Category: Training Tips

As the dust settles on another incredible Iceman Cometh Challenge, I’m still riding the high of what was truly an unforgettable day. The weather couldn’t have been more ideal, and the atmosphere was electric from start to finish. This race isn’t just an event—it’s the Super Bowl for so many of us in the mountain biking community, and this year, it lived up to every expectation.

The Race: Wave 15 and My Trusty Fat Bike

Starting out in Wave 15 with my fat bike was an absolute blast. The trail conditions were perfect for fat tire riding, with a course that leaned heavily toward mountain bike-friendly terrain rather than wide-open stretches. This made for an exhilarating ride that kept things dynamic and engaging. Despite some reports of congestion in other waves, I found the flow of riders around me to be just right.

The bike itself? Flawless. Fat bikes truly shine in a race like this, and mine was no exception. Every hill, every twist, every climb—it handled it all like a champ. A big part of my success this year was finally dialing in my nutrition, which kept me cramp-free (a huge win) and steady, even during the most challenging parts of the course.

The Energy: Hills, Cheers, and the Pro Exchange From Doug

The energy on the hills, especially the infamous Iceman Climb, was something out of a dream. The crowd was nothing short of electric, cheering everyone on with a level of enthusiasm that could fuel a whole race on its own. A special shoutout to my buddy Doug, who executed a textbook bottle exchange at Williamsburg Road. The announcer even called it a “pro-like exchange”—kudos to him for running support like a champ.

Not everyone was a fan of the course changes this year, but I thought the mix of terrain was a nice touch. The trail added a fresh dynamic to the ride and kept things interesting. Even though I didn’t have the energy to push as hard as I usually do at the finish, I was thrilled with my performance, placing ninth overall in the 39-and-under fat bike category.

The Community: Friends, Family, and the Afterparty

One of the best parts of Iceman is the community that comes together for this race. From seeing friends on the trail to the post-race festivities, the camaraderie is unmatched. The beer was cold, the vibes were high, and the conversations were flowing. Watching Joslyn race without training wheels for the first time was a highlight, and the guys in costumes cheering for the kids made the event even more special. It’s those small touches—like chanting kids’ names as they rode by—that make this race so unique.

Gratitude: To the Volunteers, Staff, and Sponsors

This race would not be possible without the incredible team of staff and volunteers. Your hard work and dedication make the Iceman Cometh Challenge what it is—a day we look forward to all year. To the sponsors, thank you for supporting this event and our community. And to my family, thank you for your endless support. None of this would be possible without you.

Looking Ahead: Winter Riding and 2025 Goals

As the 2024 season comes to a close, I’m already looking forward to getting back out on my fat bike this winter. If you haven’t tried riding in the snow, let me tell you—you’re missing out. Fat bikes are a game-changer for winter riding, and if you don’t own one, go rent one and join the fun. There’s nothing like hitting the trails in the crisp winter air to keep your skills sharp and your spirits high.

To everyone who raced, cheered, or supported this year: amazing job. I hope this race inspired you to push beyond your comfort zone and embrace the incredible world of mountain biking. Here’s to 2025 and all the adventures it holds.

Signing off as your Iceman ambassador,

Casey Smith

The Tractor Guy, The Mountain Bike Guy, The Auto Guy—Just Casey

P.S. Keep riding, stay inspired, and never stop chasing the thrill. See you on the trails!

A HUGE thank you to Casey Smith @casey_thetractorguy for being our 2024 Iceman Ambassador.

Alright, my cycling peeps, it’s that magical night before the Iceman Cometh, and the excitement is buzzing like a swarm of caffeinated bees! Can you feel those nerves tingling? Here’s the scoop: hay is in the barn! You’ve put in the work, so let’s make sure you’re primed and ready for tomorrow’s epic adventure!

First things first—double-check your gear! Lay out those clothes like the cycling superstar you are (bonus points for matching socks, obviously!) and make sure your hydration plan is locked and loaded. If you’re anything like me, you probably brought every single cycling thing you own because, well, it’s Iceman! LOL! No one wants to be that poor soul wandering around like a lost puppy, clutching an empty water bottle halfway through the race, right?

