Whistler Report #3

I think I might call this edition the Paul Stevens special. Paul’s a really good friend of mine who absolutely shreds on a bike; XC, DH, or otherwise. In honour of the newly opened Giant Slalom track in the Boneyard, Paul wanted to smash up the last couple of hips, so the pictures today will be of just that! Paul’s a laid back, quiet guy who lets his riding speak for itself. While always a threat at the Phat/PhaSt Wednesday series, Paul also took a 5^th place in last fall’s Red Bull Exodus race from Whistler Peak, on a 6” travel all-mountain rig no less. Paul rides for Cove Bikes and Dincus, and wrenches bikes out of Spicy Sports…thanks for keeping my bikes running smooth buddy!

   Big machines pushed dirt around into sweet features, Paul pushes his bike around.

The long weekend proved to be a stark contrast from the previous weekend. Overcast and rainy replaced hot and sunny, and although the weather may have left much to be desired, the resulting shorter lift lines and tacky trails more than made up for it – in my opinion anyway! As previously mentioned, the new Giant Slalom course also opened on Monday much to the delight of what appeared to be many happy riders. As Stacy Kohut said in the lift line yesterday morning “It’s like 2004 all over again.” What we have folks is a classic high speed, big berm, big tabletop jump course, and it’s a whole lot of fun! While it may lack in the tight technical nature of the past few years, many people I’m talking to are loving it, myself included. Insider park tip, the fade away on Lower Whistler Downhill has been buffed out and is now prime for sending it!

  I’m a sucker for sweet table tops, Paul obliges.

The Bike Park hosted the Crud to Mud on the weekend. Lots of folks jumped at the chance to participate in this resurrected classic, and judging from the laughs and smiling faces, most people had a really fun time. There were lots of categories and winners so I will direct you to the results here. As this is the Paul Stevens special, I will make point to note that Paul and his ski partner, Tobias Pantling, took the victory in the mens ski category. Tobi in full ski tuck blasted down crabapple to the transition and tagged off to Paul who absolutely stormed out the transition on his all-mountain bike. Way to go boys! Thanks to Seb Fremont and his hard working crew of staff and Volunteers who all put on a great event.

This weekend is the Fluidride Cup here in the Park. Seeing as it’s a U.S. long weekend, along with a race taking place, people should expect it to be a bit busier and there will be closures associated with the race at certain times. Even if you aren’t racing this weekend, take a minute to check out this page to see what the courses are, and when practice times are, so you can avoid any potential frustration by picking the right times to ride. The courses will be open to the general public outside of the scheduled practice and race times. All race info and registration links can be found on the Whistler Bikepark event page, here. So come out and race, or even just cheer the racers on along the way. Should be a great event!

  Whippy, hippy goodness at the end of the new Giant Slalom Course.

The NIMBYFIFTY guys have added 50 spots to the roster for Saturday’s inaugural race up in Pemberton, that’s as of Tuesday May 25. Also announced, current World Cup overall leader Catherine Pendrel will be lining up to challenge this tough course. With this week’s overcast and wetter weather, the course should be in pretty good shape. Sure beats racing in 35 degree heat!

A big thanks goes out to all the volunteers who came out to WORCA’s first official trail day and helped reconnect the northern part of Cut Yer Bars down to Nester’s Road. Thanks also to Bear Back Biking for sponsoring the day, we appreciate the support from our local businesses. Jerome has another trail day scheduled for June 5, so again keep your eye on the WORCA website for more info.

Well the season is pretty much kicking into overdrive at this point. The Pemberton Valley Trails Association is on the toonie race program hosting an event every other Tuesday evening, the fine folks at the Bike Co. keep us apprised of all the happens up that way, so keep an eye out on their website. The PVTA (Pemberton Valley Trail Association) is also hosting a fundraiser on June 11 at 8pm, at the new community centre. They need to raise some money to be used as matching funds to gain access to further monies and carry on the dream of the Owl/Chain Lakes connection. Trails don’t build themselves, so help support them if you can.

  This is a sneak peak at a project of Paul’s. Keep your eyes peeled for the goods coming soon!

A quick Whistler trail update before I sign off, weekend reports have the top of Comfortably Numb as still being snowbound; friends of friends spent four hours walking up, and then down, through snow after an attempt on Gargamel; most of the trails off the south flank above Stonebridge are fully clear with just a few snow patches on the flank trail itself.

I hope that you can fit in a ride this weekend, take time to stop and smell the forest, its full of life right now! Until  next time…

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Anything to add to this?  Heading to slay the park this weekend?  Racing Fluidride?  Spill here…