If you’ll recall last summer when we asked the Iceman tribe to urge the Grand Traverse County Board to accept the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy’s bid to purchase 160 acres in the Pere Marquette State Forest. The Iceman riders as well as Mud, Sweat and Beers race through that section of forest. As it turns out they need to raise some money to help pay for some of the expenses incurred untilthey can sell the land back to the state. You can read more about that and make a donation here, Iceman is matching what comes in up to $20,000
“The registration protocol of the last three years has allowed riders to register for the Bell’s Iceman races at a time convenient to them and greatly reduced stress levels for everybody across the board so we’re planning on replicating that process for 2018”, said Steve Brown, Event Director.
“Registration for 2018 kicks off with our on-site registration party at Bell’s Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo onFriday, March 2nd from 10 AM to 4 PM. This year marks the 6th year of the registration party at Bell’s Eccentric Café and the response has been very positive. It has become a celebration about the upcoming cycling season more than registration for the races. “Riders from the past season know they’re guaranteed a spot in 2018 but they still come to Bell’s Eccentric Cafe and register. It must be the Bell’s beer”, quipped Brown.
Registration forms will be available and Iceman staff members will be entering riders directly into the 2018 database on site. Personal attendance is required in order to get registered at Bell’s on March 2nd.
Can’t make it to the Eccentric Café on March 2nd?
2018 Iceman and Slush Cup online registration opens for riders who participated in 2017 (or entered & had to transfer their entry) on Friday March 9th at 9:00 am which provides returning Bell’s Iceman riders a week to register before registration is completely open. (Don’t worry about the invitation code…it’s built into your Iceman account and will allow you to complete your registration).
Online registration for ALL Bell’s Iceman and Meijer Slush Cup riders opens Friday March 16th at 12 noon.
Thus, for riders new to the Bell’s Iceman, there are two options to register. Option #1 is to attend the Bell’s Iceman Registration party at the Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo on Friday, March 2nd from 10 AM to 3 PM. The second option is to register online beginning Friday March 16th at 12 Noon.
A total field limit of 4,500 Iceman riders and 400 Slush Cup riders will be accepted. The March 16th online registration opening for all riders will operate on a “first come – first served” method. The number of entries available on March 16th for the Bell’s Iceman and Meijer Slush Cup will be determined by the number of entries previously received.
The Bell’s Iceman entry fee for 2018 is $100.00 and includes the USA Cycling One-Day License and the online registration fee. USA Cycling members with an annual license will receive a $10 rebate upon showing their license at packet pick-up in November. The $10 USA Cycling annual license rebate is not available for riders in the Pro/Category 1 races.
2018 Meijer Slush Cup entry fees are $70.00 and include a USAC one-day license and the online registration fee.
The 2018 online registration system utilizes your Ice Society account on the www.iceman.com website. Thus, all registrants need to have an active account within the Ice Society. A new capability of the Ice Society is to allow parents to manage their children’s accounts with the same email address.
To eliminate confusion, tandem entries follow the one bike – one entry system. Tandem captains can enter their stoker’s name on their account page.
An USA Cycling account number (not an annual license) is required for each rider. For riders without an account number, you can create an account with USA Cycling by looking for the “sign-up” button in the upper right-hand corner of the www.usacycling.org website.
We are so very thrilled to welcome artist John Niewiek to the 28th Annual Iceman Cometh Challenge. John will be displaying his 2017 Grand Rapids Art Prize entry at Iceman this year! And as you can see…it’s a perfect fit!
John is also throwing in a little bonus. Bring in any old bike chain and receive a ticket to win 1 of 5 pieces of bike chain art that will be raffled off at 2pm on Saturday November 4th at the race.
Chains can be dropped off and raffle tickets picked up at the Timber Ridge Reservation Desk. There is nothing quite like being rewarded for recycling!
Caption – Left, Iceman riders from Tennessee at the SRAM Ice Cyle Expo. Right, expo is getting busy. Race day tomorrow!
