Last year at Iceman, I learned one of the most painful lessons in mountain bike racing: you can’t ignore fueling and hydration and expect your body to forgive you later.
The first half of the race, I felt amazing, fun, single, fast roads, great legs, and just enough adrenaline to forget I needed to eat or drink. I was cruising along thinking, “I’ll fuel at the next open stretch.” But come the open stretch thought I could bike faster and catch up to the person ahead of me, and by the time I hit around mile 20, it all came crashing down. My legs turned to lead, my energy tanked, and my focus started slipping. It felt like I was trying to ride through mud. That’s when I realized, once you’re behind on fueling, it’s too late to fix it. You can’t just down a gel and magically come back to life.
So this year, I’m coming in with a fueling plan. I’ve been testing what works for me in training rides so I’m not experimenting on race day. For hydration, I’ll be using Skratch Labs Everyday Hydration Mix – it’s my go-to because it tastes light, has magnesium and potassium in addition to sodium, and doesn’t leave that sweet sticky feeling in your mouth.I’ll fill my uswe with that and throw a bottle of high carb on my bike and be all set. For fuel, I’m combining Skratch chews with Smart Athlete Fuel energy gels – a local guy makes those gels, and they’ve become one of my favorite finds. They taste great, give me steady energy, and I like supporting someone in our community who’s helping riders perform their best.
I’ve also been paying more attention to how the course flows. The 2025 route has plenty of two-track sections that are perfect for fueling because you can grab a gel or a chew without worrying about handling tight singletrack. I plan to use those moments to stay topped off instead of waiting until I need it.
And then, of course, there are the big hills, the ones everyone talks about: Make it Stick is always a party, Anita’s wants to kill you, and Icebreaker always feels way harder in training. If you’ve done Iceman before, you know exactly which ones look small but are secretly every rider’s nemesis. You don’t want to hit those climbs running on fumes. I plan to take in something right before the first long climb, just after you get off the tubs snowshoe trail, so I’m fueled and ready instead of fading halfway up. The goal is to always be one step ahead of your energy, not chasing it.
The thing about fueling is that it’s not just physical, it’s mental too. When your body starts to fade, your focus goes with it. You stop riding smooth lines, you brake too much, and everything starts to feel harder than it is. Staying fueled keeps your brain sharp and your confidence up. It’s the difference between surviving the race and racing the race.
Fueling Tips for Iceman
- Start early. Fuel before the race. Misca season has taught me to consume about 30-50% of your water and snacks before the race starts, because it always feels harder to eat during the race, but for a long race like the iceman you need to replenish your energy often
- Fuel every 30–45 minutes. Set a timer on your watch if you tend to forget.
- Use easy sections. Two-track = fuel track. You should be fueling everytime you are on a twotrack or road. Eat there, not in the singletrack.
- Drink consistently. A few sips every few minutes beats chugging a bottle once an hour.
- Plan around the terrain. Eat before big climbs, not during them.
- Test it before race day. Never try something new on the course — know what your stomach likes.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned from last year, it’s that fueling isn’t something you “get around to” – it’s something you plan for. Hydration and nutrition might not sound as exciting as new tires or a suspension tune-up, but they’re what actually keep you moving forward when things get tough. This year, I want to finish strong – not just cross the line half dying.
So, if you’re racing Iceman 2025, take the time to plan your fueling strategy. Think about what you’ll use, where you’ll eat and drink, and how you’ll stay consistent. It’s not just about avoiding the bonk – it’s about giving yourself the best chance to ride your best race all the way to the finish.
Thank you to Kedzie Ruckle @noelkedzie for being our 2025 Junior Iceman Trailblazer!