Iceman Cometh Race Report

Well, another Iceman cometh and went-eth. I decided to race SS for one more year, so that I could try for a 3-peat win. I don't know why, but there is something inexplicably fun about racing Iceman on one gear. I had a blast.

The singlespeed class was definitely the biggest wave of the day (the women and men race together). I'm not sure what the official count was, but it was way over 100. I was a little nervous going into the race. It was my first time on a SS since I raced the Iceman last year, and I had never raced (or ridden) on a 32x14. My goal was to take off hard, and NOT let myself settle into my endurance zone once for the 28 miles.

I can honestly say that I pushed myself really hard the entire race. It also goes without saying that I pedaled faster then I ever have in my life. I wish that I had a video of myself climbing some of the hills because I had to use EVERYTHING in my power to get up some of them. I literally had to throw my whole body into each pedal stroke. I didn't realize that I was actually making some sort of grunting sound until a guy next to me laughed. He was like "I recognize that feeling."

I ended up finishing in first place with a time of 2:02 (and a few seconds). My legs felt great the entire time and the race was over before I knew it. That's one of the many nice things about racing 100 milers...28 miles seems rather short. I also have to send a huge "thank you" to Ted. He converted my bike into a SS with only two days notice and it worked perfectly.

The highlight of the weekend was just being able to hang out with everyone. The Iceman is always the "grand finale" of the season-one last chance to race and hang out before everyone retreats to their trainers. My friend Michelle drove up from Pennsylvania to race the Iceman for the first time and it was great being able to see her again. It's funny, we actually "met" during the Nue Series WHILE RACING. There would always be some point in each race where we would end up riding and working together. This time we raced in different categories and it was nice that we could actually cheer each other on.

I stayed out "way to late" on Saturday, and only got about 4 hours of sleep before I was being shaken awake by Scott. He wanted to leave really early so that he could get back in time to make his "award-winning chili" for the Chilly Chili ride at Velo City. Believe me, this was a very serious affair to him.

There was a really good turnout of 60-ish people and we did a nice 30 mile ride. It felt good to spin my legs out, though I could tell that I raced on a SS the day before. My arms, shoulders, and hamstrings felt way more sore then usual. The best part of the day came after the ride...and it involved a lot of food. The chili that Scott made won again, so he's the chili champ for two years running now.

I kid you not, he was already plotting what he was going to make for next year on the way home :-)

Here are some pics from the weekend...

I was finally able to test out my new ERGON grips. I loved these things!!!

Aaron (Slingshot) and I drove up to Traverse City bright and early Friday, so that we could set up for the expo.




Michelle warming up...

Dan Jansen....

Mike Simonson, JHK and Ned Overend getting called up...

The guys starting...

Michelle at the start line...

There was a good crowd at Williamsburg road cheering for everyone...

Hanging out with my friend Chuck...

Mike Simonson leading the pack...he finished second overall.

Kelli Emmett won the women's race

My two teammates...Bonnie and Barry

Cole House, my teammate from Wisconsin that I see about once a year :-)

Now it's time for a little R&R. I feel like I've been hit by a truck today and think I'm coming down with a cold. Not a big surprise, since a lot of the people that I was with this weekend were sneezing away. Oh well, it's a good excuse to stay in pajamas all day and watch re-runs on TV.