Packet pick-up and the SRAM IceCyle Expo is upstairs at Grand Traverse Resort in the Michigan Ballroom. Head in the front doors of the resort and veer left and you’ll find it. Remember to check out the Central Market Place at Timber Ridge Resort for more vendors, and more swag. The Ice Cyle Expo at the resort runs from 10-9 on Friday and the Central Marketplace at Timber Ridge runs from 12-6 on Friday and 9-5 on Saturday.
Calling all Volunteers! We are looking for drivers to transport competitors’ bikes in Penske trucks. No special certification needed, just a great attitude and a licensed driver over 18! Shifts are 6am-noon and noon-6pm; we currently need 5 morning drivers and 13 afternoon drivers. There is also an option to bring a buddy and do an all day shift! Snacks and refreshments will be provided, Contact me today with your shift preference!
*Routes will be assigned on Saturday, please confirm your shift preference to Stacy Farrell at janwm@ja.org or 231-620-0953. Specifics will be provided upon confirmation. The starting location is the Penske office located at 2615 N US Highway 31 S, Traverse City, MI 49684
The race hotline phone number that was printed on the front of the number plates is incorrect. If you have a non-life threatening emergency, or are abandoning the race use 231-944-5437 instead of what’s printed on the front of the plate. If you have a life threatening emergency, call 911 first.
Parking at Timber Ridge is not included with any race entry, Iceman, Sno-Cone or Slush Cup, there are frequent shuttles from Rasho Farm to Timber Ridge or you can purchase a parking pass at Timber Ridge at any time. Parking passes for Timber Ridge will be available at the SRAM IceCycle Expo until about 6pm Friday night.
It’s another great year of the men’s best mountain bikers, coming to race for the title of Champion of the 2017 Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge. Everyone’s a contender and it’s going to be amazing to watch. Don’t miss it. Check out the full sortable list of racers.
Howard Grotts
Howard, 24, the winner of the 2016 Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge, is back to keep his title. He was first in the Leadville 100 this year, won his third consecutive cross country mountain bike national championship, and won the Breck Epic. He’s going to be tough to beat. He races for Specialized and for the 2017 Ice Trophy. @HowardGrotts
Brian Matter
Brian, 37, finished 2nd in 2016. After his win in 2014, Brian holds the record for the most wins at 4! Will 2017 make it a 5th? We can’t wait to find out. Brian is sponsored by Trek / Bontrager / Shimano / Pro Gold / JTree / Rock Shox. He also rocks the Bell’s After Party. Don’t miss it. Find him at b-matter.com/ and on Twitter @TheWiscoDisco
Carl Decker
Carl, 42 racing for Giant took us all by surprise and worked hard for 3rd in 2016. He won the 2017 Lost and Found gravel race, and we can’t wait to see if he can win the Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge. A Native Oregonian, according to Carl the worst place on earth is “On a TT bike”. @deckerator
Todd Wells
Todd Wells, 41, of Durango, Co., races for SRAM/Troy Lee Designs, and has announced his retirement. We’re not sure if this is his last race, but we are sure glad we get to see him crush it on our course. When asked about retirement he said, “…I’m looking forward to being more present and taking the time to enjoy the ride. And eating more cookies.” We’ve got cookies at the finish for you Todd. @yotwells
Ben Sonntag
Ben, 37, from Durango, Co finished 5th in the 2016 Bell’s Iceman. He rides for 9niner bikes/ Team Clif Bar Cycling. Ben got 4th in the Grand Junction Off-Road and 4th at the Iron House Bicycle Classic. We heard he had a bad crash in August, so we’re glad he’s come to race! @ZeGermanCyclist
Payson McElveen
Payson, 24, of Durango, Co. races for Orange Seal Cycling. He’s had some big races this year including Marathon National Champion for 2017 and 3rd at the Leadville 100. He finished 6th last year but we think he’s got more in him than that. @PaysonMcElveen
Stephen Ettinger
Stephen, 28, finished 7th in 2016. He is also a member of Team USA. He comes from Bellingham, WA and finished second at the USA Cycling Mountain Bike National Championships this year right behind Howard Grotts. We’ll see if that order changes on Saturday. @settinger_
Russell Finsterwald
