Whistler MTB Guides/Clinics/Suggestions for a first timer

**Platinum Pete** · 08-05-2009, 01:13 PM

My girlfriend's parent gave us a week at Whistler - next week - so I'm headed up for my first summer trip to the resort and cycling mecca (during Crankworx no less!). I am stoked, but I am also concerned that I am too out of shape and sub-gnar for the place. I ride 1-2x/week on hilly/rolly XC single track of moderate steepness with climbs of less than 200m of gain. I should've gone out to the real mountains to train for this trip, but the summer has been nutz.

- Given the above, where should I point my Santa Cruz Blur towards? Trail recs, guide books to consult, group rides to get in on?

- Any suggestions for how to score discounted lift tix or places for good hitchable shuttles?

- I am very interested in improving my riding skills and seeing cool stuff - are there any clinics or guide services you'd recommend?

- Since I'm going to be in one of the raddest riding zones in the world, I may as well try renting a much longer travel bike for a half day and doing some more extreme-o riding. Who should I rent from and what should I do to enjoy that kind of riding without killing myself?

My girlfriend is not a mountain biker, I'm trying to get her stoked and offered to rent her a rad bike for a day of riding - where would you suggest I take her for a way mellow ride that would inspire some confidence and get her stoked on the fun/access/beauty/rhythm of mountain biking?

Since she's not much of a rider, we'll be doing a lot of hikes, trail runs, swimming in lakes, and hot tub realxing. This will limit my ride time to 1 or 2 full days plus some morning or afternoon quickies - reccos for short time frames near the village?

I've done some research here and on the interwebs - it sounds like the whistler guide book reviewed here: http://reviews.mtbr.com/blog/whistle...-guide-review/ is not very useful - agree or disagree? I found the WORCA Tuesday XC clinic here: http://www.worca.com/?page_id=104 - can anyone comment on that? Looks like I need to become a member to ride with them - any way around that?

Thanks in advance for any advice and I hope to come back with some decent TR action in a couple weeks.

**Blinkyjoe** · 08-05-2009, 02:03 PM

Better check on the forest fire status. Just sayin'.......

**LeeLau** · 08-05-2009, 02:06 PM

"I've done some research here and on the interwebs - it sounds like the whistler guide book reviewed here: http://reviews.mtbr.com/blog/whistle...-guide-review/ is not very useful - agree or disagree?"

Why would you say that? Did we write that review that poorly that you drew the complete opposite conclusion from that?

Become a WORCA member cheap ass and all will be good

Originally Posted by Platinum Pete

My girlfriend's parent gave us a week at Whistler - next week - so I'm headed up for my first summer trip to the resort and cycling mecca (during Crankworx no less!). I am stoked, but I am also concerned that I am too out of shape and sub-gnar for the place. I ride 1-2x/week on hilly/rolly XC single track of moderate steepness with climbs of less than 200m of gain. I should've gone out to the real mountains to train for this trip, but the summer has been nutz.

- Given the above, where should I point my Santa Cruz Blur towards? Trail recs, guide books to consult, group rides to get in on?

- Any suggestions for how to score discounted lift tix or places for good hitchable shuttles?

- I am very interested in improving my riding skills and seeing cool stuff - are there any clinics or guide services you'd recommend?

- Since I'm going to be in one of the raddest riding zones in the world, I may as well try renting a much longer travel bike for a half day and doing some more extreme-o riding. Who should I rent from and what should I do to enjoy that kind of riding without killing myself?

My girlfriend is not a mountain biker, I'm trying to get her stoked and offered to rent her a rad bike for a day of riding - where would you suggest I take her for a way mellow ride that would inspire some confidence and get her stoked on the fun/access/beauty/rhythm of mountain biking?

Since she's not much of a rider, we'll be doing a lot of hikes, trail runs, swimming in lakes, and hot tub realxing. This will limit my ride time to 1 or 2 full days plus some morning or afternoon quickies - reccos for short time frames near the village?

I've done some research here and on the interwebs - it sounds like the whistler guide book reviewed here: http://reviews.mtbr.com/blog/whistle...-guide-review/ is not very useful - agree or disagree? I found the WORCA Tuesday XC clinic here: http://www.worca.com/?page_id=104 - can anyone comment on that? Looks like I need to become a member to ride with them - any way around that?

