Fall Lines - Tristan Merrick

The face behind the mic at the Crankworx world tour events and many more

I always have mixed feelings come the end of Crankworx Whistler. I am excited to be wrapping up announcing the biggest biking event on my calendar and to have survived another year. On the other hand, it can be extremely sad as all my friends fly back home to where they normally live which signals that summer is coming to an end. The peak craziness in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park has hit but with that my favourite time of year fast approaches.

Airing out on Ride Don't Slide

Some back story though as the past two years I almost managed to ruin it. Injuries are inevitable if you ride a bike and like to push your own personal limits. Last year it was a broken wrist two days before Crankworx and a cast for the next six weeks (I cut it off after four weeks though - don't tell the doctor). This year a massive crash the week after Crankworx lead to a muscle tear, a few hematoma's, and a leg that was left purple/yellow and with a mean limp.

#AllTimeFallTime right here

Fall riding is certainly my favourite. Why you ask? Well for one, the bike park mellows out. We start getting the odd rain storm and the trail crew has a bit of time on their hands to tackle the long list of jobs that grew over the summer. For me, my travel schedule with work is minimal so I get to ride my bike every day. And I finally am able to catch up with friends I haven't seen all summer. Linking up with good people and shredding tacky dirt is what it's all about. Trading stories from summer travels or just how sick that drift was on the last lap creates a good riding vibe that is a little different from full on summer.


Yes we get the odd rainy day but most of the time the weather is ideal for riding. Not too hot, not too cold. The cold nights mean that we reach the dew point putting down just the perfect amount of moisture in the dirt. The cold also pulls out any moisture allowing for maximum traction. Trail Crew gets to put back the braking bumps into storage for another year while finally being able to enjoying the fruits of their labour.


My favourite zone has to be Garbo. The leaves have changed, sometimes the Peak gets the odd dusting of fresh snow, and the air is crisp. As of recently though, I cannot get enough of an old classic that has had a face lift: Ride Don't Slide. Top of the World to RDS to BC's to Dusty's in Creekside has to be the best lap for me.

Fast laps on Dusty's DH

Fall time in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park is amazing for so many reasons. I look forward to it each year but it also means the season is coming to an end. With winter at our doorstep it's about making the most of our time right now because it won't last forever.

The man and his machine

Words by: Tristan Merrick, Whistler, BC resident, Crankworx and event announcer, and Whistler Mountain Bike Park Team Rider.

Photography by: Laurence Crossman-Emms @Laurence-CE

About FALL LINES
A rider driven story series shining light into their moments at the Whistler Mountain Bike Park. @WhistlerMountainBikePark