Now, speaking of gear, don’t forget the essentials! Here’s your checklist:

• Helmet: Safety first, folks! (And you’ll look cool doing it.)
• Gloves: Keep those fingers nimble and warm—no one likes chilly digits!
• Shoes: Seriously, mismatched shoes? Rookie mistake!
• Nutrition: Pack your snacks! Energy bars, gels, or whatever keeps you fueled and feeling fabulous.

Now let’s chat about bikes: a clean bike is a fast bike! Give your trusty steed some TLC tonight. A quick wipe down and tire check can turn your bike from a rusty old tractor into a sleek rocket ship, ready to fly down those trails tomorrow like a rockstar!

Get ready, because tomorrow, 5,000 of your best cycling buddies will be rolling out together! It’s like a giant, two-wheeled party on wheels! Where else can you ride shoulder to shoulder with so many passionate riders? You’ll be in the thick of it, cheering on the juniors as they crush it under the midday sun and then getting hyped to watch the pros put on a jaw-dropping show in the afternoon. It’s cycling’s version of a reality show, and guess what? You’re not just the audience; you’re part of the cast! So grab your bike, bring your favorite beverage, and let’s make some unforgettable memories together!

But hey, if those nerves are creeping in, don’t sweat it! It’s totally normal. Take a few deep breaths, visualize the race, and remind yourself: you’ve trained for this! If you’re feeling a bit jittery, some light stretching or a tasty snack can work wonders.

Remember, it’s not just about the race; it’s all about the experience! The laughs, the cheers, and those legendary stories you’ll be trading with friends and family once you cross that finish line. Cycling isn’t just a sport; it’s a celebration of life and adventure—so soak it all in and try not to spill your celebratory drink on yourself!

As you cozy up for the night, embrace those butterflies in your belly (the fun kind, not the taco kind). Get ready to send it tomorrow! Have a blast, keep that positive energy flowing, and let’s create some unforgettable memories together!

See you at Timber!

Iceman Lullaby

Hush now, cyclist, the night’s getting late,
Tomorrow’s the race, and you’re feeling great!
Dream of the trails, but try not to fall,
And if you hit the dirt, just give it your all!

Snuggle in tight, don’t kick off those sheets,
Tomorrow’s a party with 5,000 of your peeps!
Don’t forget your snacks, fuel up, don’t slack,
Or you might find yourself begging a rider for a snack!

Get pumped for the Iceman Cometh, everyone! Let’s roll into an epic day of fun, friends, and unforgettable moments tomorrow! 

About the author: 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.

Let’s face it, spending months pounding out mile after mile on the bike in preparation for the Iceman Cometh puts you at high risk of overuse injuries and burnout. Repetitive cycling motions can lead to awful things like knee tendonitis, IT band issues, lower back pain, and other nuisance injuries that’ll derail your training.

Not to mention, all those hard miles without variation can really crush your motivation and make the whole process feel like a crazy grind. Pretty soon you’re counting down the days until it’s all over.

The good news is that by implementing some simple cross-training into your regimen, you can become stronger, more durable, and far more resilient against burnout and overuse injuries. It’s a complete game-changer for longevity.

It’s proven that cross-training provides an amazing active recovery tool to promote healing and adaptation between your bike training days. Low impact activities like hiking, swimming, yoga, and light strength work increase blood flow to aid recovery without compounding more fatigue.

You’ll be amazed at how fresh your legs can feel for big bike days by sprinkling in some easy stuff on your recovery days. The variety provides both a mental and physical reprieve too, I like to walk my dog Rosie on a good 4-5 mile walk these days.

Working some low-impact strength training into your plan can pay huge durability dividends too. Specifically targeting areas like your core, hips, glutes, and posterior chain can shore up muscle imbalances and promote full-body stability on the bike.

While off-the-bike work shouldn’t be your primary training focus, certain cross-training modalities can provide an excellent complementary training stimulus to boost your cycling fitness.

