Preparing for Iceman is always an adventure, but this year it was on another level. Bike setup drama? Check. Wild stress? Check. A true test of nerves? Absolutely. A local cyclist and fellow member of the Lapper area cycling community generously offered his own ride for the race to help me avoid some last-minute concerns with my own bike. That’s what I love about our cycling community—people are always willing to help out, even if it means handing over their personal setup for someone else to race. I thought hard about taking him up on it. The bike would have given me a smooth and speedy ride, but then I started weighing the factors: transporting the bike safely, the lack of frame protection, and, honestly, how little saddle time I’d managed to get on it. It just didn’t feel right risking a friend’s setup on unfamiliar terrain, especially when you’re navigating the twists, turns, and fast downhills that make Iceman’s course unique.
So, I ended up sticking with my own bike. Sure, it had its quirks, but at least I knew how it would respond, and that’s something you can’t just put a price on, especially when it comes to tackling fast switchbacks or testing out new technical sections. By the time I finally made my decision, I was itching to hit the trail and see if my choice would pay off. Bike setup stress aside, it’s moments like these that remind me how awesome our local biking community is—always looking out for each other, ready to lend a hand, or, in this case, a bike.
Having the Family with Me: Turbo Boost and Heartfelt Cheers
This year was special because my family came along. I’d looked forward to this almost all year—the thought of seeing my wife and kids there at the finish, hearing their cheers as I pedaled through. Nothing quite compares to the “turbo boost” you get from having them on the sidelines. Watching my kids try out the Snow-Cone race was a huge highlight; they absolutely loved it and were already asking if they can do it again next year.
Of course, traveling with the whole family to an event like this isn’t without its challenges. I hadn’t fully anticipated some of the added stresses that come along with keeping everyone happy, fed, and entertained while also trying to stay mentally prepped for the race. But in the end, every second of it was worth it. Hearing them cheer me on at the finish was the best sound in the world. I didn’t realize how much that moment would mean until I was pedaling through those last few brutal hills, knowing they’d be there waiting for me. If there’s a sound more powerful than “Go, Dad!” right at the end of a race, I haven’t heard it.
The Iceman Expo: Pre-Race Frenzy and a Brush with Fame
The Iceman Expo is its own beast. It’s a full-on sensory overload in the best way possible, with people packed shoulder to shoulder around the Specialized booth, snagging discounts on gear, and buzzing with pre-race energy. Long lines, people strategizing over last-minute buys, and the smell of fresh coffee—it’s a chaotic scene, and I love it every year. This year, being an Iceman ambassador added a new twist to the experience. A few people actually recognized me from the blogs I’d been writing! It was surreal and a bit humbling to have people stop me to say they’d enjoyed my posts. It made me feel a bit like a mini-celebrity, though my family had a laugh about it later, reminding me not to let it get to my head!
On top of that, I got to meet the amazing ladies I’d been working with as part of the ambassador team, which was a real treat. There’s something pretty great about connecting with people who share the same love for the sport. I even got some insights from pros about the course. The energy at the expo, the collective nerves, and the pure chaos of it all—it’s a wild pre-race tradition, and it’s overwhelming in the best possible way.
Race Day: Dawn, Pancakes, and Pre-Race Rituals
When race day finally arrived, I had barely slept the night before—classic pre-race jitters. I was up early, moving around in the dark, trying not to wake the family. I prepped my gear in silence, making sure I had my hydration packs, mixes, and my morning fuel. There’s a unique kind of tension on race day, an uneasy energy hanging in the air that keeps you on edge. And Iceman ramps that up a notch, especially when you’re about to face some of the toughest trails in Michigan.
I headed to the lobby for a quiet breakfast, where I met up with one of my best friends who had decided to join the race this year. He picked me up to head over to the start at the Kalkaska Airport. Apparently, he enjoyed my race-day “vibes” so much that he wanted to soak it all in. We got to the airport early, which gave us a few advantages: close parking, the chance to snag some pancakes from the Kiwanis for good luck if you need some extra fuel, and the rare luxury of time to take in the scene without a rush.
The airport’s open space was the perfect place to warm up, and this year, I decided to switch things up. Instead of just doing a light spin to keep my legs loose, I threw in some zone 2 laps, followed by sprints, then back down to zone 2. By the end, my lungs and legs were warmed up, my adrenaline was pumping, and I felt ready to go. The ritual of prepping, mentally gearing up, and getting the blood flowing all leads up to that single moment when you’re finally at the start line.
