This year’s Iceman felt like the first time everything really clicked for me. From the moment I rolled into the start chute, I could tell the training I put in all season with MISCA Devo and my coach, Sara Vano, had paid off. I felt stronger, smoother, and more confident than any Iceman before. MISCA Devo has pushed me in ways I didn’t realize I needed; whether it was dialing in skills, building endurance, or learning how to control my effort in races. Misca Devo has a way of finding that balance between pushing me and helping me stay focused, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything my coach has done to get me here. I also really enjoyed my social rides with Wild Card Cycle Works, so as not to get fed up with my bike.
Right from the start, I noticed a difference in my speed from last year. I was in front of the pack at first, but as we entered the trails, I settled into the second pack. That honestly made the race so much more fun. Riding with a group that’s moving the same pace as you gives you energy you can’t really explain until you’re in it: the drafting, the shared effort, the subtle communication, and that unspoken agreement that we’re all pulling each other forward. It felt like real racing. The community this year felt unmatched; everywhere I looked, someone was cheering, encouraging, or suffering right alongside me. Iceman is always known for its community, but this year felt on a whole different level
But… it wouldn’t be Iceman without some chaos…
Once we caught the last adult wave before Sows Ear, everything backed up fast. The trail went from smooth racing to full-on gridlock. There were sections where the line was completely stopped, and honestly, there were moments where I’m pretty sure I could’ve carried my bike through the woods faster than waiting out some of those jams. It was frustrating because I knew I had the fitness and skills to keep my momentum, but sometimes the only thing you can do is stay patient and work with what the trail gives you. That said, I really hope next year there’s more of a gap between waves or a different way of managing the traffic. The congestion definitely slowed down a lot of riders who were ready to flow.
Even with all the backups, I loved the course this year. The increase in singletrack made everything more exciting, more technical, and more fun. It played to the strengths I’ve been building all season, especially with how much Devo has helped me improve bike handling and efficiency. When I had open trail, I felt fast and controlled, which is a huge confidence boost heading into next season.
Overall, despite the traffic jams and the chaos, this year’s Iceman was one of my
favorite races yet. I felt prepared, confident, supported, and genuinely proud of the work I put in. It showed me how far I’ve come and how much more potential I have to grow.
I’m already looking forward to next season, building off this momentum, and seeing what’s next.
Thank you to Kedzie Ruckle for being our 2025 Junior Iceman Trailblazer!