Here at Iceman HQ, all this talk of March 1’s festivities has us itching for some riding. If getting signed up for the 30th edition of the Iceman Cometh Challenge doesn’t get you fired up to ride, then you’ve been cooped up inside for way too long!
Iceman athletes haven’t been hibernating. From Nordic skiing, fat biking, and even hopping on the trainer, our racers have been working hard to maintain and build fitness for a full season that seems to add more killer events every year. Remember the off-season? Well, that’s not really a thing anymore!
Around here, there is a fat bike race nearly every other week, and that’s a sport that’s grown to include races across the state. Some of the best Strava scores of the past two months have come from events like Fat Chance! at Crystal Mountain and the Big M Fat Bike Race near Manistee.
Activities on Zwift, TrainerRoad, and Rouvy count toward your Ice Society Strava score, and there are dozens of riders who have been raking in the points since November. New virtual events and races have made indoor racing a lot more fun and make it possible to ride with bike nerds from around the world.
Of course, some folks need to swap their pedals for skis to enjoy winter, and we’ve had a blast following the Michigan Nordic ski scene from Noque to Cote Dame Marie. This weekend, the 43rd Annual North American Vasa will start and finish in the same spot as the Iceman ends at beautiful Timber Ridge Resort. For Iceman racers, it’s got to be just a bit of a relief that they get to go down Icebreaker to start their 12, 27, or 50 km ski events, rather than finish up that short but cruel little slope.
There are also two fat bike races as a part of the Vasa’s Festival of Races, and it’s a testament to Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association that racing on their expertly groomed and simply gorgeous Winter Sports Singletrack draws so many rabid fat bikers. NMMBA also played a huge role in designing and laying out our 2018 Iceman course, and they do a great job incorporating their years of racing and riding in putting together a fun, fast, and exciting route that suits a wide range of abilities.
If you’ve had a hard time peeling yourself off the couch, we really hope that get yourself signed up for the 30th edition of the Iceman Cometh Challenge gives you the motivation to get moving, and maybe even try something new before winter fades into spring. The countdown to our 30th year starts in earnest in just a few weeks with events at 7 Monks in Traverse City and Bell’s Eccentric Cafe in Kalamazoo. More details to come, but make sure you’ve got a plan in place to make this year’s race your best yet!
It never gets old does it? It’s another great year of the men’s best mountain bike racers coming to race for the title of Champion of the 2018 Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge. It’s every man for himself out there. Check out the full sortable list of racers.
Geoff Kabush
Winner for 2018. Kabush, 41, will be defending his 2017 title. We think his nickname (k-Boom) says it all but as a refresher, Geoff was the winner in 2013, 2nd at 2014’s “Mudman” and 3rd in 2015. The three-time Canadian Olympian currently rides for Yeti Cycles & MAXXIS. Kabush has been racing in Canada since he was 15 and is a 15-time Canadian National Champion. @GeoffKabush
Payson McElveen
Payson, 25, of Durango, Co. finished 2nd last year. Payson races for Orange Seal Cycling. He’s a 2x Marathon National Champion for 2017, 2018 and 1st at the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival. He finished 6th in 2017 and when not riding likes writing, fly fishing and sports talk radio. @PaysonMcElveen
Brian Matter
3rd Place for 2018. Brian, 40, and will be participating in his 25th Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge. After his win in 2014, Brian holds the record for the most wins at 4! Rumor has it he is hungry for more. He recently finished 3rd at the Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival. Brian is sponsored by Trek / Bontrager / Shimano / Pro Gold / JTree / Rock Shox Find him at b-matter.com/ and on Twitter@TheWiscoDisco
Ben Sonntag
5th Place for 2018. Ben, 38, grew up in Germany but lives in Durango, Co. He finished 4th in 2017 and 5th in the 2016 Bell’s Iceman. He rides for 9niner bikes/ Team Clif Bar Cycling. Ben got an impressive 1st at Carson City Off-Road earlier this year @ZeGermanCyclist
Troy Wells
Troy, 34, was our 2015 Pro Men’s winner. Hailing from Durango, Co., Troy races for Team Clif Bar Cycling. Wells recently got 2nd at a cross race in West Sacramento, but we have a feeling he wants to take that Ice Trophy home again. His bio states “Favorite rest days are on a beach somewhere drinking margaritas watching the sunset.” Come back to TC in the summer @tdub255!
