ICEMAN 2010

Friday afternoon I arrive at Williamsburg Rd.  for my preride. A recon of the last 12 miles of this years Iceman.  This was the first year I ever road the trail before race day and I was glad I did.  The trail was snow covered from marker 12 until 8 and some new trail was added.  I made some mental notes and was ready for the race.

Saturday morning was the normal ritual of coffee, oatmeal, OJ and fruit.  Get the gear to the car and head to Kalkaska for my 9:22, Wave 6 start.  I had a solid 30 minute warm-up and checked out the first 2 miles of the start and it was time to line up.  I was on the front row and stripped down with 1 minute to go.  I thought my plan through and was ready!  My plan was to sit on until we got off the pavement then be the first onto the dirt.  It went perfect.  We left the line and within 100 feet, I was tucked in second wheel and saving my energy.  No one was coming up beside me to challenge for the lead, so I continued to wait.  The first surge came after the left hand turn, about half way to the school two track.  I shifted over and followed, still sitting in second and waiting.  Once we hit the grass I moved over and took the lead, lifting the pace to hold off any attacks but nobody was coming. 
    We are now on the dirt and I can hear guys behind me sitting on.  They're close, They're shadows are cast beside me.  I keep the pressure high and charge forward, it's only a matter of time before someone challenges or we start catching riders and slowing down.  About 3-4 miles in we start see riders, the trail is wide open and passing is easy for awhile.  My attention changes from the race behind to the race in front and also how to stop from freezing.  My face and ears are stinging,  my fingers are so numb I can't feel the shifters, break levers or grips. I start to shake my hands when I can and pray things will warm up soon.  It takes about another 2 miles before I start to feel better and now I need to focus on passing people quickly because I can't get stuck at the wrong time or my goals for this year are gone.
   
    From 4 miles in until 4 miles to go it seems like an endless parade of

riders.  Sometimes I had to wait minutes for a spot to pass, while other times I could get by quickly.  This eventually took it's toll on me.  Within the last 2 miles I was fighting the devil on my shoulder telling me I had nothing left, it's time to sit-up and cruise in.  With 1 K left there is a short, steep climb that took my last bit of snap and power.  Once over the top I was praying for the finish.  It came shortly after and I crossed it in 1:55:34.  My best time and good for 2nd place.  The race was over, but not the Iceman.  The Iceman doesn't end until the Bell's Sunset on the Season Party is over.

   

This year's party was a blast for me.  I wasn't drinking and volunteered to be the DD, so everything was seen in HD.  Too much to detail, but it was great to see so many friends, pros, Gary Fischer dancing and The Orbitsuns. 

Congratulations -B Matter great race, I loved it.
A Naish, J Colflesh, Ryan K, D Kline and all the other winners and best timers.

Thanks to all who cheered, gave praise and shared what they had.  You keep it fun.

Visit cyclingdirt.org for some great videos and see you there next year. Now it's time to focus on the rest of cyclocross season and the fast approaching holidays.