Finsty, 26, comes from Boulder, Colorado and races for SRAM | Troy Lee Designs Race Team. Russell has had some close battles this year with fellow pro racers but it’s his history with Iceman that could be the winning combination Saturday. He’s been racing Iceman since the time when he’d try to get a fake i.d. to get into the After Party and now he needs to pass it to Christopher Blevins. @finsty http://finsterwald.bike
Troy Wells
Troy, 33, was our 2015 Pro Men’s winner. Hailing from Durango, Co., and races for Team Clif Bar Cycling. He’s know for eating a ridiculous amount of food, including a burrito the size of a large house cat. Whatever works but we know Troy is fast, and we’ll see if they Ice Trophy will be his on Saturday. @tdub255
Geoff Kabush
Kabush, 40, was the winner in 2013, 2nd at 2014’s “Mudman” and 3rd in 2015. The three time Canadian Olympian currently rides for Scott Cycles and recently won the Trans-Cascadia and the Downieville Classic, so our Northern Michigan trails should be easy for him. Kabush (k-Boom) has been racing in Canada since he was 15 and is a 13 time Canadian National Champion. @GeoffKabush
Travis (TJ) Woodruff
TJ , 34, races for his own coaching company Momentum Endurance, and Pivot Cycles, his best finish is 7th. His aspirations are to “Help athletes reach their best.” We can’t wait to see his best on Saturday! @tjwoodruff
Cole House
Cole, 29, is the 2107 National Fat Bike Champion. He hails from Oneida, WI. According to Peleton Magazine, “House’s mother had given him the Indian name Tekastoslunti, which roughly translates as “floating feather.”” We’ve witnesses that. He took last year off but we’re glad he’s back! @Cole_House
Isaac Neff
Isacc, 31, rides for Neff Cycle Service. His best finish was 6th in the infamous 2014 Mudman, so if the rainy/snowy weather continues, he might be in his element. He’s also the first two-title winner taking the 2017 Singlespeed Cyclocross National Championship. The man’s got grit. @neff_Isaac
Adam Morka
Adam, 31, is both a racer himself and coach to Emily Batty. Emily isn’t racing this year but we’re excited to see Adam jam on our trails. He’s finished just outside the top ten in the past. @adammorka
Scott Quiring
After taking a few years off, Scott Quiring is back! Scott is a 3 x Bell’s Iceman winner from the late 90’s. He has his own bicycle company, did some grueling races this summer (Leadville, Marji Gesick, and more) and is ready for the start line. @QuiringCyclesLlc
Please welcome a Bell’s Iceman newbie:
Christopher Blevins
Christopher, 19, races for Axeon Hagens Berman. He’s our youngest pro but don’t underestimate him. Welcome Christopher! @chrisblevs
Don’t forget our top local racers who know the course and plan on giving the pro’s a run for their money:
Jorden Wakeley
Jorden is racing for M22 and Suttons Bay Bikes. He’s expanded his types of racing this year, he’s suffered and he’s got the whole crowd cheering for him. He’s also the 2015 Arrowhead Ultra winner so you know the worse the weather, the stronger he is. @JordenWakeley
Alex Vanias
Alex, (Team OAM Now), placed 11th last year. He finished 8th at Peak 2 Peak, but we’re pretty sure that was just a warm-up for Saturday.
Jeff Owens
Jeff will be racing for Keen Technical. 2016 was his first time racing Pro for Iceman. He learned a lot from the experience and we’re going to see that put into action Saturday.
Sean Kickbush
Sean, (M22 racing) was a late registrant this year. Maybe he was trying to throw off the competition but we know he’s got an strong engine and is ready for Saturday. @skickbush
Cody Sovis,
Cody (Norte), has the impressive rank of 1st for Pro/Cat1 racers on Ice Society for October. He has dedication, time in the saddle and this race is in his backyard. Trifecta. Kolotc.wordpress.com
The Pro Women’s race is going to be a great one! With Chloe Woodruff defending her title and going for a 3rd win, she has a strong list of competitors trying to take the top step away. This is going to be good folks!
Chloe Woodruff: Reigning champ for 2 years, Chloe is returning to again defend her title! She races for Team Stan’s NoTubes – PIVOT and TEAM USA. She’s not going to give up her top step without a serious fight. Find her at http://www.chloewoodruff.com/ or on twitter @chloewoodruff
Kaitlyn Patterson:
After a show of pure perseverance and grit, Kaitlyn took 2nd last year. She moved to Ann Arbor and is hitting the medical books but after last year, she will not be underestimated or overlooked at the start line.
