November 23, 2020: A Message to Pursuers ​

 

Idaho has been moved back to Stage 2 and the governor has restricted gatherings to no more than ten people. This probably won’t surprise anyone who has been paying attention to current events but I’ve decided out of respect to all participants, volunteers, and the Island Park community to change the format of the Fat Pursuit. Even though I’m confident we could have pulled it off safely, I can’t in good conscience break state guidelines and risk anyone’s health.

 

So there won’t be an official Fat Pursuit race on the weekend of January 8, but I am excited to announce in its place the Fat Pursuit COVID Challenge. My main reason for putting on the Fat Pursuit every year is to provide a unique experience and an opportunity to practice winter travel skills in some of the best proving grounds of the lower 48. This year won’t be any different. 

 

Participants in the Fat Pursuit COVID Challenge are invited to ride, run, or ski 60K or 200K anywhere, anytime between January 8 and January 30, as long as it’s mostly on snow (and yes, lugging your trainer outside in the snow totally counts). 

 

This is not a race, this is a winter adventure challenge. The thing I’m excited about is that by taking the finish line out of the equation, everyone will have a chance to practice those systems that you wouldn’t with the pressure of racing.  The 200K participants will still be required to boil water, a Fat Pursuit tradition, but hey, why not go above and beyond--wade through a creek, build a fire, bivy overnight. If you do still want to come out to Island Park the weekend of the race to ride the courses (I will still provide the GPX files for those here) there’s a pretty good chance you’ll see me out there, sleeping outside, riding with friends, maybe drinking some whiskey. And for those who ride the 200K course, you will be put up on Trackleaders, in case you want to see how you stack up against other riders. 

 

What do you get besides a fun riding experience? Race swag—special COVID edition Fat Pursuit beanies for the 60K and sweatshirts for the 200K. A series of exclusive webinars from me about all the different ways to plan for, prepare for, and finish a winter ultra-endurance event. Finisher prizes. Special prizes for a select few. Your stories and photos featured on social media. Of course anyone who has pre-registered for the Fat Pursuit will receive a full refund that will be automatically processed through Athlete360. 

 

Find all the event details, registration, and updates here. I am really happy to say that the two Fat Camps in 2021 are STILL HAPPENING. The number of attendees will be capped to adhere to state guidelines. Check those out here.

 

Stay safe out there, and I can’t wait to see you all in 2022, if not sooner.