Finally, having an outlet away from the bike provides an amazing mental reset and way to rekindle your motivation. The saddle can start feeling like your own personal torture chamber after months of grinding away. Switching things up provides fresh goals to chase and new skills to hone.

Perhaps you focus on increasing your deadlift max during a weight phase. Or getting faster on running a 5K or XC skiing over the winter. Having little psychological win in a new domain then ignites your fire to bring that hunger back to the bike.

Don’t be afraid to mix things up – your body AND mind will thank you!

So get creative, find some new cross-training passions, and keep charging towards that Iceman finish line. Embrace the variety!

About the author: 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.

Just the other day I loaded up my snacks and water to ride an out and back – just me myself and I amongst the fall colors. A couple miles down sands lake road a group of guys rode up behind me little ol’ me on my big looking fat bike and asked if I’d like to join them along their ride. I hooked on the back of their crew and rode with them for quite some time. Not only did this make the ride more enjoyable chatting with these other riders, but it also pushed me to ride a little faster than I would have alone. Yes, I eventually lost them as they sped off into the trees, but sure enough I ran into a large group of ladies and rode the way in chatting with them. Each person I met was kind, asked about my riding, but also saw past the superficial bike gear to ask me about myself in general.

When race day comes, I hope each person you cross paths with you treat with kindness. Whether they’re zooming past you up icebreaker hill or you’re patiently riding behind them in the single track waiting your turn to pass when the trail opens up, we are all out there doing this amazing thing together.

The endurance community, especially the bike community, is amazing. It reminds me of what life in general should be like – kindness, spreading encouragement, seeing the good in all things, enjoying the scenery along this crazy path of life, and just enjoying the ride. 

Thank you to our 2024 Iceman Ambassador Allyson Klug @allysonklug

As fall rolls in and the temperatures start to dip, it’s the perfect time to adjust your training routine and embrace the crisp, cool weather. Here’s my take on how to make the most of your fall workouts and keep your motivation high.

Fall weather can be all over the place, so layering is your best bet. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to stay dry, add a light insulating layer for warmth, and top it off with a windproof or water-resistant outer layer. You’ll stay comfortable and adaptable as the weather changes. My go too is a wool base layer under my jersey.

Cooler weather doesn’t have to mean cold hands and feet. If my hands are cold, it’s a hard stop for me. I need to feel my fingers! Invest in a pair of breathable gloves and a cozy under helmet beanie. Its OK to be slightly cold or chilled at the start, if you are warm you are probably over dressed! It’s all about staying comfy and keeping the ride enjoyable.

A proper warm-up is key as the temperatures drop. Focus on dynamic stretches and exercises that get your blood flowing and muscles ready. It’s your pre-game ritual to get you pumped up and ready for action. 

Even in cooler weather, hydration is crucial. Drink plenty of water and pack snacks that give you a boost without freezing. Think energy bars, nuts, or a piece of fruit. Keep your energy levels up so you can power through your workouts. It’s easy to forget to drink when it’s cold as you may not be sweating as much.

Cool weather can affect your bike’s performance. Check tire pressure regularly and consider new tubeless sealant if you haven’t refreshed it this summer. If you have tubes, just check for dry rotting or cracking. Keep your bike clean and well-lubricated to ensure a noise free ride. Nothing worse than trying to find that annoying click when on the trails.

With shorter days, visibility is key. Equip your bike with front and rear lights if you are venturing out on the gravel roads. Night trail riding is a blast if you haven’t tried that before. Stay safe and make sure others can see you coming!

Fall is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Use the cooler weather as an opportunity to explore new routes and enjoy the changing scenery. The trees change color and its a great time to get out there to enjoy it.

After your workout, take time to cool down and stretch. A hot shower and some cozy clothes can help you recover and enjoy the rest of your day. Fall workouts are not just about staying fit—they’re about savoring the season. I personally have a love/hate relationship with my foam roller.

Enjoy the season and stay motivated!

About the author: 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.

