This past weekend Luke and I traveled to the ICEMAN Cometh Challenge in Traverse City, Michigan.(One of the largest Cycling events in North America, 4,000+ racers) Usually this race sits around 30 degrees for a temperature but we lucked out and were able to race in 55 degree sunny weather! We raced in the Pro and Category 1 combined class. At the start we sat in the midpack while watching cycling superstars such as JHK, Sam Shultz, Jeremiah Bishop and others get called up to the line.

As we took off down the road everyone banged around and sprinted for position before touching the sandy trails. Luke was able to stay clear of a racer who managed to completely flatten a road sign after a head on collision.

The race certainly started hard and I was able to find a decent position within the group while Luke remained close behind. After about 30mins I unfortunately lost a contact lens in my right eye!! I really was handicapped at this point. I tried to be efficient with one eye but it was difficult. Later in the race I also kinked my chain which forced me to run some of the final hills. My running made great amusement for all the drunken hill climb crowds!

In the end I finished 58th and Luke 63rd out of 118.

Also fellow TLE rider Steve Twining was present and placed well in 39th.

Video: Steve T. around 1:59 | Kyle S. around 3:49

Watch more video of ICEMAN Cometh Challenge 2011 on cyclingdirt.org

Attached are a few images of the Traverse City daily newspaper The Record-Eagle. Somehow the blind wheelie riding guy was chosen to be the cover photo for the Iceman story! haha

It was a great end of the year trip. As always, THANKS to Train Ready, TLE, Bike Authority and especially to John P. for the ticket transfer and Chris Martino for wrenching on my bike days before leaving.

CONGRATS TO EVERYONE WHO RACED THEIR BEST IN CINCY!!!

Thanks,
The Spisaks