So, you signed up for your first Iceman Cometh Challenge. First of all, congratulations! Just getting registered is step one. You’ve got a mountain bike (maybe gravel if that’s your thing), a little grit, and a whole lot of nerves. When I first lined up for the Iceman Cometh Challenge, Michigan’s iconic point-to-point mountain bike race, I did not truly comprehend what I was getting myself into. It was exhilarating, humbling, cold, and one of the best days I’ve ever had on two wheels. Participating in Iceman started my racing journey and definitely kept me coming back for more year after year after year. I learn something new each time I race in this event, but the knowledge you gain after completing your first Iceman is priceless. Whether this is your first race ever, maybe just your first Iceman, you are looking to podium or hoping to finish with all digits intact and a working bike, here is what I wish I knew before my first Iceman.
1) The weather is wild – embrace it.
Early November weather in Northern Michigan can vary greatly. It could rain, snow and be sunny all in the same day. If you can predict one thing, it is that the weather is unpredictable. You should be prepared for anything. Come to the start with layers, they can always be removed before starting the race or during. If you plan on carrying a pack, stuff a light jacket or long sleeve in it just in case the weather turns for the worse and you need it. You never know when you may unfortunately have a crash or bike mechanical that causes you to be off the bike for an extended amount of time in the cold. Keeping that in mind, when you are on the start line, you should be cold. Yes, that sounds weird and uncomfortable, however, if you are warm in your clothing when your body is not working hard, you will only get hotter with effort and begin to overheat. If you cannot shed a layer, this could be detrimental towards your ability to finish the race. Some people will wear a top layer to the start line that they do not mind losing and toss it prior to starting the race in order to stay warm while waiting to take off.
2) The start line can be intimidating
As a first time Iceman racer, you will be assigned a wave that is towards the back of the pack. There can be around 100 riders per wave, but each wave varies. It is nerve wrecking lining up with that many people. Take a moment to breathe, ground yourself, get in position, do a mental checklist, start your computer, and take it all in. Pretty soon you’ll be doing what you love, riding your bike through the woods with a bunch of new friends! I do recommend getting to the start early. It is really fun to watch the beginning waves take off and this gives you plenty of time to make sure yourself and the bike are dialed in.
3) The course is fast
Yes, there is the dreaded sand that can momentarily slow you down, but overall the course is fast rolling. The official Iceman course changes slightly every year but it always consists of single and double track. Don’t get me wrong, fast does not mean flat. Most of the climbs are packed in the second half of the race. Try to carry momentum when able to get up and over those climbs! Not to worry if you aren’t comfortable on technical terrain, there are no rock gardens, skinnies, or jumps to navigate. As for the sand, consider “light hands” on the handlebards and shifting your weight back on the saddle to sail through without difficulty.
4) Fuel early and often
30-ish miles might not sound like a lot to some of you until you’re burning through energy faster than resupplying and nearing the bonk state. Be mindful of what you are eating leading up to race day and during the race. Proper nutrition will make a huge difference for your performance. Eat all the carbs and protein (only what you know your gut can handle). I do not recommend trying anything new the day prior or during the race! Pro tip, don’t wait until you are hungry or thirsty during the race because by then it is too late. I like to set a feeding schedule and stick to it the best I can to ensure I am consuming enough energy to keep me moving forward. For example, I may have the goal of drinking one water bottle before the first aid station or eating something every 30-40 minutes. If it is hard to pull a water bottle out of the cage mid ride, wear a hydration pack. Don’t want to mess around with grabbing food from your jersey pocket? Tape a gel packet to your top tube.
5) The energy is electric
Since completing my first Iceman in 2021, I have participated in many other races, including outside of Michigan. Nothing compares to the crowd at Iceman. There are several different spots out on the course where spectators like to gather and cheer the riders on. You can expect cowbells, horns, and even a full drum set! In 2024 there was a jump built that launched a few daring cyclists over the Iceman racers as they climbed the infamous “Make it Stick” hill. The cheering is great on course, however, nothing quite compares to the finish line shoot. Iceman finishes at Timber Ridge and is typically a winding course through the campground lined by fencing with banners. Spectators surround both sides of the fencing and root on every rider that flies by. It’s truly great for not only the racers, but fans as well! Soak it all in and listen for your name being called as you cross the finish line!
6) Post-race recovery is a party
After you cross the finish line, plan on sticking around for the post-race fun! There are food trucks and drinks available. There is a bike corral where you can safely store your bike while you enjoy everything else. There are even showers you can use to wash off all the mud, sweat, and hopefully not tears you accumulated throughout the day. Personally, my favorite part about the post-race festivities is watching the pros come through. The pro wave is the last wave of the day to take off from kalkaska. This means that all the amateurs get to watch the pros and cheer them on as they race for a trophy made of ice! There is a big screen that captures part of the pro race outside of the Timber Ridge finish line area as well. So make sure to bring a change of clothes and stick around for your fellow riders and pros to finish their race!
If 2025 is your first Iceman, I wish you the best of luck! Just know that you will have more fun during and after the race than you expect. Be proud of all that you have accomplished. Not only finishing the race, but all the hard work you put in prior to rolling up to that start line. You may freeze at the beginning, get stuck in some sand, be at the back of a conga line on the singletrack, or walk up the hill – but I bet you’ll want to do it all over again next year!
See you at the start line.
Thank you to Haleigh Dunn @life.with.haleigh for being out 2025 Iceman Cometh Challenge Trailblazer!