Video: Stories from the Builders of 3 of Whistler's Iconic Trails

Jul 19, 2018
by Freehub Magazine  


Stories from the Dirt // The Legendary Trails of Whistler, BC


Every trail has a story—be it behind the name, behind the location or behind the builder. In Whistler, British Columbia, arguably the Mecca of mountain biking, the number (and quality) of trails is astounding. And, of course, each one has it's own unique story of creation. Three Whistler classics—River Runs Through It, Dirt Merchant and Rockwork Orange—each have their own style and saga.

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34 Comments
  • 24 0
 If another video was made it would be cool to hear more detail about the 'preferred paths'. Explore the thought process of why particular unique/special lines were chosen, challenges involved in building them, stuff like that. Food for thought.
  • 6 0
 great video...to start! just left me wanting more information!
  • 3 23
flag jasperwesselman (Jul 19, 2018 at 8:45) (Below Threshold)
 @laxguy: Freehub is just a glorified platform to sell shit. Not necessarily storytelling. They wanted you to buy the Whistler trip and find the info yourself after they tease you.
  • 3 0
 Its all about slope baby, the land chooses your line in a way
  • 4 0
 The interviews were much deeper than what made the cut and I think they'll make that content available eventually. here's a sample: A tree fell on me while building Rockwork orange...
  • 12 0
 Great piece of work, would love to see more of these
  • 9 3
 Awesome. I want to see the builders ride the trails though, not some random pro riders who have nothing to do with it. Nobody has lines like the one who built the trail!
  • 9 0
 funny you mention that! That was the original plan... I was so stoked! but Dan Swanstrom doesn't ride anymore and Tom Pro was away when the film crew came to Whistler
  • 7 0
 @snowdan: I just got back to Whistler but had no time to ride as I was leaving again next day, but I do ride DM, although not nearly as well as Dylan. He nails it. It would be painful to watch me ride.
  • 5 0
 I get to work with Dan S. on some trail related stuff occasionally, what a legend and resource of knowledge! and @snowdan and @TomPro you guys kick ass too! love your work!
  • 2 0
 @TomPro: @snowdan Thanks for being part of this project and a bigger thanks for your hard working making Whistler the biking mecca it is!
  • 6 0
 Great video! Rockwork Orange looks amazing.
  • 4 0
 I am very impress how all this guys are working to create a peaces of art to enjoy them for everyone Thanks !!!!
  • 5 0
 more please!
  • 2 0
 Take notes aus... we are seriously behind. Example thredbo and whistler started the same year. Whistler has what 200 trails? Thredbo has 3 lines. We need to step up our game.
  • 1 0
 Thank NPWS...
  • 1 0
 @captyvatemedia: we got greenvalleys bike park tho and thats epic!!
  • 1 0
 @andydhteam: I've you've ridden anywhere outside of Australia you'd know that GV doesn't even compare
  • 1 0
 @captyvatemedia: i havnt yet and yeh i know there is epic places out there but for me im happy with that place being my local..
  • 3 0
 Yea Dan!! The master pathfinder crushing it as usual!
  • 2 0
 Great to hear the background stories behind these awesome trails I need to give Rockwork Orange a go it looks super fun
  • 4 0
 Follow it with Wizard Burial Ground from Korova Milk Bar! Another westside love/hate jank-fest classic...
  • 7 0
 @geephlow: I built all three at the same time. To me it's one trail.
  • 2 0
 @snowdan: That's some of my favorite valley goods -- anytime you're down in Seattle, beers are on me, buddy!
  • 3 0
 thank you for your work on the trails! you guys rule!
  • 1 0
 I'm sorry " the genky north shore trails are on there way out"............. That's a hard NO
  • 2 0
 Whats the 411 with the new trail coming off of Dirt Merchant?
  • 8 0
 A number of years ago, we finished the mistake and made the proper entrance for dirt merchant. At that time, we really wanted to keep going jazzing up the lower portion but other commitments meant that project would have to wait.
This year, we got the go ahead. The trail to your right will effectively become dirt merchant. The old line will be transformed into a new version of what it originally was, "rippin' route ruttabaga". If you've been around during crankworx, this is the old trail you get routed onto to bypass the garbo DH.
  • 2 0
 Loved this......and a HUGE hearty THANK YOU! to the builders!
  • 1 0
 Super interesting. 5:45 that flew like it was nothing. More of this, please!
  • 2 0
 Love it!
  • 1 0
 More info on the build process please.
  • 1 0
 They have a lot of footage...
  • 1 0
 Bravo!







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