Month: November 2024

As the dust settles on another incredible Iceman Cometh Challenge, I’m still riding the high of what was truly an unforgettable day. The weather couldn’t have been more ideal, and the atmosphere was electric from start to finish. This race isn’t just an event—it’s the Super Bowl for so many of us in the mountain biking community, and this year, it lived up to every expectation.

The Race: Wave 15 and My Trusty Fat Bike

Starting out in Wave 15 with my fat bike was an absolute blast. The trail conditions were perfect for fat tire riding, with a course that leaned heavily toward mountain bike-friendly terrain rather than wide-open stretches. This made for an exhilarating ride that kept things dynamic and engaging. Despite some reports of congestion in other waves, I found the flow of riders around me to be just right.

The bike itself? Flawless. Fat bikes truly shine in a race like this, and mine was no exception. Every hill, every twist, every climb—it handled it all like a champ. A big part of my success this year was finally dialing in my nutrition, which kept me cramp-free (a huge win) and steady, even during the most challenging parts of the course.

The Energy: Hills, Cheers, and the Pro Exchange From Doug

The energy on the hills, especially the infamous Iceman Climb, was something out of a dream. The crowd was nothing short of electric, cheering everyone on with a level of enthusiasm that could fuel a whole race on its own. A special shoutout to my buddy Doug, who executed a textbook bottle exchange at Williamsburg Road. The announcer even called it a “pro-like exchange”—kudos to him for running support like a champ.

Not everyone was a fan of the course changes this year, but I thought the mix of terrain was a nice touch. The trail added a fresh dynamic to the ride and kept things interesting. Even though I didn’t have the energy to push as hard as I usually do at the finish, I was thrilled with my performance, placing ninth overall in the 39-and-under fat bike category.

The Community: Friends, Family, and the Afterparty

One of the best parts of Iceman is the community that comes together for this race. From seeing friends on the trail to the post-race festivities, the camaraderie is unmatched. The beer was cold, the vibes were high, and the conversations were flowing. Watching Joslyn race without training wheels for the first time was a highlight, and the guys in costumes cheering for the kids made the event even more special. It’s those small touches—like chanting kids’ names as they rode by—that make this race so unique.

Gratitude: To the Volunteers, Staff, and Sponsors

This race would not be possible without the incredible team of staff and volunteers. Your hard work and dedication make the Iceman Cometh Challenge what it is—a day we look forward to all year. To the sponsors, thank you for supporting this event and our community. And to my family, thank you for your endless support. None of this would be possible without you.

Looking Ahead: Winter Riding and 2025 Goals

As the 2024 season comes to a close, I’m already looking forward to getting back out on my fat bike this winter. If you haven’t tried riding in the snow, let me tell you—you’re missing out. Fat bikes are a game-changer for winter riding, and if you don’t own one, go rent one and join the fun. There’s nothing like hitting the trails in the crisp winter air to keep your skills sharp and your spirits high.

To everyone who raced, cheered, or supported this year: amazing job. I hope this race inspired you to push beyond your comfort zone and embrace the incredible world of mountain biking. Here’s to 2025 and all the adventures it holds.

Signing off as your Iceman ambassador,

Casey Smith

The Tractor Guy, The Mountain Bike Guy, The Auto Guy—Just Casey

P.S. Keep riding, stay inspired, and never stop chasing the thrill. See you on the trails!

A HUGE thank you to Casey Smith @casey_thetractorguy for being our 2024 Iceman Ambassador.

Alright, my cycling peeps, it’s that magical night before the Iceman Cometh, and the excitement is buzzing like a swarm of caffeinated bees! Can you feel those nerves tingling? Here’s the scoop: hay is in the barn! You’ve put in the work, so let’s make sure you’re primed and ready for tomorrow’s epic adventure!

First things first—double-check your gear! Lay out those clothes like the cycling superstar you are (bonus points for matching socks, obviously!) and make sure your hydration plan is locked and loaded. If you’re anything like me, you probably brought every single cycling thing you own because, well, it’s Iceman! LOL! No one wants to be that poor soul wandering around like a lost puppy, clutching an empty water bottle halfway through the race, right?

Now, speaking of gear, don’t forget the essentials! Here’s your checklist:

• Helmet: Safety first, folks! (And you’ll look cool doing it.)
• Gloves: Keep those fingers nimble and warm—no one likes chilly digits!
• Shoes: Seriously, mismatched shoes? Rookie mistake!
• Nutrition: Pack your snacks! Energy bars, gels, or whatever keeps you fueled and feeling fabulous.

Now let’s chat about bikes: a clean bike is a fast bike! Give your trusty steed some TLC tonight. A quick wipe down and tire check can turn your bike from a rusty old tractor into a sleek rocket ship, ready to fly down those trails tomorrow like a rockstar!

Get ready, because tomorrow, 5,000 of your best cycling buddies will be rolling out together! It’s like a giant, two-wheeled party on wheels! Where else can you ride shoulder to shoulder with so many passionate riders? You’ll be in the thick of it, cheering on the juniors as they crush it under the midday sun and then getting hyped to watch the pros put on a jaw-dropping show in the afternoon. It’s cycling’s version of a reality show, and guess what? You’re not just the audience; you’re part of the cast! So grab your bike, bring your favorite beverage, and let’s make some unforgettable memories together!

But hey, if those nerves are creeping in, don’t sweat it! It’s totally normal. Take a few deep breaths, visualize the race, and remind yourself: you’ve trained for this! If you’re feeling a bit jittery, some light stretching or a tasty snack can work wonders.

Remember, it’s not just about the race; it’s all about the experience! The laughs, the cheers, and those legendary stories you’ll be trading with friends and family once you cross that finish line. Cycling isn’t just a sport; it’s a celebration of life and adventure—so soak it all in and try not to spill your celebratory drink on yourself!

As you cozy up for the night, embrace those butterflies in your belly (the fun kind, not the taco kind). Get ready to send it tomorrow! Have a blast, keep that positive energy flowing, and let’s create some unforgettable memories together!

See you at Timber!

Iceman Lullaby

Hush now, cyclist, the night’s getting late,
Tomorrow’s the race, and you’re feeling great!
Dream of the trails, but try not to fall,
And if you hit the dirt, just give it your all!

Snuggle in tight, don’t kick off those sheets,
Tomorrow’s a party with 5,000 of your peeps!
Don’t forget your snacks, fuel up, don’t slack,
Or you might find yourself begging a rider for a snack!

Get pumped for the Iceman Cometh, everyone! Let’s roll into an epic day of fun, friends, and unforgettable moments tomorrow! 

About the author: Tobi is a passionate mountain biker and ultra endurance gravel cyclist who thrives on pushing his limits in the great outdoors. He has a deep appreciation for nature, savoring the scenic views and challenges of unpaved singletrack trails and long gravel routes. Tobi’s passion for adventure drives him to constantly seek out new ultra endurance gravel races and mountain bike events that take him on new dirt roads. He has participated in the Iceman Cometh Challenge for over a decade. When not hitting the trails or grinding away the miles on gravel, Tobi enjoys camping trips with his family. He is also actively involved with the West Michigan Coyotes youth mountain bike team, where he coaches and rides alongside his daughter, fostering her love for the sport. The solitude of the trails and the invigoration of conquering an ultra-endurance race is what fuels his obsession with mountain biking and gravel cycling.