# @itialaska on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CK9pcFfFOeX
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/69809531-itialaska-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/8c10c84d35.jpg
- **Posted:** 2021-02-06T19:55:11.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Iditarod Trail Invitational (@itialaska) — https://gondola.cc/itialaska

## Caption

The best part of the ITI is being able to spend time with the amazing people like jay_petervary who return year after year to show us all the indomitable power of the human spirit. 
 
Posted withregram • jay_petervary In 2007 I participated in the itialaska. Little did I know what it would do to me and how it would effect my life moving forward.

That first year I was challenged in a way that I never been challenged before. Conditions were tough. A LOT of walking and pushing a very heavy bike that was overly stuffed from paranoia packing.

It was -20 cold. I particularly remember the long section of tussock grass heads that were not filled in with snow that would swallow your tires and ankles as you pushed over them. 

I also swallowed a cap and broke a tooth that year. I came home and was wiped out dazing into space for a month while still feeling frozen. 

Man that was such an eye opening trip and one that I wanted to figure out how to do better at.

Information was tough to come by then. Veterans guarded their information and tricks of the trade with the mentality that it was earned information. 
(Note: The mini panniers that are so popular today.)

I always shared. I really enjoy helping, teaching and giving advice to others to help them succeed while not making all the mistakes I have. 

A lot of our #FatPursuit Campers have gone on to do the ITI. That makes me smile. I have answered many emails, DM questions  etc and have put lots of information out there about winter travel by bike. 

Now headed to my 12th ITI this year I will be traveling with a friend of mine,  Jacob. I have had the opportunity to spend time and mentor Jacob this year.  I am really looking forward to our journey and sharing the trail with him. 

3 weeks and 2 days to go. But who is counting.

#winterultra 
#PursueYourPassion 
#DoYourWork 
#LiveInTheMoment 
#RideForward

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 314
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 3

## Tags

doyourwork, pursueyourpassion, liveinthemoment, winterultra, rideforward, fatpursuit

---
Copyright (c) Gondola