Competitive adventure is the simplest form of athletic pursuit: it is competition where participants move forward on a fixed course by their own power without outside support, assistance, or aid. There are subjective rules to each event that must be followed, but the core concept is simple: rely only upon yourself. This includes unsupported racing of all varieties: Long distance trail FKTs, Ultra-endurance bikepacking races, Unsupported ultramarathons, Self-sufficient alpine mountaineering ascents, etc.

About Northwest Competitive Adventure

We are a group of athletes who participate in, create, and support competitive adventure events around the world. Our goal is to foster the sense of competitive adventure within other athletes. It is our opinion that the skills learned in self-sufficient pursuits are valuable in everyday life and provide a sense of individual accomplishment greater than that found in competing in typical, supported events. 

There are three elements of our collective: Volunteerism, Event Promotion, and Membership. All three elements are tied together, and each cannot exist without the others. 

  • Volunteerism: we support local and international events with logistical support, planning, and manpower
  • Event Promotion: we create & promote events that embody the spirit of competitive adventure
  • Membership: we gather athletes and provide an environment for them to grow, inspire others, and pursue their goals

DISCOVER THE BIG LONELY

DISCOVER THE BIG LONELY

AN UNSUPPORTED BIKEPACKING ADVENTURE

Starting October 6, 2023

Pertinent Details:
  • Please read the Adventure Manual linked below before registering!
  • Unsupported Bikepacking Adventure starts and ends in beautiful beer & bike paradise: Bend, Oregon
  • Grand Depart-style event: Ride as fast as you can or as slow as you want, but rely only on yourself and your gear
  • Benefits Furry Freight – Furry Freight partners with shelters in overpopulated areas where pets are at risk of euthanasia. We transport the pets to our partner shelters in the Pacific Northwest where they are quickly adopted into loving homes. Just by changing their location, pets go from unwanted and discarded to loved members of the family.
  • Explore the diverse and expansive Central Oregon region on two wheels
  • Mix of 30% singletrack, 50% gravel/doubletrack, and 20% paved, scenic bikeway
  • Climb the iconic Mrazek trail in the Skyline Forest, ride along the Metolius and Crooked Rivers, summit the relentless Ochoco mountains, and cross the high desert on a 30-mile ribbon of smooth singletrack
  • 350+ miles & 25000′ of elevation gain with resupply in the unique cities of Sisters, Madras, and Prineville

  • The route travels through land once held sacred and no longer occupied by these indigenous peoples: Northern Paiute, Yahooskin, Tenino, Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Molalla, Klamath

Photos from the 2020 event available at Ebb Media

More info about The Big Lonely

Beyond The Ochocos: A Film About the 2020 Edition of The Big Lonely

Jesse Blough – Founder

Jesse is an ultra-endurance athlete who competes in ultramarathons, ultra-distance bikepacking races, and has pursued FKTs. Jesse regularly competes in road & gravel cycling races, and has volunteered, directed, or otherwise supported nearly every variety of athletic event. His experience as a board member for a non-profit cycling team and a background in operations management provide a strong foundation for Northwest Competitive Adventure. 

Notable Events Include: 

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Stories about recent Adventures