Cole House
Cole, 30, was 6th last year at Bell’s Iceman and is a 2 x National Fat Bike Champion. He hails from Oneida, WI and is probably hoping for snow on Saturday. According to Peloton Magazine, “House’s mother had given him the Indian name Tekastoslunti, which roughly translates as “floating feather.”” We’ve witnessed that. It’s amazing. @Cole_House
Alexey Vermeulen
2nd Place for 2018.Alexey, 24, of Pinckney, MI finished 9thth last year and races for Interpro – Stradalli. He recently finished first at a brutal Peak2Peak race. Great to see him off the road and in the woods! http://alexeyvermeulen.blogspot.com/
Scotty Albaugh Jr.
Scotty, 25, of Waterford, MI made it into the top 10 last year. Let’s see what he’ll do this year.
Jorden Wakeley
Jorden, 28, finished 11th last year and is racing for Giant Bicycles/Northbound Outfitters. He finished his first ultra-marathon this year, so if he has a mechanical, he might just pick up his bike and run it in. And still beat most racers. He’s also the 2015 Arrowhead Ultra winner so you know the worse the weather, the stronger he is. @JordenWakeley
Russell Finsterwald
Finsty, 27, comes from Boulder, Colorado, and races for SRAM | Troy Lee Designs Race Team. Russell is a seasoned Bell’s Iceman veteran at only 27. He had some injuries in the last year, but we’re all glad he’s back and tough as ever. @finsty http://finsterwald.bike He’s also a darn fine photographer: Check it out! https://www.rfphoto.net/
Floyd Landis. Do we need to say anything more? Cool. Welcome to Northern Michigan Floyd and Floyd’s of Leadville.
Scott Quiring
Scott is a 3x Bell’s Iceman winner from the late 90’s and he is still one of the fastest dudes out there. He has his own bicycle company and after completing the LumberJack 100 this year, the Bell’s Iceman is gonna feel short! @QuiringCyclesLlc
Please welcome these Bell’s Iceman newbies:
David Zabriskie, 39 from Salt Lake City, Utah. He’s a newbie to Bell’s Iceman so everyone be really nice to him on the course. Mr. DZnuts https://www.dz-nuts.com/ has done a race or two in his time and is business partners with Floyd Landis. Welcome Dave Z.
Tristan Uhl Tristan, 30, from Smithville, TX races for Giant and Live Co-Factory Off-Road Team. Tristan has some impressive race results and they will not be overshadowed by his impressive mustache. Can’t wait to see what he can do on these cold, northern Michigan trails! @ biketuhl
Peter Disera 4th Place for 2018. Peter, 23, from Horseshoe Valley, Ontario, and races for the Norco Factory Team XC. He finished 1st at the Canadian National Championships in Canmore this year. Please note his bio says he is not a vegan!
Don’t forget our top local racers who know the course and plan on giving the pro’s a run for their money:
Jeff Owens, will be racing for Keen Technical. He’s one of those really nice guys who smiles while making his friends cry from pain while riding with him.
Cody Sovis, racing for 3T Q+M, has the impressive overall rank of 2nd for the Pro/Cat1 racers and was first last year in Ice Society. He’s fast and he’s funny. Check out his website: https://kolotc.co/
Braiden Voss, 16, returned home from the Miller School of Albemarle to race this year. That’s pretty cool. Watch out, this kid is the real deal.
Tim Pulliam, 44, made a last-minute call and stepped up to the Pro race. He’s fast and fit this year, and he’s racing for his company, Keen Technical.
Sean Kickbush, never one to register too early, is back in the Pro race and looking to break into the top 20. He races for 3T Q+M.
