Iceman Cometh Challenge Bicycle Race
The Iceman Cometh challenge mountain bicycle race is the largest one day mountain biking race in the United States. A 27-mile, point-to-point mountain bike race has been held in rain, sleet, mud and of course snow! 2,ooo amateur and professional riders from across the country and Canada registered for the Mountain Bike race. $25,000 in cash prizes and $10,000 in merchandise prizes were awarded in this years race.
The Iceman Cometh presented by Gary Fisher, is a point to point cross country mountain bike event held traditionally on the first Saturday in November. The race starts in Kalkaska, Michigan and finishes twenty seven miles later in Traverse City. The course is a safe and fast rolling adventure through the hardwoods, meadows, and cross country ski trails of the PereMarquette State Forest. Over the last eighteen years, 45% of the events have been conducted with snow on the ground.
The Iceman Cometh Challenge is a point to point mountain bike race held traditionally on the first Saturday of November. The race starts in Kalkaska, Michigan and finishes twenty seven miles later at Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort on the eastern edge of Traverse City, Michigan. The course consists primarily of dirt roads, two-tracks (the majority of the course), abandoned railroad beds, and the world famous Vasa Nordic ski trail. It crosses only one paved road (Williamsburg Rd at mile 16) as it winds through the breath taking (literally) terrain of the Pere Marquette State Forest in Northern Lower Michigan.
Iceman attracts competitive cyclists from 32 states including Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and as well as Ontario, Canada. Their ability levels vary from first time racers to seasoned professionals. Ages range from 3 years to 82 years of age.
For the Iceman Cometh Challenge Bicycle Race 2009, the 2008 Iceman registration lottery system is dead. On-line registration for the 2009 Iceman will open at 7:00 PM on Friday February 27th.
No bells, no whistles, no hoops to jump through; just first come first serve.
The Iceman Cometh for 2009 will be held: Saturday November 7. Make sure to mark that on your calenders. But first remember to register February 27, 2009.
For further information go to: Iceman Cometh Challenge
Further information on schedules for mountain biking schedules at Michigan Mountain Bike Races.
This is video footage from the “2007″ Iceman Cometh Challenge.
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