(VeloEpic.com) Iceman Cometh 2010 from VeloEpic on Vimeo.

We’re just back from the Iceman Cometh mountain bike race, a super fast season closing race in cold snowy Traverse City, Michigan. For the astute reader of the VeloEpic.com blog, you will likely point out that we just drove 8 hours to a place even colder and snowier than our hometown.

This race is worth the drive; the course is really fun, but what makes it special is the vibe. Let’s put it this way, Iceman Cometh is the way that Gary Fisher chose to celebrate his 60th birthday. Enough said.

Part of the reason for the awesome vibe is that this is pretty much the last race of the season. Some are here to race, but for most of us it’s just a fun way to spend a couple of hours with 4700 of our friends. The trails are so bunged up with riders that you pretty well have to chill out and enjoy the scenery. And when you come in from the ride, try your best to warm up by the fire pit, and day dream about warmer days.

Though none of our eight riders made the podium, we did walk away with an equally prestigious award – Bissell named us the “Dirtiest Team at Iceman”. Sweet! The Dutchess sealed the deal on this one, coming in with himself and his white bike covered in mud off Gnarly’s wheel.