Whistler Bike Park Updates - Crack Addict

Crack Addict is one of the longest standing trails in the Whistler Bike Park. Built in 1998 and originally called “POLP”, builder and former Bike Park trail boss Dave Kelly says, “it stood for People Of Lesser Pride because we lowered our seat posts at the top of steep trails such as 19th hole, etc. Traditionalists made fun of us that we had to lower our seats to ride the trails. We didn't care, it was way more fun to have a low seat.”

The view from the top. Choose your own line with this freshly rebuilt bridge feature

“Crack Addict was made because there weren’t any difficult options at that elevation. I cut some branches, nailed some bridges together and we started to ride it in” says Kelly. Not ashamed of its nontraditional DH style, Kelly and company rode the trail in secret for two years before someone noticed the entrance and it started to become popular. “I'm not quite sure who named it "Crack Addict" but one day around 2000 a small wooden hand painted sign showed up nailed to a tree.”

Old school remains but is now modernized

A decade and a half of time and traffic took its toll on the wooden structures rendering them virtually unrideable by 2013 and many of the stunts were closed. In 2015 it was decided a refresh was needed on this Bike Park classic but the flavor of the trail needed to be preserved. Bike Park carpenter John Blair took up the challenge and has done an amazing job of keeping the original vibe intact while bringing the stunts to a modern build spec. The line still has multiple options and all of the original commitment, but flows like it did when Kelly cut the first incarnation over fifteen years ago.

Crack Addict is now open for advanced riders wanting a blast from the past.

The stump bridge back in action

FALL SEASON PASS - NOW ON SALE
Looking to ride the Park this fall? The unlimited Fall Season Pass is now available. Ride every day with no restrictions from September 1 - October 12 for only $255. That is a total of 42 days of riding.

Already have a 10 Day, 5 Day, Twilight, or Top of the World pass? You can add the unlimited Fall Season Pass for only $199.

Full details and to purchase here.

EXTENDED PLAY ENDS SEPTEMBER 7
The last day to ride past 5pm this season is Monday September 7. Starting September 8, the Bike Park continues to be open daily but from 10am - 5pm. Garbanzo Express will start to operate only on weekends until the end of the season but access to the Garbo Zone will be via the Whistler Village Gondola Monday to Friday.

See full operating times here.

These riders are stoked! Who is joining them?



Photos by: Logan Swayze / Coast Mountain Photography
Words by: Brian Finestone / Whistler Mountain Bike Park Manager / @WhistlerMountainBikePark