Interested in a new winter fat bike ultra adventure? Jay Petervary runs Fat Pursuit in Island Park, ID and has also done Arrowhead 135 six times. Here Jay talks about what makes Fat Pursuit a unique adventure to add to your list this winter.
To learn more visit Fat Pursuit. Photos by Eddie Clark Media @eddieclarkmedia
Fat Pursuit is a winter ultra endurance race in Island Park, Idaho that takes place in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. There are 60km and 200km options as well as a 3-day optional workshop prior to the races.
Known for its heavy snowfall and diverse microclimates, the route traverses remote landscapes where riders encounter snow-coated "goblin trees" and can see Yellowstone’s natural beauty up close.
Interview with Jay Petervary:
1. You've done Arrowhead 135. How would you compare Fat Pursuit to an event like Arrowhead?
I love the Arrowhead 135.
I’ve done it six times and I’ve always used it to test and challenge myself with new ideas and set-ups. But it’s tough to compare Fat Pursuit to Arrowhead.
Fat Pursuit is what I would describe as a winter expedition backcountry race.
First off, with over 300 inches of snowfall annually in the area, snow is guaranteed! The event takes place in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem where the weather is unpredictable and even throughout the course there will be different microclimates.
The landscape is also very different.
The mountains aren't huge but on the high sections of the route you will see the mysterious encrusted snow covered goblin trees that have been painted by Mother Nature making you feel much higher than you are. When the route winds onto the border of Yellowstone National Park it looks and feels like it!
The Fat Pursuit is also much more committing, meaning when you leave the checkpoints you are moving away from civilization, into more remote sections of the route, where deciding to quit mid-route isn't really an option.
This is an event that will properly challenge you and more than likely make you use the equipment you carry.
2. Who are the 60k race, 200k race, and workshops for?
We offer a 60k event on Saturday for folks who want to get a feel for the event, see the area, and not have to carry all the gear for a overnight.
I believe everyone needs a chance to learn so we don't ask for qualifiers for our 200k event, it is open to everyone. It's definitely for the winter expedition-curious adventurer. By design most people will need to use the gear they carry if they want to be successful.
Both distances are also open to XC skiers and runners. I always knew I wanted to add runners and skiers, and had a lot of requests to include those disciplines, so I finally opened it up to them in 2020. We don’t have a lot of folks who line up for the long distance ski or run every year, but for those who do, I have tons of respect for their toughness.
The Fat Pursuit Workshop is great for everyone! Anyone who wants to advance their own winter skills, learn, and pick up on some tips and tricks – I guarantee you will walk away with something no matter how experienced you are.
It's also a great experience to see all the different gear and ways to do things from others. We’ve had everyone from first time snow riders to Iditarod Trail veterans do our workshop and we are proud to be able to accommodate all. Many have done the camp more than once. It's not just about the learning but also a great opportunity to practice, acclimate, and build confidence before the actual event.
As far as value goes I can't think of a better way to get properly immersed in sport by doing the workshop and then the race. You will be getting 10 years of knowledge in less than a week's time! Plus it's fun!
3. What is Island Park, Idaho like and why should people add this area to their list of ultra experiences?
West Yellowstone is the gateway into Yellowstone National Park and Island Park sits just before it. It is surrounded by public lands and with over 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, it is a fat biker’s playground.
If you are traveling with a partner or have additional time yourself seeing YNP in the winter is a bucket list item. Harriman State Park also sits in Island Park, is non-motorized, and has dedicated trails to ski, fat bike, and snowshoe.
4. What are the biggest challenges riders will face in this unique race?
What I see and have seen as the biggest challenge for racers is using their equipment while accepting the current trail conditions and weather. Many succeed in the Arrowhead by putting their heads down and not stopping until they finish. That’s not always the right mindset for the Fat Pursuit. You need to be open to being out there for a couple days if that’s what the weather and conditions dictate. That openness will set you up better for success!
5. Anything else you want to add?
I started Fat Pursuit in 2014 because I wanted to showcase the great fat biking in Island Park and improve non-motorized access there. Plus, I always dreamed of establishing a premier endurance fat bike race in the lower forty-eight. I used to travel to Alaska every winter for the ITI and I knew the expense and time commitment. Many riders don’t have the luxury of making that trip north, so we wanted to offer something similarly epic but more attainable, financially and logistically. 2025 will be the twelfth year and I think we’ve really gained a reputation for offering an experience that’s challenging but rewarding, with a community that’s super special and a vibe that couldn’t be better.
To learn more about the 60km or 200km events or the Fat Pursuit workshop, head to Fat Pursuit.
