Jeff Simpson
Now I know this isn’t a mountain bike website, yet, but “we” here at Vurb (minus Slaw) are mega cycling fans just like the rest of moto industry. I found it fitting to hit the largest Point to Point mountain bike race right in my backyard this past weekend from a spectators view.
Please allow me to introduce you to a race unlike any other in the country, The Iceman Cometh Mountain Bike Race. The race is held every year, typically during the first weekend of November in the woods of northern Michigan. Iceman brings the the vibes each and every year with over 5,000 competitors spread across the 30 mile course quite literally all day.
Yes, 5,000 competitors line up starting at 9 a.m. and taking off in waves of ~100 riders each and every three minutes, with the Pros starting around 2:30 p.m. The course itself is a mix of trails in the VASA Trail System, starting in Kalkaska and finishing at the Timber Ridge Resort on the outskirts of Traverse City. The course itself isn’t the most technical but is made up by the raw speed of the course and the conditions Mother Nature can throw at you. It is November in Michigan after all… remember RedBud MXoN and those conditions? It is not uncommon to face rain, snow, sleet, freezing temps or sunny skies like this years edition provided.
My fiancé Tasha and I began the 2+ hour trek at 6:15 a.m. to get to the start area in time to catch up with old friends and capture the start of the race itself. Having raced this race four times over the years it holds a special place in my little heart and being cancelled last year due to the pandemic, the conditions were prime for covering it from a spectator’s point of view. The crowds were as big as I have ever seen pulling into the start venue, the vibes at an all time high even as the temps in the morning were colder than predicted. Riders started lining up in their respective wave which is dictated by your previous year’s finish time or your age group if you have not raced in before. Then, as 9 a.m. stuck, and they began.
The Start Line energy was all time! Lit Kit It was a crispy 40 degrees at the start. Fred McGill (lead) takes command of the wave as they head into the single track.
After the first 10 waves hit the course, we headed to the finish area. As noted, there are 5,000 riders for the race, which means at the finish there are thousands families waiting on the other end of the course to see their loved ones finish the demanding Iceman course. The energy was as electric as ever rolling into Timber Ridge Resort as the temps were a cozy 60 degrees and sunny skies shined on the venue. No participant goes un-cheered as the finish of the course cuts through the campground itself and finishes right in the middle of it all. The crowd was rocking as riders begin finishing and started sharing their war stories, some riders being on course four hours will surely provide some good ones.
Around the 3:30 p.m. mark everyone begins to make their way to the last climb, Icebreaker. The crowds really packed in as the top four Pro men appeared from the trees and attacked the most decisive obstacle on course. The crowd exploded as they came into sight with local hero Alexey Vermeulen (272) leading the pack as they hit the base of the climb. By the top the lead slipped out of Vermeulen’s hands and into Cole Paton’s (202). Kerry Werner (224) would claim second and Brian Matter would round out the top three. Alexey would finish fourth.
The Pro Women would roll in shortly there after with the lead group all right on each others wheel going up Icebreaker. Rose Grant (305) would take the win as Sofia Gomez-Villafane (333) and Katerina Nash would round out the podium with another sprint finish. Once the pros finished we headed into Traverse City, which is the other part of what makes this race unique. It is in once of the most picturesque places in Michigan during the fall color season. It truly is one of a kind.
Pro Women take on Icebreaker. Rose Grant would hold on for the win. Pro Men blasting up Icebreaker. Crowds packed in for the final climb of the course.
As we head into marathon session that is Mini O’s, I wanted to get out and mix it up a little bit without and expectation or plan other than capturing my friends racing our favorite race of the year. At the end of the day, its really about stoking the homies up!
See you guys in Gainesville.