The Pro Women’s race is anyone’s race to win! With neither 2017 1st or 2nd place finishers racing, the podium is wide open. Besides some of our veteran racers, we’ve got some new ladies that shouldn’t be overlooked. This is going to be good folks!
Kaitlyn Patterson: 4th Place for 2018. Kaitlyn has finished 2nd in 2016 and 3rd in 2017, will 2018 her chance to claim 1st place? No longer the new girl, Kaitlyn comes with a reputation and she (and everyone around her) will have to work hard on Saturday to keep up.
Chloe Woodruff: Winner for 2018. After reigning champ for 2 years, Chloe wasn’t on the podium last year, but with Katerina Nash MIA, Chloe has her sights on the top step again! She races for Team Stan’s NoTubes – PIVOT and TEAM USA. Find her at http://www.chloewoodruff.com/ or on twitter @chloewoodruff
Amy Beisel: 5th Place for 2018. Amy has been hovering near the top step for a while. In 2016 she got 3rd, 2017 6th and this year might be her year to be back on the podium. She races Orange Seal Off-Road Team. 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 http://rachel-scott-2ct9.squarespace.com/
Catharine Pendrel: 3rd Place for 2018. After taking a year off from Iceman and a humerus break this season, Catharine is back! She won the 2013 Pro Women’s race but even more impressive is her winning a Bronze Medal in the 2016 Rio Olympics, her 2x World Champion, and 3x Canadian Olympian. She races for the Clif Pro Team. http://cpendrel.blogspot.com/
Rachel Langdon: Rachel, 30, hails from Louisville, KY. The last two years she has been an impressive 6th and 7th. This year she won Barry Roubaix AND set a course record. She races for Gray Goat Bullseye Total Media and has a whole lot of races under her belt for 2018 with some serious results!
Mary Penta: @mary_penta , 39, of Indiana and sponsored by Think Green/Bicycle Face. She finished 2nd this year at the Barry Roubaix, a mere 3 seconds behind Rachel Langdon. She’s been racing quite a bit this year and we’re excited to see what she’s got.
Georgia Gould:
Georgia will face her biggest Bell’s Iceman Challenge yet. Not on course, but in the Announcer Box providing commentary to all of us! We’re pretty sure this two time Bell’s Iceman Champion and U.S. Olympian is up for the challenge and we can’t wait to hear what she has to say!
Please welcome and watch for these Bell’s Iceman Newbies:
Sofia Gomez Villafañe,
2nd Place for 2018. Sofia is 24 and was born in Argentina but hails from Park City, UT. She races for Stan’s Pivot Pro Team. While new to Bell’s Iceman, she is not new to the sport. She has an impressive resume and we can’t wait to watch her test her skills on our Northern Michigan Trails. @sofithevilla
Lindsay Knight, 34, from Chicago, IL. Known for her Cross Cycling skills and her work with youth cycling non-profit Blackstone Bicycle Works. Lindsay also has a Ph.D. in Political Science and might have a lesson or two for our ladies in the Pro field.
Also in the mix are our local Michigan favorites:
Megan Doerr, 35, races for McLain’s Race Team. This is her first year racing Pro/Cat 1. Megan was the fastest amateur woman in 2017. She’s also being inducted into the MMBA 2018 Hall of Fame for Racing!
Maddy Frank, 18. She’s from Walker, MI. She finished 1st in the Junior race last year and has stepped up to the Pros.
Susan Vigland, racing for Hagerty Cycling, is back and stronger than ever. She’s not only an amazing racer but Susan loves trails and is current board president of TART trails!
Bridget Widrig, racing for Hagerty Cycling. Bridget is the nicest, most humble person you’ll meet…until the start gun goes off!
Our security team, in conjunction with Grand Traverse Sheriff’s Office and Metro Fire Department, works to ensure that all participants and spectators have a safe and enjoyable experience while watching the racing action at Timber Ridge Resort. They have compiled a list of some practical “Do’s and Don’ts” that are really basic social etiquette that will keep everything flowing smoothly throughout the afternoon. (All of these suggestions come with a big PLEASE and THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION from all of our staff.)
