Press Releases

THE ICEMAN WELCOMES SNOW, SLUSH, OR SUN FOR THE 19TH ANNUAL ICEMAN COMETH CHALLENGE

(Traverse City, MI) Autumn, 2008 - Will there be a return visit from the “Iceman” from years past or will the “Niceman” find his way to the trail again this year? Whatever the weather, the 10th running of the Iceman Cometh Challenge presented by Gary Fisher Bikes and Meijer will have a record number of riders again this year. 2,000 amateur and professional riders from across the country and Canada were allowed to register for the Mountain Bike race via its ‘lottery’ system this past winter. The race is slated for Saturday, November 8, 2008.

A 27-mile, point-to-point mountain bike race has been held in rain, sleet, mud and of course snow! This year’s riders will compete for more than $25,000 in cash prizes and $10,000 in merchandise prizes.

Starting (9:00 a.m. start for the amateur riders and a 2:30 p.m. start for the Professional riders) in the village of Kalkaska, Michigan, the Iceman trail consists of paved roads, dirt roads, two tracks, abandoned railroad beds, and the world-famous Vasa cross-country ski trail. The finish line comes 27 miles later just outside of Traverse City at Timber Ridge Campground and Nordic Center.

The Slush Cup is the half-frozen version of the iceman that starts in Traverse City at the Iceman finish line at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8 at Timber Ridge Campground and ends at the same location.

Iceman age classes are broken into five-year increments to age 45 for men and women. Smaller Ice cyclists (ages 2 to 12) will enjoy Sno-Cone Race. Now in its fourth year, the Sno-Cone event will get underway at Timber Ridge Campground at 3:15 on Saturday, November 8. Pre-Registration is requested, but not required.

A not-to-be missed event for riders and cycling enthusiasts is the Ice Cycle Expo, a consumer outdoor show held in conjunction with the 2008 Iceman Cometh Challenge mountain bike race on Friday, November 7, 2008 at Grand Traverse Resort & Spa.

This year’s Ice Cycle Expo will be held in Governor’s Hall along with packet pick-up. The uniqueness of Ice Cycle Expo is a result of the calendar and that the show occurs on the cusp of the fall/winter season. In addition to bicycles and cycling products, camping equipment, outdoor clothing, car rack systems, and snowshoes will be on display and available for sale.

Last year 27 different sponsors and vendors displayed and/or sold their products over the course of the event weekend! Be sure to check out their booths for swag and the latest product information!

Sales are permitted and encouraged. Sales representatives are encouraged to sell their samples, one of a kinds, closeouts, demos, seconds, and even prototypes that have accumulated in the basement so there will be some wheelin’ and dealin’ going on! Don’t miss this once a year buying opportunity!

Iceman Promotions will make a $25 donation to IMBA for each Ice Cycle Expo space sold.

When the races are over, the Ice Capades Awards Ceremony will put the finishing touches on the bike season. Ice Capades will take place at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa following race day activities.

For more information on the 19th Annual Iceman Cometh Challenge, contact Iceman Promotions.