Blogs Results

The Jim Beam Air Downhill took over the Whistler Mountain Bike Park today with over 300 competitors racing in the one-run format on the famed A-Line course. Brian Lopes of Laguna Beach, CA was the fastest competitor for the third straight year finishing with a time of 4:22.10 - 1.32 seconds faster than the rest of the field.

The Jim Beam Air Downhill runs the length of A-Line over the GLC Drops into the village.

With nearly 100 jumps on-course, A-Line is the most celebrated and well-known downhill trail in mountain biking.

“A-Line is a really great trail to ride, but when it comes to racing on it, you need to be on point,” says Brian Lopes, Jim Beam Air Downhill winner. “It’s a technical race and with the level of riders here, every mistake counts.”

Lopes claimed first with a time of 4:22.10; Greg Minnaar of Murrieta, CA took second place with a time of 4:23.42; Chris Kovarik of Whistler, BC took third place with a time of 4:27.60; and Marc Beaumont of Craven Arms, UK took fourth place with a time of 4:28.77.

In the Pro Women category, Rebecca McQueen of Whistler, BC took the top spot with a time of 4:51.05; Micayla Gatto of West Vancouver, BC took second with a time of 4:51.82; Stephanie Nychka of Beaver Lodge, AB took third with a time of 4:53.59, and Fionn Griffiths of Shrewsbury, UK took fourth with a time of 4:55.70.

“I love A-Line,” says Rebecca McQueen, winner of the Pro Women category. “It’s a fun course and I just charged it. I think the rain we had the other day helped the course a lot.”

The Jim Beam Air Downhill was the highlight of Day Five at Kokanee Crankworx 2008. Day Six includes the VW Best Trick Showdown from 5:30-7:30pm including a Live Webcast on Crankworx.com as well as more live music on the TELUS MainStage featuring Small Sins from 4:45 – 5:30pm and Supernatural from 5:30 -7:30pm. Tomorrow is also the Nike 6.0 Nike ID. Go online at the Nike store in the village to make your own custom Nikes.

For more event results and live webcasts of the Monster Energy Slopestyle, VW Trick Showdown and the “Giant Slalom” check out www.Crankworx.com.

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WINTER PARK RESORT GEARS UP FOR LARGEST FREERIDE MOUNTAIN BIKE FESTIVAL THIS SIDE OF THE CANADIAN BOARDER

Crankworx Colorado Comes Back to Winter Park Resort July 31 – August 3

Winter Park, Colo., July 29, 2008– The countdown to Winter Park Resort’s second annual Crankworx Colorado is on with only two more days before this massive four day freeride mountain bike festival takes over Mountain Bike Capital, USA™.  From July 31 – August 3, Crankworx Colorado will showcase Winter Park Resort as Colorado's ultimate mountain bike playground, featuring exciting events such as Cross-Country and Downhill Races; Super Downhill, Big Air, Slopestyle Contests, and new this year, Dual Mountain Downhill.  Crankworx Colorado is the only qualifying event for Kokanee Crankworx taking place in Whistler B.C. Canada August 9 - 17, 2008.  Crankworx Colorado is a free event and open to spectators from 10 - 5pm, daily. 

On Thursday, July 31 – It’s All Downhill From Here!

NEW! All-Mountain Super Downhill: The All-Mountain Super Downhill is a new event for the 2008 Crankworx Colorado.  The race is designed for the super downhill athlete with a higher level of fitness and strong descending skills.  The course runs 30-35 minutes in length with a minimum of 10 minutes of climbing. For the All Mountain Super Downhill and Super Downhill events, there will be a combined champion awarded to the individual for the best overall time.

Super Downhill: The Super Downhill course requires short sections of climbing.  To keep things interesting, this event

requires a mass start for each class.  The first (short) section of trail will be a climb to spread out the field.  There will be a

combined champion awarded for the Super Downhill and All-Mountain Super Downhill based on time.

Slopestyle Qualifications: The slopestyle event is a single-line course featuring drops, dirt jumps, elevated wall rides, and elevated stunts.  Crankworx Colorado’s Slopestyle event is an open event with an additional Top 12 riders invited to compete based on the Kokanee Crankworx invitee list. Two spots will remain open for riders wanting to qualify to Kokanee Crankworx Slopestyle.  Best score of two runs, top 15 riders advance to semi-finals on Saturday, August 2, 2008.

