Event History

ICEMAN CHAMPIONS
ICEWOMEN 2008 Amanda Carey 2007 Kelli Emmett 2006 Kelli Emmett 2005 Kelli Emmett 2004 Kerry Barnholt 2003 Kelli Emmett 2002 Alicia Mayer 2001 Chrissy Redden 2000 Kelli Emmett 1999 Jodi Koch 1998 Cecilia Potts 1997 Cecilia Potts 1996 Cecilia Potts 1995 Cecilia Potts 1994 Elise Harrington 1993 Elise Harrington 1992 Elise Harrington 1991 Margaret Sanchez 1990 Debbie Baker	ICEMEN 2008 Jeremiah Bishop 2007 Brian Matter 2006 Mike Simonson 2005 Adam Craig 2004 Brian Matter 2003 Tristan Schouten 2002 Christopher Peitrzak 2001 Steve Tilford 2000 Steve Tilford 1999 Scott Quiring 1998 Steve Tilford 1997 Tinker Jaurez 1996 Jon Shell 1995 Scott Quiring 1994 Scott Quiring 1993 Gene Oberpillar 1992 Peter Noverr 1991 Tim Swift 1990 Don Fedrigon, Jr.

20 Year Guys

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit down around a camp fire on a perfect Michigan summer’s evening with the six guys who have ridden in all nineteen editions of the Iceman. As it, generally, is, when you get six bike riders together the stories start flowing along with the libations. Here are some of the highlights of that conversation with some serious editing to protect the innocent.

Don Fedrigon, Jr. recalled the excitement with which he approached the first Iceman since he "knew we wouldn’t be going around in circles like most multi-lap events in mountain bike racing". His legs are still strong but his memory is starting to fade as he is unsure of his finish order in 1989..." I think I was the first one to find the finish line". Don won that year’s race (which was really more of an exercise in orienteering than actual bike racing) by a big margin to become the first Iceman champion.

Pat Hall knew exactly where he finished 20 years ago! "I remember it because I beat Ed Andres!! Aside from beating Ed Andres, my favorite part of the race was that it was a "grass routes" endeavor. 34 guys and a single female threw $5 into a hat and off we went on an unknown course from Kalkaska to what is now Timber Ridge. No aid stations, no road crossing guards, just PINK arrows showing the way on a mostly single track course. On several occasions those pink arrows disappeared so you were looking for the course. Ed, Debbie Baker and I rode a portion of the course together. At one point we all went down on the same root system which turned into our last food stop; 3 people sharing 5 Excedrin, ½ bottle of water and what was left of a PowerBar. Then, of course, I went on to beat Ed Andres".

Eddie’s version of that fateful day is a bit different, "With about 5 miles to go, Debbie was sick of us, said "see ya", and was the first woman across the line. (Score after 19 years – Andres 16, Hall 3).

Lars Welton has more vivid memories of a race from a few years later…. "1993, I think, was a great one. There was snow, deeper in Kalkaska, and almost just a dusting at the finish in Holiday hills. I fell hard in Fedrigon Fields (editor’s note: named for Don Fedrigon, Jr.) and packed my helmet with snow. About 2K to go I hit the deck again really hard, I was chasing the 3 guys in front of me for 1st in our age class when this happened. I got up and quickly re-mounted, only to see stars, but kept riding that last bit of woods inside the Holiday Ski Area. I was bouncing off trees and dizzy as hell from the crash but it was not far to go .Some how I got by the competition (Don Fedrigon & Matt Daly) on a little run up and managed to make it to the finish a few seconds ahead. I laid on the dirt for a little bit after that. Those early years at Holiday were sure a hoot.

Paul Glynn, aka "Wally Dawg" echoed Fedrigon’s Hall’s fondness for the first year but for slightly different reasons… "Although I rode the ride one handed I was able to finish in the top 35 overall, something I have never come close to repeating". (Editor’s note, Wally Dawg had his right hand in a cast up to the elbow since he’d suffered a construction accident and had to have his thumb reattached). He considers the last snowy race as his least favorite. "It was cold, snowy, and icy (perfect conditions) and I crashed at least 4 times". (Yeah, Wally, you and everybody else).