Thanks in advance for any advice and I hope to come back with some decent TR action in a couple weeks.

**shirk** · 08-05-2009, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by LeeLau

"I've done some research here and on the interwebs - it sounds like the whistler guide book reviewed here: http://reviews.mtbr.com/blog/whistle...-guide-review/ is not very useful - agree or disagree?"

Why would you say that? Did we write that review that poorly that you drew the complete opposite conclusion from that?

Become a WORCA member cheap ass and all will be good

Actually Lee I went back and read the review, the way I read it is that you don't need the book if you employ enough google and forum time or just want to ride the park. I agree with the park bit, but not everyone wants to spend hours on google and forums to find the nuggets.

The cheap ass comment is a low blow.

LittleYellowFriend · 08-05-2009, 02:55 PM

There are epic trails, but if you want to see the best stuff you've got to go to the bike park. good luck renting a bike during crankworkx though. Not saying its not possible but you better reserve one ASAP. The the mountain has some very good instructors and you can sign up for lessons at where you purchase tickets. Having a lesson (or two or three) is highly recommended especially if you are noob (like it sounds like you are), or else you will be pretty much wasting your time (and the peoples behind you)

**LeeLau** · 08-05-2009, 03:05 PM

I see what you're saying shirk. If plat pete wants to do the research then there's a ton of answers already out there. He should search MTBR and google. Otherwise he should buy a book. or maybe you'd be kind enough to do the search for him.

As for cheap ass - yup that was undeserved. I didn't realize it was 40 bux for the WORCA membership - probably insurance. he should ask worca that directly.

As for LYF comments about best trails. That's totally subjective.

**Platinum Pete** · 08-05-2009, 03:08 PM

Originally Posted by LeeLau

"I've done some research here and on the interwebs - it sounds like the whistler guide book reviewed here: http://reviews.mtbr.com/blog/whistle...-guide-review/ is not very useful - agree or disagree?"

Why would you say that? Did we write that review that poorly that you drew the complete opposite conclusion from that?

Become a WORCA member cheap ass and all will be good

Lee - per the write up of the review: it sounds like there is plenty of easily accessible info from other sources so that a guy whose gonna ride just a few days doesn't need a whole book full of info (surely a different story if I was there for more riding time). I asked the question because I was hoping you or someone else would make sure I was on the right track with that assumption.
As for the WORCA membership - I belong to my local trail advocacy and cycling advocacy associations, if there were some reciprocity available I'd make sure to bring my membership cards. Since I don't live in the area that WORCA works on, I am not sure a membership is a good value - they were formed to maintain access in Garibaldi if I read right, this sounds like a good cause but not really my cause. I'll pay extra to participate in the clinic and I'd even throw in for a membership if need be, but you'd have to try pretty hard to not see why I'd like to avoid joining a club just to go on an afternoon ride.

**LeeLau** · 08-05-2009, 03:14 PM

Originally Posted by Platinum Pete

My girlfriend's parent gave us a week at Whistler - next week - so I'm headed up for my first summer trip to the resort and cycling mecca (during Crankworx no less!). I am stoked, but I am also concerned that I am too out of shape and sub-gnar for the place. I ride 1-2x/week on hilly/rolly XC single track of moderate steepness with climbs of less than 200m of gain. I should've gone out to the real mountains to train for this trip, but the summer has been nutz.

- Given the above, where should I point my Santa Cruz Blur towards? Trail recs, guide books to consult, group rides to get in on?

SC Blur is a fine bike but don't kill it in the park. You can rent a big bike without problem. When are you going up? I can lend a big bike you can use Mon - Weds but please don't kill the bike. It's a Norco A-line.

No offence but your OR trails are paved sidewalks. Consider easing into Whistler trails. Do the green trails first then the blue trails later. Save the black trails for next day.

- Any suggestions for how to score discounted lift tix or places for good hitchable shuttles?

You're on your own there. No shuttling in the Whistler valley trails

- I am very interested in improving my riding skills and seeing cool stuff - are there any clinics or guide services you'd recommend?

Take the Whistler ride clinics offered by the bike park. Ask for Mike Johnstone. Get some armour.

