Iceman Cometh Challenge News

How other races helped me prepare for Iceman

Michigan Coast to Coast Gravel Grinder is hands down one of my favorite summer races. This event is led by some fantastic local peeps in West Michigan. This event keeps my motivation high in the spring as this event is in late June pushing into the summer months of fun gravel and single track training rides.

From the moment I rolled into Au Gres on the Friday before the race, I’m fascinated by the breathtaking beauty of northern lower Michigan’s diverse landscapes. Several of these areas I would not have seen without this event. The stunning views along the route, from the lakeshore to dense forest and two track roads are an absolute delight. When you see Lake Michigan as you roll into Ludington, gorgeous!

This year was my 5th year rolling from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan. Everyone remembers and wants to forget the monsoon year (worse than an Iceman mud year I think!).

Michigan Coast to Coast pushes my limits, testing my endurance. The terrain is a perfect blend of challenging climbs and fast descents, preparing me for the Iceman Cometh. Did I mention there was sand too? Yes, there was sand…beach like at times! With the lack of any significant rain, this was expected.

With the sun beating down on a hot June afternoon, staying hydrated and well-fueled is paramount. Michigan Coast to Coast offers fantastic support stations across the state. I leverage the JDRF team (think F1 racing team support crew!) who are well equipped to keep me rolling.

I use this event as a significant summer milestone, a testament to my dedication and training to date. It serves as a reminder of my progress and motivates me to further fine-tune my skills and reevaluate as it is the halfway point of the year.

I carry the lessons learned from Michigan Coast to Coast, ready to tackle the trails of Iceman Cometh and other fall events. We have several great months ahead and I am looking forward to all of them!

Thank you to our 2023 Iceman Ambassador Tobi Tungl @tobitungl

My summer workouts

To be honest, many of my favorite summer workouts are done while biking either to or from work. I like the feeling of “hacking” my day by saving some gas, saving the time otherwise spent in a car, and getting a workout all at the same time. Of course, there are a few key things that make a commuting workout viable, but if you can get them in place, it’s a killer system. Here are my top points:

1: You need a “standard” route. Even if you only use it a fraction of the time, having a good default route removes one barrier to commuting by bike, and I guarantee it’ll result in you biking more often. A good biking route will likely be different than the way you drive, so it’s worth taking some time to explore the available roads, paths, and connectivity features. I would much rather ride 10 miles on quiet roads with safe intersections than suffer through 5 miles of dodging potholes and checking over my shoulder for approaching cars.

2: Consider the distance. The length of your “standard” commute may affect how it fits in with your other rides and the rest of your life. For example, I live about 7-8 miles from where I work. So, my typical system is to ride nice and easy along my standard route going one direction and add some distance the opposite way to build in a workout. However, when I worked further from home my standard route took a solid hour, so I’d often leave my car at work overnight so I could ride home one evening and back to work the next morning. When only riding one-way, it was then relatively simple to tweak my route as needed to allow time for whatever workout I’d like to fit in.

3: Minimize what you carry. Commuting with a bag on your bike or body isn’t a huge deal, but every pound counts. I can say from experience that when I switched from a 7lb to a 3lb computer, I suddenly found myself riding to work a lot more often. So, take stock of what resources you have and take advantage of them! I’m lucky enough to work somewhere with showers, so I store a towel and an extra pair of shoes at work, so I don’t have to pack or carry those items back and forth.

With these main topics addressed, you can free up mental space to focus on getting a good workout and enjoying the summer air!

Thank you to our 2023 Iceman Ambassador Martin Harris @uncle.martin

Keeping the “play” in cycling

I’ve had the good fortunate to spend several races riding in the company of my friend and local endurance cycling legend (first woman winner of the Iditarod Trail Invitational!), Jill Martindale. Jill is hands-down one of the most positive people to ride with. She cheers for everyone, giggles on the climbs and whoops on the descents. Riding with Jill, you’ll forget that you’re exhausted. You’ll be too busy having a hands-down good time! I’m not necessarily the most bubbly person on the trail. The last few tough rides I have had, I tried to embrace my inner Jill. I tried to laugh, crack some jokes, make a pun or two, and give some sound effects to the descents. Wouldn’t you know, I felt faster and had way more fun! If you’re feeling a little stagnant out there on the trail, tap into your inner adventurer and give yourself or someone around you a cheer out loud. You’d be surprised at the difference it makes in your mindset!

Thank you to our 2023 Iceman Ambassador Elaine Sheikh @elaine_muskrat

My Summer Training

I’m a Mountain biker at heart but I have to say Gravel riding provides a great opportunity for me to train during the summer months. I’d consider myself a strong rider especially on technical terrain. My focus this season is to work on my endurance and conquer some long distance races (Lumberjack 100, Moran 166). This is where the Gravel riding comes into place, as I can ride further distance and have a more predictable terrain to train. Living in Southeast Michigan, we have so many gravel roads right in front of our door. I’m able to choose a route that fits my scheduled training, either I can challenge myself with a high elevation route or I keep it steady for my interval training. Even though I prefer a structured training, I also want to keep things fun. I enjoy going on group rides with my friends once or twice a week at a local trail for some party laps and cookout after.

