ADRENALINE: GOING DOWNHILL
GOING DOWNHILL
As the inescapable speed and subsequent wind against my face continues to increase, the internal dilemma grows stronger. Within my mind are two conflicting instincts: one aspect of my being is cautious, begging my hands to grab the brakes. The other side of my psyche tells me to relax the handles, trust the bike, and embrace the power of gravity in all its adrenaline-inducing glory.
This glory is easily accessible by chairlift in downhill mountain biking’s flagship park, the standard which sets the bar incredibly high, that is often imitated … but never duplicated. The venue’s unpretentious name is simple and to the point - Whistler Mountain Bike Park - but it “ain’t no walk in the park”, as the expression goes. Walking, though, is an inevitable component of downhill biking to those who wish to challenge themselves. Sure, there are easy green runs here that even young children or beginner adults can rip through with relative safety. Trails that are rated intermediate blue runs cause most firsttimers to dismount their bikes and cautiously walk around certain obstacles. Everyone does it sooner or later, and those who are cautious and know their limits will be the ones finishing the day intact. But don’t let the warnings scare you off. There is a reason that downhill mountain biking continues to grow worldwide: It’s incredibly fun!
The Whistler Mountain Bike Park is considered the world’s best bike park by most standards. Over 200 km of trails wind down the mountain, with easy cruisers for beginners to trails with massive jumps and rock faces that even make the pros think twice. Signature trails such as A-Line and Dirt Merchant have become ‘must-do’ bucket list trails for international riders making their global pilgrimage to this “Mountain Bike Mecca.”
Each year the trail crews are hard at work, continuing to push the envelope on what it means to be the world’s best bike park. This season the crews have added an extra rototilt machine, meaning the park will have more innovation and maintenance than ever. Last year saw the addition to the Top of the World trail - a nearly 5,000-foot vertical descent from the alpine tundra at Whistler
Mountain’s peak to the thick forest in the valley below. With just one season under its belt, the trail has already garnered a reputation for being one of the most scenic downhill trails in the world. The trail is rated ‘black diamond’ for advanced and expert riders only, with numerous long steep descents. Access is limited to 150 riders per day, should be pre-booked and requires an additional ‘peak ride’ ticket for an extra $17.
For 10 days every summer, the mountain bike world’s attention focuses on Whistler for Crankworx - arguably the most prestigious biking event on the planet, and the biggest for gravity mountain biking. Each day holds a full schedule of events, from the classic ‘Air Downhill’ race to the signature ‘Red Bull Joyride’ slopestyle contest that sees the world’s best freestyle riders performing jawdropping stunts at the base of the mountain in front of thousands of spectators. If you can’t be here check out the live webcast on crankworx.com.
Competition at the park is not limited to the 10 days of Crankworx. Every Wednesday throughout the summer you’ll find the Phat Wednesday series - a friendly local’s race that brings out the downhill community for some healthy competition, with a social shindig afterward. It’s a great way to meet new people who also love to rip down the hill, and everyone is welcome. Whether you are just starting out, or are one of the world’s best daredevils, you will find both intense challenge and grin-inducing fun at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Instruction and guiding is the package deals on women’s night and men’s night. Ladies can buy a package deal every Monday and Wednesday with rental, lift ticket, and lesson included in one price; for men, every Tuesday. Season passes for these nights are also available. For more information visit bike.whistlerblackcomb.com or call 604-967-8950.