- Since I'm going to be in one of the raddest riding zones in the world, I may as well try renting a much longer travel bike for a half day and doing some more extreme-o riding. Who should I rent from and what should I do to enjoy that kind of riding without killing myself?

See above offer

My girlfriend is not a mountain biker, I'm trying to get her stoked and offered to rent her a rad bike for a day of riding - where would you suggest I take her for a way mellow ride that would inspire some confidence and get her stoked on the fun/access/beauty/rhythm of mountain biking?

Lost Lake trails. Close to a nice lake, alpine views, can rent bikes there. Close to beer

Since she's not much of a rider, we'll be doing a lot of hikes, trail runs, swimming in lakes, and hot tub realxing. This will limit my ride time to 1 or 2 full days plus some morning or afternoon quickies - reccos for short time frames near the village?

Lost Lake trails. Cut Yer Bars network.

I've done some research here and on the interwebs - it sounds like the whistler guide book reviewed here: http://reviews.mtbr.com/blog/whistle...-guide-review/ is not very useful - agree or disagree? I found the WORCA Tuesday XC clinic here: http://www.worca.com/?page_id=104 - can anyone comment on that? Looks like I need to become a member to ride with them - any way around that?

Thanks in advance for any advice and I hope to come back with some decent TR action in a couple weeks.

Replies in bold

LittleYellowFriend · 08-05-2009, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by LeeLau

As for LYF comments about best trails. That's totally subjective.

Your right, it is subjective, but Pete expressed an interest in improving his skills, and the bike park with an instructor is, by far, BY FAR, the best place to do that. And a half day probably won't cut it either. Just sayin'

**couloir** · 08-05-2009, 03:16 PM

my buddy has a sweet googlemaps powered website you might want to check out too:
www.whistlerhikeandbike.com
he's gps'ed most of the local xc trails, more than the local whistler trail map and hes got change in elevation graphs for most of em too...
take your gf to the lost lake trail network... fun relatively easy single track trails... good intro to riding in whistler type trails, if she doesnt like them theres tons of double track trails in there that are nice fun rides too...
my favorite xc trail at the moment has to be danimal... easy to get to, and super fun and flowy with lots of built up features and its in awesome shape

**LeeLau** · 08-05-2009, 03:22 PM

and i should have made it more clear. If you have time to search MTBR or google and find trails then don't buy the guidebook. Otherwise, buy the guidebook

**LeeLau** · 08-05-2009, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by LittleYellowFriend

Your right, it is subjective, but Pete expressed an interest in improving his skills, and the bike park with an instructor is, by far, BY FAR, the best place to do that. And a half day probably won't cut it either. Just sayin'

Totally agree

**Platinum Pete** · 08-05-2009, 03:39 PM

Originally Posted by LeeLau

and i should have made it more clear. If you have time to search MTBR or google and find trails then don't buy the guidebook. Otherwise, buy the guidebook

I was hoping to be told one way or the other, and aside from couloir's buddy's site I do not have the time to dig through MTBr and google to find where to go. Thanks for a clear a definitive recommendation. Also, huge thanks for the other advice and recommendations. Your offer to loan me a bike is beyond generous, but I think you're right about the oregontrails vs. Whistler trails and I wouldn't want to screw up your ride. It seems like you were grumpy or sarcastic in your first response - I'm that way most of the time, but you seem not to post in such a mood too often so it kinda threw me off. I know you're a good dude. Thanks again.
Thanks to everyone else for their thoughts and recommendations, too. I would like to avoid situations where armor is necessary, so I'll probably just stick with my Blur and ride a bunch of trails that are a step up from my usual.

LittleYellowFriend · 08-05-2009, 03:58 PM

Originally Posted by Platinum Pete

I would like to avoid situations where armor is necessary...

He's not wearing any armour-

Hehe... sorry I couldn't resist.

Have fun.

**uncle crud** · 08-05-2009, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by Platinum Pete

It seems like you were grumpy or sarcastic in your first response - I'm that way most of the time, but you seem not to post in such a mood too often so it kinda threw me off.

He had to spend a whole day with me 1 week ago, the surliness probably rubbed off on him.

Don't be a hater!