Thank you to our 2023 Iceman Ambassador Nina Waschenfelder @ninasmtblife

Summer favorite places to train

Hey there! As the summer sun lights up the sky, discovering the roads less traveled is one of my go-to’s for staying motivated throughout the summer. Iceman will be here before we know it. So, gear up and let’s dive into my summertime motivation guide!

Explore New Horizons: Summer is the perfect time to break free from routine and explore the uncharted roads. Seek-out new or hidden trails, scenic countryside gravel routes, and embrace the thrill of the unknown. Every ride can be an adventure.

Set Summer Goals: Let’s not wait until fall to start our training. Set mini-goals for the summer, whether it’s achieving a specific mileage, conquering a challenging course, working on technical trail skills or improving your speed. These achievements will build our confidence and keep us focused on the bigger racing goals.

Rise with the Sun: Mornings in summer are pure magic! Wake up early and experience the tranquility of dawn. The crisp air and the promise of a brand-new day is a fantastic way to stay motivated on the sizzling summer days. Overnight rides when you can ride all night and see the sunrise are amazing too (some of my favorite rides are overnight).

Fuel Your Body: Summer brings a bounty of fresh fruits and wholesome foods (the local farmers markets are fantastic!). Take care of your body with nutritious meals, and don’t forget to stay hydrated. Proper nutrition keeps our energy levels up and our body performing at its peak!

Embrace Nature: Take time to appreciate the scenery around you—breathe in the fresh air, feel the breeze, and let nature be your muse. Don’t feel like riding today? Go out and pedal around for 20minutes with no plan, just absorbing the world around you. Great stress reliever too!

Document Your Journey: Capture the memories of your summer rides with photos and videos. Stravarecordings are great and now with videos attached to rides it’s a way to document each one individually.

So, my fellow Iceman peeps, let’s seize this summer and make it a season of determination, adventure, and many campfire stories to tell in November.

Thank you to our 2023 Ambassador Tobi Tungl @tobitungl

Martin’s Spring Training

If you only know one thing about Holland, chances are pretty good that one thing is Tulip Time. We love to celebrate our tulips here, and since 2019 I’ve hosted the Tulip Century as a way of marking the arrival of spring. We ride 100 miles on some of the best roads in the area, and when we’re done, we gaze lovingly at the giant tulip we’ve drawn via GPS on the map. And of course, the route passes through some of Holland’s Tulip Lanes on the way through town.

Spring is also my favorite time of year to do hill repeats. It’s all too often I get excited to ride outside in the sunshine only to realize that it’s 40 degrees with 80mph wind. Rather than grind around one of my regular loops feeling sorry for myself, I’ve taken to turning these into days for hill reps. It’s a great way to stay warm and motivated at the same time! Try making a game for yourself, like “how much elevation gain can I accumulate in an hour,” or “can I complete 3 reps of every hill in the neighborhood?” I’m always looking for simple goals like this to keep rides interesting-what mini riding challenges do you like to set for yourself?

Thank you to our 2023 Iceman Ambassador Martin Harris @uncle.martin

Spring Training Tip

After ending a busy season on the Fat bike it usually takes me a while to transition from the Fat bike and indoor trainer season to outdoor riding on the MTB/Gravel bike. It’s my first year riding a Gravel bike and I absolutely love the opportunity to get a lot of gravel miles in on the endless Michigan dirt roads. I’m heading out my front door and the next gravel road is just around the block. A week long trip in March is always something for me to look forward to when the new season starts. I’m usually spending it “down South”, somewhere between, NC, TN and AL. This year I spent time with team mates in and around Asheville, NC and Slade, KY. It’s a great way to wake up those legs and get used to outdoor riding again, as the weather is usually nice and warm where it is still winter in Michigan. Putting in extra miles and getting a good amount of climbing in is an extra motivational boost for me to start spring training. It’s usually a great time with friends and gets my mindset back to summer riding.

Thank you to our 2023 Iceman Ambassador Nina Waschenfelder @ninasmtblife

What does spring training look like?

Spring is finally here, and for many cyclists like me, that means it’s time to hit the gravel roads and trails again. After a long winter of indoor training (not a lot of fat biking this year), there’s nothing quite like getting outside and feeling the sun on your face.

This time of year, I am juggling a full work schedule with the desire to get outside on local gravel roads and single track. I like to get a couple of early season gravel races in March or April and use them as a good test for all the indoor winter training.

This year I have a spring full of gravel events that keep me motivated. Next up is Cowpie EX endurance226 miles in May, Unbound 200 in June and one my favorite ultra gravel events Michigan Coast 2 Coast in June.

I like to pick events that make you dig deep and find those dark spots that you can push through to the finish. There is something about realizing that you can find that limit and realizing you can do a lot more!

