Season Finale of the 2023 season, Bell’s Iceman Cometh in Traverse City, Michigan. I've heard stories about this one but have never been. The drive from Uxbridge was just 7.5 hours and I headed out Thursday with my buddy Noah. we were on the road early to ensure ample time to pre-ride the 46km point-to-point race.
The course at Icemans is an old-school MTB course with a number of non-technical single tracks, gravel roads and double tracks as well as a few un-assumed roads. The terrain is flat with a number of rolling hills making it kind of like a 90-minute short track race. The event is MASSIVE for the Michigan cycling community, with 5500 participants this year! The spectacle, race camaraderie and prize purse truly make this event one of a kind!
Bike choice is a hot topic when this race is discussed. Historically, hardtail mountain bikes were the weapon of choice for this high-speed race however the capability of modern garvel rigs makes them an option to some riders. I was on my FS mountain bike with 170 TPI 2.25 Aspens and my Suntour suspension aired UP to keep my ride stiff and fast. A Lot of the top guys were on hardtails but honestly, the full suspension was great for the high-speed group racing and blind impacts that happened while tucked in the group.
My self, Noah Ramzy and Tyler Orschel were fortunate enough to be hosted by some friends who live a few minutes from the start. They had an amazing property with access some endless miles of motorsport trails and wilderness. The hospitality was TOP notch and they made our trip the best of the season! HUGE thanks to the Schwab family.
Race Morning - usual pancake feed followed up by some rice for lunch. Race conditions were perfect. Overcast with some sunny patches, 7- 9 degrees Celsius and almost no wind. The start of the race is always flat out and call-ups are not a thing. It was a throwback to u15 racing with getting in the start corral 30 minutes early to ensure an okay start was had. I was slow off the line and did not manage my first few minutes well. On top of that, I hit the deck going into the first single track and found myself WAY back. I panicked and thought my day was over. After the first single, I knew I had to go all in to get back to the group and put in a good dig, pushing 380 watts for 4.5 minutes back to the group. I was able to latch back on and position myself far enough into the group before the next single track to keep myself out of trouble. Things were cagey as there were a number of riders bridging back up to the group and it was like a washing machine to try and stay towards the front. The pace at the front was stiff for the next 10km or so with numerous single-track sections and some small kickers. I was able to hold around 10th wheel throughout this portion of the race. What really separated and solidified the front group was a big dig up a steep climb. I had to roll 650W for 50 seconds to
maintain contact with the group. From here out the pace settled and it was all about being efficient and positioned well for me in the group. A few moves went up the road but
were quickly neutralized and the group stayed together. We rolled into the last 10km with 14 riders. The last 10km are rolling with a few short steep climbs that come back to back to back. Noah Ramzy hit the front early and had the group strung out single file forever! I maintained my position at around 5th-8th wheel through this bit and was super mindful of riders in front of me losing the wheel. A few riders dropped off as the pace held strong. Over this stretch, I averaged 350W and 380np in the draft to stay in contact with the leaders. I knew there was a decisive kicker with 3km to go and wanted to be in position well here as it was flat out to the finish from here on. A US rider kicked hard and I was able to slot in behind Tyler 3rd wheel going into the second last single track, quick recovery before another steep kicker. I went all in on this climb and did everything I could over the flat portion to hold the wheel. A few riders came around on the flats as I was on the limit. One more single track and a final crack up the icebreaker climb. I crested the climb in 7th place and just had a few corners into the finish. There was a slick corner that transitioned from sand to pavement that took out Tyler who was GONE for the win as well as 2 more riders in the top 10. I made a pass on Andrew Lesperance who also went down and slotted myself in for 6th place on the day. It is a ride I'm proud of and was a great way to end a difficult season.
Some race stats: 1:35:29 race time, 290w average & 344NP
Peak Watts: 1198W Max
Peak 5s: 1057
Peak 60s: 580
Last 12 minutes - 329w average, 390NP
Post-race celebration was some IPA’s and unreal smash burgers from the Schwab family. Noah and I hit 2 sauna sessions to further our dehydration and I got to get a ride in a “sand rail” (dune buggy thing).
Before heading home we had a full morning of activities. Pit bikes, ATVS, and some Guns to really maximize our last few hours in the USA. I can't thank the Schwab family enough for the amazing hospitality. The level of support was the best we have had all season and it was a fun trip that I won't be forgetting any time soon. Can't wait to race Icemans again next year.
Off-season has begun.
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