The progression of freeride mountain biking is defined year-after-year by hard-working, dirt-eating, gravity-fueled riders from around the world who come to Whistler to ride fast, flow smooth, drop big, and launch mammoth airs. Add to the mix crowds, parties, concerts, and hype, and Whistler has geared down for a wicked 10 days of mountain bike revelry.

This is Crankworx, and it kicks off today.

Cruising the Whistler Village a little earlier today I found myself constantly acting as un-official Village Host to wide-eyed tourists who had showed up with no idea Crankworx was about to go off. Unknowingly, they booked their family vacation during the biggest event of the summer and they were overwhelmed by the buzz and activity in our fair town. Needless to say, they were stoked!

With a perfect looking forecast, finely manicured mounds of dirt to shred, scaffolding built and banners hung, vendors starting set up shop, and athletes pouring into the village like powder-hounds to their favourite line, Whistler is the place to be this week. Without trying to sound too epic, it’ll be a week careers are made and stars are born. That, and it’s just going to be flat out fun.

Speaking of fun and the place to be: around the corner from the Olympic rings and just out of sight from the Fat Tire Crit finals is a new restaurant, El Furniture, it opens today. Word on the street is that everything on the menu is $4.95, which should make it the go-to spot for your pre-concert dinner. I’ll race you to seat and, should I win, you can crouch or hover at my table.

Anyhow, Whistler, it’s go time here. Pace yourselves…it’s going to be a long week.

-Jer