Iceman for weenies?

[beccaB]

My husband and I purchased mountain bikes back in the fall and have probably only used them 4 times on local trails. We have been on road bikes for about 4 years now and have done 10 centuries. Now he has this insane idea that we're going to do the ICEMAN in November and I know next to nothing about it. I can't let him do it without me, but I am somewhat of a weenie. I thought that event was for elite mountain bike riders and I will never be anywhere near that. To me that's like attempting a marathon after only running 3 miles a day.

[limewave]

Do Iceman!!! Last year was my first year and it was a lot of fun, just the entire experience of being there. The course isn't that technical and riders of all abilities race. With the new wave starts that they have, you would be starting towards the end and be with riders that are there for the experience more than to race.

There were huge crowds at the finish line. To finish through a crowd like that was amazing. And they had the pro race last. It was fun to be done riding, drinking a victory beer and getting to cheer on the pro's. Definitely worth trying at least once. And if you are really worried about doing Iceman, you can try the shorter version.

[beccaB]

I'm glad I posted this thread. My husband's co-worker does Iceman and he is no elite athlete, just a regular guy. I was told all that by my husband but refused to believe it because my husband is a little insane. All kidding aside, I'm glad to have some confirmation from someone else. After all, I didn't think I would ever do a century, and it was my husband who pushed that, and now I've done 10 of them. So maybe this is a good thing, he is bringing out the best in me and getting me to reach new heights even if I am a weenie!

[limewave]

I have friends that ride Iceman every year and they are not competitive at all. They aren't fast, they don't like racing, mountain biking makes them nervous (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tLxg0dbvokQ). It's more about the social aspect for a lot of people.

In fact, last year I was trying for a podium position but I had the distinct disadvantage of a late wave start. When I was passing some guys they yelled at me "This is not a race!" :) And they were being serious. It's not a race for probably 50% of the riders.

There's a nice write-up in XXC Magazine (http://issuu.com/xxcmag/docs/xxcmagten/10).

[beccaB]

Got us registered today! Now the insanity starts:D

[limewave]

Got us registered today! Now the insanity starts:D

Yay! I was just logging in to ask if you had registered or not. See you in November!