On Friday, August 1, Winter Park Resort Introduces Competitions that Defy Gravity with Its Downhill and Big Air/Best Trick Competitions. 

Downhill:  Course starts with a steep, technical singletrack on Mountain Goat trail leading to sections of rocky drops finishing with a fast double-track straightaway.  Awards will be given for the top three fastest runs; one run determines time. 

Big Air/Best Trick:  The Crankworx Colorado Big Air/Best Trick course utilizes the same course as the slopestyle event.  The Big Air/Best Trick/Slopestyle course is designed by John Cowan, Aaron Chase and Gravity Logic and features drops, dirt jumps, elevated wall rides, and elevated stunts. Athletes will session two different sections of the course; this will be a rider judged event and winners will be selected based on the sickest trick stomped in each section.

On Saturday, August 2, Crankworx Colorado Wows Crowds with a 23 Mile Cross-Country Race in the Morning and Slopestyle Semifinals and Super Finals in the Afternoon.

Cross-Country Race:  The Crankworx Colorado Cross-Country Race is a 24-mile, point-to-point course starting down in the Fraser Valley and finishing in the Crankworx Colorado finishing area at the base of Winter Park Resort.  Over 700 racers are expected to compete in this mass start, staggered by age classes and categories.  The Crankworx Colorado Cross-Country Race is also part of the Winter Park Mountain Bike Race Series. 

Slopestyle Semi-Finals & Super Finals:  The Crankworx Colorado course is designed by John Cowan, Aaron Chase and Gravity Logic and features drops, dirt jumps, elevated wall rides, and elevated stunts. In the semi-finals, the riders’ best time(s) will determine the Super Finalists.  The Super Finals will include the top 10 riders from the semi-finals, and will get a final run to try and improve their previous best time.  The top three riders that are currently not invited to Kokanee Crankworx will be invited to participate in their slopestyle event.

On Sunday, August 3, Crankworx Colorado Saves the Best for Last with a Dual Slalom Race Through the Afternoon.

Dual Slalom: Watch as athletes compete again 6x National Champion Brian Lopes in this head to head competition.  Time trials take place first, followed by finals. 

Live Webcast:  Winter Park Resort will be sending a live feed of the Big Air/Best Trick and Slopestyle competitions through www.crankworxcolorado.com. Big Air/Best Trick will be broadcasted August 1 at 3 pm and Slopestyle August 2 at 1:30 pm. 

All Crankworx Colorado events are free and open to the public.  However, any spectator lift access requires the purchase of a lift pass.

Spectator activities taking place at Crankworx Colorado include an outdoor expo, after parties, and free entertainment.   For a more complete list of daily events and activities, visit www.crankworxcolorado.com. 

For media interested in attending Crankworx Colorado, please contact Darcy Morse at (970) 531-8681. B-Roll and digital pictures available upon request.

 

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CRANKWORX COLORADO REGISTRATION OPENS SUNDAY, JUNE 1

Winter Park Resort’s Crankworx Colorado Slopestyle Event is the Last Qualifier Before the Kokanee Crankworx Slopestyle Event in Whistler

Winter Park, Colo., May 27, 2008 – Starting Sunday, June 1, athletes will be able to register for this year’s Crankworx Colorado events taking place at Winter Park Resort July 31 – August 3.  With Crankworx Colorado hosting the only American qualifying slopestyle event this year to the Kokanee Crankworx Slopestyle in Whistler, British Columbia, Winter Park Resort expects a flurry of early registrants eager to seal their spot in this qualifying event.  Registration is online at www.crankworxcolorado.com.  

“In addition to hosting the only American slopestyle qualifier, we are also excited to be the last qualifier before Kokanee Crankworx,” said Bob Holme, bike park and youth marketing manager.  “Spectators of this event will be blown away by the level of athleticism these riders will display as they battle it out for only two qualifying spots.”

