Chasing Adventure in Island Park: Filming the 200k Fat Pursuit Bike Race 2023

Welcome to my latest and first blog post, where I'll take you on a thrilling six-day filming adventure in Island Park, ID. Alongside Lauren, the lead producer for Outdoor Idaho, I had the incredible opportunity to document the challenging 200k Fat Pursuit Bike Race. From January 3rd to January 8th, we embarked on a journey filled with snowmobile rides, early mornings, pushing cars out of the snow, and a quest to capture the essence of this hard-as-hell race.

Day 1: Sliding Into Island Park

After a long day of driving and watching cars slide around the road, we settled into our cozy Airbnb near the start and finish of the race. We scoped out the area and prepared for the first day of shooting that awaited us.

Day 2: Meeting Adventure Junkies

We had the pleasure of meeting some fellow adventurers at the Fat Pursuit Workshop and Harriman State Park. It was inspiring to connect with like-minded individuals who shared our passion for the great outdoors.

Day 3: Snowmobiles and Race Prep

We got more footage at the Fat Pursuit Workshop, where the attendees got the lowdown on the route. After the workshop wrapped we continued planning and got our hands on some snowmobiles and, with the help of the friendly locals, figured out the ultimate route to keep up with the race.

Day 4: Racing Under the Moonlight

As the race kicked off in the early morning hours, the darkness was illuminated by a full moon. From 6 am to 5 pm, we followed the racers, witnessing their determination and grit. Which, I was amazed that most people were in very good spirits despite how hard of a race they were in. It was during this eventful day that I saw the mesmerizing ghost trees for the first time. As the afternoon sun touched their branches, the snow bounced off creating a snow explosion…snow-plosion? I would also like to mention that is was a balmy 20°, where it's common to see -20° during this time of year. We got lucky.

Day 5: Rise and Shine, It's Filming Time!

Bright and early, at the ungodly hour of 4 am, we were on a mission to get footage of sleeping racers. Our luck was on our side as we stumbled on a couple of racers camping near a road, allowing us to film without venturing further on our snowmobiles. Also, at the same time, the first-place winner was crossing the finish line (finishing in 20hr and 44min). We spent the rest of the day documenting the atmosphere around the finish line, capturing the moments of the race's conclusion.

Day 6: Unexpected Beauty

With our sights set on returning home, we anticipated a smooth drive back to Boise. However, Mother Nature had other plans. A beautiful sunrise painted the sky in vibrant hues, forcing us to take out our equipment one last time. Then a 5.5-hour journey back.

Those six days in Island Park documenting the 200k Fat Pursuit Bike Race were an absolute blast! We were constantly on our toes, embracing the unexpected twists and turns that each day brought. From pushing cars of out snow piles to encountering enchanting ghost trees and witnessing athletes accomplish something amazing, there was never a dull moment.

Thanks for joining me on this wild ride! Stay tuned because I've got more tales of adventure and some mind-blowing shots coming your way.

Mya