**LeeLau** · 08-05-2009, 04:33 PM

well UC probably did rub off on me. ALso this question gets asked on mtb boards as much as What are the best phat skis?

**couloir** · 08-05-2009, 07:58 PM

Originally Posted by LittleYellowFriend

He's not wearing any armour-

actually he has knee pads on...

**The Reverend Floater** · 08-05-2009, 08:47 PM

Just my $.02, Pete: Living at altitude and being from Portland, I wouldn't recommend trying to "catch up" with your fitness during what could be an otherwise epic week. I've seen too many friends come out here and get WORKED just trying to catch up, and it's not always *fun* for them. I'd spend the time doing shuttles/lift served and improving your technical/gnar riding in one of the best places on earth to do just that--you'll have a blast and you'll still get a great work out but won't be frustrated while doing it. A few mellowish XC rides wouldn't be bad, of course, but if you're going to plan on one or the other, I'd steer you towards the fun side. Again, just my $.02.

LittleYellowFriend · 08-05-2009, 10:06 PM

Originally Posted by couloir

actually he has knee pads on...

You are a sharp one!

**DirkaDirkaJack** · 08-05-2009, 10:17 PM

pm'ed you, but just to add to the thread: i would really stick to the bike park. sure there is killer stuff outside the bike park, but the bike park will blow your freakin' mind, and you will definitely get the most vert in there.

you don't need pads for the bike park, your fine without them, nothing is super gnarly mandatory. i would however pay attention to the trails "ratings", green blue, black, etc. Not making any assumptions about you personally, but they type of person who is all like "i rip, lets start off first time ever in the bike park with a double black" is going to be in way over their head.

**GoNads** · 08-06-2009, 11:45 PM

If your girlfriend is not a biker and you want to get her stoked on it, monday and wednesday nights they have woman's night for ladies of ALL ability levels, from "Never ridden in the park before" to "Just wanting to push limits with other rippin chicks down garbo" It's a pretty good deal, I think 69$ CND includes your bike rental, your lift pass, and your guide for the evening from 5-8pm. Includes 1 free beer at GLC and draw prizes as well. You may want to register in advance as well, PNW-skier's GF Anna did this Wednesday night and there were over 90 ladies in attendance. It's a pretty fun low pressure environment to learn in.

As for rentals for yourself, check out Fanatyko or Summit. They have better, and more maintained/less ridden bikes than WB. Plus I've always found kona's to ride awkward, personal opinion. I just sold my stinky.

LittleYellowFriend · 08-07-2009, 01:01 AM

Originally Posted by DirkaDirkaJack

pm'ed you, but just to add to the thread: i would really stick to the bike park.

The more I think of it the more I agree with this sentiment. If you were to go to Whistler for a week and NOT spend a majority of your time in the bike park, you'de be depriving yourself of a real opportunity to improve your skills in a major way, of being humbled, and of opening your eyes to a whole new way of riding and looking at the sport.

Not to say you wouldn't have fun doing other things but a week isn't nearly enough time to explore all of what the park has to offer in itself.

Would you go to Whistler in the winter and just go cross-country skiing? Not to say that there isn't good cross country skiing, but seriously?

**muted** · 08-07-2009, 11:18 AM

I'd rent knee pads and elbow pads, even for blue runs, based on your posts.

One bad jump and it's like landing on concrete and you are done for the week.

Start out on B-Line and then hit Crank it Up. Green runs are way to easy there.

**Dhelihiker** · 08-07-2009, 11:42 AM

Going to whistler and riding your xc bike is like going to Jackson Hole on powder day and xc skiing. This is the/a DH mecca, rent a bike put on every pad and get after it. Like mentioned before, start on green and work your way up. The trails are built perfect, super forgiving so you will learn quick. The weekend during crankworks will be tough to rent with out a res. Fanatikos (??) is a good shop.

The GF can zip line, float big balls down the creek, shop, eat ,....its Whistler.

If your there for a week xc rides would be rad too I just dont know any, have fun!

**LeeLau** · 08-07-2009, 11:48 AM

[ame="http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=161329"]Whistler xc rides[/ame]

and [ame="http://www.tetongravity.com/forums/showthread.php?t=128887"]more[/ame]

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