So you did it. You hit that register button for Iceman. Maybe it was a moment of pure excitement, maybe your friends peer-pressured you, or maybe you blacked out and woke up to a confirmation email. Either way, you’re in. Now what?
Iceman is the biggest one-day mountain bike race in the country and November might feel like a long way off, but trust me, the work starts now. Whether this is your A race or just another stop on your adventure calendar, having a plan is what separates a solid ride from an epic one.
Is Iceman your big goal for the year, or are you just here for the party? Are you aiming for a PR, trying to beat your riding buddy, or just hoping to survive and grab that Bell’s beer at the finish? Knowing your goals now will help shape your training plan. If this is your A race, you’re gonna want to be dialed in. If it’s more of a fun challenge, you might approach things a little looser, but still, a little prep goes a long way.
Iceman might be in November, but your fitness starts now. Summer is the perfect time to work on endurance, test your fueling strategies, and find fun ways to push your limits.
For me, summer means long gravel rides and lots of coaching with the West Michigan Coyotes team. It’s all about building that endurance base while keeping things fun. You don’t have to be in race mode all summer, but mixing in some good, hard efforts will pay off when you’re sprinting up those punchy Iceman climbs.
Racing or just participating in events is one of the best ways to stay motivated and test your legs. There are tons of great gravel races, mountain bike races, and group rides throughout the summer that can help you build fitness while keeping things fresh. Plus, nothing simulates race day nerves and effort like, well, actually racing.
Don’t be the person panic-buying new tires and testing gels for the first time in October. Use the summer to figure out what works for you…bike setup, tire pressure, fueling, hydration, and even clothing choices. Iceman weather is unpredictable (never forget mudman!), but the more dialed-in your gear is, the better your chances of having a great ride no matter what the weather throws at you.
At the end of the day, we do this because we love it. Ride with friends, explore new trails and find ways to keep the stoke high all summer long. Training doesn’t have to be serious all the time. Sometimes the best preparation is just getting out and riding because you love it.
Got questions about training, gear, or race day strategy? Drop a comment and let’s do a Q&A.
A huge thank you to Tobi Tungl @tobitungl for Tobi’s Tips!
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.