Last week, we made the call. No doubt the announcement that this year’s Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge wouldn’t happen disappointed a lot of people, but we’ve been overwhelmed by the positive calls, emails, and text messages in the days since our racers heard the news. Your support has made a very tough time so much better, and we can’t thank you enough for the donations and kind words. Continue reading “For The Fun Of It: The 2020 Course”
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| Onsite Registration Anyone can register at either one of our onsite locations for the 2020 Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge whether you are a first time rider, a 20th time rider, riding Meijer Slush Cup or racing in the 30 mile Iceman; all are welcome to come and celebrate with us. Come see us at the Bell’s Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo or 7 Monks Taproom in Traverse City on March 6. Details are below: Friday March 6, 2020 2:00 pm to 5:30 pm Bell’s Eccentric Café 355 E Kalamazoo Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007 Friday March 6, 2020 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm 7 Monks Taproom 128 S Union St Traverse City, MI 49684 Online Registration If you raced in 2019, early registration will open for you on Friday March 6th at 9:00 am. On Thursday March 5th, you will receive a link to the registration page and an early access code that you will need in order to register early. Online registration will be open to 2019 racers only until Monday March 9th. If you are a new racer or if you raced any year other than 2019, online registration will open for you on Monday March 9th at 9:00am. Racing Age Please remember when registering that your “racing age” is determined by your age on December 31. Questions? Email us at icemaninfo@iceman.com or visit us on Facebook! |
| 2019 Photos Looking from some great photos of you on the trail in 2019. Check these out from Rob Meendering! |
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Happy New Year!
A Note from your Race Director, Cody Sovis:
For the Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge crew, there’s a lot of excitement in flipping the page to a new year, and we’re deep into planning the 31st edition of this legendary race. November 7 is going to be here in a flash. We’ve put together a few important dates to circle on your calendar, plus a couple of tidbits to chew on.
Registration
Details
You have to train for the after party somehow, so why not right when you sign up? On-site registration takes place on Friday, March 6, 2020 at Bell’s Eccentric Café in Kalamazoo and at 7 Monks in Traverse City (times to be announced). New and returning riders can register for the 31st Iceman Cometh Challenge while enjoying some Light-Hearted fun and comradery. Keep an eye on your inbox for additional information.
On-line registration for returning riders opens Friday, March 6th at 9:00 am; if you raced last year, you’ve got all weekend to jump into the race of your choice. For those who didn’t race in 2019, registration opens Monday, March 9th at 9:00am. Get signed up, get committed, and get your riding buddy to register, too!
Registration costs for 2020:
Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge: $110
Junior Riders: $70
Meijer Slush Cup: $80
Junior Riders: $50
Meijer Sno-Cone: $5
Website & Registration Platform Overhaul
Coming in late February 2020, we’ll unveil a new website and registration platform! If that sounds scary, don’t worry; it’s all good stuff. What’s different? Here are some FAQs to let you know about what we have going on.
Where will my past results be held? All known past results will be uploaded to the new registration platform. You’ll have to “claim” your information which can be done with your email and other identifying information. In order to make this process smooth, please update your Ice Society Account on the current website (www.iceman.com) before March 1 so we have your correct information when everything migrates over.
Will there still be an Ice Society? Yes…in our hearts. There will always be an Ice Society, just not a digital one on the Internet. Instead, we’ll be focusing our updates and information using the Iceman Strava Club, on our social channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter), and on the trails.
What about Strava Training Points? You might have noticed the Training Leaderboard isn’t updating. Due to new Strava API settings and costs, we won’t be syncing data from Strava anymore. You can still see how you stack up against other Iceman athletes using the Iceman Strava Club.
How will waves be determined? Waves will continue to be determined by your top three Iceman Cometh Races out of the last 5 years. We’ve thought a lot about the best way to place riders, and while there were a lot of perks to using the Strava algorithm, it did have some drawbacks. As a result, we’re taking out the other variables. Think you’re Wave One? Prove it; by taking times on the course, riders face the same hills, same mud, same traffic, and the same roll of the dice. First-time riders will be placed in waves based on age or race category.
What else will be new? New this year, friends and family will be able to track you on Race Joy. With Race Joy, you can transmit your location and current speed in real-time to friends and family. Race Joy will also help search and rescue better located you in an emergency situation. Your spectators will be able to track you from home or from the finish line. This does require an app download and racers will be required to carry their phones.
Also, there will be some newly designed Light Hearted Ale merch and new merchandise items!
Along the way, we hope you’ll stay tuned to news and updates from of the woods, and enjoy every pedal stroke of training, racing, and riding between now and race day.
See you in the woods,
Cody Sovis