Race Time: Adrenaline, Singletrack, and Strategy
When I lined up in my wave, with my pre-race drink in hand, I felt that familiar pit in my stomach. Self-doubt crept in as I stared at the iconic white gates, wondering if my setup would hold or if I’d avoid any crashes. But as soon as the announcer called our wave, everything else faded away. Game time.
I lined up a bit further back than last year to avoid overdoing it right out of the gate. I wanted to go hard, but not so hard that I’d gas out within the first few miles. I ended up a couple of rows back from where I wanted to be, but that was fine. I found my rhythm, pacing myself while keeping an eye on the riders ahead. But then, as soon as we hit the first singletrack, the fight for position began. People were pulling wild moves, squeezing in tight gaps, and at times, even going three-wide through some of the narrower sections. It was intense, but somehow, I stayed clear of any pileups.
Conquering the Climbs: Make It Stick and the Fat Bike Advantage
When we hit the first big climb, Make It Stick, I could feel my legs starting to complain. For some reason, they just weren’t ready for the steep grind yet. I took it a bit easier, knowing that conserving energy would be better in the long run. The Make It Stick spectator area is as packed and rowdy as Williamsburg but with the added thrill of knowing you’ve only just started the real challenge.
Out on the open stretches, gravel roads, and two-tracks, I pushed harder and made the most of my fat bike’s power. It’s always a blast passing people on lighter setups who think they’ve left you behind, only to see you charging ahead on a big, rugged fat bike. Fitness and endurance play a huge role in Iceman. It’s a race where every pedal counts, and while the bike matters, your legs and lungs make the biggest difference. Lesson learned for next year: trust your fitness, and don’t sweat the gear so much.
Hearing “Move It, Fat Bike!” and the Drive to the Finish
Just as I was catching my breath before Williamsburg Road, I heard the wild cheers of the crowd, and right then, my friend who started in the wave behind caught up, shouting, “Move it, fat bike!” He was on a mission and blew right past me. It was a wake-up call, and I tried to hang onto his wheel, but he was riding his race, and I was riding mine. There’s something powerful about knowing when to push and when to conserve, and at that moment, I let him go, focusing on my own pace.
As we hit the final stretch toward Ice Crusher, I kicked it up a notch. I knew Woodchip Hill was coming up, followed quickly by Icebreaker. The climb was brutal, but with all the cheering and people calling out “Go, fatty!” you feel a surge of energy that keeps you going. Woodchip Hill is famous for draining every last ounce of strength, setting you up perfectly (or horribly) for the final blow: Icebreaker.
Icebreaker and the Last Push: Sprinting Through Timber Ridge
Icebreaker is the ultimate test at Iceman, the final hill that dares you to give it everything you’ve got. I sprinted halfway up, pushing harder than I thought I had in me. Near the top, I saw an opening to split two riders, a risky move but my best shot at keeping momentum. I shouted as I squeezed through, somehow making it to the final descent and then the pump track sprint into Timber Ridge.
With my kids cheering “Go, Dad!” and my wife’s voice giving me that final boost, I crossed the finish line with a smile, stronger than last year, proud of every single pedal stroke.
Why Iceman Is Special: Family, Friends, and the Finish Line
Iceman isn’t just a race—it’s a journey, a family event, and a community like no other. Every year, it brings together the best parts of riding: the challenge, the camaraderie, and those moments of pure adrenaline that keep us all coming back. Crossing that finish line this year, surrounded by cheering family and friends, reminded me of why I ride and why this event is so close to my heart. The support I felt throughout every mile, every climb, and every twist in the trail made this year’s Iceman unforgettable.
It’s hard to put into words what an incredible feeling it is to complete this race with my family there to celebrate, my friends riding alongside me, and the energy of the Iceman crowd all around. The memories made out on the course, the laughs and grit shared along the way, and the pure joy of the finish line come together to create an experience that’s truly special. Every mile was worth it, and I can’t wait to do it all over again next year.
A massive thank you to everyone I worked with at Iceman! The effort and dedication each of you puts into this event is shown in every detail. The energy, organization, and passion you bring make this experience something we all look forward to each November. And to everyone who makes Iceman happen—thank you for making the “biggest party in the woods” possible. Your hard work and commitment keep the Iceman spirit alive, and none of us could enjoy this without you.
Finally, a special thank you to my amazing wife. Thank you for your unwavering support and for always encouraging me to pursue my passion. I couldn’t do any of this without you. I’m beyond lucky and blessed to have you by my side—your love and support mean everything to me.
Thank you to everyone who made this journey so incredible. I’m already looking forward to the next ride, the next adventure, and seeing all of you out there again. Here’s too many more memories on the trails!
– G
A HUGE thank you to Gerald Gaecke @g_dub_83_ for being our 2024 Iceman Ambassador.
