Crankworx 2022:
Your Ultimate Guide to the Ultimate MTB Festival
Adrenaline junkies rejoice!
After a two-year hiatus, due to the pandemic, everyone’s favorite mountain bike festival, Crankworx, is returning to Whistler.
Whistlerites, locals, and tourists alike will delight in the extreme athleticism and celebration that this event brings to the village.
This festival is known for extreme speed races, incredible stunts, and pushing the boundary of what is possible on a bike. If you are lucky enough to be in Whistler from August 5-15th, be sure to check out some of the fantastic events and unbeatable parties.
Click the LINK HERE for the full schedule of events you can catch.
Keep reading for my top picks of happenings you won’t want to miss.
Mountain Bike Events
CLIF Speed & Style
Two riders hash it out down the mountain in Speed & Style. Riders compete against each other to get down the mountain as quickly and stylishly as possible.
If you want to see incredibly talented athletes go fast and do tricks, you’ll want to be at the Whistler Bike Park at 5:00 PM on Thursday, August 11th.
Ultimate Pump Track Challenge
The Pump Track sees two riders line up head-to-head and drop into a maze-like track of bumps and rollers. The winner is whoever crosses the finish line first. Pretty simple right?
To add to the challenge, no pedaling is allowed.
Strength, momentum, and skill are the name of the game in this arena where pedal-less power reigns supreme and a single mistake can cost the victory.
Catch the finals at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, August 10th.
Whip-Off World Championships
One of the fan-favorite events of the festival, Whip-Off mixes style and skill. This event brings a big crowd, hungry to catch the big air action.
The premise?
Hit the Whistler Bike Park’s most infamous jump line, go big, and throw your bike as sideways as possible, then bring it back underneath for a smooth landing. Easy right?
Get ready to see the kind of stunt riding that will give you second-hand adrenaline. Catch the final at 3:30 PM on Friday, August 12th on Whistler Mountain.
RockShox Canadian DH Open
If you have a need for speed, this is the event for you! Straight down, no mercy, under the watchful eyes of downhill fans around the world.
The Canadian Open DH course is a one-run take-down of Whistler’s rooty single-track. Open to pro, aspiring, and amateur racers, many bikers look to accelerate themselves into the sport on this global stage.
Catch the final pro division race at 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 14th.
Red Bull Joyride
Often considered “the main event”, or “the Super Bowl of Mountain Biking”, Joyride has been around since 2004 and attracts the top athletes in the sport from all over the globe. The biggest and most challenging Slopestyle course in the World circuit, the “Boneyard,” (a dirt stadium at the base of Whistler’s Bike Park) separates the champions from the amateurs.
Bringing together over 35,000 fans in person, you will feel right in the action. Be sure to get there early to secure a great viewing spot, or consider purchasing VIP access passes to ensure you have the best seats in the house.
Reb Bull Joyride practises will take place daily at various times throughout the festival. The final competition starts at 4:30 PM on Saturday, August 13th.
VIP festival passes can be purchased from the official Crankworx website, LINKED HERE.
Can’t make it there in person? Stream along with millions of others on Red Bull TV Live.
Know before you go…
As this is an outdoor festival, expect to be in the alpine elements. Make sure to bring plenty of water, snacks, and proper attire! I recommend wearing closed-toe shoes, as you will be on a mountain and the terrain can be dusty and a bit rocky.
We are experiencing the peak of summer heat right now so be sure to wear a hat and sun protection. Bug spray is also a great idea! Consider bringing a camp chair or blanket as you may want to sit down between races.
Restaurants in the village will be very busy and not all of them are kid friendly. Make sure to have a game plan for food, and reservations are highly recommended.
Many clubs, bars, and pubs in the village will have official after-parties and live entertainment throughout the festival. Be sure to catch all the hype!
Race viewing spots (especially lower down and closer to the village) will fill up quickly. Be prepared for crowds and get there early to secure a spot.
Have any questions? Want to know more about life in the Sea to Sky? As a long-time local I can help!
Email me at madison@madisonperry.com