Crankworx Colorado will host a series of competitions including slopestyle, all-mountain downhill, super downhill, best trick, cross-country, and dual slalom.  New this year, Crankworx Colorado will incorporate seven new age categories to support all riders of amateur and professional levels.  “Our goals this year are to support grassroots athletes in addition to the top athletes in each discipline,” adds Holme. 

Through registration for Crankworx Colorado, riders can also secure an athlete’s two day bike park pass for $39 or a four day pass for $59.  Lift tickets are required to access the start of all-mountain downhill, downhill, and super downhill courses.

The minimum age for registration is 13, calculated as of the race day.  Riders under the age of 18 will need to have a Crankworx Colorado waiver signed by a parent/guardian and should contact the registration coordinator to make advance arrangements, (970) 726-1590.

Onsite registration will be available space permitting, as some events have caps on registration. No day-of registration will be offered, only check-in for pre-registered competitors. Advance registration is strongly recommended.

To view video from Crankworx Colorado 2007, click here. 

For more information or to register, visit www.crankworx.com.  For all media inquiries, contact Darcy Morse at (970) 726-1565, dmorse@skiwinterpark.com or Jenn deBerge at (970) 726-1573, jdeberge@skiwinterpark.com.

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WHISTLER, BC, Monday May 12, 2008 –The legendary Whistler Mountain Bike Park is set to open this Saturday, May 17, marking ten years of operation and progression in the world of lift-accessed downhill mountain biking. 

Despite some challenges caused by deep snow-pack at the lower elevations and a cooler than normal spring the Whistler Mountain Bike Park will open with two of its most popular trails – A-Line and Crank It Up.

"A decided lack of warmth this spring and deep snow on the lower slopes has made trail clearing a challenge, but we are excited to be able to open the park on time thanks to a huge amount of work by our trail crew, patrol and machine operators,” says Brian Finestone, Bike Park Manager. “On May 10 we also had 30 volunteers come out to clear trails. These passionate riders were a huge help in getting us to opening day. It will be a blast to kick off our tenth season riding trails flanked by snow.”

Trail crews are digging through over 90 centimetres of snow on parts of the lower slopes to bring the trails out of hibernation.  Bobcats and staff with hand shovels are clearing snow in the tighter sections of the Bike Park. As temperatures rise and the trail crews continue their efforts, more and more trails will open for eager riders.

To top off opening day, the premiere of Kranked 7 "Cackle Factor,” will show at the Garibaldi Lift Company Saturday night, followed by live music by Shane Philip. 

Since 1998, the Bike Park has built a reputation for delivering the world’s best lift-accessed mountain biking, establishing hallowed trails where the limits of both rider and equipment have been pushed.  Trails such as A-Line, often described as the most famous mountain bike trail in the world, have inspired legions of riders from all over the world to make their pilgrimage to the Whistler Mountain Bike Park for their fix of flow, air and stunts unrivalled by any bike park in the world.  

Over the years the Whistler Mountain Bike Park has hosted many pro riders, been centre stage for a variety of festivals including Kokanee Crankworx and Red Bull Elevation, and has acted as the proving ground for new bike and equipment technology.  Starting with a few trails and one lift in 1998, the Whistler Mountain Bike Park has continued to open up new terrain, and access to the sport of mountain biking for every level of rider.  Today there are over 250 kilometres of trails accessed by a gondola and two high speed quads.

"I always dreamed about a mountain bike experience that could be just like skiing,” says Richie Schley, professional mountain biker and coach of Richie Schley Mountain Bike Camps. “Ten years later, it seems we are there. There are tons of jumps, stunts, and trails for all abilities - all accessible by lifts.  I can't wait to ride it all again this season.”

Bike Park Season Passes are available by phone at 1-800-766-0449, online at www.whistlerbike.com or in person at the Village Guest Relations in the Whistler Gondola building.  Bike Park passes are $449 with an Early Bird rate of $409 if you purchase before May 31, 2008.  Winter Edge Card and Season Pass holders are eligible to purchase a Bike Park pass for $399.

The Triple Play Card is also back, offering three days of riding in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park for $115 or the Early Bird price of $105, if you purchase before May 31.  Riders can save nearly 25 per cent off additional days in the park and can go directly to the lift by connecting their Triple Play Card to their credit card.

