Whistler: July/Aug 2007

[Kosk]

Alright, it's a ways out, but a trip of such epic proportions needs ample planning time.

Pres. Thayer has thrown down the gauntlet and proclaimed there shall be another midwestern pilgrimage to the dank PAC-NW in the 2007 riding season to rally the best lift access riding on the planet. Scott has spoken, and we must obey.

Who:
This will not be a trip for those who fear gravity, suspension, blood, gears, mechanicals, pinch flats, long periods of time spent in small ventilation-challenged moving enclosures, baseball listened to over AM radio, the abyss that is NoDak & E MT, or Hobby Bums. For those up to the challenge, it promises to be a week or so of awsome riding that will push you and your bike to the limit and make you a better rider, as well as road trip with some pretty cool peeps.

When:
Looking at the calendar, Crankworks is July 21st - 29th for 2007, although the sickest of sick MTB competitions, we'd prefer to avoid this week as everyone and their second cousin who has anything to do with FR MTBing will be in Whistler that week and lodging rates, lift lines, etc will be out of control. Canada Day weekend is also another big weekend at the mountain, and last year marked the opening of the upper mountain. Proally good to arrive after this weekend to ensure the upper mountain is open. Right now the best weeks to do this look to be July 3-7 or 10-11, or if those are giant cluster-bleeps the first week in august.
With driving logistics, etc, we'll have to tack on a few days on either side. Likely, it will entail taking anywhere from 5 to 7 days off, and span the end of one week and a full week, or a full week and the beginning of the next. The advantage to going the first week of July is that the 4th Holiday will save the working crowd and extra day or two of vacation.

Where:
Depending on the amount of people going we'd likely try to get a condo(s) or similar and split up the cost as much as possible and give us the option of cooking our own meals.
We'd predominantly be riding the WBP most days, but will schedule in an off day or two to lick wounds, repair bikes, and or ride a valley trail or two.

How:
Depending on people we can caravan out in cars, or if the group is manageable, rent a van or two or something. Heck, we could even fly if people want to go all high-high-roller on it. This won't be a cheap vacation by any stretch, but it's definately well worth it.



Anyway, just planting the seed. We can work out more details as interest develops and the winter gets darker, colder, and more hopeless.....

BRAP!
http://www.morcmtb.org/photopost/data/500/IMG_2003.jpg

[Buck]

SIIIIC

I am in!!!

weRd.
Buck

[Trialsdave]

This sounds very interesting, I just need a bike by then. Might be able to help out on the condo thing to make it a bit more affordable. I'll check into that a bit more but I'd really love to go. Just have to cut out the am talk radio...

[Magic]

I would like to get in on this. Keep me posted. The second option of dates works better for me, but that is still so far out.:cool:

[Wolfchimp]

Damn! I need a FR rig. That sounds like an awesome trip.

[wildkona]

I'm going next year so any dates will work for me. Can't wait :crazy:

[kidinthecorner]

All those dates work for me but I would like to make a case for August. In the weeks immediately preceding Crankworx, WBP tends to spend most of their trail building/maintenance time and budget on getting the Boneyard ready and other trails tend to get neglected. Right after Crankworx they are out there buffing up all the trails that got hit hard during the previous week. I think trail conditions are best a week or two after Crankworx. But damn, Whistler is fun anytime. Count me in for whenever.

Here's a little something to whet the appetite.
<img src="http://static.flickr.com/93/222036774_eafaa8b571.jpg?v=1156258006" />

<img src="http://static.flickr.com/79/222037171_ddc05272bb.jpg?v=1156258260" />

<img src="http://static.flickr.com/60/222037060_2703320d7e.jpg?v=1156258312" />

<img src="http://static.flickr.com/90/222037105_98ef1ca27d.jpg?v=1156258282" />

<img src="http://static.flickr.com/95/222037238_eb5dfbaf98.jpg?v=1156258054" />

<img src="http://static.flickr.com/46/222037564_6835b1d5ab.jpg?v=1156258063" />

<img src="http://static.flickr.com/46/222037564_6835b1d5ab.jpg?v=1156258063" />

[Kosk]

Thanks for the tip Kris. Good info. I totally follow you. Another thing I thought of last night was that even if the Upper mountain is opened around Canada Day (7/1) it will likely be still be muddy and wet for a while. I'm not sure when the upper mountain is "ripe", but I would guess it's around the end of July/Aug as you stated?? Just another factor to consider.

