The Iceman Cometh

After 12 hours of sleep, I'm finally recovered from a week of introducing Enduro Bites Race Food to consumers and stores across Michigan, culminated by the end-of-season spectacular Iceman Cometh Challenge.

This was my first trip to the Wolverine State and I was surprised by how passionate the cyclists I met were about riding. They take their riding as seriously as cyclists anywhere. Not surprising since Cometh Challenge is the largest mountain bike race in the country. How else can you explain 5,700 riders making the trek to Traverse City to race in November?

Unfortunately for us first-timers, this year's edition took place in some of the worst conditions the race has been run. The bone-chilling cold rain made maintaining body temperature a challenge, with frozen hands making the simple task of holding onto the bars an issue. The wet sand pulverized drivetrains to the point of being inoperable. Chainsuck was ever present. Broken derailers and chains were plentiful.

Despite the miserable conditions, everyone was making plans for next years race as soon as normal body temperature was regained. It's a special event.

The Bells Iceman Sunset On The Season Afterparty helped make hypothermia a distant memory. Bells beer flowed freely, The Orbitsuns kept the place rocking, and riders weary from the race hours earlier mustered more than enough energy to make the night memorable.

Thanks to everyone for the overwhelmingly positive response to Enduro Bites, and for going out of your way to make our team feel at home. We will be back. And thanks to our Colorado crew for helping make the trip so successful. It's always great to be around Kelli, Danny, Russell, and Kalen.

Here's a little something to get you in the mood for next year's race. Hope to see you there!