Whistler Mountain Bike Park, May 17-October 13, 2008

May 17-June 13, 2008

Operating Hours: 10am-5pm

Extended Play (8pm close) May 17, May 24, May 31, June 7

June 14-August 31, 2008

Operating Hours, Extended Play every night: 10am-8pm

September 1-October 13

Operating Hours: 10am-5pm

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June 8th

Hello All,

Wow what a week!!!! Last week we had temperatures up to +30 and this week we had rain and snow, I could have taken my kayak down Rock Star (just kidding) we actually really needed the rain and I have never seen the trails in such good shape...EVER!!!! Everything is now buffed from hub 1 down and it is only the top of the upper trails that actually have snow on them. The new World Cup pump track section at the bottom is now complete it is....CRAZY, I had the opportunity to ride some of it on the weekend and I was quickly humbled....it is so much fun but super tech!!!!

This week we have started a new section of Dags Downhill, the idea with this is to separate Dags and World Cup so they are 2 entirely different trails instead of merging after the step up the way they always have. This trail is mainly hand built and we are trying to keep the same flair as the upper part only a little less rocky. This concept will come into play with holding races/events as it will allow us to use Dags and leave every other trail on the resort open without any interruptions. This new section has an in-ground berm on it that we call the G-Ride.....it is massive!!! It was not finished at the time of this report so sorry no pictures until next week.

The other big news of the week is lower pipe dream (all the pictures are from this section, except the hip that we did a re&re on from last year) I can guarantee you one thing......you have never seen berms and hits like this at any other resort, we actually have one that looks like an in-ground swimming pool!!!!! OFF THE HOOK!!!! We had a young buck step up to the plate this year as a operator for Lowes Hoes....he is a rider and has an eye for the fun stuff if you know what I mean....he is absolutely killing it!!! I wont promise 100% but we are doing everything we can to ensure this trail is open for June 23. That is all for now, have a great weekend.... only 15 more sleep then.......MAYHEM!!!!!

Cheers Rick and Cam

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 Yes, Whistler’s downhill freeride park has been opened for a month now and bikes are starting to show wear.. As we all know there nothing free about freeriding, so drop by our retail shop and get your rig dialed. Need new hardware, such as FSA seat post or stems, we have them in stock now. Looking to make your ride smoother with new forks from Marzocchi, Rockshox or Fox, we have many different types from 5 to 8 inches of travel. Having trouble finding a new rear shock for your dually. We have tons in stock!

 Make your feet happy with a fresh selection of 5-10 shoes, they are the bomb.Need to show some love to your bike, bring it in to get it tuned, prices start at 39.00. Your tires are worn out, we carry lots of rubber, Michelin, Maxxis are some of the favorites for the park. Have an old bike, don’t worry we can fix that too.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – Friday, June 1^st, 2007

Panorama Mountain Village, B.C. – The Mad Trapper Mountain Bike Downhill returns to Panorama on June the 24^th and this year’s event will be faster than ever thanks to a new race trail.

The Mad Trapper has been held on Insanity for the past few years, a trail known for its gnarly, technical sections. This year’s race will be much faster, as course designer, Darcy Lehr, has decided to switch things up. The new course will run on Lookout, an A-line style trail with tight, twisty segments. “The final bottom section will be super fast and flowy in contrast to the last few years,” explains Lehr. “It will give fit racers an advantage, so if you haven’t been endurance training, you’d better get started.” 

Panorama opens for the mountain bike season on Friday, June the 22^nd, with the Mile 1 Quad operating between 10:00am to 5:00pm Sunday to Friday, and until 8:00pm on Saturday’s.

The Mad Trapper race isn’t the only thing happening at Panorama on opening weekend. Bikers can test ride the latest Kona Mountain Bikes, check out the re-shaped table top jumps on Hell’s Bells, or ride the brand-new machine groomed trail, Let It Ride, a 3.2km bermed cruiser.   