Also forgot that ice cream is the standard issue for lunch, so if you don't like ice cream, don't bother signing up.

Not to be totally exclusive, there are a ton of other great trails off the mountain that are free and not quite as gravity biased, so if there are people who want to go and do less WBP and more valley trails, or feel they don't quite have the bike to ride the Mountain, that works too. I'm just saying that I'll be spending most of my time in the Bike Park, because, well, its the WBP, and there is nothing like it here, so that's what I wanna do!

[Buck]

Don't forget to mention that DH bikes can be rented at the base of the MTN from one of the ilke 15 shops. :banana:

L8Rz
Buck

[kidinthecorner]

I'm not sure when the upper mountain is "ripe", but I would guess it's around the end of July/Aug as you stated?? Just another factor to consider.

I think the best time to go is the end of Aug/Beginning of Sept because you tend to get a little more moisture than in the middle of summer which not only means that the trails are tacky but because the trail crew can't buff out the trails as well when the dirt is really dry.

But in the end it's kind of a crap shot. I was out there last year during the last week in August and we had perfect conditions. The year before that I was out there the first week in Sept and it rained everyday. And now with the construction for the 2010 Olympics trails can open and close daily depending on the construction schedule.

But like I said Whistler is fun anytime!

[mara]

Not to be totally exclusive, there are a ton of other great trails off the mountain that are free and not quite as gravity biased

Agreed. I won't be getting back out there next year, but sometime in the next few years I plan on going back and hitting Comfortably Numb, Kill Me Thrill Me, etc., hopefully with more skill than I brought this year. Even the "XC" out there is pretty darn technical.

[manual63]

hopefully with more skill than I brought this year.

You were impressive this year. If you go with any more skill, I will have to get gears on my bike to keep up.....:)

[soupboy]

No, you're Schmoopy. :redface2:

You were impressive this year. If you go with any more skill, I will have to get gears on my bike to keep up.....:)

[Kosk]

No, you're Schmoopy. :redface2:
No schmoopies. Refer to O.P:

This will not be a trip for those who fear gravity, suspension, blood, gears, mechanicals, pinch flats, less than 3" of exposed seatpost, long periods of time spent in small ventilation-challenged moving enclosures, baseball listened to over AM radio, the abyss that is NoDak & E MT, or Hobby Bums.
Back on topic.

Need not be a MORC member, although major heckling is likely. Friends welcome, as long as they are of reputable charater (enough to cross the border and get back) and have decent riding skillz to keep up.

[berrywise]

Will ya need a passport by then?

[Magic]

Will ya need a passport by then?

No not until Dec. 2007 will you need one for onland travel.

[Kosk]

Will ya need a passport by then?

No not until Dec. 2007 will you need one for onland travel.

Magic's correct.

An original birth cert (with raised seal stamp) along with a valid state ID is required in place of a Passport.

Seeing as a passport is going to soon be required, and this trip is like 8 months away, it might be a good excuse to go ahead and apply for one now and get it, so you have it for 2008+.

[stai0033]

I am definately going to whistler next summer and would probably be down for sharing costs. I am more in favor of flying and shipping the bike, but no big deal. The rest of Pete's terms are definately acceptable and will make for a fun trip-

Eric

[Kosk]

I am more in favor of flying and shipping the bike

Right on. We don't all have to get there the same way either. If a few prefer to skip the road trip, and schedule a flight plan to coincide with our road trip, we'd still be down with splitting up room/board costs with those peeps.

