body, but also on my bike. Crashes are part of the game, and my knees have taken a beating after a few rough spills in recent months. Normally, I’d shake it off and keep going, but with race day so close, I’ve had to be smarter about recovery. My wife’s been a huge part of that, reminding me to listen to my body, and offering help where she can. I’m even looking into physical therapy options to make sure I stay on track because I know she believes in what I’m working for, even when I get a little cranky from all the stress.
Speaking of stress—bike maintenance has been a nightmare. Between worn-out chains, a shot cassette, and a fork that’s slightly out of spec, keeping my bike in race-ready condition has been a full-time job. Parts have been delayed, or worse, I’ve gotten the wrong ones, which only adds to the pressure. But again, I’m lucky to have an incredible support system, not just with friends who’ve come through with spare parts, but also with my wife, who’s been helping me get everything organized. She’s been a rock, even managing to help get things ready for our kids, who are racing in the Slush Cup and Sno-cone events this year. They’re excited, and she’s excited to see what I’ve been working so hard for—it’s a reminder of how blessed I am to have her backing me up, especially when the race prep gets overwhelming.
As if bike maintenance wasn’t enough, I’m also dialing in my hydration and nutrition strategy. It’s something I’ve been obsessing over lately, especially with Iceman’s unpredictable conditions. I’ve been testing out bottles versus hydration packs, trying to figure out what’ll work best without slowing me down. Bottles are familiar, but I lose time grabbing them mid-race. The hydration pack lets me sip more frequently, but it messes with my breathing on the climbs. It’s a fine balance, and my wife’s been patient through all of it, giving me the space to figure it out while juggling everything else with the kids.
In these final weeks, the stress is real—injuries, broken parts, endless tweaks to my setup—but when I look at the bigger picture, I’m reminded of why this matters. The Iceman Cometh is more than just a race. It’s a test of endurance, of resilience, and of the support systems we lean on when things get tough. My wife has been a huge part of my journey, making sacrifices to support my passion, even when I’m not the easiest to deal with. On race day, as I push through the elements and the competition, I’ll know that I’m not doing it alone.
When I cross that finish line, it’s not just a victory for me—it’s for all of us. My wife, my kids, and my friends who’ve been there through the ups and downs. The excitement in my kids’ faces as they finish their races, and the pride in my wife’s eyes as she watches me chase this goal—it makes every crash, every broken part, every cranky moment worth it. Iceman is grueling, but it’s also a celebration of everything we’ve worked for as a family, and I couldn’t be more thankful to have them by my side for this ride.
Thank you to our 2024 Iceman Ambassador Gerald Gaecke @g_dub83_