For more information about mountain biking at Panorama and the Mad Trapper Downhill (including registration) visit www.panoramaresort.com

2007 Mad Trapper Schedule

Friday June 22

10:00am to 5:00pm – Mile 1 Quad open for mountain biking

Saturday June 23

10:00am to 5:00pm – Mad Trapper registration in the Ski Tip Lodge

Sunday June 24

9:00am to 11:00am – Downhill rider sign-in (new registrations will not be accepted). Mandatory training run.

10:45am – Professional riders only loaded on chair

11:00am to 11:30am – Professional riders training run

12noon – Downhill race starts

Note: Awards to follow half an hour after completion of the race.

Panorama Mountain Village, located in the Purcell Mountains, has one of the largest vertical descents in North America. Quad chairlifts give access to the summit and over 100 trails, including former Heli-Ski terrain in Taynton Bowl. Panorama is also home to Greywolf, ranked British Columbia’s best golf course by Golf Digest. For more information, visit www.panoramaresort.com

Media contact:

Hayley Wilson                                                                                                                    
Marketing Coordinator                                                                      

Phone: (250) 341-4194

hwilson@intrawest.com

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Panorama Mountain Village, B.C.  – Panorama continues to develop and improve it’s highly regarded ‘Kona Groove Approved’ Mountain Bike Park, with signature trail Hell’s Bells re-built for the 2007 season.

The old Hell’s Bells was a hybrid trail for intermediate and advanced riders featuring gap jumps of various sizes. In spring all the jumps were leveled and replaced with table tops to allow progressive improvement in jumping skills. Riders not used to air can safely roll over the table tops, until they are ready to start jumping and eventually land on the transition. According to Brad Brush, Director of Mountain Operations, the new features are part of Panorama’s commitment to growing the sport, “We wanted a jump trail that more experienced riders could hit up without undue risk,” he said.

The new and improved trail was designed and built by Jamie King, Park Supervisor and devoted biker. The trail was machine-shaped over the past two weeks, and will soon be compacted and raked in time for opening weekend.  

The Panorama Mountain Village Bike Park opens for the season on June the 22^nd, with the legendary Mad Trapper Downhill scheduled for Sunday the 24th.  Over 200 competitors are expected for the event and many of these bikers will be the first to ride the new Hell’s Bells. 

Panorama Mountain Village, located in the Purcell Mountains, has one of the largest vertical descents in North America. Quad chairlifts give access to the summit and over 100 trails, including former Heli-Ski terrain in Taynton Bowl. Panorama is also home to Greywolf, ranked British Columbia’s best golf course by Golf Digest. For more information, visit www.panoramaresort.com.

Media contact:

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D:  The man the myth the legend John Cowan.

T:  Other wise known as JC

D:  <laughs>  or Mooseman. I’m pretty sure he drew it at the GLC patio one night, but you never know.

Is it the same as last year?

D:  No a little bit different that last year. Last year was 3 step ups and this year it’s bigger but not with the step ups

Did you guys work on any of the Crankworx features last year?

D:  Ya I had a hand in building some of them.

T:  I was actually in West Virginia building the Bike Magazine Monster Park .

What kind of hours are you working?

T:  We’ve been doing 12 hour days since the beginning of May.

D:  This one will take four days probably. Three or four days with the bottom stunt.

T:  We should be done before noon.

D:  The jumps are all big, they’re all pro line jumps so it’s not something that a beginner rider is really going to want to go do but the idea is just to find your own line through it and pick your own so you’re not following trail. You can kind of be creative.

T:  That was a good answer. I just have nothing to add.

D:  That’s pretty good eh? I’m pretty stoked that I came up with that.

How did you become professional bike park builders?

T: Short attention span is definitely a requirement.

D: We’ve enjoyed this story as much as we hope you will.

T:  My shout out’s to everyone up there keeping it real rockin a moustache.

D:  Ya Ted said it all y’know?  Just come ride the park and don’t hurt yourself.

T: Look before you leap.

D: Get out there and build. Everybody can build a trail – make it a good one.

T: All you riders out there who like to grab a mitt full of rear brake and lock it up so you can tell the trail guys that there’s so many rocks on the trails...think about why there’s so many rocks on the trails you skidders.

D: And quit braiding the trail.  Stick to the trail and quit making shortcuts.

T: Braid your hair - don’t braid the trail. Braid your mustache.

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