[Burke]

August gets dicey with the 24 hours of afton just around the corner. I could be talked into the time immediately after crankworx, but it would not be my preference.

[yellowandblackattack]

Hey, is that your dirtbag? If it is, you gotta tell me what you think of it. I am in the market for something in that ball park.

Anyway, I would consider an August trip, have something booked for July 4th weekend already. Keep the forums posted on any new development in this here trip. Sounds fun.

I am currently over in Ireland working...they have some sick riding out here. Very nice. Everyone is in gear.

[Kosk]

Hey, is that your dirtbag? If it is, you gotta tell me what you think of it. I am in the market for something in that ball park.

Anyway, I would consider an August trip, have something booked for July 4th weekend already. Keep the forums posted on any new development in this here trip. Sounds fun.

I am currently over in Ireland working...they have some sick riding out here. Very nice. Everyone is in gear.

Yeah that's my Dirtbag, it's an older version ('04 = 6") but still kicks ass. It proved very inspiring last year in Whistler. I definately wouldn't hesitate to get another one, the new ones are even better than my version and this year's blue looks cool as heck. You can't beat the price and the people over at Transition, they are the best in the biz.

[soupboy]

A small crew will be heading there in September or October - more of a family vs. motherhucker vibe. Need to confirm calendars and check with mountain regarding seasonal issues. Looks like a blast.

[mtnbykr]

You were impressive this year. If you go with any more skill, I will have to get gears on my bike to keep up.....


:kiss:

:kiss:

:kiss:

:kiss:

[bigwheel]

I will have to get gears on my bike to keep up.....:)

Didn't you have gears at Leb last week? I seem to remember someone complaining how heavy his bike was, and ending up with the "fun group", when the same person can easily kick my butt with his single speed.

Those of us with gears and full suspension 29ers are only using them to get a better workout. :eyeroll:

[Danimal]

Shad... have you converted to the geared side?

[Trialsdave]

So much for a mildly on topic thread about a WBP trip.

[high life]

Can someone give an estimate of the total cost of this trip (driving and flyinng)? I'd be interested in joining the gang next summer. Thx!

[Kosk]

Can someone give an estimate of the total cost of this trip (driving and flyinng)? I'd be interested in joining the gang next summer. Thx!

Initial estimates are coming in around the $800-$900 range. Really depends on gas prices and what we find for lodging. Currently, most of the lodging deals are for winter skiing. I'm guessing as we move into the new year, we'll start to see more summer options pop up, and get a firmer idea.

I'm thinking it can be done for less than a 1K.

[Nooner]

totally count me in - sounds fantastic. i prefer the august date, but also willing to skip a week of school in july if necessary. and if anyone is counting, please count me in the flying-to-VAN route. also, is anyone interested in tacking on a few days to kamloops?

[Kosk]

Raising this thread from the depths.

Time to get serious.

Who's ok with leaving Saturday 7/28, and returning 8/[5-7]-ish?

Lets firm up 7-to-10 days in August so we can get a solid head count and start looking for accomodations.

[Nooner]

Darn! Because of school and some other things going on, I am going to have to shoot for late August, right after Afton, instead.

Something like fly to Seattle (8/26 evening), drive to Vancouver, need to be in Vancouver for a few days, drive to Whistler (8/29). Ride in Whistler for a few and then back to ride in Seattle for a couple more. (Unfortunately skipping Kamloops this time)

So August 26th - Sept. 3rd/4th-ish if this timeframe works better for anyone else. Or if anyone wants to meet up along the way.

[stai0033]

still set on going to whistler, and those dates seem good. And a good way to seperate the maybe's and the definately's would be to go have beers somewhere or something, or at least that would be cool for me since I don't know any of you well. Most of the biker peeps I know are going to Fruita this summer but I must go further... into the depths of CANADIA! :crazy2:

-Eric

[kidinthecorner]

I'm fine with the last week in July/first week in Aug.

As far as lodging goes, I've stayed at the Symphony condos the last couple of times I've been there. They're close to IGA and the village and riding/walking distance from the lifts. Last year they were around 121.00 CAD for a two bedroom.