1. Thou shall race a clean, fair race.
2. Thou shall be Courteous while racing. (Announce yourself when you pass.)
3. Thou shall respect the Handicap Parking area at Timber Ridge for those who truly need it.
4. Thou shall ONLY drink Bell’s Beer in the BISSELL Celebration Zone.
5. Thou shall only pack dry clothes—no beer—in your clothing bags.
6. Thou shall keep moving on the staircases over the course.
7. Thou shall use the bike exit so you don’t have to drag your bike up the stairs.
8. Thou shall update your Ice Society profile with Emergency Contact Info
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!
The 2017 Bell’s Iceman and Slush Cup officially kick off nine days from today on Friday, November 3rd! Let the madness begin.
Long-time sponsor CLIF Bar has $900 bucks burning a hole in their pocket and wants to donate it to three worthy cycling-related charities. All you have to do is nominate them. Read this for more information.
And in that same spirit of generosity, an anonymous donation means that Junior Iceman categories will be competing for $5,000 in college scholarships through Michigan Youth Cycling again this year.
A reminder that the Iceman Store closes this Sunday (10/29) at 9pm. You may have caught a sneak peak at some of the 2017 Borah Teamwear jerseys available in the Iceman Store at the Peak2Peak bike race Saturday. On another store-related note, the Headsweats coupon code is good for select items at Headsweats.com not in the Iceman Store. We’re sorry about the confusion caused for more than one shopper with that ad.
Friday, Friday at Timber Ridge Resort!!
Packet Pick up and the SRAM Ice Cycle Expo both open at 10:00 am in the Michigan Ballroom at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa and run until 9:00 pm that night. Be sure to check out the newest mountain bike gear, do a little swagging, and sample a Bell’s Brewery seasonal offering all at the same time.
Friday is also a very busy day at Timber Ridge Resort as our staff prepares for the big day on Saturday, athletes are checking out the last few kilometers of the race-course, and Timber Ridge’s camping guests are arriving. We are adding to Friday’s Icemania at Timber Ridge this year with the addition of the Central Market Place. The Market Place is really an extension of the SRAM Expo; it’s just located 100 feet from the finish line. What’s an outdoor Expo without a little beer and food? Timber Ridge Resort will open up the Bell’s Beer wagon a little early this year Friday afternoon and will also have a couple of food trucks ready to serve up their specialties. Friday afternoon will also be a great opportunity to purchase beer tickets and avoid the lines on Saturday.
Mike Dega, of Velofix Detroit, will be ready to serve any and all racers who encounter a mechanical issue while scoping out the race finale. “I got a flat two years ago while pre-riding the finish line and it really put me in a jam. All the local shops were swamped with last minute tune-ups and repairs so by the time I called, it was too late for them to help me out. As a result of that experience, we’ll have our Velofix van stocked with spare parts, tires, and tubes along with mechanics standing by ready get you rolling for Saturday. We want to keep Friday night stress free”, said Dega.
Joining Velofix in the Central Market Place on Friday will be Louis Garneau, Massey Fish, Cross Country Ski Headquarters, Joshua Tree and Cannondale bikes. Others, including; Kong Coolers, 45 Nrth and LMB will join the CMP on Saturday.
“With everything going at Timber Ridge Resort Friday, parking will be non-existent within the property so we have arranged for Blue Lakes by the Bay shuttle buses to make loops between Rasho Farm and Timber Ridge from 1:00 to 5:00 pm Friday. It’s a quick 5 minute trip and we have volunteers following the shuttles with Penske trucks for the bikes. It will operate just like the shuttles on Saturday”, said Steve Brown, event director.
The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy will again partner with Iceman for the official Iceman sticker. This year we’ve mirrored the theme from the Bell’s Oarsman color scheme to create the 2017 Sticker. Look for the GTRLC booth near the Trek booth and the registration table downstairs to get your stickers this year or order online at MyRaceSticker.com Proceeds from the sale help fund GTRLC initiatives like this summer’s purchase of 160 acres in Grand Traverse County
