Whistler

[Squirrel Girl]

This summer the National Speleological Society is having it's annual convention in Bellingham, Washington. I've been undecided whether to go or not. Then, I got invited to go backpacking in the Cascades in conjuction with convention. I started to lean toward going. I *just* looked at the atlas for that part of the world. A few years ago I went to a conference in Vancouver and, a few years before I took up mountain biking, I went for a hike to Mt Garibaldi. It was a 17 mile round trip, that I bailed on without summiting because of white out conditions at the top, and my footie prints were drifting shut (solo, Mike).

Now I see that I was 20 miles from WHISTLER! Geez! So now I'm wondering if I head to the Pacific NW this August, should I go to Whistler? I'm a crappy mtber. My technique sucks. Are there enough rides out there for wimps like me to do that would make it worth heading over there? I think I heard there were. Dan???

I still have to figure out the logistics of a bike. I either ship mine, buy that Bilenky, or rent one.

Oops - I accidently posted this in the wrong forum! I meant this to go into the pit! Maybe some nice moderator will move it for me.

[themonkeyman]

Although Whistler is renound for big gaps, berms and jumps, they have a ton of backcountry trails. I think you'd have plenty to ride, whether on Whistler Mtn, or just around town. I'd defintely go if you can, everyone says that that entire region of the world has incredible riding, of all levels.

--Graham

[DamienC]

Everyone should go to Whistler. The beauty about Whistler is they have trails suited to every level of rider. They've even opened the Blackcomb side of the mountain with trails specifically targeted to introduce new riders to gravity, lift-accessed riding. All of the green and blue rated trails are accessible to a wide range of riders yet still very fun. The opportunities they present to riders to progress and build their skills are plentiful.

For example, they have skills areas in many pockets of the bike park that let you progress through varying levels of features...
http://damien.chooah.com/pics/sarah_droppark_2.jpg

http://damien.chooah.com/pics/20040716_kirstin_skillspark.jpg

In addition to the trails in the bike park, the valley is strewn with a whole network of fabulous trails. One in particular that should be of local interest is River Runs Through It because it is the perfect model for how to incorporate TTFs on a relatively flat or undulating trail. You'll find yourself totally immersed in the sport. It's not uncommon to see entire families with DH bikes and body armour.

In a single day of riding there, we're logging over 20,000 ft. of vertical descent, lapping out runs from Garbanzo down to the village. Each run is about 4800 ft. of vert - that's more than triple the vert on the Western side of Snowshoe - and takes at least 30 minutes to descend if you're pinning it. In one run you can connect trails to ride everything from old school, technical DH (No Joke, Original Sin, In Deep), to big jumps (Freight Train, A-line, Dirt Merchant), to Northshore-inspired "TTFs", or stunts as they call them out there eh ;) . Also, this summer, starting June 17, they're open from 10am-8pm every day. EVERY DAY :eek: :D. I can't wait to get back there.

Spend one week riding at Whistler and you'll come back a better rider for sure.

Photos from previous trips:
Whistler 2003 (http://damien.chooah.com/whistler_pg.html)
Whistler 2004 (http://damien.chooah.com/whistler04_pg.html)
Whistler 2005 (http://damien.chooah.com/whistler05_pg.html)

http://damien.chooah.com/pics/bikepark_pano_2005_thmb.jpg (http://damien.chooah.com/pics/bikepark_pano_2005_sm.jpg)

[Vecsus]

I really wish I had the marbles to try some drops like that. The biggest drops I feel comfortable with are 2-footers. I even thing I have a bike that would take a moderate amount of abuse if I were manly enough to try. (iron horse hollowpoint with an AM1 on the front)

[DamienC]

BTW, the rider in the first picture is Sarah B who now lives in Santa Cruz, CA. She killed it at Whistler on her Hardtail.

Also, all the drops at Whistler have pretty good transitions which make them easier on both bike and body.