Iceman to feature new starting point at Kalkaska airport

KALKASKA – The hundreds of competitive cyclists who take Kalkaska by storm each year for the start of the Iceman Cometh Challenge might want to check their race packets to make sure they’re in the right spot for the start of the 29-mile race on Nov. 2.

That’s because the starting line is moving.

According to Village of Kalkaska officials, the starting line will be moved from outside the Kalkaska Civic Center to the Kalkaska Village Airport on Island Lake Road.

Scott Yost, village manager, said he had the idea for the change several weeks ago and passed his thoughts onto Kalkaska DDA Director Cash Cook.

“Cash ran with it from there and the next thing I knew the idea had taken hold,” Yost said. “We have a great space at the airport for large events like this.

“(And) Bill Garrock helped us pioneer this by holding his drag races at the airport this year and last.”

Cody Sovis, race director for the annual Iceman Cometh Challenge, confirmed the change for the start of the race.

“We saw the move to the airport as a way to improve both the race itself and the experience of racers and their supporters,” Sovis said. “By having the elbow room of an entire airport, we’re able to make the logistics of parking, busing and packet pick-up more streamlined to make the morning less stressful for riders already excited and nervous to get racing.”

And, it’s not the first time that the starting line has moved. For years, the racers and supporters gathered along Walnut Street and at the municipal parking lot between Third and Fourth streets, with the starting line then just outside the old village offices.

But, the starting line was moved in 2017 – after the collapse of the building’s roof the previous winter – to the Civic Center, located off West Mile Road (M-72), near the Kaliseum Recreation Complex.

“Logistically, the biggest advantage will be a new level of control in how we manage the flow of racers, spectators and traffic,” Sovis said of the move to the local airport. “Working with the Village of Kalkaska, we’re going to be able to offer everyone a single place to park that’s accessible for everyone, without having to ride across town.

“We’re also going to be able to give those taking the bus back to Kalkaska easy access to their cars. No more trying to remember where you parked,” he added. “We’ll even be able to offer racer drop-off for those who have a ride to the start and just need to be let out and given a ‘good luck!’ from a pal.”

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