With Iceman just around the corner, it is so tempting to hang up the skinny tires and just ride single track constantly. At least, that’s how I always feel this time of year. Flowy trails, with the leaves changing colors and scattering in the breeze, sounds like heaven to me. I feel pressure to work on my mountain bike skills and find myself hyper-focusing on getting into the woods and sometimes losing sight of all the benefits other forms of riding can have on my single track game. Gravel, Cyclocross, and under-biking all have a solid place in my Iceman training schedule, provided I can see “the forest through the trees” as it were.

Today was my weekly gravel ride and its also my day off of work. It was so tempting to throw my bike on my car and head up to Hardy Dam to ride 40 miles of single track on the newly completed Dragon today. I knew if I did that though, I wouldn’t have the energy to go to the local weekly gravel ride tonight. The reason I don’t want to miss this group ride is two fold. First, is the social aspect. My friends will be there! I want to see them and catch up. If that’s not a good reason to get on a bike, than I don’t know what is. After all, having fun is what its all about, right? Secondly, the second half of the ride is FAST. Is it a different style of riding than single track? Of course, but it helps me work on starting with a large group and not being intimidated by people riding close to me vying for position, just like at the start of a cross country mountain bike race. Plus, this ride is a great work out. It has punchy climbs which can mimic some of the demands needed at Iceman.

In the last couple years I’ve dabbled a bit in cyclocross and under-biking at the suggestion of my friend, Sarah “Rah” Williams and I can not begin to tell you how much its leveled up my mountain bike game. The first time she suggested I take my gravel bike on a single track trail I thought she was straight up crazy. Since then, I have learned that under- biking, or the act of riding your bike on terrain that’s more difficult than what the bike was originally designed for, can have a ton of benefits including improved line choice, increased confidence in sand or mud and overall better bike handling.

Cyclocross is, in my humble opinion, the ultimate expression of under-biking. Single track, deep sand/mud, tight, off camber grass corners on a rigid frame and skinny tires. I mean, how can your skills not level up if you practice that or even better, race it? I’m not going to lie, I’ve never had more fun or been more relieved to get lapped in a race than I have at a cross race. It’s all out the entire time, but there are whiskey hand-ups and what else would you want after 45 minutes of a heart rate at 190? All jokes aside, its the perfect thing to do on a Sunday after a long Saturday single track ride. It will whip you into shape for those punchy Iceman climbs in no time and the skills practice can’t be beat! So don’t hang up those skinnies yet! Get out there and get miles in whatever way brings you joy. If it gets you in the saddle then its applicable to your fall racing. I can’t wait to see you all at Iceman! I’ll bring the whiskey hand ups!

A huge thank you to our 2024 Iceman Ambassador Meg Hagerman @hagermanm

What’s up, everyone? ICEMAN is right around the corner! We’re officially a month out, and I can feel the excitement building. I’ve been getting in some miles here and there—maybe not as many as I’d like. Life has a funny way of sneaking in with jobs, family commitments, and everything else. But that’s part of it, right? Most of us aren’t full-time athletes. We have other things going on, and that’s okay.

As we close in on race day, I’ve noticed a lot of chatter: What bike should I ride? What tires are best? How much food should I carry? And don’t get me started on the endless debates about tire pressure! Here’s the thing: Everyone was a rookie once. I remember when I first rode the ICEMAN back in 2021. My prep? I showed up at my wave start time, threw on a CamelBak with a few snacks, and rode with my tires at 15-20 pounds of pressure because that’s just what they were. It wasn’t perfect, but guess what? I finished, and I had a blast.

At the end of the day, you’re racing against one person—yourself. Unless you’re gunning for a pro sponsorship (in which case, you might want to sign up for the pro race), your goal should be to push your own limits, enjoy the ride, and take in the experience. I can tell you, nobody ever became a pro off ICEMAN alone. But plenty of people have made lifelong memories, met great friends, and grown as riders. That’s what it’s all about.

Let me be clear—it’s not about how perfect your gear is or whether you hit every technical section just right. It’s about having fun, learning from the mistakes you make, and simply enjoying the day in the woods, regardless of the weather. This race is meant to challenge you, whether you’re a rookie or a seasoned vet. Maybe it’s your first time out here, or maybe it’s your grand finale for the year. Either way, don’t lose sight of why you signed up in the first place.