Chad Schut doesn’t have such a fond memory of one of the early years……1992, hands down, was my worst experience on a bike (he was 18 at the time). It was very cold and snowy. I woke up with the flu the morning of the race. I did not let anyone know, especially my grandfather. He was just as excited for the Iceman as I was every year. I lined up in Kalkaska after throwing up all over the parking lot. I made it to Williamsburg Road where my mother and grandmother were stationed with a bottle. My mom and grandma knew something was wrong because it took me a while to get to the crossing. My grandma noticed how pale I was and told me to get into the car. I refused and went on my way to Holiday Hills Ski Area for the finish. It was the worst race day in my life. I still finished, but barely.

"The Iceman is a cruel beast, he can hand you reward and he can take it away at a wisp of a breeze. I’ve suffered through several years of flats and chains breaking. In 1994 another slushy snow year, I had a pedal freeze up and could not engage my right foot for the entire race; pass and get passed. One of the few times I’ve thrown a bike that far", quipped Welton. He continued on, "My boys grew up hanging out at bike races, I must thank all you fellow racers for the kindness you showed them and the words you taught them".

When asked if they had joined the modern era and started Twittering yet, these 20 year veterans were all in agreement on the subject. (I’ll leave it to you to determine which response goes with each rider). Twitterer? Is that something your girl friend does?? No, thank you, but if you have a beer, I’ll have one. No, not that there is anything wrong with it. -Heck no! I do not even like cell phones! I am slow to catch on to communication medium change, what is a twitterer? If I don’t have a computer on my bike why would I use one at home?

Lars Welton closed up the evening’s festivities with this thought, "I will ride the Iceman as long as my body will allow. Even if it is the only 28 miles I ride a year. Here’s to the race lasting as long as I do".

2003 - 2002 - 2001 - 2000 - 1999 - 1998 - 1997 - 1996 - 1995 - 1994 - 1993 - 1992 - 1991 - 1990

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2003

Date: November 8, 2003

Weather: 25 degrees, heavy snow in Kalkaska, while there was only a light dusting of snow at the finish line.

Number of competitors: 2,486 (the race reached maximum capacity on July 19)

Champions: Kelli Emmett and Tristan Schouten

Race: Kelli Emmett managed to stay upright and to ride away from defending champion Alicia Mayer-Hamilton to finish with a comfortable margin of almost 5 minutes. Tristan Schouten played a waiting game until the final approach to Timber Ridge before he launched his attack and was able to hold off a hard charging group of three for the win.

Developments: This was the year of the crash. Unexpected snow, which was extremely slick caused numerous traffic accidents on the way to the start in Kalkaska. A jack-knifed semi-trailer closed M-72 for an hour creating a traffic jam six miles long. A lot of riders simply got on their bikes and rode to the start. Others found back forest roads to by-pass the snarled traffic. The start of the race was delayed an hour as the timing crew and the majority of the athletes missed the original starting time. Once on the race course, most riders fell at least five or six time apiece due to the slippery conditions.

Title Sponsor: Subaru

Total Purse: $28,300

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2002

Date: November 2, 2002

Weather: 30 degrees, cloudy with a cold wind from the west. A light dusting of snow on the first 1/2 of the course.

Number of competitors: 2,186 (the race reached maximum capacity on August 28)

Champions: Alicia Hamilton-Mayer and Christopher Pietrzak

Race: Alicia Hamilton-Meyer shook defending champion, Chrissy Redden, from her wheel and solo-ed to victory with a two minute margin. Pietrzak avenged his narrow loss to Steve Tilford in 2000. With an impressive running attack on "Wood Chip Hill" five miles from the finish line, Pietrzak was able to hold off a chase group of Carey Grumelot, Derek Prechtl, Steve Tilford, Jessie Jakomait, and Chris Fisher long enough for the win.

Developments: Once again, the course needed to be altered west of Dockery Road due to continued logging. Thus, the course was lengthened along the Vasa Trail and included "Wood Chip Hill" which caught a number of riders by surprise.The children's race became the Sno-Cone, sponsored by Traverse Northern Michigan's Magazine.

Title Sponsor: Subaru

Total Purse: $25,300

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2001

Date: November 3, 2001

Weather: 45 degrees and sunny with calm winds

Number of competitors: 2,156 (the race reached maximum capacity on September 23)

Champions: Chrissy Redden and Steve Tilford

Race: Chrissy Redden and Steve Tilford rode away from their respective fields to solo victories. Chrissy rode a new Gary Fisher 29er bike while " Tilley" put his stamp on the race winning for the 3rd time in four years.

Developments: ChampionChip timing system is used for the first time. The "Water Bottle Hill" section of the course is re-routed due to logging in the area.

