'n'Iceman......................

The 20th Iceman Cometh is now part of history and perhaps n'Iceman was a better title for this years 60°F weather. Late/end of the season fitness was tested in this all out hammer-fest point to point mountain bike race. Racers this year > 4000. Everyone has a story to tell about their Iceman experience and I am no exception. So here's my two wheel tale on the race that has all the 'Bells' and whistles...............

Bike, check, helmet, check, gloves, check, shoes, glasses, riding clothes (for all weather), plain clothes, gels, drinks......check, check, check, check!!!!! Packed and ready to venture off for my 3rd Iceman. Jay and I were on the road again this time heading for the season grand finale in Traverse City, MI. A few stops along the way, sign-in and package pick-up at The Grand Traverse Resort, do a few laps around the bike expo, chatty catch up with a couple fellow cyclists and check-in to the hotel by 7:00 p.m, dinner by 8:45 p.m. and chillaxed the rest of the evening. So this is what day #1 (Friday) night before the race looked like! Sat. morning was low key and slow moving. The weather seemed unseasonably warm but I liked it!! Before I even talk about the race I want to tell you a little somethin' about the bike I was riding..... Borrowed from Andy Jenner (fellow cyclist,friend, cool guy), full carbon, Jamis dxc hardtail. Jay dialed it for me 1 1/2 weeks prior to Iceman, getting the bike to about 19.8 lbs!!! Sweet ride!! Now to the race.... The pro start time was 2:30 p.m. which gave me lots of time for square breathing!!!! (Just a bit of nerves that's all, wink, wink) We had approx. a 30 min drive to the start, which was in Kalkaska so we headed out around 1:00 p.m.. The course was a bit longer this year and included a road roll out mile or so through a neighborhood before hitting the dirt. They did call ups and I was among the women brought to the front line. The pro women's field was approx. 39 deep and it was sooooo strong. Pro men were off first and before even getting out of sight there was a pile up. OUCH!! The scene was cleared and count down from 10 began........ Go and I went. I had a good starting position that allowed me to immediately grab the front but where was everyone else? I guess we all had the same game plan and that was not to be the one to lead the group down the pavement. So By the first road turn Kelli Emmett and Alison Dunlap had now jumped out in front. The turn put us into a strong headwind and the pace dropped once again, seemed like no one really wanted to pull. I sat in the middle of the group (but not comfortable in that spot) so when I had the chance I veered out to the side and took a bit of wind to avoid getting 'jammed in'. I heard the sound of bikes hitting the road in what sounded like a big crash and sure enough the pro women field had taken out a few of their own. Still not sure what happened behind me but hope everyone was ok. Once we hit sand/dirt I took a bad line through some deep sand but no biggie, I was still in contact with the front. The pace picked up and the field quickly split like I knew it would. I was sitting about 7th wheel holding on to the draft at the tail end of the lead group. It was not really where I wanted to be, but I worked with it. The leaders, changing positions, quick burst and quick recoveries left me to deal with my steady slower recovery. As the race went on I was slowly losing the draft and all I could do was watch as the lead group pulled away..... Unfortunately, I got dropped at the top of a gradual climb. So it was me on my own with only a hope to somehow catch up. This is not the race to ride solo. A short time later Marnie Smiley (Scott Bicycles) came up behind me. Brief conversation and the decision to work together followed. I set the pace the majority of the time but she did take a few quick pulls, enough to keep the speed and for my legs to recover. Through the course we traveled, and the sight of a women (6th place) gave me hope. We came up to a steep sandy climb with about 5 miles to go and caught the 6th place (Lisa Strong, Colorado). I made the pass half way up the climb. Lisa, Marnie and myself held together for the next couple of miles. Marnie soon dropped off, and with 2 miles left I pulled away from Lisa. Crossed the finish line in 6th place. Happy with that, but not so happy that I didn't have the legs to hang on a little longer with the main lead group. I had a few setbacks in my training in the last month and a half and it showed in my time. Nonetheless I am happy with 6th and it more than likely would have been the same result even with good training leading in, just a better time. Joe B. (Bell's/Quiring) never disappoints and a recovery 'drink' was on him!! Thanks!! So here's how the top spots went: 1st Alison Dunlap (Luna), 2nd Kelli Emmett (Giant), 3rd Heather Irmiger (Gary Fisher/Subaru), 4th Amanda Carey (Kenda/Tomac), 5th Jenna Rinehart (Specialized), 6th ME. Iceman rules and Steve Brown is a genius. This event has equal top payouts for pro men and women. Kudos to that!!

So with the Iceman Cometh comes the Sunset on the Season Party, put on by Bells Beer and the Bells/Quiring race team. What happens at the party stays at the party!! Let's just say The Orbitsuns rocked it another year, fun just happens, you just need to show up!! Cheers to all the hard work and planning the Bells Race team did cuz' this party is one not to be missed. You guys make me want to "Haul Ass" right back there next year!!!

So there you have it my season ender, lots to learn from, lots to work on and lots to look forward to next year. I would like to thank Lenny B. at The Bicycle Shop for the support throughout the year. My mom and dad (awe) for watching the kids on those weekends where it is too much to load everyone in the van. And most of all my husband for the support, mechanical, feeds and driving across the province on two hours sleep after working all day.

To 29 or not to 29, that is the off-season question???

Cheers,

Sue