ICEMAN isn’t just a race; it’s a community. So be kind out there—help someone if they need it, give a nod to the faster folks, and encourage those who are taking it slow. We’re all in this together, and a little kindness goes a long way.

And when the race is over? Hug your family, head over to the beer tent, and soak up the good vibes with your fellow riders. Grab some food, share your stories, and just live in the moment. Because here’s the reality: None of us make it out of this life alive. So while you’re here—while you’re riding, while you’re breathing, while you’re living—make the most of it.

Enjoy the ride, ICEMAN. Don’t take life (or yourself) too seriously. After all, we’re here to have fun, aren’t we?

See you at the start line. Let’s go ride! 

PS: I am in a Turtle Jersey with Bright Orange Shorts during the race.  If it’s post race, I usually rock a cowboy hat of some sort. If you see me make sure you say “HI!”

Thank you to our 2024 Iceman Cometh Challenge Casey Smith @casey_thetractorguy

With the end of summer and start of the fall season I have noticed lots of changes. The weather has been changing and so have the rides we go out on. I have started riding almost every day of the week in preparation for the Iceman Race! The fall season is a great time to lock-in and start winding down to the race days. People race way more in the fall for mountain biking compared to the summer season, just because that is how the schedule works. 

At the end of summer, I started to participate in the MISCA races downstate. MISCA has a big sponsorship with ICEMAN and I was so happy to find that out.  MISCA has helped me to prepare for the Iceman race and the challenges out on that course. There are all types of terrain downstate that have helped me to be a strong rider and become more confident. 

Slowing tracking into the Iceman season has many layers to it that have been developed all summer. I have been working extra hard on my nutrition and my hydration. Now that the fall season has come around I am starting to work on my biking techniques and my daily riding. After taking a break in the summer to just have a biking free couple weeks I noticed my legs can recover faster and I am ready to start riding almost everyday again! I have started working more on my recovery, because of the MISCA races being every Sunday and having to fit in TCTF and P2P it’s important for me to have healthy muscle recovery. I have been stretching lots and making sure I drink lots of water and electrolytes before and after my race. I have been very strict on making sure to get good sleep and eating lots of carbs leading up to race day. 

Overall I am just very excited to see all the hard work fall together for the Iceman race and I can’t wait to see how much progress I have made from last year. But until that day I am going to keep working on the little things then get to my big goal of Iceman Cometh Challenge!

A huge thank you to our 2024 Junior Iceman Ambassador @pipershumar

Fall races are here. And there’s a lot of them! With living in this beautiful area it’s hard not to enter in all these amazing events. From an Ironman, to a marathon, to iceman, I’m in the middle of doing it all this fall. Recovery has never been more important for me so I can make it to the start line of the next race. 

I often find that rest days or recovery workouts give many athletes anxiety. I know I used to feel that way. My “rest days” used to consist of power yoga or lifting days because I figured “hey I’m not biking or running today this still counts as rest, right?” Rest days are not only to allow our bodies to heal, but also our minds to recover from the constant go go go that is required to juggle our everyday lives and training.

My top tips for recovery days are:

SLEEP – 8 hours is the goal. I know it’s not always possible with kids, babies, work schedules, but do what you can. Getting a good night sleep can be maximized by avoiding caffeine in the afternoon, skipping that beer or glass of wine with dinner, and staying away from screens at least 1 hour before you hit the hay.

FOOD – just because it’s a rest day, does not mean you need to eat less. Oftentimes you’ll be more hungry on rest days and that is just a sign your body needs that fuel to recover! Listen to your body, it’s smart.

RELAX – this is key for the mental aspect too. I’m normally awake before everyone in my house and my favorite activity before I head to work is making a nice cup of coffee, throwing on my compression boots, and putting on some feel good TV. Sounds silly, but hey everyone has their thing to help them turn their minds off and just chill.

Work hard, rest harder. 

Thank you to our 2024 Iceman Ambassador Allyson Klug @allysonklug