Title Sponsor: Subaru

Total Purse: $22,500

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2000

Date: November 8, 2000

Weather: 50 degrees and clear blue skies

Number of competitors: 2,153

Champions: Kelli Emmett and Steve Tilford

Race: Kelli Emmet, Kalamazoo, Michigan joined the growing list of female Iceman champions by riding away from the field and never looking back. Scott Quiring was unable to defend his crown due to post concussion syndrome. Steve Tilford earned his second title in three years (he was second last year) by out sprinting Chris Pietrzak of Bay City, Michigan.

Developments: 23 different waves are used for the start. Jellystone Park is re-named Timber Ridge. Grand Traverse Resort and Spa re-joins the event as host. The 2,000 rider limit is reached three weeks before the race.

Title Sponsor: Subaru

Total Purse: $21,960

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1999

Date: November 6,1999

Weather: 35 degrees and clear blue skies

Number of competitors: 2,000

Champions: Jodi Koch and Scott Quiring

Race: Jodi Koch of Ann Arbor, Michigan joined the list of female Iceman champions in a controversial race due to the fact that the top five women racers were disqualified for missing a turn that resulted in shortening the race by 1.5 miles. Scott Quiring earned his third Iceman title by attacking 4 miles into the race and riding on his own to the finish line.

Developments: 20 different waves are used for the start. The finish line is moved back to Jellystone Park for the first time in 8 years. The awards ceremony is held a East Junior High School's gymnasium. The 2,000 rider limit is reached one week before the race.

Title Sponsor: Subaru

Total Purse: $21,600

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1998

Date: Saturday November 7,1998

Weather: 40 degrees with scattered showers

Number of competitors: 1,905

Champions: Cecilia Potts and Steve Tilford

Race: One of the closest finishes yet, with both female and male champions sprinting to take the win. Cecilia wins an unprecedented fourth victory in a row! Steve Tilford makes his move with less than half a kilometer remaining to beat four other breakaway companions.

Developments: 15 different waves are used for the start and the time interval between waves is increased from 3 minutes to 5. Finish line is moved to the Vasa trailhead. Spring Glacier Gazette becomes Moose Tracks and contains Iceman results, International Ice results, and information on the Loose Moose at Searchmont event. Fall Glacier Gazette, now 32 pages, contains Iceman information, Loose Moose at Searchmont results, and 1999 International Ice application.

Title Sponsor: Subaru

Total Purse: $20,000

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1997

Date: November 1, 1997

Weather: Rain and 40 degrees before the start. Rain abated and temperatures warmed up to 45 degrees during the race.

Number of competitors: 1,589

Champions: Cecilia Potts and Tinker Juarez

Race: Tinker Jaurez enjoyed the mild temps enroute to a convincing victory as he led the race from the six mile mark and never looked back. Tinker shattered Scott Quiring's 1994 course record by 18 minutes. Current Junior World Champion, Cecilia Potts, put over four minutes on previous champion Elise Harrington enroute to her third Iceman title in three years.

Developments: Ice Cycle, a consumer show at Grand Traverse Resort, is introduced. Iceman clothing line of socks, jerseys, and fleece vests is well received. Glacier Gazette is published in spring and fall now.

Title Sponsor: Subaru

Total Purse: $20,000

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1996

Date: November 3, 1996

Weather: 4 inches of snow on the ground in Kalkaska. Temperatures are in the high 20's. Sunny and warm (45 degrees) at the finish line.

Number of competitors: 1,477

Champions: Cecila Potts and Jonathon Shell

Race: Defending champion Scott Quiring is "T-boned" at the start allowing others to take control of the race. Jon "The Chief" Shell's pre-race preparation pays off as he attacks John Meyers with less than 1 kilometer to go to become an Iceman champion. Shell had inspected the approach to the new finish line while Meyers had not. Shell was ready to pounce when Meyers wallowed in a large mud bog just before the line. Cecilia Potts cruised to her second victory by riding with the expert men whenever she had an opportunity.

Developments: Finish line venue is moved to the corner of Bartlett and Bunker Hill roads. Course includes "The Maze" and a nasty little hill right at the finish line. George Mehr and Finish Line Sports take over electronic timing. Grand Traverse Resort becomes "Official Host". Steve Smiegel, Jr. warms up by cross-country skiing at start again! The Shimano Youth Series race, for youngsters 12 and under, is added to the Iceman and Slush Cup events.

