FAT VIKING training camp - introduction to winter riding and racing

Monday 22nd – Wednesday 24th of January 2024
3-day course/workshop with theoretical and practical training for winter riding and racing

This is an introduction course for winter travel and (one-day) races like the FV50, FV100, FV150.
The course includes indoor presentations/ workshops and a lot of outdoor training/ riding.
We go through the crucial gear choices, practice how to use the gear and train the skills that are needed for safe and efficient winter travel/ racing.

The topic «winter camping» is also covered, and we invite you to stay outside with us on the last night. Camping is NOT compulsory and not the main focus of the training camp. You don't have to bring camping gear for the training camp if you don't want to sleep outside.
Our base is Vestlia Resort.

Accommodation is NOT included in the course. Please book your own.
Food is NOT included in the course either, but shops are not far and you can order meals at Vestlia Resort.

During the course we will discuss, demonstrate and help you to make the following gear choices:

1: bikes (tires, pedals, grips, brakes, ...)
2: bikepacking bag systems, pannier racks, pogies
3: proper clothing & layering, emergency clothing, shoes, socks, gaiters, gloves, goggles, helmet, face-protection...
4: hydration systems (hydration bladder, thermos, wide neck bottle, pan + stove, ...)
5: lights, gps (batteries, dynamo hub, ...)
6: Food (what works in the cold, race nutrition)
7: emergency and repair items (fire, first aid, heat packs, tools, pump, inner tube, spares, ...)
8: camping gear (mattress, sleeping bag, tent/ bivvy/ tarp, stove, fuel, ...)

You will learn and practice how to
… set up your bike and pack your gear
... manage moisture/ sweating while riding
... protect face, hands, feet
… hydrate and eat in the cold
… avoid hypothermia/ frostbite in an emergency situation
… choose the right tire pressure for varying surface conditions
… ride efficiently in changing snow conditions
… fix your bike out on the track
… set up a bivvi site
… use a stove and melt snow efficiently
… get prepared for the FAT VIKING race

Click HERE to BOOK ONLINE (only 12 spots available)

Preliminary layout of the programme (there may be adjustments and changes)

Meet and greet Monday 9.30 am, Vestlia Resort reception.
Course starts at 10.00 am

Monday
10.00 – 13.00 (indoor) gear choices 1-2, setting up bikes, gear choice 3
13.00 – 14.00 lunch (Vestlia)
14.00 – 16.00 (outside) easy ride around the valley. 10-15km
16.00 – 18.00 (indoor) evaluation of gear used for the ride, gear choices 3-7
We finish around 18.00 so there is time for individual dinner arrangements and to go shopping for food/ snacks for the next day! (shops are open until 23.00)

Tuesday
9.00 – 10.00 (indoor) set up bike, pack gear, get ready for a longer ride.
10.00 – 15.00 (outside) 20-30km ride in Fat Viking land/ on the race track (easy pace, two groups, shortcuts available, supermarket stop on the return way) Bring enough food and fluids.
15.00 – 16.00 late lunch/ coffee (Vestlia) evaluation of gear/ ride
16.00 – 18.00 (indoor) gear choice 8 and more theoretical/ race related topics
We finish around 18.00 so there is time for individual dinner arrangements and to go shopping for food/ snacks for the next day. Don't forget to buy some camp food for the evening! (shops are open until 23.00)

Wednesday
9.00 – 10.00 (indoor) set up bike, pack gear, get ready for a longer ride.
10.00 – 15.00 (outside) 20-30km ride in Fat Viking land/ on the race track (easy pace, two groups, shortcuts available, supermarket stop on the return way)
15.00 – 16.00 late lunch/ coffee (Vestlia) evaluation of gear/ ride
16.00 – 17.00 (indoor) pack and get ready to camp/ eat dinner outside.
17.00 – 20.30 (outside) ride to camp spot (3,5km), make a fire, melt snow, make tea, eat camp food (bring your own!), evaluation of training camp, questions.
If you want to sleep outside you stay to bivvy/camp and ride back in the morning, otherwise you ride back when you've had enough.

For more advanced/ hardcore winter training we recommend to visit ALASKA!
Have a look at the Iditarod Trail Invitational camps. Click HERE