2018.08.16 Whistler Flashbacks

The recent televised events at Whistler has reminded me of many experiences etched into memory.

Ninja Cougar / Karate Monkey / Samurai Pizza Cat

Our "warm up ride" the first day was this series of technical trails that are listed as intermediate at Whistler. They easily rank as black diamond back at Sandy Ridge, and included a surprise drop that easily exceeded my largest drop accomplished before. This set the tone for the whole trip for being in over my head but managing to survive and enjoy the thrill.

Crank It Up / Heart Of Darkness / Family Cross

Despite punishing breaking bumps, many repeats of these intermediate jump lines did a lot to build my confidence in the air. Especially gratifying was learning to feel my balance improve from launch to landing, and learning to let go of the brakes.

Freight Train

Black diamond jump line. Ho-Lee-Shit. The worst part is the sheer amount of time you get to hang in the air feeling afraid. I felt like I should have added a sign to my bike saying "this machine makes braking bumps", even as I was massively thankful for its generous suspension soaking up all the casing I did.

Earth Circus

A new "intermediate" flow trail that is hands-down my favourite trail on the whole planet. The joy of dancing and bouncing through this magical trail is unparalleled.

Top Of The World

There is nothing that squats in one's memory quite as much as riding a black diamond technical trail from the very peak of a mountain. It was legendary.

The Dreams

While in Whistler, my dreams were frenetic continuations of my mind racing to see what line to take next. Even while awake but letting my mind wander, a series of images of twisting banks and gut-wrenching drops and technical gnar would roll through my mind's eye. It was both mentally exhausting and amusing.