The Untold Stories of Crankworx

Probably the most badass photo I have ever taken. Shirtless amongst drunk wildmen, perched carelessly on the edge of a booze covered muddy rock. Screaming at the chainsaw guy that he needs to have his picture taken with a legend. People I give you Steve Smith. Just wish we could see the moustache, then it would be the greatest cycling picture ever taken. Darn, maybe next year…

After hours of sweet pump track action. The checks have been handed out. All but a few have left. One small man sneaks his way in. Seb calls out to those lingering around to get off the track, Jackson needs to have a lap. Martin Soderstrom is watching this little ripper of our future tear around smooth as any pro rider twice his size. Soderstrom challenges him for a race. Probably the coolest moment most people never knew happened. Get well soon Martin. I need you in top shape for photos next year.

We all knew it was going to happen. It wasn’t a question of “if” but of “when”. I have no idea why I was in that spot. The angle was terrible for cool shots. Jebus must have drawn me to it. As a photographer I had to just keep pushing the button. Sorry I didn’t save you. But I’m happy you are ok. Aside from the mass embarrassment. “DON’T, FALL, OFF, THE ROCK. DON’T FALL OFF THE ROCK!!!!”. I’m making that sign for next year.

What can I say. He is steezy. Just look at that flip whip. It won him gold. Don’t be a hater. The badassatude of his run was off the sickterscale. Ya I made lots of those words up. I’m not a writer – just enjoy the picture.

Bernardo Cruz has the whip on lock down. Most of the time his back wheel is in front of him. Whenever I talk to him he never says much… could be that he speaks another language, or it could be that he lets his whips do all the talking.

After winning yet another race. Can’t even remember which one. He wins them all. I got to experience the passing of the Canadian racing torch from one legend to the next. Andrew Shandro congratulating Steve Smith on his umpteenth victory.

Cedric Gracia. Don’t call him old. Dude has style and can still work his ladies, I mean bikes. One word Steeezzzz.

Well this may not be the best photo ever. It still means something to some of us. Local rider Jesse Melamed went up against the big boys of Enduro and placed a solid 6th amongst the pros. At 21 years old, he is part of the future of Enduro. Now if only he would listen to me when I tell him that he will never win these races eating like he does. Trust me, you won’t always burn it off.

I’m not one for selfies. But when you are allowed to camp at the peak of Whistler to document the volunteers who have to be up at the crack of dawn to be ready for the Enduro racers. A picture of ones self editing into the wee hours of the night are ok in my books. Shooting for 48 hours straight with 2 hours sleep in the middle is tons of fun. Probably should have had more than two slices of pizza in that time. Easiest way to lose 10lbs in 10 days.

I don’t drink, nor do I usually have showers in beer. But this guy made it really enjoyable. In the crazy half naked sausagefest, this picture made me realize what Hecklers Rock is all about. A damn good time. Leave the winning time to Smith. Lets party. Crankworx was amazing. Just look – not a frown amongst them. See you next year…