Crankworx Whistler. For mountain bikers, the very name conjures up images of gravity-fueled, fat-tire heroes defying logic and laws of nature, all in the name of Crankworx glory. For the less initiated, Crankworx might mean a busy Whistler village, and many strange full face-helmeted, knee-pad-wearing bikers zooming about. Crankworx is ten days of non-stop action, and whether you’re an autograph-hunting aficionado or an MTB newbie, it’s easy to miss out on some of the best events of the week if you’re not prepared. No fear, that’s where we come in. We’ve broken down the Crankworx Whistler 2023 Schedule, highlighting some of the events that make this festival so memorable.
Crankworx Whistler 2023: July 21 – 30
Red Bull Joyride 2022. Photo taken by Crankworx World Tour.
THE GRAND FINALE: REDBULL JOYRIDE
New for this year, Crankworx has moved from August to July, and like all the year’s past organizers will be pulling out all the stops to wow the crowds. The marquee event each year is the Red Bull Joyride, happening on Saturday, July 29. This wild slopestyle event draws tens of thousands of fans to the base of the bike park to witness a face-melting display of mountain bike aerial wizardry, that features the best freestyle riders in the world push the sport of freeride mountain biking on a course made up of huge jumps and drops. The best place to watch this jaw-dropping event? From the patio of the Longhorn Saloon or Black’s Pub of course. Book your table and package in advance for this mountain bike event of the year. After Joyride keep the party going at The Official Red Bull Joyride afterparty with Ryan Shepherd at The Longhorn Saloon. Tickets are limited and on sale now, so get yours early!
SPORT
Red Bull Joyride isn’t the only sport that will captivate both riders and spectators alike. From the moment the festival kicks off, on July 21, elite mountain bikers from all corners of the globe will converge and push the limits in the Rockshox Canadian Open DH, Crankworx Whistler Dual Slalom, Ultimate Pump Track Challenge, Official Whip-Off Championships presented by POC, SCOR Air DH, Canadian Open Enduro, Outdoor Research Speed & Style, and Adaptive DH. Spectators will be treated to a feast of awe-inspiring action, with riders showcasing their incredible skills and unwavering determination.
Crankworx is undoubtedly poised to cement its reputation as a must-attend event for all mountain biking enthusiasts, leaving us eagerly anticipating what jaw-dropping moments this year will bring!
Don’t forget the popcorn. The Dirt Diaries carries the Crankworx entertainment into the night. Image: Sean St, Denis
CULTURE
In addition to heart-pumping sports action, Crankworx also has programming that showcases the history and culture of Mountain Biking. Started in 2009, Deep Summer, pins five photographers, and one wildcard contestant against each other as they shoot for their lives for three days during the first Crankworx Weekend. For this year we will be treated to the art of Thomas Falconer, Brendan McClennon, Ronia Nash, Matt Bruhns, Sofia Warrington, and Hailey Elise. Check it out for yourself at Whistler Olympic Plaza at 8:30 PM on Tuesday, July 25th.
On Thursday, July 27th the rich storytelling culture of mountain biking comes to the big screen for Dirt Diaries presented by SWATCH. Since early summer, six filmmakers have been working at capturing and creating captivating four to six-minute videos, with all of them being debuted at Crankworx Whistler. During these filmmakers are granted complete creative freedom to explore geographic boundaries, decide the size and composition of their team, and the support they receive. The only requirement is they must incorporate the mesmerizing landscape of Whistler Valley and Whistler Mountain Bike Park into a quarter of their film. Filmmakers include Kelsey Toevs, Ohad Nir, Ryan Kenny, Kris Dontas, and Cole Nelson.
