We’ve got great video highlight action of mountain biking in Whistler for you, but to whet your whistle first, here are some other things you might want to know about biking on the mountain Mecca in Canada.
When asked, mountain bike freerider and Whistler native Brandon Semenuk happily offers that he’s had way too many “Oh shit” moments on the mountain to name. But while getting the kind of air that Semenuk does might be out of the question, he’s helped put together a few tips to help riders get the most out of their time on one of the most famous mountains in “Beautiful British Columbia”.
Everyone's welcome...
… on the mountain. With more than 250km of trails attracting roughly 150,000 visitors on two wheels to the mountain every year, you'll see all kinds of people in Whistler’s Bike Park as the sport continues to gain appeal with old and young, beginner and expert, and just about everyone in between. “Whistler has every level of trail. Some people get discouraged thinking it's all super-gnarly, but truth be told there are some of the easiest trails up there and also some of the most technical ones too,” says Semenuk. “It's easy to make your way around and everything runs pretty close together. If you don't like one trail, it doesn't take long to make it to another. I don't have one favourite trail – I like to explore it all and keep it fresh.”
The safety rules...
… for the bike park set age policy for the park as well as information for parents and a rider checklist and responsibility code. These guidelines at www.whistlerbike.com apply on all the trails in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
Key events...
… include Kokanee Crankworx, a 10-day festival (www.crankworx.com) that ranks near the top of freeride mountain bike events, with a full slate of competition, parties and bike culture events. It runs from next year from July 16–24.
Kokanee Phat, PhaSt Wednesday and Women's Nights...
… happen each week during the bike season. The Phat and PhaSt Wednesdays race series runs throughout the bike season and are open to all amateur riders. The Women's Nights features female-only clinics that help riders increase their skill level and ensure skill progression for those attending the classes.
'Toonie rides'...
… sponsored by the Whistler Offroad Cycling Association (www.worca.com) take place every Thursday during the bike season. For the uninitiated, a ‘Toonie’ is the nickname given to the Canadian $2 coin, which is the price of joining in. These cross-country races get up to 300 entrants and include riders of all ages and ability levels.
Eating and drinking...
… in Whistler after a good day of riding is best done at the Garibaldi Lift Co (GLC), where great drinks and pub fare can be had while also taking in its great view of the base of the Bike Park. Visitors can sample the local suds called Kokanee, or Black Tusk Ale, which is brewed by the aptly named Whistler Brewing Co. British Columbia is also known for some fine wines, which are available in nightclubs Maxx Fish, Buffalo Bills, Garfinkel's and Tommy Africa's. For those looking for a Red Bull and vodka, it might be a good idea to check out Schramm, an award-winning potato-based spirit brewed in nearby Pemberton, BC. And if you’re hungry, an artery-hardening treat called poutine, which is French fries topped with cheese curds and then covered in gravy, is a must.
If you don't want to be pegged as a tourist...
… Semenuk says the best thing is not to ask where to find ‘dual mountain’. “When purchasing a pass, it's called a ‘dual mountain pass’ because it works for both Whistler and Blackcomb,” he explains. Although, he adds quickly, being identified as an outsider isn’t the end of the world because “Whistler is a tourist town, so if you’re a tourist, you fit in.”
If things go wrong...
… having a trusty spot where you can find the right parts and expertise to fix crash damage and get you back onto the trails is key. That place, according to Semenuk, is the Evolution Bike shop. It's also a good idea to carry a mobile phone while riding just in case you get separated from your riding mates or if things go horribly wrong. Should you be injured in an accident or happen across an injured rider, the emergency patrol is a call away at +1 604 935 5555.
If you don't want to come to a grizzly end...
… it’s advisable to read up on bear etiquette at Bear Aware (www.bearaware.bc.ca), which has lots of great tips. Luckily, Canada’s more ferocious Grizzlies don’t happen to live in the Whistler area, which is populated by eight families of the more docile black bear variety. Semenuk has seen plenty of black bears on his travels through the mountain’s trails and has found all to be of agreeable temperament and “absolutely harmless”. While they are usually more afraid of humans than the other way around, sailing down a trail and coming face-to-face with one of Whistler’s 50 or so black bears may induce soiled underwear for the more faint of heart. So, for the safety of both two- and four-legged Whistler users, bikers are advised to keep their eyes and ears open, to simply continue on with their riding when bears are around and not to interfere with the animals in any way.
It's best to hang loose...
… when it comes to Whistler Bike Park fashion. For the more experienced riders, Semenuk thinks there’s not any special gear needed, but, for him, “a full face mask, jersey, riding shorts or pants, knee pads and gloves are the key items.” While there’s not an ‘in’ outfit, riders will stick out like a sore thumb if they show up wearing spandex shorts, as the baggy kind are de rigueur. In most cases, the gear simply defines the skill and experience of riders. Oh, if someone asks about your toque (pronounced ‘tooooook’), they’re talking about your knitted winter hat!
Watch highlights of great MTB action from Whistler below, or to watch the video in high definition, click here
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