Here are some of my favorite ways and spots to ride in the spring, along with some spring-related training tips to help you make the most of your cycling season.

1. Explore local parks and trails: One of the best ways to enjoy the spring weather is to explore your local parks and trails. Here in West Michigan, we have miles of singletrack and gravel roads to explore, with some tasty bakery stops for those that end up near Smyrna, make sure to stop into Otsico Bakery (one of my favorite stops!).

2. Find a friend or join a group ride: Riding with a group can be a great way to meet other cyclists, learn new routes, and have fun. Look for local cycling clubs or groups in your area and see if they offer spring rides for riders of all levels.

3. Take on a new challenge: Spring is the perfect time to set new cycling goals for yourself. Whether it’s completing a century ride, trying a new discipline like gravel or mountain biking, or working on your speed and endurance, spring is a great time to start exploring new adventures.

4. Focus on building endurance: As the weather warms up, you can gradually increase your mileage and work on building your base fitness. Start with shorter rides and gradually add more distance as your fitness improves.

5. Incorporate interval training: Interval training is a great way to improve your cycling fitness and speed. Incorporate short bursts of high-intensity efforts into your rides to challenge your body and build your cardiovascular fitness.

6. Don’t forget about recovery: As you ramp uptraining in the spring, it’s important to give your body time to recover. Make sure to incorporate rest days into the training schedule and take care of your body with proper nutrition and hydration.

Spring is an excellent time to get back on your bike and explore the world around you. Some of the best routes are the ones we have not yet ridden. So get out there, enjoy the sunshine, and happy riding!

Thank you to our 2023 Iceman Ambassador Tobi Tungl @tobitungl

Get comfortable off the trail!

Spring is one of my favorite seasons in Michigan cycling. Everyone emerges from their winter basement “pain caves” and heads out to hit the trails. Then, there’s a damper (literally)–the trails are wet! In West Michigan, we have some sandy trails that drain well, but many of our trails are a clay base that can take weeks to dry out. Throw the “April Showers” that actually extend from March to May in the mix, and trail closures abound. Going back to the basement isa tough sell after a solid four months of trainer riding. You know what dries out fast and never closes? That’s right, road and gravel.

Spring is a great time to start getting friendly with that other bike that’s been hanging out in the garage. If you don’t have a gravel bike, never fear. I’ve found that some 42 slicks on my mountain bike adapt it to a very capable gravel rig. My favorite way to hit the road or gravel in the spring is in a group ride. The greater Grand Rapids area has an abundance of group rides come spring. It can actually become tough to choose between groups! Group riding is a great way to become acclimated to surges that you aren’t expecting. In solo training and riding, you may plan for those 1-5 minute hard efforts. However, there is something to be said for having that “option” taken out of your hands. I find I am much more comfortable racing and responding to hard segments the trail throws at me after I have spent some time having my heart rate elevated by moves I didn’t plan.

Another benefit of group riding is the social aspect. Riding with friends is always more fun! Sometimes a road ride can feel like it drags on. Usually if Igo out with a group, I am so busy chatting that I feel like I’ve only been out for forty minutes when we pull back into the parking lot.

Another aspect I appreciate about group riding is the increase in bike handling skills. While we may not be racing iceman in a pack of thirty riders, riding in a group on road or gravel is still very beneficial. Group riding lets you find the “sweet spot” of drafting, and become more comfortable with this skill that will save energy on the two track or forest road sections at Iceman.

So how do you find a group ride near you? Luckily, Facebook has made it easy as many groups will post “events”. If Facebook isn’t your jam, I recommend checking out your local bike shop. Many host a group ride, or sponsor a team that does. Your local bike shop has their finger on the pulse of local rides and is an excellent resource for you! Don’t forget to buy your gear there, too. Our local bike shops deserve our support!

Thank you to our 2023 ambassador Elaine Sheikh @elaine_muskrat

No matter what, have fun!

Probably the best piece of training advice I can give is the simplest one: at the end of the day, we’re here to have fun riding our bikes! Hopefully things go perfectly and you achieve all your goals. That’s fun for sure! But chances are not everything will go perfectly. Maybe nothing will go as planned. In that unfortunate event, just promise yourself to learn from the lessons your experience brings so you can benefit from them the following year. Then, drop your shoulders, smile, and keep going! Enjoy the scenery and revel in the exuberance of the crowds and your fellow riders. Most of all, no matter what, be nice to race organizers and officials – and no matter what, thank every volunteer you see! Without them there would be no race!

Meet 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.

The Iceman team wants to thank Kurt Schaldenbrand for his training tips series, we hope that you learned something from it! Although this is the last installment of his training series, rest assured this won’t be the last we hear from Kurt! And don’t worry we have a lot of exciting things coming your way! For the rest of April, you can expect to meet our influencers, catch up on another episode of Rider Radio The Iceman Cometh Challenge Podcast, and get a sneak peek at the 2023 Iceman Gear! So keep your eyes on our social feeds and we will see you in the woods…