Dirt-cloaked folk peruse Whistler Village with bikes rolling smoothly by their side all summer long. From August 11 to 20 this crowd dominates the corridor as Crankworx Whistler 2017 takes hold of our town. Unified by the thrill of cruising steep adrenaline pumping lines, these bikers are here for 10 days of bike-fueled festivities on and off the mountain. Not quite part of the bike craze yet? Maybe your significant other is an avid Crankworx-er or you just happened to plan your summer vacation during North America’s largest bike festival, you might as well find a way to participate, it’s pretty dang fun after all.
Here are a few tips on how to participate during Crankworx Whistler 2017 and have a blast all while embracing your newbie status.
Biking 101
A no brainer coming your way, take a lesson. Not just any lesson though, a Whistler Blackcomb Biking 101 lesson! They are designed for bike newbie’s like you and me.
Bike Park 101 is an intro clinic tailored for first-time downhill mountain bike park riders looking to get a taste of the park. If you’re comfortable riding a bike on pavement, we’ll have you loving our easy cruising trails and learning areas.
– Whistler Blackcomb
As a recent attendee I spoke with can vouch, this will get you hooked. Crystal Johnson is a recent downhill bike convert turned addict after her first corner on her first lap.
It was so exhilarating, I couldn’t help myself from craving more. After my first lesson I spent the rest of the day racing down the paths looking for new trails, testing my limits.
– Crystal Johnson
Biking 101. A guide can teach you all the skills you’ll need to take on Whistler Bike Park. Image: Abby Cooper
Clinics and Workshops
Whistler Blackcomb offers GT Women’s Nights every Monday and Wednesday for a range of skills including first timers, intermediates and advanced riders. Another way to learn the basics or hone your developing skills! If you’re ready to start turning it up a notch during Crankworx, there are SRAM and LIV women’s clinics and sessions to get you comfortable at your next level. Don’t worry dudes, there’s something for you too! Men’s Nights happen all summer long on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Not quite ready for the bike park? It’s all good, there are plenty of crosscountry trails and clinics around as well as valley trail cruisers to rent to get you in the mood with out pumping the brake. Stop in at Crosscountry Connection for rentals, guides and more details.
Hit the trails. Test your newly developed skills on the trails or join a clinic to progress further. Image: Abby Cooper
Photo and Video
Whether you’ve saddled up yet or not, you will be thoroughly entertained while watching the annual Dirt Diaries film competition. On August 16th, 6 teams will show off what they’ve been working on since June, and it’s sure to make you laugh, gasp and catch a case of FOMO all in good spirit.
For back-to-back nightlife, the Deep Summer Photo Contest will show the following evening, August 17th. Five hand-chosen photographers compete to wow the crowd while vying for the most compelling photo slideshow – the catch? They only have 3 days to take the shots and create the slideshow!
Tickets for both events can be purchased here. Don’t miss the free showing of MOTIVE, a new bike film by Specialized.
Don’t forget the popcorn. The Dirt Diaries carries the Crankworx entertainment into the night. Image: Sean St, Denis
Additional Reading to Prep for Crankworx Whistler 2017
I’m not quite the same level of bike guru that we’ve had contribute to the Gibbons Whistler blog previously. Dive into some of the posts listed below to better enjoy, understand or prep for Crankworx Whistler 2017!
- Whistler Heli Biking & Boarding (On the Same Day!): Take your biking adventures to epic heights with heli-biking tour.
- Q+A with ZEP Techniques Mountain Bike Guru Paul Howard: Paul’s advice to beginners? “Have fun and be patient. Small steps = easier, safer learning.”
- Everything You Need to Know About the Whistler BMX Track: Biking big mountains not your thing? Check out the Whistler BMX track instead.
- Essential Mountain Biking Gear List: Be prepared for anything the Whistler trails throw at you with these essentials.
- Whistler Mountain Biking Events: Get the details on other MTB events in our biking-loving town.
- Crankworx Whistler 2016 Decoded: The dates might be different but the competition will be just as fierce. These are the not-to-be-missed events of Crankworx!
Après
Listed last only because it shouldn’t be dabbled in until the biking is done, we all know that après is an important part of any spot! It’s time to celebrate, hear those hilarious bail stories and show off your new wounds. Laugh, listen and maybe share a few of your own! The best patio bound show? Joyride! Catch it from the Longhorn Saloon patio where all can be seen and heard comfortably with Gibbons Après Lager on tap. And let’s be honest, even if you gave this whole liking-biking thing a go and it just didn’t stick, we can all agree on ending the day with a beer!
Happy Crankworx-ing friends! See you on the patio or on the trails. Share your Crankworx Whistler 2017 experiences by tagging us on Instagram @GibbonsWhistler, we’d love to see what kind of shenanigans you get up to!
