Iceman Cometh Challenge News

Technical riding considerations

While the overall course for the race isn’t all that technical, there ARE some technical parts. Add the possibility of snow or ice and the certainty of crowded trails and you can’t ignore your technical skills as an important component of your success on race day. So do make sure to practice those skills! Grab some friends and set up some drills. Practice following close behind someone on a narrow single-track section. Go find some sand and practice riding with less-than-perfect traction. Do some other races or attend some clinics. Grow your abilities, and not just your legs!

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.

How often do you ride with a few thousand other people?

As I’ve mentioned before, this is a BIG event. Especially in terms of participation. With over 50 waves and hundreds of competitors in each wave, this is probably the most people you’ll likely be around on single track all year. What does that mean? That means you don’t always get to pick the line you want. That means your opportunities to pass slower riders will be limited. That means YOU will be getting passed as well. Often. You can let all of that impact you, get in your head and slow you down. OR you can come to peace with it and use it to your advantage. As much as all trails have a certain “flow” to them, so does riding in a larger group. Get into that flow – and go!

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!

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!”