There is nothing more exciting in this world than making your dreams come true. First - you think about it constantly, next - you timidly start to realize that it`s possible, finally - you do it.
Whistler. Riding in this place has been our goal since the beginning of our bike adventure. I bet that every rider would love to visit those trails, ride in astonishing Canadian forests and feel the atmosphere of Crankworx. We managed to live it through. Let me tell you how it was.
The JourneyA trip to Canada with your own bike may be called a logistical challenge. The bike, spare parts, riding clothes and everyday ones, cameras and plenty of other stuff you need to pack in three suitcases. It`s not easy. Especially when a lady in the information office gives you the wrong weight limits. It`s even harder then. Luckily, we passed the `Argus` at the gate and flew away.
Greenland from a bird`s-eye view. I`ve never wished to see this place. Such a lovely surprise.
Tired after the 10-hour flight, we hit the road. However, the next two hours in the car weren`t that exhausting. I will definitely remember the BC-99 road as one of my favourites.
The freedom and joy given by a rented car is priceless. You've got the time to enjoy the views and listen to your favourite music played by great Canadian radio channels. Vancouver Rock 101 does the trick!
High mountains emerging straight up from the bays, the smell of the sea in the air and sunset. Pure magic. We're in Canada.
NatureThe most famous mountain in BC – Black Tusk. Majestic and one of a kind, it looks even more outstanding when seen with your own eyes.
British Columbia is a place created for people who love spending their time actively. Bikes, canoes, ski resorts, sailing boats, climbing, mountain escapades, golf. Whatever comes to your head, you can find it here. There is no exaggeration that it is in face one of the most magical places to practice sport. In the distance of 100 km, there are sections where you can ride your bike in winter (North Vancouver) and the best winter freeride spots in the world - Whistler Mountain Bike Park. Could this be Paradise?
Bears in Whistler are the showcase of this resort. The animals are not afraid of people and not only walk around the bike park but you can also find them in the suburbs of the city. One fellow told me a story in which a rider jumped over the bear crossing the track. I don`t find it extraordinary. They are everywhere!
RidingDownhilling like a boss.
It`s hard to describe our delight riding the Whistler tracks. They were exactly how we imagined or even better. Just perfect. Prepared, sculpted, perfectly shaped, technical or flowing and various difficulty levels.
Tracks in the bike park are marked in two ways. First one is the difficulty level, here we have, starting from the easiest: green, blue, black diamond, double black diamond and pro tracks. The second mark describes the characteristic of the track. There are two marks F and T. T stands for technical, often narrow and steep. For comparison, typical polish downhill tracks, in Whistler would be marked as blue T. Tracks with letter F are those of which the bike park is famous for. Flowing, very wide and perfectly profiled tracks designed to give riders maximum fun. You won`t find such tracks anywhere else in the world. A-line and Dirt Merchant in a league of their own.
There are more than 300 tracks in Whistler, 65 of which are located in the bike park. We managed to ride on about 60% of them. This mountain is a model of how bike parks should be built in other parts of the world.
There are 3 tracks in the bike park marked as 'proline' . One of them is the famous 'Crabapple Hits', which are five jumps in order of a length from 10m to 18m (the last one). In the picture we see Marcel – a friend from Switzerland with whom, we spent 5 really amazing riding days.
You never ride alone in the bike park. There is always somebody who will willingly ride a few laps with you, share the impressions, show their lines or help with parts you have problem with. No matter if they are from Japan, USA, Mexico, Switzerland or New Zeland. You will definitely find common ground. You share the language – bike. There is no problem with riding with pro bikers you know from movies, all you need to do is ask. Unforgettable memories guaranteed. Their riding skills get beyond my understanding of reality – `but how? It's impossible - what?` Bikers we had pleasure to ride with include Brendog, Nico Vink, Dan Atherton, Kurt Sorge, Aaron Gwin and others.
We had wonderful weather almost all the time. There was a small amount of rain one day, which turned out to be a blessing. That day we decided to go to the second, higher part of the mountain called Garbanzo Zone to ride in the mist. Amazing moments.
Every rider will find his favourite track in Whistler. Nikifor spent most of his time riding on Dirt Merchant and A-line. Polok also had great fun riding those tracks, but from time to time, he liked to hit some technical double black diamond like Schleyer.
The golden hours in the evening were perfect to take some photos and ride without crowds on tracks or queues near the lift. We often mixed these two options.
We can undoubtedly say that we`ve spent the most wonderful bike-days in our life in Whistler. Riding Dirt Merchant in a train with friends in dust at sunset – that`s how I will remember riding in Canada.
ChilloutStarlit sky above Whistler.
Whistler is not only bike park. It's an Olympic town and resort, full of life. Bars, clubs, concerts – the best way to relax after the whole day of riding. If it's about food, we can recommend burgers at El Furniture Warehouse and Fat Tony`s pizza. Bike classics, the starving stomachs of riders all over the world can`t be wrong.
You may also lay down and sunbathe near one of the crystal-clear lakes. I think that was our favourite way to relax after another tiring riding day. However, not only ours. At the lake, you could meet many guys who were riding in the bike park with us, pro-riders, as well as regular people, not connected with the bike. Everybody was friendly and willing to talk.
Our apartment.
From time to time, you just want to stay in your apartment, prepare a delicious dinner and drink a cold beer.
CrankworxThere is no bike event that could compete with Crankworx. All adjectives I can think of to describe it, are superlatives. I`m so glad that I could feel the atmosphere of Hecklers Rock and be part of the total madness that was happening there.
Waiting in queue next to competitors and freeriders, talking with them, finally watching contests like Whip Off or Red Bull Joy Ride. All of that gave us plenty of joy. It`s such a wonderful feeling to be in the center of the event, walk around with a MEDIA badge around your neck and camera in the hand. Not only to watch the report on pinkbike.
Guess who that is.
Travis Pastrana and his friends from Nitro Circus know how to have fun during the Whip Off.
Andreu and his special trick.
The AccidentUnfortunately our visit didn't end well. In the last day, the attempt to jump the legendary Crabapple Hits resulted in a terrible crash for one of us. As a consequence, Nikifor broke three cervical vertebras. Because of that, his visit in Canada was lengthened by four more weeks. Luckily he is back in Poland, working hard rehabilitating and getting back to health.
Nikifor made this movie during breaks between rehabilitation, using only his thumbs because of hand paralysis. He's had an opportunity to recall all amazing moments he spent in Whistler and thanks to that he has even bigger motivation to practice and get back on the bike.
Nikifor, we all wish you a quick recovery and hope to see you on the bike soon!
Thanks for our sponsors!
www.26bikes.comwww.rowerowy.comwww.grawitacyjny.plwww.hadronsport.comwww.bicyklon.plBFG Suspension
Foog Wear
Maxxis Polska
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Mentions:
@Maxxis
The Video was really awesome to watch! And you guys wrote an article that sums up perfectly what an epic experience Whistler is. I really enjoyed the time we had together there I hope to see you guys as soon as possible again.
The writer missed we also have world whitewater here. Some of the most amazing paddling anywhere..
also roller blading, surfing and on and on.
"British Columbia is a place created for people who love spending their time actively. Bikes, canoes, ski resorts, sailing boats, climbing, mountain escapades, golf. Could this be Paradise? " YUP
Yup rollerbblading there is 17km of seawall around stanley park, its scenic and a great work out..
Better Dead than Red!
Get well soon!
You awkwardly try and hit that little X up there as fast as you can
and the window just WILL NOT CLOSE.
Also, one time I was way out in the woods and I saw a holy man riding a bike.
I asked "Why are you riding that bike?"
He said "The devil made me do it."