Title Sponsor: Leelanau Mist Natural Spring Water

Total Purse: $8,000.00

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1995

Date: November 4, 1995

Weather: Wicked snow storm hits Michigan on Friday. Roads are covered with ice. Many competitors have car accidents on their way to Traverse City and to Kalkaska Saturday morning. Race day continued cold and snowy (six inches). There's so much snow on the course that passing is impossible.

Number of competitors: 1,304

Champions: Cecilia Potts and Scott Quiring

Race: Fifteen year old Cecilia Potts makes her mark on Iceman as she narrowly beats Nancy Black, riding in the 35-44 age group, by 30 seconds. Quiring proves he is truly an up and coming star with two victories and a second in three years.

Developments: NORBA sound stage is placed at finish line. Electronic timing crew has problems. Results not available until Sunday morning. Iceman makes the cover of NORBA News and Michigan Cyclist magazines. 8 start waves are introduced. Steve Smiegel, Jr. warms up by cross-country skiing at the start.

Title Sponsor: Leelanau Wine Cellars

Total Purse: $7,000.00

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1994

Date: Saturday November 5, 1994

Weather: Very grey skies and in the mid 40's.

Number of competitors: 1,196

Champions: Elise Harrington and Scott Quiring

Race: Scott Quiring pays Oberpriller back as he took advantage when Oberpriller popped his foot out of his pedal just before the finish at Mt. Holiday and motored to a 5 second victory and a new course record. Elise Harrington scores the first ever Iceman hat trick with her third victory in a row.

Developments: Start line is moved from Dresden St. to Kalkaska High School athletic fields. Specialized Bicycles becomes "Presenting" sponsor. Awards at Mt. Holiday are moved into a tent outside to accommodate more athletes. Iceman becomes a NORBA Classic event. The 8 mile long Slush Cup is added to the menu of races available.

Title Sponsor: Leelanau Wine Cellars

Total Purse: $7,000.00

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1993

Date: November 6, 1993

Weather: Rain turned to snow (2 inches) on Friday night then froze, making the race course hard as a rock and very slippery. Saturday's race saw temperatures in the lower to mid 30's.

Number of competitors: 918

Champions: Elise Harrington and Gene Oberprillar

Race: Gene Oberpriller found redemption for a mechanical problem in '92 as he pounced on a bonking Scott Quiring just before the entrance into Mt. Holiday. Elise Harrington continued her dominance over the ladies.

Developments: 4 page Glacier Gazette makes its debut. Kalkaska High School gymnasium first used for packet pick-up. Wave starts (4) are used for the first time. Killer single track just before the finish is introduced. Leelanau Wine Cellars hosts a post race wine tasting party. Mt. Holiday is packed with people during the awards ceremony.

Title Sponsor: Leelanau Wine Cellars

Total Purse: $4,000.00

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1992

Date: Saturday November 7,1992

Weather: Crystal clear skies, 20 degrees, and 4 inches of picture perfect snow

Number of competitors: 630

Champions: Elise Harrington and Peter Noverr

Race: Elise Harrington, using her road racing experience, simply rode away from her female competitors. Peter Noverr, a student at the University of Indiana and a Traverse City native, made a bold move with under two kilometers to go to escape from defending champion Tim Swift and others to win by just four seconds.

Developments: First year of electronic timing. Finish venue is moved to Mt. Holiday to accommodate more riders.

Title Sponsor: none

Total Purse: $3,000

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1991

Date: November 2, 1991

Weather: 40 degrees with a 20 knot wind from the southwest at the start. A major snow storm blew in about half way through the race. By the time the awards were concluded, there were six inches of snow on the ground.

Number of competitors: 360

Champions: Margaret Sanchez and Tim Swift

Race: Tim Swift, riding in his second mountain bike race ever, made an early move at the four mile mark and survived the ensuing blizzard to be the first across the finish line at Jellystone Park. Margaret Sanchez posted the fastest time of the 35 female competitors.

Developments: Timing was done by hand. "Iced-T" shirts available for the very first time.

Title Sponsor: None

Total Purse: $3,000

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1990

Date: November 4, 1990

Weather: 40 degrees and cloudy

Number of competitors: 35

Champions: Debbie Baker and Don Fedrigon, Jr.

Race: It wasn't so much a race as much as an adventure to see if mountain bikes could make the journey from Kalkaska to Traverse City. The overwhelming answer was "Yes"! The $5.00 entry fee included a post race barbecue at Jellystone Park.

Title Sponsor: None

Total Purse: None

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