[wildkona]

I can do July and perhaps August, yeah maybe both dates will work for me so lets start planning...

[krazykatie]

I can do July and perhaps August, yeah maybe both dates will work for me so lets start planning...

recruit some women for the xc trails....

[kidinthecorner]

Is the plan still to road-trip out there?

[kidinthecorner]

Just reviving the thread and seeing what people are thinking on the dates.
I've got some other trips planned this summer that I am trying to schedule and I don't want to miss out on this trip.

BTW If anyone was thinking about flying I was checking out tickets last night and the prices are ranging from $300 - $400 which is about half of what i paid to fly from Denver to Vancouver last year.

[sugarspice]

totally count me in - sounds fantastic. i prefer the august date, but also willing to skip a week of school in july if necessary. and if anyone is counting, please count me in the flying-to-VAN route. also, is anyone interested in tacking on a few days to kamloops?

I am interested in this trip and also maybe extra days. August or Sept is fine for me. In July I am doing the Triple Bypass ride in Colorado so will likely not be able to do another trip.

[TheBlackKnight]

Wow this would be hella fun, I really need to build up the right bike for it. Hmmmm, I'll be watching this thread.

[Shorty]

Is it just me, or do you find it confusing when 2 people use the same avatar?

Maybe I'm just bad with names.

[soupboy]

Myself and a certain Oztralien (sic) will be there in Sept 07. Hann Yu, please bring Sam!

Hoping for 8-10 days of greatness.

[TheBlackKnight]

Is it just me, or do you find it confusing when 2 people use the same avatar?

Maybe I'm just bad with names.

I am gonna go ahead and assume you are referring to me? As you can see I haven't posted here much so I didn't know someone else was using the Rad graphic. :cryin: I can change it though, that's cool. :kiss:

[nord0306]

I am gonna go ahead and assume you are referring to me? As you can see I haven't posted here much so I didn't know someone else was using the Rad graphic. :cryin: I can change it though, that's cool. :kiss:


no, just tell Petzl to stop using it :D

I think that I can make this trip. Either August or Sept works for me, but I can't do Labor Day weekend because of the Dakota-50

Adam

[krazykatie]

I can do July and perhaps August, yeah maybe both dates will work for me so lets start planning...

Are you still considering this Josh? Any other ladies going?? Let me know!!:jumpy:

[Nicole]

Are you still considering this Josh? Any other ladies going?? Let me know!!:jumpy:


Katie, thanks for sending me the link to this forum thread. I would really like to look into this further! (This would be way more doable than Hawaii at this point).

The later in summer the better, so I can come up with dough. End of July-beginning of August would be cool-I would just have to see if I could get vacation. End of August-beginning of September cool to-I already have vacation then. I will keep checking out the thread. I think actually getting together in person with everyone who is interested would be easier to discuss this. People could research airfares, lodging, etc, and bring info to a little planning get together.

Nicole

[kidinthecorner]

I'm down with meeting up with people who are interested in this trip face to face to hash out the details.

[wildkona]

Are you still considering this Josh? Any other ladies going?? Let me know!!:jumpy:
maybe I dont know, i have 3 races in snowshoe I really want to make it too

[yellowandblackattack]

Is this trip still going on? What dates have been set? I have last two weeks of august off, and looking to head out to vancouver for some of that time.

[Kosk]

There was a group of 8 who followed up with me and showed great interest late this winter. We went ahead and booked a trip for the first part of August. If anybody wants to make arrangements to be out there at the same time that'd be cool. PM me and we'll sure to hook up with you in the Village. We're booked as far as space goes getting out there and in our condo though.

Maybe next year we can form more groups if more people want to go? 8 was plenty to plan for this year, I wouldn't want to coordinate for any more than that.

[Nooner]

i'll be out in BC the last weekend in August through Labor Day - and looking for peeps to ride with over Labor Day weekend. if anyone is going to be out there around that time, let me know! thanks.