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31st Annual Iceman Cometh Canceled
The Bell’s Brewery Iceman Cometh Challenge, the 27-mile race that draws mountain biking pros and enthusiasts to Kalkaska from around the world each November, no matter what the weather — has been canceled for 2020. Don’t blame the pandemic, though; permitting was the big problem. The Traverse City-based Festival Foundation, which took over the event in 2019, said in a statement that despite countless hours spent reconfiguring courses, the starting line, and even the way race packets were distributed to ensure a safe race experience “ … we could not secure the needed permitting for the 31st edition of the Iceman Cometh Challenge.” Organizers asked registered racers to consider donating their 2020 registration fees for the 2021 race to help support the Foundation’s next Iceman and other events, as well as to enable it to continue giving back to the community and area organizations. Any riders with questions or concerns are asked to email icemaninfo@iceman.com for more details.
Live Concert — Drive-In Style And the award for most clever method of hosting a live music show in the middle of a pandemic goes to … the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts in Manistee. On Saturday, Sept. 19, residents of Manistee and surrounding communities are invited to pull their vehicles into the old K-Mart parking lot in Filer Township (1560 US-31), roll down their windows, kick back, and listen to small-town Michigan outlaw-country crooner Sadie Bass (who was, btw, recently selected from hundreds of entrants to perform on country star Brantley Gilbert’s upcoming Kick It In The Ship Cruise). Tickets, $50 per vehicle (limit is four people per), are available until Sept. 17. Learn more about the 5pm–8m drive-in country concert at www.RamsdellTheatre. org/drive-in.
Stuff we love When “That Woman from Michigan” Drives Local Sales Doesn’t matter what we think of Gov. Whitmer’s executive orders; she deserves a home-state high five (figuratively speaking, of course) for her hotmic humor at the UAW Local 625 in Lansing last week, in which she surprised waiting audience members with this deadpan-delivered warning during mic check: “It’s not just Shark Week. It’s Shark Week, Mother Fu••ers.” [Note to those eager to criticize the use of crude language by political leaders: She mouthed but didn’t speak the mighty Mother F-bomb.] Whether a nod to Discovery Channel’s most famous programming block (which aired the week before) or the Democratic National Convention (which aired the week she made the remark), we don’t know, but we got a darn good giggle. And some local T-shirt shops —Traverse City’s Tee See Tee and Boyne City’s Outdoor Beerdsman — are getting a real boost. Both moved immediately to crank out Whitmer’s words on T-shirts and report they’re selling the, well … you-know-what out of ’em. Find Tee See Tee’s version in T-shirts or sweatshirts, $20+, at www.teeseetee. com; Outdoor Beerdsman’s, $22+ (women’s shown here), at outdoorbeerdsman.com.
bottoms up Up in Smoke’s Tequila Sunrise
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MORE THAN A YOGA STUDIO,
NEW MOON IS A PLACE TO
REFRESH YOUR SPIRIT With a diversity of teachers, styles of yoga and methods of movement, there is a practice here for everyone. Visit newmoonyogastudio.com for class offerings 10781 Cherry Bend Rd. Traverse City
It’s basic but bold. A classic cocktail and a mainstay on drink menus across the land, the time-tested, always colorful, and ever-popular Tequila Sunrise ($6) is a sight for sore eyes on any sweltering summer day, and at Up In Smoke Barbecue & Catering in Petoskey, this compote tastes as good as it looks. That’s because it uses Jose Cuervo Gold, with a shot of grenadine, orange juice, and a secret ingredient in creating what’s become one of their most popular bar offerings. True to its name, this Tequila Sunrise fades from the clear liquor on top down to its sweet, deep orange depths — a work of art with a kick. In a world of artsy new drinks and micro-brewed spirits, it’s always nice to fall back on an old favorite. Balance this drink’s sweetness by pairing it with one of Up In Smoke’s savory pulled meats (chicken, pork or brisket) and a helping of their delicious smoked mac-n-cheese. Find all of the above at 1208 U.S. 31 N. (231) 622-8318, www.upinsmokebarbecue.com
Northern Express Weekly • aug 24, 2020 • 5
