How long is long?

Chances are good this event is longer than you normally race. If you commonly do 2-3 (or 4?) hour training rides, then you’re probably fine. But if that’s more than you’re used to, you might consider adding some longer rides to your calendar – especially later in the summer and into the fall. Keep in mind that the conditions in November might be a bit harsher as well, which will only add to your fatigue. Having a solid aerobic base is one of the best keys to cycling success – both in this event and in general!

About the author: Kurt Schaldenbrand has been racing bicycles since 1983. He’s been a licensed coach working with competitive and developmental cyclists since 1990 and has been head coach for the University of Michigan Cycling team since 2012.

Is this your first time? Learn ALL the things!

If this will be your first time doing Iceman, you’re in good company; it was EVERYONE’s first time at some point! It was MY first time just this past November. This is a BIG event (in every way possible) and if that feels a bit intimidating – or even if it doesn’t – it’s highly recommended that you go in knowing as much as you can about it as you can. Your experience will be MUCH better if you do! The good news? There is plenty of fantastic resources available on the site to educate you now, before they say, “Riders ready… Go!” 

About the author: Kurt Schaldenbrand has been racing bicycles since 1983. He’s been a licensed coach working with competitive and developmental cyclists since 1990 and has been head coach for the University of Michigan Cycling team since 2012.

Set a goal and PLAN to succeed!

As you prepare for warmer weather and the fact that November and the Iceman Commeth Challenge are approaching, we asked Kurt to provide some inspiration for your preparation.

Since you will be hearing Kurt’s words for the next several weeks, here is a little more about him:

Kurt Schaldenbrand has been racing bicycles since 1983. He’s been a licensed coach working with competitive and developmental cyclists since 1990 and has been head coach for the University of Michigan Cycling team since 2012.

Do you have a goal for this year’s event? Do you want to achieve something specific, or do you just want to ride for the fun of it? Both answers are great – but if it’s the former, it’s important to write that goal down and think about how to achieve them. If the goal is big, break it down and work on the smaller ones throughout the year! It may sound corny but it’s true: you can be successful without goals and a plan, but it’s often accidental and rarely repeatable.

Iceman Cometh – 30th annual event Photography by John L. Russell Great Lakes Images

Save the Date(s)

2023 is just around the corner and we wanted to make sure that you added some dates to your calendar!

FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 2023 – Registration opens to the public at 9:00am for the 2023 Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge. Any participant that was registered for the 2022 race will receive an email earlier that week that inviting them to register. Be sure to add “Icemaninfo@iceman.com” to your safe senders list so you don’t miss these important announcements!

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2023 – Ice Cycle Expo at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. Pick up your race packet, Iceman Gear and shop all the local bike shops in one place, plus other gear from companies all over the country!

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2023 – This is the DAY! Join your friends and family as you ride the Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge presented by Trek from Kalkaska to Timber Ridge Resort in Traverse City. Celebrate at the BISSELL Celebration Zone with your favorite Bell’s Beer and cheer on the racers as the finish!

UPDATED Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge Course

With the reports of rain coming into the area there is a small reroute in the Sands Lake/Broomhead area of the course. This is approximately between kilometer markers 25 and 23. You will now continue north on Sands Lake to Broomhead. Turn North on to Broom Head and continue for about 1km. This will then take you to a left turn that will place the you back on the original race course.

The updated course has been posted on Ride with GPS. A course map marking feed stations and checkpoints is posted to the Iceman website.

It’s Here! Updated Slush Cup Course

Here is the Official Course for the Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge. Reminders: Still watch for logging activity and do not go on to the airport property until Race Day.

The Meijer Slush Cup Course is published as well. Below are images of the race routes This just in! We have an update Meijer Slush Cup Course for 2022.


Happy training and we will see you in November!

Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge presented by TREK Official Race Course

2022 Meijer Slush Cup Course

Race Rules & Trail Etiquette

Below are the rules and regulations for this year’s Iceman Cometh Challenge!

Please also look at the USA Cycling rules because we abide by those as well.

Most of all have fun! We will see you in November.

  1. Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge follows the USAC rules, MTB Rules start on page 91: bit.ly/USACRULES22
  2. You must pick up your packet in person. ID REQUIRED (Exception: parents/guardians may pick up for their children under 18)
  3. No headphones Bluetooth speakers, or other audio devices that will impede your ability or other people’s ability to hear on the trail
  4. No E-bikes or motorized bikes
  5. Be Polite. Announce if you are passing and move out of the way if you are being passed
  6. Be Aware. If your bike breaks down or you are injured, please step off the trail if able
  7. Water/Feeding Stations. There are three water/feeding stations throughout the Iceman Course. These are NOT medical stations. If there is an emergency, please call the number on your plate 231-944-5437 and our Search and Rescue team will take it from there
  8. If you need to drop out of the race, please report your drop by texting 231-944-5437 your name and a photo of your plate number. There will be several transports available back to the Bissell Celebration Zone
  9. Watch for Deer. We have posted signs for the deer to tell them to be aware of riders however, in the event the deer can’t read, please watch for them
  10. Most importantly, RIDE FAST & HAVE FUN!

33rd Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge DRAFT Course

Our inboxes are flooded with everyone wanting to know what the course in 2022 is going to look like and (oops) The Year of the Owl flew onto some screens before it was fully ready. While we were trying to give you, a 100 percent finished course to ride, we got delayed working around logging operations in some areas.

In the meantime, our friends out at NMMBA were working at the speed of light to get the rest of the trail ready. We know some have been out riding the course area based off past years and others have been asking so we thought you’d rather have a tentative course than wait any longer.

This DRAFT course is close to the final. We are working with the DNR to keep the riders away from the logging activity. So please note two very important items regarding this course:

  1. NO ONE is allowed on the airport property until race day per FAA regulations
  2. Be aware of your surroundings while biking this course

Without further adieu here is

The Year of the Owl

Prize Money Increase for Ice(wo)man

The Iceman staff is excited to announce additional cash prizes awarded this year in the Women’s race. “We are adding $2,910 in prize money to the pot this year and 6 additional women’s categories,” Executive Director Kat Paye stated. Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge is striving to continue to create more equitable racing for women. Since the inception of the Pro/Cat 1 Race, the Iceman Cometh was one of the only races in the Nation to pay women the same amount as men.  As our team continues to bring women to the forefront of Mountain Bike Races while maintaining a competitive field, the following category changes will occur:

  • Retired Categories: Women 30-34, Women 35-39, Women 40-44, Women 45-49, Women 50-54, Women 55-59
  • New Categories: Women 30-32, Women 33-34, Women 35-37, Women 38-39, Women 40-42, Women 43-44, Women 45-47, Women 48-49, Women 50-51, Women 52-54, Women 55-56, Women 57-59

We can’t wait to see all the Ice(wo)men in November! Keep training.

New Prizes for Junior Riders


This year the overall Iceman Junior Men & Junior Women riders will receive gift cards and swag from local bike shops valued at over $1000.

In addition, gift cards will be awarded to 1st through 5th place,
along with medals for each category in the Junior Iceman.

Overall winners and first place winners will also be awarded with an Iceman Cometh Jersey by Borah. Over $6,000 in prizes will be awarded to our Junior Riders in 2022.


Here is the breakdown:
Overall Junior Men/Women Winner: $1000 in gift cards
1 st Place: $200 in gift cards
2 nd Place: $150 in gift cards
3 rd Place: $100 in gift cards
4 th Place: $50 in gift cards
5 th Place: $25 in gift cards

This marks the largest increase in Junior Prizes since the inception of the Iceman Junior.