Fat ‘n’ Furious…er…
So in my most recent post I made reference to Fatbike events that are coming up. So what might those be??
Woah….OK, then…
Well it’s already mid January, so that means the Fat Viking Global Event should be happening soon…and it is. Just in a few days actually!
What is the Fat Viking you say? Well, it is actually a Fatbike Endurance race in Norway…however just a few years back folks couldn’t travel to get to Norway…so the organizers did a thing…and created the Global Fat Viking…it has become hugely popular! It helps that its free, its fun, it’s a challenge; and if you follow the ‘rules’, you will get a cool sticker from Norway! OK, here is how it works…
The rules are pretty simple:
Join the Fat Viking race discussion group on Facebook.
Print out your race plate/ starting bib and write your name on it (we will publish a pdf raceplate in January)
Then ride your fatbike between Friday 26th of January 2024 at 12pm (12.00) and Sunday 28th of January 6pm (18.00).
The accumulated kilometres between Friday 12pm and Sunday 6pm count:
FV50 finisher = you have ridden at least 50km
FV100 finisher = you have ridden at least 100km
FV150 finisher = you have ridden at least 150km
(There is no prize for being a super-Viking and riding more than 150km, but go for it if you want)
You need to ride a FATBIKE (tire width 3.8 inch or wider, manufacturers label).
Ride wherever you want, create your own course - loops, out and back or whatever you please.
Ride unsupported (no support crew), but feel free to make use of commercially available shops and institutions on your way. You can sleep and eat at home of course!
Group rides are very welcome! …and so are Viking costumes!
You can find further details on the website HERE
Furthermore…I believe a couple of venues are offering base camps with warming stations…food…and beverages.
Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club has a base camp posted on their website. Check it out HERE
And the word is Mansfield Outdoor Centre has a base camp in the works too…cuz who doesn’t love a real wood fireplace, with couches and loungers, with warm food and bevs to break up a 150km fatbike ride???
A couple of years ago I dragged a couple of friends out to do the Fat Viking…
Make no mistake, 150kms on a Fatbike is rough, so having a base camp to break it up, warm up, refuel, get drunk, keep going…can only help make it more enjoyable. Give it a go, eh!!
Yikes!!
Anyways, so that’s the Fat Viking…but Dan of Substance Projects also has something on the Fat calendar.
On February 10th…Substance Projects will be hosting the Ontario Fatbike Festival at Mansfield Outdoor Centre. This event will feature a 10km and 20km Fatbike race…and a Fatbike Poker Run…pick yer passion!
Then of course, chilli and hot beverages, eh!! Check out all the details on Dan’s website HERE This is less than a month away, so it’s coming up soon too….Ima gonna be there! This is just the first of a full calendar year of bike events for Substance Projects, so peruse the web page.
So, there are a couple of Fatbike events that are coming up very soon. I’m sure there are more but these are just two that I am aware of. Otherwise, just get out there! As much as Mother Nature seems to be confused about her role on the planet, who knows what kind of conditions we will have. Right now conditions seem Fat friendly…but two weeks out looks sketchy, eh.
Ah well, I need more worthy topics for blog posts anyways…let’s see what comes up. For now, get Fat and ride…
