Every November, thousands of riders, spectators, and adventure seekers descend on northern Michigan for the legendary Iceman Cometh Challenge—a grueling, 30-mile off-road bike race through the scenic, rugged trails between Kalkaska and Traverse City. As the largest point-to-point mountain bike race in the country, the Iceman is a celebration of endurance, camaraderie, and Michigan’s love for the outdoors, attracting elite athletes and amateur riders alike. From frozen singletrack to cheering crowds at the finish line in Timber Ridge Resort, the Iceman offers more than just a race—it’s a rite of passage for Midwest cyclists.
- Things To Do
- Top Things To Do
- Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Trails
- Arts & Entertainment
- Art Galleries
- Historic Movie Theatres
- Interlochen Center for the Arts
- Museums
- Attractions
- Free Things to Do
- Historical Sites
- Lighthouses
- Shipwrecks
- Tall Ships
- Casinos
- Kids' Activities
- Scavenger Hunt
- Spring Break
- Shopping
- Downtown Traverse City
- Farmer's Markets & U-Picks
- Grand Traverse Commons
- Malls & Shopping Centers
- Port Towns
- Spa & Salon
- Tours
- Beer Tours
- Bike Tours
- Boat Tours
- Cherry Blossom Tours
- Fall Color Tour
- Scenic Drives
- Wine Tours
- Tours & Exhibits
- Outdoors
- Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Trails
- Beaches
- Dog Beaches/Pet Friendly
- Beaches Around the Region
- Biking
- Bike Tours
- Fishing
- Golf
- Golf Courses
- Golf Packages
- Hiking
- Parks
- State Parks
- Trails & Nature Walks
- Ecotourism Responsible Adventures
- Watersports
- Boating
- Boat Tours
- Kayak, Canoe & SUP
- Jet Skiing & Rentals
- Winter Sports
- Ice Skating Hockey
- Skiing & Snowboarding
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Snowmobiling
- Snowshoeing
- Tubing & Sledding
- Seasons
- Spring
- Serendipitous Adventure
- Summer
- Fall
- Winter
- Events
- Annual Events
- Beer Week
- International Fireworks Championship
- Ironman 70.3
- Ironman Lodging Offers
- National Cherry Festival
- Pride Week
- Traverse City Horse Shows
- Traverse City Restaurant Week
- Traverse City Uncorked
- Iceman Cometh Challenge
- Traverse City Events This Weekend
- Fall Events
- Beer Week
- Ironman 70.3
- Ironman Lodging Offers
- Pride Week in Traverse City
- Iceman Cometh Challenge
- Winter Events
- Traverse City Restaurant Week
- Spring Events
- Traverse City Uncorked
- Summer Events
- Traverse City Food & Wine
- National Cherry Festival
- International Fireworks Championship
- Holiday Events
- Concerts & Live Music
- Sporting Events & Races
- Ironman 70.3
- Ironman Lodging Offers
- Tours & Exhibits
- Wine Events
- Add Your Event
- Food & Drink
- Places to Eat
- Outdoor Dining
- Eat Like a Local
- Farmer's Markets & U-Picks
- Farm to Fork
- Food Trucks
- Kid Friendly
- Restaurant Guide
- Waterfront Dining
- Wineries
- Wine Tours
- Wine Events
- Traverse City Food and Wine
- Traverse City Uncorked
- Traverse Wine Coast
- Distilleries
- Microbreweries
- Beer Tours
- Traverse City Beer Week
- Man Vs. Draft
- Cideries
- Taprooms & Taverns
- Plan
- Request a Free Visitor's Guide
- Digital Guide Request
- Enewsletter Signup
- About Traverse City
- Accessibility
- Destination Autism Certification
- Cherry Industry
- A Very Cherry Passport
- Climate & Weather
- Driving Distances
- General Information
- Historical Sites
- Accessibility
- Regions
- Benzie County
- Leelanau County
- Blog
- Coupons & Packages
- Gift Certificates
- Information
- Health Care
- Ask-a-Nurse
- Virtual Urgent Care
- Local Chambers
- Local News Outlets
- Parking
- Places of Worship
- Public Safety
- Relocation Information
- LGBTQ+
- Traverse City Pride Week
- Traveling with a Pet
- Dog-Friendly Activities
- Dog Beaches/Pet Friendly
- Pet-Friendly Hotels
- Trip Ideas & Itineraries
- Beer Lover
- Beer & Wine Weekend
- Day Trips
- Benzie County
- Grand Traverse County
- Leelanau County
- 1-Day
- 2-Day
- 3-Day
- Explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Outdoor Adventure
- Family Time
- Food Tour
- Girlfriend Getaway
- Guy's Weekend
- Lighthouse Tour
- Romantic Getaway
- Personal Wine Tour
- Transportation
- Airport Info
- Public Buses
- Printable Maps
- Visitor Center
- Weddings
- Wedding Venues & Lodging
- Wedding Resources
- Getting a License
- Places of Worship
- Request a Wedding Guide
- About Traverse City Tourism
- Media
- Media Photo Library
- Press Release Room
- Media Assistance Request
- Traverse City Accolades
- Contact Us
- Hospitality Awards
- Staff Directory
Bell's Iceman Cometh Challenge
November 8th, 2025
The weekend isn’t just for seasoned racers, though. The Meijer Slush Cup gives novice riders a chance to experience the thrill of competition on a shorter, friendlier course, while the Meijer Sno-Cone event is designed for the youngest cyclists just starting their biking journey. With family-friendly festivities, live music, and local vendors on-site, the Iceman Cometh Challenge has grown into a full community celebration that welcomes all ages and abilities. Whether you're racing, volunteering, or simply soaking in the energy of race day, it's an unforgettable northern Michigan tradition.
Stay in Traverse City