Amy Beisel:
Amy finally got her podium spot last year with 3rd and we sure she’s gunning for that Ice Trophy this year. She races Procycling/Kenda. She credits her brother, also a pro cyclist, with encouraging her to buy her first mountain bike. Amy is also the 2016 Fat Bike World Champion, she’ll be ready if it starts to snow. You can find her on Ice Society and www.amybeisel.com/.
Erin Huck:
Erin is coming from Boulder, Co. and is the 2016 US National XC & STXC Champion. Erin finished 4th in 2015 and 5th in 2016, and knows what she needs to do to get the Ice Trophy! She rides for Cannondale-3Rox. Contact her on Ice Society, http://erinhuck.com or twitter @EEHuck.
Katerina Nash:
Katerina was born in the Czech Republic but now lives in Truckee, CA. She finished 3rd in the 2015 Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge. She’s a Five-Time Olympian, 6X UCI World Cup Cyclocross winner & 7 broken ribs in one race, and maybe Saturday we’ll add Bell’s Iceman Cometh Champion! Katerina is a member of Clif Pro Cycling Team. Tweet her @KaterinaNash or find her on Ice Society.
Leia Schneeberger
Leia was the 2017 Women’s Champion of 45NRTH Fat Bike Birkie Race. She is also the overall Champion for the second year in a row in the Wisconsin Off Road Series, placed 3rd at Ore2Shore and 1st in the Copper Harbor Festival. She races for Broken Spoke Racing and Funkier Bike and placed 9th at last years race.
Please welcome and watch for these Bell’s Iceman Newbies:
Karen Jarchow racing for Team Topeak-Ergon was 2016 National Ultra Endurance Marathon Champion and 2017 Fat Bike World Champion. @KarenJarchow
Also in the mix are our local Michigan Favorites:
Katie Clayton, finished 6th in the Pro Women Peak to Peak race even after a flat tire and 2nd overall female at the MMM Gravel Grinder. She’s coached by Bell’s Iceman Veteran Mackenzie Woodrig. Katie packs a punch and we can’t wait to see what’s she got in this strong field of women.
Susan Vigland, I know we said this last year but Susan is STILL the quintessential local sweetheart. She’s fast. She’s smart. She’s more ready than ever.
Bridget Widrig, after a hiatus from the mountain bike scene, Bridget is back and we can only assumer stronger than ever.
Finally, two 2016 Bell’s Iceman Junior Women Champs are stepping into the Pro Race, Summer Gilbert and Lexxie Mapes both won their age group categories as Juniors in 2016 and are making a play for the Pro Women game in 2017!
It’s going to be another great year for Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge. Here’s what new this year:
Central Market Place @ Timber Ridge
We have created a “Central Market Place” for exhibitors right next to the finish line inside the BISSELL Celebration Zone on Friday from 12-6 and Saturday 9am-5pm. As an added bonus, you can purchase you’re beer tickets on Friday too! So go ride the finish, grab a Bell’s beer and shop on Friday outside.
Water Bottle Hill Re-route
Your water bottle (and fillings) are safe for 2017 as we’ve re-routed the (in)famous decent.
No Outside Booze:
Based on our liquor license and agreement, no outside alcohol is permitted. This year our security team will be searching bags and confiscating all outside alcohol before entering the celebration zone.
Parking:
All racers (even Slush Cup and SnoCone) and spectators must park at Rasho Rd.to access Timber Ridge with ONLY THREE exceptions:
Disability/Handicap Parking
Subaru owners will still have VIP parking at Timber Ridge
Paid Timber Ridge permit holders. Timber Ridge’s guests and campers have the first priority over Bell’s Beer Iceman riders. Parking at Timber Ridge will cost $25.00 pre-paid or $35.00 day of the event. The proceeds will benefit the Timber Ridge Foundation.
The FINISH Line:
It’s all new and something you won’t soon forget! But we won’t spoil it for you. Check it out Friday either before or after the Expo!
